Swapping Out a Failed Ceramic Glow Plug
In my experience, a burned-out ceramic glow plug is the most common reason why a Travato’s diesel heater won’t fire on those chilly mornings. It’s also one of the quickest repairs you can tackle before calling in a mobile technician. I’ve replaced three of these glow plugs during my travels, and each time it’s been a simple $40 fix that a service center would’ve charged me $300 to handle.
What works
- The ceramic material can withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles better than older metal designs, which is crucial when using the heater regularly through temperature fluctuations.
- It drops directly into any Webasto or Espar heater without any modifications—no need to hunt for adapters or stress over fitment issues.
- A multimeter will help you confirm if the glow plug is actually dead before you start disassembling the heater, saving you from chasing other potential problems.
What doesn’t
- The ceramic element can break easily during installation if you torque it too hard or accidentally bump it against the combustion head.
- Replacing the glow plug won’t solve issues like a clogged fuel line or a dead fuel pump, so it’s essential to diagnose the root cause first.
At one point, I was convinced my heater system was completely dead until I realized that the glow plug wasn’t even glowing anymore. A quick $25 multimeter test confirmed the issue. If you grab a Webasto / Espar ceramic glow plug, you’ll be back to warmth in no time—usually within an hour.
Webasto / Espar ceramic glow plug
I tested it with a multimeter first, installed it, and it threads straight in without hunting for adapters.
Check Price on Amazon →Targeted Repair Guides by Component
This article gives you the overall diagnostic sequence for your coach. If you’ve already identified the failing part, these guides dive deeper into the testing and replacement steps:
- Start here: the inline fuel filter is the cheapest fix for a no-start
- Fuel pump not clicking? Test the dosing pump before replacing it
- Glow plug symptoms: white smoke, failed ignition, and how to test it
- Blower motor: rattles, slow spin-up and overheat shutdowns
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About This Article
Written by Drew Callahan. Drew Callahan has been living and traveling full-time in an RV for several years, logging over 80,000 miles across North America in three different rigs. Drew shares practical tips, destination guides, and honest insights about the realities of full-time RV life, helping aspiring RVers navigate the transition to life on the road. More about this site.
Scope and limits. Drew is an experienced full-time RVer, not a certified RV technician. Propane, 120V wiring, hydraulics, and anything supporting a raised slide room should be confirmed by a certified RV technician before you begin.
Verify this against a primary source
Specifics change, and your situation may differ from the one described here. These are the authorities worth checking directly:
- Dometic — awning service and parts documentation
- Carefree of Colorado — awning owner manuals and spring specifications
- Lippert Components — Solera awning manuals and support
- Keystone RV — floorplan specifications and owner manuals
