POWERSTROKE-P0381 moderate Power Stroke ›

Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit

The POWERSTROKE-P0381 (Power Stroke) diesel fault code means: Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit. This is a moderate severity code.

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Keep driving?
Yes, but fix soon
DIY difficulty
beginner
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What Are the Symptoms of POWERSTROKE-P0381?

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Wait-to-start lamp does not light, or stays on

What Causes POWERSTROKE-P0381? (Most Likely First)

  • Failed indicator bulb or cluster fault Moderate
  • Open or shorted indicator circuit Moderate
  • Engine computer driver fault Low

Can I Still Drive with POWERSTROKE-P0381?

Yes, but fix soon. POWERSTROKE-P0381 is rated moderate severity. It is not an immediate stop-driving fault, but it will not clear itself — book the repair rather than ignoring it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0381 mean on a Power Stroke?

P0381 means Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit. The engine computer has detected a fault in the circuit for the glow plug "wait to start" indicator lamp.

Is P0381 a Power Stroke-specific code?

No. P0381 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012, so it means the same thing on any vehicle that sets it. The exact conditions Ford uses to set it on its diesels are in Ford service information.

Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis

How Do You Diagnose POWERSTROKE-P0381?

  1. Check whether the wait-to-start lamp lights at key-on.

  2. Check the indicator circuit between the engine computer and the instrument cluster.

  3. Check the cluster if the circuit tests good.

Sources 1

This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.

  • SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines P0381 as a generic OBD-II code)

P0381 on Other Platforms

The same code ID appears across other engines, vehicles, and equipment. Diagnostic flow varies by platform — see the matching breakdown:

Gas / Automotive (OBD-II) Generic OBD-II definition for P0381 Yanmar moderate Glow Plug Indicator Circuit Malfunction

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More Power Stroke codes → Diesel home All diesel codes Heavy-duty Guides

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