Discovery · L319 · 2005–2009
Discovery 3 glow plugs
Glow plugs and glow plug relays for Land Rover diesel engines.
Matching glow plugs to a Discovery 3
The Discovery 3 (L319, 2005–2009) was sold here with 3 different engines. Gearbox: Automatic. Send the VIN and engine number with your enquiry so the parts team can confirm the correct glow plugs before quoting.
Know the part
Understanding Discovery 3 Glow Plugs
Glow plugs are heating elements in each cylinder of a diesel engine. They warm the combustion chamber so the engine starts easily from cold, and on many modern diesels they stay on briefly after starting to reduce smoke and rough running.
Every diesel Land Rover uses glow plugs, from the 300Tdi and Td5 to the V6 diesels and Ingenium engines. They are controlled by a relay or glow plug control module, and failures of either can cause cold-start problems. Seized glow plugs are a known risk when removing them from aluminium heads, so work carefully with the engine warm.
Further reading
- Glowplug – Wikipedia
How glow plugs help diesel engines start from cold.
Common Questions About Discovery 3 glow plugs
Should I replace all the glow plugs at once?
If the plugs are original and one has failed, the rest are usually near the end of their life too, so replacing the set saves repeating the job. If one plug failed early, a single replacement is reasonable.
Why is my Land Rover hard to start only in winter?
Cold starting is when glow plugs matter most, so a failed plug or relay often shows up first on cold Highveld or Karoo mornings. A battery that is weak or a starter that cranks slowly can cause similar symptoms, so check those too.
What if a glow plug snaps during removal?
Stop and get specialist help. A broken glow plug tip in the head may need to be drilled out, sometimes with the head removed. Apply penetrating oil in advance, work with the engine warm, and use steady, gentle force.
Could the glow plug relay be the problem instead of the plugs?
Yes. If several plugs appear to fail at once, test the glow plug relay or control module and the wiring before buying a full set of plugs.
Other Discovery 3 electrical
Not sure which part fits?
Share your VIN or engine code and the parts team will check the correct part for your Discovery 3.