Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) block heater

[dahowerig]

im having issues with my block heater. i replaced the element last year and it still seams to only work when it wants to. do these chords go bad? it looks to be in fine shape to tears or anything but i guess thats all it can be. or is it? anyone have these issues?

 

[DCreed]

did you use dielectric grease on the connector? who made the replacement? I've had issues with cheap replacement store parts failing.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Mine failed, or at least I thought it did. Turned out the prongs on the plug tarnished a bit, hangin there in front of the front wheel. The Dremel with the wire brush fixed it right up. Do the easy fixes first, right?

 

[DBuchheit]

I had a cord fail where the plug (not heater end) attached. I replaced the plug and it worked fine. You can get the entire cord for about $11 from Cummins, or $50 from the dealer.

 

[dahowerig]

i got the replacement from dodge. i will look into getting a whole new chord from cummins, 11 dollars sounds like a winner to me. ill also take a look at the prongs tomorrow and see how they look. thanks for the suggestions. this site rocks!

 

[buckbo]

When you bought the cord from Cummins did you get a part number ? I don't know if my problem is the cord or the element. When my heater works, it works great and has never been intermittant. Cleaning the plug prongs from time to time is a good idea. I use very fine sand paper. I am looking for part numbers for the cord and the element so I can start troubleshooting.

Gettin cold up here in Mass.



Taj M'Truck

2001 Black 2500 Big Spring, Triple Disc Torque Converter, Blue Chip Fuel Management System , 4" Inch Exhaust, Garrett Stage 1 Turbo, FASS Fueling .

 

[KKohagen]

I believe that the cord can be purchased from Geno's Garage as well. Hope this helps.

 

[buckbo]

My thanks to all who helped out here.



buckbo

 

[DCreed]

what ended up helping? Thats how we all learn 'round here.

 

[ERuhl]

Mine failed, or at least I thought it did. Turned out the prongs on the plug tarnished a bit, hangin there in front of the front wheel. The Dremel with the wire brush fixed it right up. Do the easy fixes first, right?

Hanging in front of the front wheel? Mine lays on the top of the front bumper, right by the passenger headlight and nowhere near the tire. The plastic cap does a decent job of protecting the plug from the elements.

 

[buckbo]

I haven't made it out yet to pick up the power cord. I will let y'all know what fixes it. - buckbo

 

[tom sweeney]

... the cord can be purchased from Cummins with Fleetguard #251919 for about 16. 00 or less... . it has a insulated right angle plug with locking nut... . just be sure to add dielectric grease as mentioned before,

cord is 58. 5" long... more tha enough,its a simple 2 prong connector with integral ground strap... ... . good luck. tom

 

[buckbo]

My block heater has a different element and power cord than I've seen or heard other owners describe. No right angle on my power cord. My element goes straight in. Does not have the 90 degree bend. Also, my 2001 service manual (CD) shows the straight in, no bend part and the straight cable. I wonder if they are interchangeable. - buckbo (bob watson)

 

[tom sweeney]

yes,they are indeed interchangeable,the right angle cord is made by FLEETGUARD,hence the difference... . the stock cord goes straight in... . my Cummins store parts guy said he had 2 listed... one with a CUMMINS # and the Fleetguard..... the 2 cords do the exact same thing... Cummins part was $33. 00 and the Fleetguard was $16. 00... ..... wasn't hard for me to do the math!!!!... ... ..... mine is working perfectly... ... tom

the 90 deg. bend i'm referring to is at the engine end of the cord where it plugs into the heater element... the element of couse is enclosed in the engine,the '08 trucks do not come with a cord unless it was ordered (for $10. 00)but the heater element is installed by Cummins in all trucks,just covered with a screw off black plastic cap. .

 

[Mactruck]

Inspect your cords!!!

Just wanted to add something to this.



We should all Check Your Block Heater Plugs before each winter!



Went out this morning to unplug my trusty steed. She had been plugged in for about 12+ hours. I usually use a timer but the timer broke so I just plugged it in directly.

I went to unplug it and heard a crackle. I immediatly dropped it and what I saw astonished me. It caught on fire. I ran to the wall and unplugged it from there and it promptly went out. The part that failed was right after the plug where it connects to the cord. All the Copper is melted away as well as some rubber.



I'm just gladded I witnessed it so I wasn't wondering why my Truck burned to the ground at some later date!!!

 

[2-ND TIME]

block heater cords

Any time one does anything electrical it is good to have a mult -meter that way one can measure the resistance of the cord / heater element etc. By going between the two vertical ends on the cord you will get an over all measurment of the resistance. This will tell you if it is working. Or then to measure other parts to find what isnt' working.