Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) fusible link

[TDeltonto]

does my 2002 have a fusible link? heard it does and heard it doesnt want to know for sure... and i tried to unplug the harness on the back of the vp44 but cant seem to unplug it any tricks to removing it? i dont want to tear it up

 

[JLandry]

Yes, your truck has two fusible links. Both are in the wiring between the battery and the intake air heater relays.



To unplug the VP44 wiring harness connector, you first must slide downward the bayonet style lock which is built into the connector. If the connector has a lot of baked on grime over it, it can be difficult to move the lock the first time.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[TDeltonto]

if the links burn out will my truck still start

 

[JLandry]

Yes... I don't see how they could directly *prevent* your truck from starting. The ECM has no way of knowing if a grid heater is actually operating as desired or not.



Now obviously not having working grid heaters would make engine starting more difficult to in cool or cold temperatures.



On the other hand, if you were to remove the grid heater control relays (or they were to fail), the ECM would immediately detect this and set an appropriate Diagnostic Trouble Code (P0380 or P0382).



Best regards,



John L.