Testing Glow Plugs

[Alhambra King]

Hi boys and girls. Must be the season for glowplug problems as my alhambra is really struggling to start these days. shes done 120K miles on an 05 plate and the plugs have never been replaced. I know I should just replace the set but I'd like to know they are properly dead before just replacing them. How do i test them? I read another post about measuring resistance but I'm a bit of a noob when it come to that so some pictures would be good

[Chrispb]

Seeing if a glow plug is open circuit (dead) with them still in the car, remove the linked connector, now you can use a multi meter set on ohms or resistance set to 200  you should get a reading of 1.0 to 1.5 on a good plug or you could use a simple test bulb with two wires, connect one lead to battery + terminal the other to the glow plug, if the lamp lights the plug is working.
This is a basic test but doesn't show you if the plug is heating correctly to do this you would need to remove them.
On this link there is a short video showing a plug removed and 12 volt directly connected, that's how the plug should look glowing from tip back, if it starts glowing in the middle or if the tips distorted then replacement is needed.
http://www.carparts-direct.co.uk/parts-catalogue/diesel-glow-plugs

[Mirez]

There will be a how-to test post in the reference library by the end of the week if you still need help

[Alhambra King]

That would be awesome thanks!
Chris do you think I should just replace the set then anyway?

[Mirez]

See here: https://www.fordmpv.com/smf2/reference-library/galaxy-diesel-glow-plug-testing-and-measuring/

Personally, at 120K I would change them regardless if they've never been done just for piece of mind that they aren't the culprit.