Block heater trouble

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Dec 30, 2009 | 02:54 PM

sdunn

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Block heater trouble

block heater working one day and not the next works about once a week sometimes wont work for weeks then works great and suggestions any pics for trouble shooting much appriecated

Dec 30, 2009 | 03:07 PM

snakedoc

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From: AL, Reform

i would look for a broken wire around the bumper or near the heater.

Dec 30, 2009 | 03:15 PM

Ponyboychris

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From: Kiowa CO

A common area of wear is at the male plug end at the bumper. Check for a break in the wiring.

Dec 30, 2009 | 03:23 PM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

What they said. The cord that is put in there from the factory doesn't take alot of abuse. Start checking from the plug and go back.

Dec 30, 2009 | 03:26 PM

sdunn

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i started at the heater and that has a red cord on it when i get to the front it is a black cord wrapped in plastic could the connection from red to black be shot?

Dec 30, 2009 | 03:30 PM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

Could be or the copper wiring itself inside the insulation could be broken...especially at a bend.

Dec 30, 2009 | 03:30 PM

Ponyboychris

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From: Kiowa CO

I don't remember offhand anyone finding a problem there but I could be mistaken. The most common area is right behind the plug. The cord has the tendency to dangle and rub on the edge of the bumper or if you or the previous owner drove off with it still plugged in, then that's where the stress on the wire occurs.

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Dec 30, 2009 | 04:23 PM

andrewc53

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From: Dayton MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdunn

just replaced the plug end... waiting to see if it heats up... can u buy factory plug from heater to front of truck??

You can go to any hardware store and get a outdoor plug and some #14 wire and splice it back by the heater. Cheep fix if it
s not the element. A Curtis

Dec 30, 2009 | 04:28 PM

#10

sdunn9

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how often do the heating elements go bad??

Dec 30, 2009 | 04:57 PM

#11

Ponyboychris

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From: Kiowa CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdunn9

how often do the heating elements go bad??

Not often. Most of the time it's the cord end.

Dec 30, 2009 | 05:03 PM

#12

big poppa

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From: Lancaster, Pa.

Just make sure you get it fixed up right, with the same gauge wire and such, a fella here had his truck destroyed from a faulty wire or connections. After the fix, just to be safe, park your truck away from any structures for a couple days and check it again.

Dec 30, 2009 | 07:00 PM

#13

sdunn9

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Quote:

Originally Posted by big poppa

i just replace the plug in the front of the truck, i didnt splice anything back near the heater.. do i have to worry about destroying the truck by doing that...???

Dec 30, 2009 | 09:00 PM

#14

Rushmore X

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From: Rapid City SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ponyboychris

Not often. Most of the time it's the cord end.

Should be able to check it with an OHM meter? Anyone know what it should read for resistance? thanks

Dec 30, 2009 | 09:02 PM

#15

Rushmore X

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From: Rapid City SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdunn9

i just replace the plug in the front of the truck, i didnt splice anything back near the heater.. do i have to worry about destroying the truck by doing that...???

Welcome to the forum by the way...