04 -20* no plug in?

[bkaiser]

I was at the dealer on Friday and looked over the '04s. The only big change I noticed is the literature now claims the Cummins does not need to be plugged in until 20 below! With this change, it appears that the block heater is now a $10 option. Does anyone know what was done to lower the temperature? I plug in at 10*, but occaionally have had to start at 10 below without being able to plug in. If the changes are able to be retrofit into an '03, I might be interested. By the way, even at 10 below, outdoors in the wind overnight, it starts. Just sounds like a second gen for awhile .

 

[y-knot]

I think it was just a way to lower cost.

 

[Rosco]

Both the 2003 and 2004 trucks have the same cold start capabilities. It appears that for 2004 DC is saving a buck by not adding the block heater as "standard equipment".



However, someone here reported that the '04s have the heater element in the block already and only the cord needs to be added.

I will be looking into this because I want to be able to "plug in" when it's really cold out.

 

[lmills]

Originally posted by Rosco

. It appears that for 2004 DC is saving a buck by not adding the block heater as "standard equipment".

Those @%#$ bean counters.

 

[rbattelle]

I fear this cost-cutting crap is really going to get out of hand.

 

[ttreibel]

Originally posted by rbattelle

I fear this cost-cutting crap is really going to get out of hand.

It's to late... ... ...

 

[dieselpilot1969]

What does it matter really how cold it is, it's nice to plug into a timer and set it for an for 2 hours before wake up time and have a warm engine.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Yes, my '04 has the block heater just behind the oil filter, but it has a black plastic cap on it instead of a cord plugged in. I guess it helped Dodge reduce the MSRP by $10, and probably not many people use the heater anyway. Probably a lot fewer will with the new engine due to its pilot injection.



I just have to decide whether to use a crummy old 12 valve cord I have laying around, or to order a new one

 

[Boonieman]

I think they are counting on the grid heaters to come up with their cold-start figures. They are probably right because I've never had a problem with either of the CTD's I've owned when I preheated first. My New Holland tractor also uses a similar system that preheats the intake air and it also is an easy start in the winter. That being said, I still prefer to also use the block heater in real cold weather. It makes the engine easier to turn over, surely improves the lubrication, and I do like the instant warm air and defroster. For the price of these puppies the block heater should be a standard option IMO.

 

[TCDiesel]

Plug

I live in Minnesota,and last year we had a long cold snap about two weeks,Temps range between -0 / -25 at night . Once when it got -22 I did not plug in, The truck did start ,WOW it sounded like I had a 3406 cat. Next night - 21, I have a switch in the basement flip it for about 45 minutes push my auto start button . NO SMOKE,NO NOISE,JUST QUEIT

I like my option to plug in or not.

 

[TAdamsCT]

Re: Plug

Originally posted by TWest

I live in Minnesota,and last year we had a long cold snap about two weeks,Temps range between -0 / -25 at night . Once when it got -22 I did not plug in, The truck did start ,WOW it sounded like I had a 3406 cat. Next night - 21, I have a switch in the basement flip it for about 45 minutes push my auto start button . NO SMOKE,NO NOISE,JUST QUEIT

I like my option to plug in or not.

Did I hear you say "Autostart button"???? Are autostarts available for the 03's? Are there any available that delay the key position until the "wait to start" indicator goes out or insures that the WIF isn't lit? This is my first diesel and I don't know the issues related to remote starters on them!



:--)

 

[TCDiesel]

plug in

Adamsta , yes they are available

I have the viper 150 from DEI and it works great even in sub-zero weather. and it will cycle up to three times.

 

[Jengle]

For those of you getting ready to order an 04, go ahead and pay the @$#$$*& bean counters the $10. If you get it afterward, look to pay about $40 for the wire. And I agree, they are already out of control. Only a bean counter could come up with the idea to put the block heater in all the trucks, then charge for the cord to plug it in.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The new block heater cord has what appears to be a high temp (orange) rubber end at the heater, better than the 12 valve cord. The new one has a tag on it: 3963564. This looks like a Cummins number.

 

[DJaquez]

Save money on parts

I am not a rep and do not gain any thing from this BUT if you join dodgetalk.com (It's free) and then call Dave Smith Motors they will sell you parts at Cost plus 10% or Cost plus 15% which includes shipping. I got the heater cord for $20. 02 delivered. Super folks and very fast.



They are the folks that helped me to deal with the Fog lamp concerns about not splicing and drilling. Jim P. is exceptional.



This fire in San Diego sucks... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .