Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) heater grids

[JeffPrice]

My 02 has been staring fine the last 5 years I have owned it when it was cold. Just today I went out and cycled the heater grid twice before starting. It is only 9 degrees and I plug it in when it gets down around zero with no problems. Is it possible the heater grids just wear out over time like everything else and just need replaced. I can hear them clicking so I know they are doing something. If they wear out like I said how hard are they to change?

 

[JLandry]

Jeff,

One of both of the heater grids could burn through, but I haven't heard of it happening very often. What you're hearing is the heater grid relays clicking on. If one of these relays were to fail, the ECM will sense this and set a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code). But if a heating grid were to fail, I don't the ECM would be able to tell.

Testing or replacing the heating elements is a piece of cake. This is covered in the factory service manual which is available here:

Dodge TechAuthority

or here:

Geno's Garage

John L.