Glow Plug Control Module (GPCM)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2006 Ford RV Cutaway, 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Econoline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The glow plug system is composed of a solid state GPCM, glow plugs, and the associated wiring harness. The glow plug on-time is controlled by the PCM and is a function of oil temperature, barometric pressure, and battery voltage. The PCM enables the GPCM which drives the individual glow plugs. Glow plug on-time normally varies between 1 to 120 seconds. In addition to PCM control, the GPCM internally limits the glow plug operation to 180 seconds regardless of the PCM commanded on-time. The power to the glow plugs is provided through the GPCM solid state drivers directly from the vehicle battery. The GPCM monitors and detects individual glow plug functionality and the control and communication links to the PCM. The failures detected by the GPCM are passed to the PCM using a serial communication signal on the diagnostic line.

NOTE: The wait-to-start indicator on-time is controlled by the PCM and is independent from the GPCM on time.

Fig 1: Identifying Glow Plug Control Module (GPCM)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.