Complete repair guide for the Outside Van Aterra – Diesel Heater Glow Plug & Fuel Pump Service. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue yourself.
Parts & Tools You’ll Need
- Webasto / Espar ceramic glow plug
- Diesel heater fuel dosing pump (12V)
- Inline diesel fuel filter
- Diesel heater LCD control panel
- Combustion chamber blower motor
- Intake & exhaust silencer kit
- Diesel fuel line silicone tubing (4mm)
- Digital multimeter (auto-ranging)
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Step-by-Step Repair Guide
Step 1: Diagnose Heater Issues and Prepare
Turn on your diesel heater and observe whether it ignites properly or if the glow plug fails to heat. Before beginning any work, disconnect the negative battery terminal and allow the system to cool completely to prevent burns and electrical hazards.
Step 2: Access Glow Plug and Combustion Chamber
Locate your Webasto or Espar heater unit beneath your van and remove the exterior access panel or combustion chamber cover using appropriate screwdrivers or hex keys. Take photos of the wiring configuration before disconnecting any components to ensure proper reassembly.
Step 3: Replace Ceramic Glow Plug Element
Disconnect the electrical connector from the old glow plug and carefully unscrew it from the combustion chamber using a socket wrench. Install the new ceramic glow plug by threading it into the chamber and reconnecting the electrical connector, ensuring the connection is tight and secure.
Step 4: Install Fuel Dosing Pump Assembly
Disconnect the fuel lines from your old 12V diesel heater fuel dosing pump and remove the mounting bolts holding it in place. Position the new fuel pump in its mounting location, reconnect the fuel lines using fresh diesel fuel line silicone tubing, and secure it with mounting bolts.
Step 5: Replace Fuel Filter and Tubing
Remove the old inline diesel fuel filter from the fuel line between your tank and heater by loosening the hose clamps on both ends. Install the new inline filter in the same orientation, ensuring the flow arrow points toward the heater, and use new silicone tubing to create secure connections.
Step 6: Verify Control Panel and Blower Motor
Test your LCD control panel by reconnecting the battery and powering on the heater to confirm the display functions properly. Check that the combustion chamber blower motor spins freely and produces adequate airflow when activated through the control panel.
Step 7: Test Full System Operation and Function
Use your digital multimeter on auto-ranging mode to verify proper voltage at the glow plug connector and fuel pump before starting the heater. Run the diesel heater for 10-15 minutes, monitoring for proper ignition, stable flame, and consistent heat output to confirm all components are functioning correctly.
Recommended Parts
| Part | Link |
|---|---|
| Webasto / Espar ceramic glow plug | View on Amazon |
| Diesel heater fuel dosing pump (12V) | View on Amazon |
| Inline diesel fuel filter | View on Amazon |
| Diesel heater LCD control panel | View on Amazon |
| Combustion chamber blower motor | View on Amazon |
| Intake & exhaust silencer kit | View on Amazon |
| Diesel fuel line silicone tubing (4mm) | View on Amazon |
| Digital multimeter (auto-ranging) | View on Amazon |