Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Block heater working?

[Blue Thunder]

How do you know if your block heater is working or not?



I am thinking it isn't, but don't know how to check.

 

[bud kohn]

block heater

first: make sure your extention cord has the size to handle the draw. (that dang saftey thing)

Second: make sure that your extention cord has power.



pull the cord from truck plug it in... . wait... listen... . i can hear mine "burble"



take the extention cord and put it over the drivers mirror so you see it in the morning and don't forget to un plug it!!!



good luck!

 

[fkovalski]

The time that it takes for your "wait to start" light will be the biggest indicator. My light goes out (even in 0 degree temps) in just a few seconds. On mornings of 20- 30 degree temps without pugging in will sometimes take upwards of 30+ second before the light goes out. You could also use an Ohm meter to check continuity. -frank

 

[HC]

I'm with Frank on this one.



Mine doesn't make any noises I can hear, but the "wait to start" light does not light for 20 degree and higher mornings when it has been plugged in for 3 to 4 hours.



These things are pretty simple devices; the chances that on your 2000 model truck it wouldn't be working is pretty unlikely.

 

[parcher]

I haven't re-routed the cord yet so I still have to open the hood to un-plug the heater. When I have the hood open I touch the thermostat housing, it's nice and toasty when I have the timer set to the right time (timer on extension cord set for 3 hours warming time).

 

[stew]

Hey Blue,

Just plug it in, wait an hour or two then open the hood... The valve cover should be warm to the touch... It will not burn you, it's just warm...



Check it out !



Stew

 

[Blue Thunder]

Thanks for all the info.



The 'wait to start' light was the indicator that tipped me off that something was wrong.



Good power from wall outlet, and cord is good.



Of course the extension cord is thick enough. 12/3 ga. ought to be enough.



I also checked the fuse, and it seams fine.



I guess due to elimination, it appears that the heating element is bad. Anyone replaced one before?

 

[pro99]

block heater

My light goes out quick to at low temps but I put my hand on the head near the exhaust manifold before starting up and it was warm so I know that it's working just fine.

 

[fkovalski]

Hey Blue T- I am not sure, but I do not believe that there is a fuse for the block heater- me thinks the cord is a direct one to the heating element. A short would trip your 110V circuit breaker. If you need to replace your element, there are several threads running right now about this procedure as you probably have already seen. Good luck! -frank

 

[pro99]

Hey blue,



Before removing the block heater plug it up overnight and then in the morning put your hand on the head and see if it is warm. The engine temp should be around 100 to 140 if it is working fine. There is no fuse for this and it is direct from cord to heater element. If you look at the cord wear it meet the sensor you have to unscrew the cord and then remove the heating element from the block so you got to see if you are getting power to the heater element wear it screws together at the heater element on the block.