Engine Block Heater

My 2011 GMC has started at 20 below a few times not plugged in without issue.

Just an FYI GM's block heater is thermostatically controlled and won't work above zero.

Here is video. Hope it helps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut_TGM9vztw

Video

Yep, modern diesels are good at cold starting. Some quick clips:

RAM

Ford

Can't quickly find footage of a chevy starting at 20 below or colder, but I'm figuring they would fire right up using similar startup strategies as Ford did with the 6.7.

dapperdan is fully correct.

any of the new diesels will start at even below zero (F) temps without being plugged in.

But plugging them in during those extremely cold days is a good thing.

Hey, for those in this thread looking for the block heater cord, please do make sure that cord is actually attached to the block heater.

I haven't seen this often, but I did in fact once own a pickup in extremely cold North Dakota. Plugging it in every night, finally one morning at about -45 F it just would not start.

My Dad helped me out, gave me a ride to work, then he fiddled around with my truck. He followed the cord/plug in back from the grille area and found the other end wrapped around some part of the motor. It was not even connected to the heating element!!!!!!!!! And that truck had been starting at temps of -30 F or worse for weeks. Oh, BTW, that was a January in North Dakota where the actual warmest day was -27 F. Heat wave!

Plugged it in for an hour and it took right off. This was a gas BTW, not a diesel. No chance for starting had it been a diesel at those temps.

So heads up, check to make sure ALL parts of that cord are attached properly.

It was minus ten here just last week, in fact the morning I took the new truck in for under coating and rustproofing. Thought I'd try the remote starter, she fired right up, block heater wasn't plugged in either. :E On a side note: that remote starter will really spoil ya, by the time I went out and got into my truck the driver's side seat and the steering wheel were roasty toasty!

I never plugged in my '06. NEVER had an issue with that truck not starting, don't expect to have an issue with this one either. Last winter was one of the worst winters for us here in the upper midwest and it worked out ok for me.

I'm not saying you shouldn't use your block heater, I'm just saying you probably don't need to use your block heater. To each his own, YMMV. My truck is also equipped with tip start.

Dan

Use it year round. Daily. Truck will be happier.

cmoecmoe wrote:
I had to dig mine out last night.

Passenger side

Up by the firewall

Inboard of the battery

Zip tied to a wire loom about 10 inches down.

Stay warm!

Craig

Not the easiest thing to get to especially when its freezing out. Took me about an hour to locate and free it in the dark. Will run mine down to the front this summer.

Ford in it's wisdom elected not to install one on my 2013 since it was an "Arizona" truck. So when I had to add one later since I visit family in Northern Utah every year for Christmas.

check your manual