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Originally Posted by JRobock
...Now, the dash light does not come on and I can start the car (roughly). The light comes on after a minute and then goes out after another minute or so...
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This sounds like a few GPs are not being powered. They may be burned out, or wires may have come loose.
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...Did I cause the glow plugs to fail by leaving the ignition on without the car running...
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No, the relay will apply power for a limited time, 30-45 seconds or until you start the engine. It will then switch off and stay off, no matter how long you leave the key on.
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...could the wiring to the back tail light harnesses for my trailer connection have caused this? I didn't remove the harness to test this notion. ...
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Not likely, the GP harness is contained in the engine compartment, while I assume the trailer connections were made at the rear.
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... Any suggestions or help would be appreciated as it cost me $450 to have the glow plugs changed a few months ago.
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Well, you can test the plugs yourself if you are familiar with a multimeter, just disconnect the connector at the relay and measure resistance of each plug, connecting the meter from each socket in the connector to chassis ground. 0.8 ohms or so is 'good' while 'infinite' ohms is burned out, or a bad wire. Connecting from the socket to the plug terminal will measure resistance of the wire, which will probably 0.0 ohms if it is good, and 'infinite' if it is broken or bad.
Your tech can check them for you, too. If he does, and some are burned out, ask if there is any warranty, since they should last more than a few months.
Best Regards,
Jim