HomeTrouble CodesP1399

P1399 — Glow Plug Circuit High Side High Input

Manufacturer-specificPowertrain (engine & transmission)

P1399 indicates that the engine control module has detected an excessive voltage on the high‑side side of the glow‑plug circuit, meaning the voltage is higher than the calibrated limit.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty glow‑plug control module or driver transistor

The internal driver that switches the high‑side voltage can fail shorted, allowing the supply voltage to appear at the glow‑plug circuit.

2. Shorted or damaged glow‑plug wiring harness

A short to power or a damaged insulation on the high‑side wiring can raise the voltage seen by the control module.

3. Glow plug(s) with internal short

One or more glow plugs that have failed internally can feed voltage back into the circuit, causing a high‑side reading.

4. Improper voltage regulator or battery voltage spike

A regulator that allows excessive battery voltage to reach the glow‑plug circuit can trigger the code.

5. Engine control module (ECM) fault

Only after ruling out the hardware above should a rare ECM sensor or processing fault be considered.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Inspect the high‑side wiring for signs of damage, corrosion, or short to power.
  2. Measure voltage at the glow‑plug control module output with the ignition on; compare to specification.
  3. Test each glow plug for continuity to ground and for resistance within spec; replace any that are out of range.
  4. Bench test or swap the glow‑plug control module with a known good unit to see if the code clears.
  5. If all components test within spec and the code persists, perform an ECM diagnostic check for internal sensor failures.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)
StandardizationManufacturer-specific (P1/B1/C1/U1)

Frequently asked

Can I simply replace the PCM to fix P1399?

No. The PCM is rarely the cause of a high‑side voltage fault. Replacing it without confirming a hardware failure is usually unnecessary and costly.

Will a bad glow plug always cause this code?

A defective glow plug can contribute, but it must have an internal short that feeds voltage back into the circuit. Many times the fault is in the control module or wiring instead.

Is the code specific to diesel engines only?

Yes. P1399 pertains to the glow‑plug system, which is used on diesel powerplants.

After fixing the problem, will the code clear automatically?

The code will clear after the PCM completes its drive‑cycle checks without detecting a fault. If it remains, a manual scan tool reset may be required.