P0380 – Glow Plug Circuit Malfunction – Opel 1.3 / 1.7 / 2.0 CDTI (Opel / Vauxhall 1.3 CDTI (Z13DTH, A13DTE, A13DTR) – Corsa D/E, Astra H/J, Meriva A/B, Combo)
Fault code P0380 means "Glow Plug Circuit Malfunction – Opel 1.3 / 1.7 / 2.0 CDTI". It is common on 1.3 CDTI (Z13DTH, A13DTE, A13DTR) – Corsa D/E, Astra H/J, Meriva A/B, Combo, 1.7 CDTI (Z17DTH, Z17DTR, A17DTR) – Astra H/J, Corsa D, Meriva B, 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH) – Insignia A, Astra J engines. Below are the real-world causes, step-by-step tests and OEM part numbers.
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P0380 quick summary
| Fault code | P0380 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Glow Plug Circuit Malfunction – Opel 1.3 / 1.7 / 2.0 CDTI |
| System | Powertrain (Engine & Transmission) |
| Vehicles | Opel / Vauxhall |
| Common on | 1.3 CDTI (Z13DTH, A13DTE, A13DTR) – Corsa D/E, Astra H/J, Meriva A/B, Combo, 1.7 CDTI (Z17DTH, Z17DTR, A17DTR) – Astra H/J, Corsa D, Meriva B, 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH) – Insignia A, Astra J |
| Severity | Low |
| Can I drive? | Yes. In mild weather the engine starts normally; in cold weather expect hard starting and white smoke. |
| Repair cost | €30 – €600 |
Symptoms of P0380
- Hard starting in cold weather
- White smoke and rough running after a cold start
- Glow plug or Check Engine light
- Knocking when cold
- No symptoms in summer
Most common causes of P0380 (most likely first)
Mechanic's Pro Tip
Glow plugs on CDTI engines can seize in the cylinder head. Remove them with a warm engine, penetrating oil and the correct torque – if one breaks, the cylinder head may have to come off. Measure each plug first: often only one or two are faulty, but if the engine has high mileage, replacing the set is sensible.
1.Burnt-out glow plug(s)
Most likely2.Faulty glow plug control module
3.Loose or corroded terminal on the glow plug
4.Damaged wiring
5.Blown fuse
Step-by-step diagnostic guide
- 1
Read all codes to see which cylinder or circuit is affected.
- 2
Measure each glow plug's resistance (usually below about 1–2 Ω).
- 3
Check that the control module supplies voltage to the plugs during the glow phase.
- 4
Check the module's fuse, supply, ground and control signal.
- 5
Replace faulty plugs carefully with a warm engine and the correct torque; replace the module if it does not supply the plugs.
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace all glow plugs at once?
If they are old and come out easily, yes. If one is very tight, do not force it – a broken glow plug is an expensive repair.
How much does it cost to fix P0380 on an Opel CDTI?
A glow plug costs about 15–40 €, a control module about 50–150 €. With labour the total is typically 100–400 €, more if a plug breaks.
Related fault codes
This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.