82 Surb. glow plug wire diag needed

[johnboy1949]

I have an 82 Surburban diesel and the dash glow plug light will NOT come on unless I jumper the ford type relay on the fender from big wire to big wire then it operates and starts right up. The 2 small wires are pink w/black tracer and a blue that go to the small activation terminals. I MUST not be getting power to these two activation wires but haven't a clue as to where they come from . And where is the controller I read about located and what is its function? A timer? If so what would it look like? Thank You for ANY HELP. Once I get the basic wireing and operation I can trouble shoot it I think!. But right now its about like me opening my computer and wondering what everything is and what it does. I have worked on VW diesels when I had my shop but NEVER A GM. Thanks Fellows John Foerg Muscle Shoals Alabama

 

[cegusman]

Sounds like the controller failed like they do 75% of the time. New controller is around $100. Its easier and cheaper to just wire them up to a momentary toggle switch.

Should be wired... the 8 wires from the glow plugs go to one side of the solenoid, the other side gets 12 volt power. Then wire a switch to give 12 volt power to the switch terminal on the solenoid.