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Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Red Seal Exam Prep · Question

A municipal snowplow operating in Ontario uses an engine-block heater and a glow plug system. During pre-trip inspection on a -20°C morning, the operator notices the glow plug indicator light comes on for less than 2 seconds, and the engine struggles to start. The block heater was plugged in and functioning. What is the most probable fault affecting the glow plug system?

A very short duration for the glow plug indicator light, especially in extremely cold weather, strongly suggests a fault with the glow plug controller or timer

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Question: A municipal snowplow operating in Ontario uses an engine-block heater and a glow plug system. During pre-trip inspection on a -20°C morning, the operator notices the glow plug indicator light comes on for less than 2 seconds, and the engine struggles to start. The block heater was plugged in and functioning. What is the most probable fault affecting the glow plug system?

Answer options: ✅ A malfunctioning glow plug controller/timer module.

  • A shorted individual glow plug causing a rapid system shutdown.
  • A low engine oil pressure sensor reading, inhibiting heating.
  • A high resistance in the battery ground cable.

Correct answer: A malfunctioning glow plug controller/timer module.

Explanation: A very short duration for the glow plug indicator light, especially in extremely cold weather, strongly suggests a fault with the glow plug controller or timer module (which dictates the 'on' time based on temperature) rather than the individual plugs themselves, affecting the entire system's ability to preheat.

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