Got me a P0683 Code. Can't smog it!

Jeffrey · 07-25-2013, 12:00 PM

Today it's the domino effect for me. Trying to get a smog cert today, but they won't do the job if the CEL is on. So I can't register the vehicle, which is this weeks goal. It's been on for two months, throwing a P0683 code (it's a 6.0L diesel) which my SMB owning local mechanic (Seth at Mastercraft Motors in Santa Barbara, CA) says has to do with the glow plug function. But, we decided to do nothing back then since everything was and still is working fine. If I had glowplug issues, wouldn't I notice it upon starting the engine. Now it's at the shop being diagnosed.

I wanted to have them reset the code and the CEL just so I can get the smog check, but they tell me the smog readers can tell how long ago the CEL was reset and it it's too soon, they will not do it. How much magical info does the system store?

Anyone else deal with code P0683?

**BroncoHauler** · 07-25-2013, 01:38 PM

A quick search tells me it's likely the Glow Plug Control Module (GPCM) or the connector that goes to it. A few people have had luck just unplugging the module and plugging it back in.

Herb

Jeffrey · 07-25-2013, 03:23 PM

Thanks, Herb. Tried that last time. Problem returns, Time to replace. Part arriving for tomorrow install.

PatO · 07-25-2013, 11:38 PM

How much money should I squirrel away to get one when mine fails?

Hearing about that is a new one for me. Anything with "MODULE" in the name seems to be a pending 6.0 issue.

Good Luck!

carringb · 07-26-2013, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatO

How much money should I squirrel away to get one when mine fails?

Hearing about that is a new one for me. Anything with "MODULE" in the name seems to be a pending 6.0 issue.

Good Luck!

Well in this case, the exact same module was also put in the 7.3L vans sold in California. CA doesn't want to trying to start your van unless all the glow plugs work.

On that note.... its not always the module. It could be correctly reporting a glow plug problem.

Jeffrey · 07-26-2013, 02:09 PM

Could be, but since my engine starts fine, I'm doing a new module. $175 plus install.

rob_gendreau · 07-27-2013, 01:49 PM

Not sure if with your van the computer stores info about the reset codes.

But what he may be referring to is the fact that for smog purposes the computer needs to not only reset, but then reset certain parameters. Essentially it looks at your driving and accommodates that data. Each parameter might require some specifics, like driving at 60MPH for x amount of time. But in general you need to run it a while while all the parameters reset themselves. If you go in, even with the CEL off, you might not be able to get it tested (or actually fail). I once forgot I had unhooked the battery the week before a test and got dinged.

If you have a code reader (highly recommended) it should tell you if it's ready to go in for the test.

Rob

Jeffrey · 07-27-2013, 03:48 PM

Thanks, Rob. I have a code reader (scan gauge) but don't know what to look for to indicate it's ready for the smog test.

rob_gendreau · 07-28-2013, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

Thanks, Rob. I have a code reader (scan gauge) but don't know what to look for to indicate it's ready for the smog test.

My ScanGauge would throw some sort of error, like "not ready to read" or something like that. If it works normally you're probably good to go (your original problem may not affect smog per se, although any CEL, even if unrelated to smog, usually makes you untestable here in CA). You can always ask them to scan first so that you don't have to pay for the test if you're not ready.

Rob