I just purchased a 2012 Chevy 2500 and trying to locate the engine heater you plug into a 120 house outlet. The temp is supposed to be close to zero next week. The manual says it is located on the passenger side near the aux battery. I haven't located anything thus far that resembles a cord to "unwind'. I doubt the previous owner needed it in these parts. There is a wire/hose? doubled up next to the DEF filler cap but not sure enough to attempt to pull it out! Thanks,

navybanker wrote:I just purchased a 2012 Chevy 2500 and trying to locate the engine heater you plug into a 120 house outlet. The temp is supposed to be close to zero next week. The manual says it is located on the passenger side near the aux battery. I haven't located anything thus far that resembles a cord to "unwind'. I doubt the previous owner needed it in these parts. There is a wire/hose? doubled up next to the DEF filler cap but not sure enough to attempt to pull it out! Thanks,Just to put your mind at ease...My 2006 Gold Standard DuraMax has never been plugged in...This morning, sitting outside in the driveway in -3F temperature, it fired right up...Regards

It could been all folded up on the side of the battery

you live in west Tennessee? I wouldn't plug it in

Its on the passenger side, just keep looking. Also as stated above its not neccasary but does help with quicker warmup. I have a 2011 and have started mine at 20 below without plugging in.

I used the preheat plug on my '04 traveling in Colorado and Nebraska some years back. But I never used it in Tennessee. Just thought this might be good insurance since the high one day next week is forecast to be seven. It should be easy to spot but not so far. Maybe this truck was built in Mexico!

2012 Duramax Engine Heater | Good Sam Community

bucky
Explorer II
Jan 05, 2014
When I had my PSD, I read somewhere that if I left the HVAC set on defrost when I shut it off (and plugged it in) the blend doors stayed open for a frost free w/s in the AM. It did work! The hot air rising off of the warm heater core got it done. Not perfect mind you, but good enough.
DustyR
Explorer
Jan 05, 2014
MNRon wrote:
It's rolled up (about 10-12" long) and tucked inside (towards engine) just under the battery on the passenger side. Get up on a stool with a flashlight and it's not too hard to find.

Good luck.

I'm sure I'll be using mine on Monday when the high here is projected to be -16degF.

X2, it is under there, just a little concealed.
GoPackGo
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
What I've always liked about plugging in is that it will also warm up the oil, which is a GOOD thing. Warm oil will flow better into all those places with close tolerances much better then cold, air temperature oil. I know the oil is down in the pan, but it'll be way warmer at -25 air temps then if the truck was not plugged in.
gmcsmoke
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
nevadanick wrote:
How can it throw a code ? All it does is warm the coolant.

here's part of the service bulletin that explains the problem.

Some customers may comment on a Duramax Diesel vehicle with a Service Engine Soon (SES) light illuminated on the instrument cluster. Some vehicles may have been previously serviced for this same condition. Technicians may also find the following DTCs set with no concern found.
• DTC P0116: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Performance
• DTC P0181: Fuel Temperature Sensor Performance
Cause

The Fuel Temperature Sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT), and Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensors are compared to each other during a cold start to identify a concern with any one of the sensors. Engine coolant heater usage in ambient temperatures above -18°C (0° F) may trigger a false DTC P0116 or P0181.
Correction

The diesel supplement to the Owner’s Manual advises that the engine coolant heater may be used below -18°C (0°F) to assist with cold starts. However, a customer may wish to plug in the heater when the overnight temperatures are unknown. A thermostatically controlled engine coolant heater cord is available for the prevention of false DTCs. This cord incorporates a thermostatic switch that only conducts below -18°C (0°F).
allen8106
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
I found mine on my 2013 Duramax located on the passenger side wire tied to a black plastic wire loom.
nevadanick
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
How can it throw a code ? All it does is warm the coolant.
gmcsmoke
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
MARKW8 wrote:
crickeydog wrote:
MARKW8 wrote:
The heater in your Duramax will not work above 0 degrees.

Ours works on both trucks anytime we plug'em in!

Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)

My owners manual for my 08 says not above zero. Maybe it just means it isn't needed.

Mark

it can throw a sensor code if used above zero
kw_00
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
My gasser has one zip tied to the frame just below the power steering pump drivers side.
Lowsuv
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
handy little item that duramax block heater .
Bend had minus temps a few weeks ago .
duramax has never failed to start , ever .
but it is nice to have heat shortly after driving off .
i use my gmc grill bra in the winter .
it makes a difference .
i took a cable tie and secured my heater cable to an air intake .
MARKW8
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
crickeydog wrote:
MARKW8 wrote:
The heater in your Duramax will not work above 0 degrees.

Ours works on both trucks anytime we plug'em in!

Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)

My owners manual for my 08 says not above zero. Maybe it just means it isn't needed.

Mark

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