The glow relay on most diesel Kia Sorento models is located in the engine bay, typically inside or near the main fuse/relay box. Gasoline Sorentos do not use glow plugs, so there is no glow relay on those engines. If you own a diesel Sorento, start by inspecting the engine bay fuse box and checking the diagram on the cover or in the owner's manual to identify the exact glow relay location.
Diesel vs. gasoline Sorento
Understanding whether your Sorento uses glow plugs is important. Glow plugs (and the glow relay) are used on diesel engines to preheat the combustion chamber. Petrol (gasoline) engines do not have glow plugs and therefore have no glow relay. If you’re unsure of your engine type, check the VIN, the engine code, or the owner's manual for confirmation.
Where to look in the engine bay
In general, the glow relay is found in or near the main engine bay fuse/relay box. It is usually a small black rectangular module connected to the fuse box with a multi-pin connector. Some engines place the glow relay on the side of the fuse box or on a nearby bracket, sometimes labeled GLO or GLOW. If you don’t immediately see a glow-relay label, consult the diagram on the inside of the fuse box lid or the service manual for your exact engine code.
Below are common ways to locate it, depending on where your Sorento’s fuse/relay box is mounted. This guide uses a generic approach that applies to many diesel Sorentos, but exact labeling can vary by year and engine code.
- Look inside the engine bay fuse/relay box. The glow relay is often a separate small module mounted on the box or the bracket adjacent to it.
- Check near a multi-pin connector with a label such as GLO, GLOW, or similar wording on the wiring loom that goes to the glow plugs.
- If the relay isn’t on the main box, inspect nearby brackets or panels on the passenger side of the engine bay, close to the firewall or coolant reservoir, where auxiliary relays sometimes live.
- Always confirm by referencing the vehicle’s fuse box diagram in the owner’s manual or a factory service manual for your specific engine code.
Concluding: The exact spot can vary by model year and engine code, but the glow relay will be in the engine bay near the main fuse/relay box and labeled for the glow system. If you still can’t locate it, consult the manual or a Kia technician to avoid misidentifying components.
How to identify the glow relay and verify operation
Use these steps to confirm you’ve found the correct relay and to check its basic operation before replacement.
- With the engine off and the battery disconnected, locate the engine bay fuse/relay box and locate the glow relay module by label or position.
- Inspect the relay’s connector: a typical glow relay will have a multi-pin plug and a power feed from the battery with control signals from the engine control unit (ECU).
- Consult the fuse box diagram (on the box lid or in the owner’s manual) to confirm the exact position and label for GLO/GLOW.
- Reconnect the battery, turn the ignition to the “on” position (do not start the engine) and listen for a faint click from the glow relay as it energizes after a preheat cycle. If you don’t hear a click or the preheat duration seems abnormal, testing or replacement may be needed.
- For a definitive test, use a multimeter to check for continuity across the glow plugs when the relay is energized, or test the relay coil resistance according to the service manual.
Note: Some engines use a Glow Control Module rather than a discrete relay. In that case, the module may be in a similar area (engine bay near the fuse box) but labeled differently. If in doubt, reference the engine code-specific service documentation for your Sorento.
What to do if you can’t locate it
If you cannot find the glow relay after checking the fuse box and nearby mounting areas, contact a dealership or a qualified automotive technician. Providing your Sorento’s year, generation, and engine code (e.g., 2.0 CRDi, 2.2 CRDi) will help them identify the exact component location and specification for your vehicle.
Summary
On diesel Kia Sorento models, the glow relay is generally located in the engine bay near the main fuse/relay box, often on or adjacent to that box and labeled GLO or GLOW. Gasoline Sorentos do not have a glow relay. If you’re unsure of the engine code or exact position, refer to the owner’s manual or service documentation for your vehicle, or ask a Kia technician for confirmation.