Vauxhall Astra J – Replace Glow Plugs

Had a fault code come up on my Astra. It is a 2011 1.9CDTi 150ps model. Glow plug 3 needs replacing (diagnosed through plugging a computer in). But all 4 will need replacing. There are some stories on the internet about them stripping threads. If they come undone ok they don’t seem like a bad job to do. Does anyone know if you need to plug the computer back in afterwards to programme them at all?

Not end of world if they strip .

The bigger issue is if the head is bulging and you drop it in the cylinder…..

That said -if it was mine id just run if if that happened.

Get engine warm before you start. Get a good fitting tool . Don’t apply excessive force.

You’ll know VERY quickly if it’s going to come or be a problem

Does anyone know if you need to plug the computer back in afterwards to programme them at all?

No, it’s just a straight swop

it’s more snapping them that’s the problem – but even if that happens – there are people who can fix it. Plusgas application everyday for a week before will definitely help before having a go at them. Other than that they may be seized/tight, it’s no different to doing your spark plugs in a petrol engine

Best tips been said by trail rat…
do them when the engines warm

Well garage can’t do it until 12th November. Luckily working from home so I don’t really need a car at the moment. Will get some plus gas and spray it on every day for the next week. Put a socket on then next weekend and if they come undone then I will do them myself. If they need more than a tweak then I will let the garage do it.

Aha another fellow Astra J owner! Hope it doesn’t end up costing alot, I think they’re such good cars for the money. 150ps TDCI is the one I’d say, 6 speed gearbox and cracking on juice!

@chrisyork Mine is actual the 160PS 2.0 version. I was heavily involved in the design of the estate version so I think I have a bit of a soft spot but they are good value cars.

Sprayed with plus gas for a couple of days and managed to remove 1 without any issues. Checked the part number and ordered some bosch replacements. Will wait for them to turn up and keep spraying with plus gas in the meantime and hopefully will go without issues. Will let you know how I get on.

Ahh yes you’re right, I was mistaken as I’ve got the same. Nearly went for the Bi-turbo but it was too high mileage so went for the 2.0 160bhp vxline in red.
Good luck!

I thought it was 150ps as well as the Astra H used to come in 120 and 150ps versions in the 1.9 engine variant.

You might need a special socket for the glow plugs.

A 9mm deep socket works fine. Luckily I had one in my toolkit as I got one of the Halfords big toolsets that was a PSA on here.

Just as an update have replaced all 4 glow plugs – no issues and starts up fine now without any error messages being thrown up. Fingers crossed nothing else goes wrong – needs a decent drive out but can’t really do that under current restrictions. May go to barnard castle

Can’t see why you couldn’t go for a decent run starting and ending at your own house if you don’t stop anywhere on the way.

Fingers crossed nothing else goes wrong – needs a decent drive out but can’t really do that under current restrictions.

Drive a short loop several times or find an essential shop/outside exercise space that is a bit of a way from home?