Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Block Heater

[proskeeterman]

Can you damage the block heater by an electrical short? The reason I ask is, the other day when attempting to plug my heater in, I noticed the cord was almost cut thru and there was a spot at the plug where it had melted somewhat. Upon further inspection, I noticed a sizeable black smudge spot on the bumper, concluding that the exposed bare wire/s made contact with the bumper and caused the melting. I re-wired the plug and now the heater wont work. Now assuming that I wired the new plug right, can I assumed theres some kind of damage to the block heater? My humble thanks for your replys. Thank you and Rattle On!!!

 

[DSiemens]

If you have a multimeter, a simple test is to use the ohm (resistance) function. If the circuit is good, the ohm meter will measure very little resistance. However, if the circuit is bad, you will not be able to measure any amount of resistance as circuit is open. You could also test circuit with a 12 volt test light and a piece of wire with alligator clips. Connect one alligator clip to brass plug terminal and the other end to neg. batt. post. Connect one end of test light to other brass plug terminal and touch probe end of test light to positive post of battery. If test light "lites", block heater is good.

 

[illflem]

99% of the time the problem is the cord. It unplugs from the block and is available separately from the dealer. To check it remove from the block and check the continuity of each conductor from one end to the other.

 

[radixr]

Your cord shorting out on the bumper did not damage the heater element.