Vauxhall Corsa Corsa D 1.3 CDTi 75bhp — Glow Plug Failure and Difficult Cold Starting
Failed glow plugs on the Corsa D 1.3 CDTi cause white smoke and hard cold starting. The 1.3-litre engine has a small combustion chamber that relies heavily on glow plugs in cold UK winters.
Severity
ModerateDIY Difficulty
Moderate
Est. Cost
£100–£400
OBD Codes
P0671P0672Injectors
Typical layout and location for the Injectors assembly.
Symptoms
- White smoke on cold start
- Long cranking before engine fires when cold
- Rough running for first minute
- Glow plug warning light
- P0671-P0674 codes
Root Cause
Glow plugs are consumable items. The 1.3 CDTi uses fragile plugs that must be pre-soaked in penetrating fluid before removal to avoid snapping. Seized plugs require specialist extraction.
How To Fix
- Test all four plugs with multimeter — 0.5-2 ohm = good, open = dead
- Soak with Plus Gas or WD40 24 hours before removal attempt
- Replace as a full set — NGK or Champion plugs only
- Cost: £100-200 including labour
- If one snaps in the head: specialist extraction required (£200-400 extra)
Estimated Repair Costs
| Repair Option | Est. Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| DIY (parts only) | £40–£160 |
| Independent Garage | £100–£400 |
| Main Dealership | £160–£640 |
Other Faults on This Variant
EGR Valve Failure and Carbon Build-Up
ModerateThe Fiat/GM 1.3 CDTi is a capable diesel but its EGR valve blocks with carbon deposits regularly. This is one of the most common Corsa D complaints.
Diesel Particulate Filter Blockage
ModerateDPF blockage is endemic on the 1.3 CDTi Corsa, largely because most owners use them for short trips where the DPF cannot self-clean.
EGR Valve Seized Open
ModerateThe EGR valve on the 1.3 CDTi clogs rapidly, usually jamming open and causing terrible starting and idling.
Disclaimer: Repair cost estimates are indicative and based on community data. Always get a quote from a qualified mechanic before proceeding with any repair.