Glow Plug Confusion

[mjquillici]

Hello,

Here's the story:

- Two days ago, I began having a very difficult time starting when cold. Before this, I had noticed that occassionally, my glow plug light would not come on when I turned the key to the run position, but had experienced no problems starting.
- I tested the relay, and I have full battery voltage at each of the pins and on both sides of the fuse. The battery is new.
- I tested the resistence at each plug and found that #2 is open. The remaining three show low resistence (~0.3 ohms)
- When I turn the key to the run position, the glow plug relay operates every time (although the light on the dash does not always come on). I can hear it click open after 30 seconds. I can also see the dome light brighten slightly after the relay opens.

My question is: Can one dead glow plug cause the very difficult starting condition that I am currently experiencing, as well as the sporadic operation of the dash light? Might something else be going on?

I am ready to order a new glow plug, but I want to know if I may also have another problem.

Thanks,

Mike