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DTC codes / P26xx · Computer and output circuits / P269F

P269FExhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit / Open

P269F indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an open circuit or excessive resistance in the glow plug circuit used for exhaust aftertreatment, such as in a diesel particulate filter regeneration system. The computer monitors the glow plug's electrical path and sets this code when current flow is outside the expected range, preventing proper heating of the exhaust component.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaComputer and output circuits

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • Extended crank times or rough running during cold starts if the aftertreatment glow plug also aids cold-start emissions
  • Reduced engine power or limp mode in some vehicles when regeneration is inhibited
  • Increased frequency of active diesel particulate filter regenerations or a regeneration that never completes
  • A stored pending code or freeze-frame data showing the fault occurred during a regeneration attempt

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed aftertreatment glow plug with an open heating element
  2. Damaged or corroded electrical connector at the glow plug
  3. Broken, chafed, or open wire in the glow plug control circuit
  4. Blown fuse or failed relay in the glow plug power supply
  5. Faulty glow plug control module or output driver inside the powertrain control module
  6. High resistance in the ground circuit for the glow plug
  7. Aftermarket or incorrect glow plug installed that does not meet resistance specifications

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Perform a visual inspection of the glow plug, its connector, and the wiring harness for damage or corrosion
  2. Check the glow plug circuit fuse and relay, and test for power and ground at the glow plug connector
  3. Measure the resistance of the glow plug with a digital multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's specification
  4. Test the control circuit from the glow plug connector back to the control module for continuity and shorts
  5. If the glow plug resistance is out of specification, replace the glow plug with an OEM-equivalent part
  6. Clear the diagnostic trouble codes and verify the repair by running a regeneration or glow plug activation test with a scan tool
  7. If the code returns, diagnose the glow plug control module or PCM output driver according to the service information

What the aftertreatment glow plug really does

  • Many technicians replace the glow plug first, but a corroded connector or chafed wire in the same circuit is just as common and far cheaper to fix.
  • This code does not always mean the glow plug itself has failed; a faulty control module or a blown fuse can set the same open-circuit fault.
  • On some vehicles, the aftertreatment glow plug is separate from the cold-start glow plugs, so a good cold-start glow plug does not rule out a failed aftertreatment unit.
  • A scan tool that can command the glow plug on and monitor current draw is far more reliable than a simple resistance check alone.
  • Intermittent open circuits often appear only when the engine is hot or during a regeneration cycle, so a wiggle test of the harness while monitoring live data can reveal the fault.

Can I keep driving with P269F?

You can usually continue driving to a repair shop, but avoid long trips or heavy loads that would trigger a regeneration, because the disabled aftertreatment glow plug can lead to a clogged diesel particulate filter and more expensive repairs.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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