Engine Block Heater throwing GFI and Breakers
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
Engine Block Heater throwing GFI and Breakers
I am having a curious issue in that whatever I plug the engine block heater into via extension co0rd, it trips the GFI or the breaker in the box. No issue with the 350. I guess I have a short in it. Anyone else having this issue? It was working fine...
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
Thinking about getting rid of the F-150. But I have about 10k into on top of the truck....
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 781
Likes: 6
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
It might also be the power outlet has a lot on the curcuit to start with. Only way I know to test is to try a different one.
Buddy was ready to replace his block heater. We did some digging and found his cable he "repaired" was faulty.
Buddy was ready to replace his block heater. We did some digging and found his cable he "repaired" was faulty.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 634
Likes: 2
It's the GFI, replace it and all will be good. They wear out with use, and are especially sensitive in an outdoor / garage environment. I'm in the block heater business.
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,695
Likes: 12,821
From: Wyoming
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
New User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I've been having the same problem and about to take it to the dealer. It was working fine for 2 weeks until last week (truck is 2 months old)
Tried 3 different cords, went and bought a 12 gauge 25' cord, still blowing different breakers at house, cleaned plug with electronics cleaner and brush.
Took it to work, blew up 2 different breakers at work.
Showing 14.7ohms on multimeter. Dunno.
Tried 3 different cords, went and bought a 12 gauge 25' cord, still blowing different breakers at house, cleaned plug with electronics cleaner and brush.
Took it to work, blew up 2 different breakers at work.
Showing 14.7ohms on multimeter. Dunno.
New User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Northern Ontario
Just had this happen last night. Been about -25C for the past few nights and the truck starts fine, just thought I would plug it in. All my good extention cords are at camp, the one I had left was an old one and about 20 feet long. Will have to try a different cord and different plug in to see if one or the other is the problem.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 329
Likes: 2
If it is a 15 AMP circuit and you have other plugs drawing off that circuit, 10 AMPS could be enough to overload it. Try plugging a hair dryer (typically 15 AMP draw) into the same plug and see if it trips the breaker as well.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: CT
Take a look underneath your truck. Trace the wiring for the heater plug back into the frame. There is an amphenol(connector) that most likely has water in it. Pull it apart, dry it out real good, and use some dielectric grease around the seal and put is back together.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Originally Posted by BII Plow Truck
It's the GFI, replace it and all will be good. They wear out with use, and are especially sensitive in an outdoor / garage environment. I'm in the block heater business.