Grid Heater cycling at startup - Whats Normal?

[Champy]

Ok..... cold weather is here and so far my new truck has been starting normallly. Wait for pre-heater icon to go out and crank it over. Now though once I have started the truck, the voltmeter keeps cycling from about 14v down to 9v; lights go dim; and I swear I can hear the grid heater clicking up in front of the firewall by the glovebox. Cycles 3-4-5 times then stops. I can even shut it off hot after driving and crank it right up and it still does it at every startup. If I take off it even does it while driving... ... ... hmmmmm. Previously once the preheat light goes out it never cycled again like this.



Is this normal for a grid heater or is there some startup diagnostic routine that is drawing the amps? BTW - only 1800 miles so far and all stock.



Thanks

 

[PFranzese]

Normal as far as I know, mine does it whenever its cold enough outside. Usually below 55 degrees F.

 

[TLane]

That sounds exactly like what my grid heater does. It cycles after startup, sometimes even if the pre-heat icon doesn't even come on. I think it depends on incoming air temperature, not oil or coolant temperature. And yes, I've seen mine come on after a stop with the engine fully warm.

Normal is a setting on the dryer -

 

[traindrv]

Mine does it too.

 

[EricBu12]

On my old 01 it did this too. I fixed it with a kit that works with a temp switch mounted in the head. When the engine (coolant) is over 75 degrees, it opens the circuit so the heaters wont work. . It was from a place called Practical Solutions. . A place on-line for Dodge Engine accessories . . Called the Grid Heater Saver.

#ad

 

[Champy]

Ok, well it just seemed odd to have the truck lights dim like that and have such a large current draw after its already running... ... ... . so let's call it Maytag Normal, eh TLane?

 

[Drdorian]

On my old 01 it did this too. I fixed it with a kit that works with a temp switch mounted in the head. When the engine (coolant) is over 75 degrees, it opens the circuit so the heaters wont work. . It was from a place called Practical Solutions. . A place on-line for Dodge Engine accessories . . Called the Grid Heater Saver.



#ad

This is not a good idea... . especially on a 6. 7. The grid heater helps the engine to start, they are a replacement for glow plugs, sure your engine can start w/o it, but having your grid heater cycle is not bad for an engine. Also, the grid heater heating up will help to keep it relatively clean from soot that is part of EGR, there will still be some soot on it but the cycling will help to keep it at a minimum.

 

[TulsaOkie]

That sounds like my truck too. . As long as it starts everything must be working fine