Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Grid Heater Disconnect

[Texas Diesel]

P0380 and P0382 = grid heater relay A & B failure. It's expected with the mod, most trucks dont set the MIL lamp, mine doesnt, some do. Dont know why.



RE: westtn, the grid heaters with this mod work normally until oil pressure builds and shuts off the cycling, starting is uneffected. It seems unlikely that the engine warm up time will be effected by the heaters being off post start, besides, once you are going 35MPH or so the ECM shuts them off anyway, engine cold or not.



I've seen several starters (new) on Ebay for $175.

 

[MCummings]

My truck is setting a hard code also. I can't get the darn CE light off.



I know I'm cheap, but my SuperChip programmer won't reset the codes. Says there is an error. I'm going tomorow to have a real Snap-On OBDII scanner reset 'em.



I'l let yall know how it goes.



Merrick

 

[krs]

WestTN,



They have also been the apparent cause of a number of engine fires. There's so much current that if a solenoid sticks the related wiring melts allowing shorts to ground.

 

[Tomscreek]

Can someone please explain what is meant by "setting codes"? And what is "MIL"?



I would very much like to disable my grid heaters and I live in a very cold climate. Other than starting the engine when it's very cold, I think running the heaters like they are set up is not needed at all. In fact I disconnected the main wire from the battery last summer so they wouldn't be operating at all. Did I set off some codes by doing this? No engine light or any other light came on. I would just like to put a manual switch in the cab to disable them. I'm not interested in an automatic oil pressure type switch.

Also could someone please explain exactly how a manual switch would be wired? Thanks.

 

[EricBu12]

get the grid heater saver at practical solutions



This uses the Water temp to disable. There are 2 sensors that go into 2 plugs that are right above your exhaust manifold. When the water is colder than 70 deg. the grid heaters work, when the water gets above 70 degrees, it turns off the grids even if it is very cold outside... ... It is like the oil switch Idea but this will make it work untill the engine gets to 70 deg.



If the temp of outside is above 70 already, the grids will work for the initial turn on, then off reall quick. .

Have had this on for a long time and it works flawless and no codes are set.



This is $89 at PSdiesel

http://www.psdieselproducts.com/

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

does anyone have an updated website/phone # for these guys? I used the link and it takes me somewhere else.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Anyone????

 

[rweis]

I did not get the web page either. I'll do a little searching and come back to this thread.



Bob Weis

 

[rweis]

"Also, at one time Practical Solutions out of Helena MT. had a kit for this but, I understand they are no longer in business. "



There is a thread about replacing the grid relays with other brands that fit in the same place on the mounting bracket. I searched for "practical solutions" and found it.



Many threads about lifting the grid heater relay grounds with an oil pressure switch so you get the grids initially then once started they are disabled. Generally throws 2 codes from the PCM about not being able to see the grid relays #1 and #2.



One of the key inputs to the PCM is the intake air temp. I would think a resistor in series with the oil pressure solution and not lift the grid heater relay ground, but rather add resistance to the IAT sensor to make the PCM think it is all nice and warmed up.



You would get the initial start grid heates, oil pressure switch closes and adds the resistor, PCM thinks it suddenly turned warm outside and turns the grid heaters off.



Interesting concept though,



Bob Weis

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

You have no idea how confusing that last thread was to me! I am taking an electrical circuits class dealing with all that crazy mumbo jumbo, but my mind is fried at the end of the day and I am looking for something simple. Any other ideas???