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2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel P1263 Fault: Is It Safe to Travel 700km in Summer?

Model: 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel Fault Code: P1263 Posted: 2012-12-22 12:56

I've recently received a diagnostic code P1263 on my 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel CRD. Based on community discussions, this code is commonly associated with a faulty glow plug. I'm planning a long-distance trip of approximately 700 km during the summer in the Southern Hemisphere, where temperatures are warm. Given that it's hot outside, does this fault pose any safety or performance risks? Since one of four glow plugs may be failing, and engine startup is typically easier in warmer weather, could I safely drive with this issue? I want to confirm whether P1263 specifically points to a single glow plug (e.g., #3) rather than a general ignition system failure. The vehicle was purchased in Argentina, where the model is marketed as a 'Cherokee' instead of Liberty. This may affect diagnostic procedures or technical references. I'm seeking clarity on whether this fault can be safely managed during summer travel and what steps I should take to troubleshoot it effectively.

Related fault codes

P1263

Comments (12)

Anonymous 2012-12-22 14:35

I believe P1263 might not be the correct code — was it retrieved using a dealer-level tool like StarScan? The 2005 CRD diesel models did not always allow easy reading of DTCs with generic scan tools. I’ll verify this later when I have access to the OEM service manual.

Anonymous 2012-12-22 18:15

I scanned my ECU using OBD2 and Torque app, and received code P1263 — same as mine. Last year I had exactly the same issue. What could be causing this recurring problem?

Anonymous 2012-12-23 10:30

The OEM service manual may not list P1263 in the index for a 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel — this might depend on region or model variant. Knowing where your vehicle was originally purchased is important, as specifications can vary between markets.

Anonymous 2012-12-23 13:39

I purchased my 2005 'Cherokee' CRD 2.8 diesel in Argentina. In many international markets, Jeep Liberties are sold under the Cherokee name — this could explain why certain technical references are missing.

Anonymous 2012-12-23 15:21

That makes sense — explains why the manual doesn’t reference P1263. I’ll investigate further just for clarity and completeness.

Anonymous 2012-12-23 19:13

Thanks for the clarification! This helps understand the regional differences in documentation.

Anonymous 2012-12-26 12:52

Use a P0673 trouble-tree to diagnose — this points specifically to glow plug #3. Symptoms include difficulty starting when cold, especially in winter. First, check that the connector for glow plug #3 is secure and properly connected. Remove each glow plug individually and test their resistance with a digital multimeter (DVOM). A faulty #3 glow plug is likely the issue. Also measure voltage to the glow plug — particularly #3 — using a sensitive voltmeter. Important: The glow plug system operates on 7 volts, not 12. This system is sensitive to overvoltage; standard vehicle electrical testers (using 12V) can damage components or give false readings.

Anonymous 2012-12-26 15:26

Thanks for the detailed advice — so you're saying the issue lies in the glow plug circuit, not a voltage supply problem? Could there be an overvoltage source causing damage to the 7V system? I’d appreciate clarification on this point.

Anonymous 2012-12-26 16:22

Not necessarily — the fault is likely within the #3 glow plug circuit. A bad glow plug or wiring issue is a strong possibility. The glow plug system runs at exactly 7 volts, which is different from the vehicle’s main 12V electrical system. Many technicians use test lamps that operate on 12V — this can lead to incorrect readings or damage. The glow plug module activates each plug for a set time by supplying 7 volts. A healthy glow plug should have resistance below 0.8 ohms.

Anonymous 2012-12-26 17:17

So you're saying the glow plug I had replaced last year was either low-quality or incompatible — and because it wasn’t designed for a 7V system, it failed under my vehicle’s 12V supply? That would explain why it burned out. Is that correct?

Anonymous 2012-12-27 09:39

I’m sorry to clarify — I'm referring to the current issue, not last year's repair. I don’t know exactly what’s wrong with glow plug #3, but my best guess is a faulty unit. The basic troubleshooting steps for any technician are: check the glow plug and its circuit. The only difference here is that the glow plug system operates at 7 volts — this is critical when testing or diagnosing. Note: WAG = Wild Ass Guess.

Anonymous 2012-12-27 21:03

Thanks for explaining 'WAG'! I’ll take my car to a mechanic soon and mention that the glow plug replaced last year was likely faulty — possibly the same one. That would explain this recurring issue. Thanks again!