Pre-heating system — general information (Opel Astra G)

A glow plug is screwed into the combustion chamber of each cylinder. The plugs are heated by electric current before starting, during starting, and for some time after the engine has started. The power supply to the glow plugs is controlled by the heating control module (1.7L and 2.0L Y20DTL engines) or ECM (2.0 l engines, except Y20DTL).

The corresponding indicator lamp lights up on the instrument panel (see Chapter User manual), - after the signal goes out, you can start the engine. The supply voltage continues to be supplied to the spark plugs for several more seconds after the indicator lamp goes out. If no attempt is made to start the engine, a special timer switches off the supply of power to the spark plugs to avoid draining the battery and overheating the spark plugs.

The system also includes a post-heating function, which ensures that power is supplied to the spark plugs for some time after the engine has started - the duration of the spark plug shutdown delay is regulated by the control module, depends on the engine temperature and can be up to 6 minutes.

The fuel filter is also equipped with a heating system that optimizes the combustion process by preventing diesel fuel "waxing". The heating element is installed between the fuel filter and its housing. Power for heating the fuel is supplied by commands from the control module through a temperature-sensitive switch built into the filter housing. Voltage is supplied to the filter's heating element at temperatures below 5°C and is switched off at temperatures above 16°C.

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