<p>A glow plug assembly (110) has a metallic heater probe (118) supported within a metal shell (112). A transition zone (144) at the base of the shell (112) includes a membrane (146) and a tube portion (148). A first open end (130) of the heater probe (118) is formed with a reduced diameter pilot section (150) that mates with the tube portion (148) to establish a joint area between the components. The membrane (146) may be made elastically deflectable so as to accommodate integration of a pressure sensor (156) in the glow plug assembly (110).</p>
