Block heater shorting out

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Feb 13, 2007 | 12:13 PM

djwooley69

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Joined: Feb 2005

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Block heater shorting out

2001 F-250 Air cleaner mod. No other mods I know of (bought used)

I have been having an on again, off again problem with my block heater. I think I have finally figured out what is causing it, but I need your help fixing it. The GFCI on my wall plug I use to run to my truck "trips" whenever I wash my truck (it also seems to do it when the roads are wet with melted snow). This tells me I have a short occurring because of moisture getting in somewhere. My question to you knowledgeable people is how hard is it to trace (and/or replace) the wiring for the block heater? I haven’t tried it yet because I don't have a garage to do it in and I want to know how involved it's going to be before I decide to get under it in the snow. On a side note, while checking the block heater plug itself, I came across a flat plug (approximately 2" x 3" x 1"). It has two connection points in it marked positive and negative. Could this be for a wench or plow? I didn't buy the truck new, but it had a brush guard on it that didn't appear to have a wench connection.

Feb 13, 2007 | 01:20 PM

doreilly

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Joined: Apr 2005

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From: Oro Station, Ontario

Block heater cord is rather easy to trace. It is located on the left side of the block near the oil filter. The cord runs along the frame. Don't buy a cord from the ford dealer though (too much $). Go to the international dealership for a fraction of the cost.

Feb 15, 2007 | 01:04 PM

skibender

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: Union Grove, Wisconsin

I started having problems with mine also. I tripped my GFI circut the other night. It was snowing and blowing pretty hard here so I assumed that I had a wet plug. Dried the prongs on the ext. cord and block heater plug. Plugged her in last night, GFI circuit didn't trip but heater still didn't work. If I need to changed the heater cord, do I just cut the old one off and splice new one on? Or does the cord actually remove from the block heater?

Feb 15, 2007 | 03:02 PM

clintbonnie

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3,292

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From: Ardenvoir, Washington

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibender

I would first check the plug lugs of your heater with an ohm meter.. It should have about 16 ohms if it is working OK.. If it shows a open circuit, it is either the element is NG or your plug or wire is bad..

Feb 15, 2007 | 03:45 PM

johnsps250

Tuned

Joined: Oct 2006

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From: Northern Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibender

do I just cut the old one off and splice new one on? Or does the cord actually remove from the block heater?

You can remove the cord from the block heater, there is no need to cut it. If you look right next to the oil filter you will see it. (Orange looking cord)
Once you release the locking clip it will pull straight out.

Feb 15, 2007 | 04:03 PM

Jawahe

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Joined: Oct 2006

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My block heater isn't working either. Early 99 7.3L Is there a fusible link in the cord? I have not been able to determine if it is the cord or the element.

Feb 15, 2007 | 04:53 PM

clintbonnie

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3,292

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From: Ardenvoir, Washington

Jawahe..Like the previous post says.. just disconnect the cord from the element on the block and use a ohm meter ( a very useful tool.. if you don't have one, would suggest buying one.. ) to check both the element and the cord separately..
And Welcome the the Forum...

Last edited by clintbonnie; Feb 15, 2007 at 04:58 PM.