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Another block heater question

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Old 01-13-2009, 09:30 AM
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Another block heater question

Ok I am puzzeld,
I will plug in my truck at nite and in the morning at about 38 outside the temp needle is up a little but the wait to start light still comes on? I check to make sure I have power to the heater itself by unpluging it at the block heater and testing for current. I have heard that when your block heater is working your wait to start light will not come on.. any ideas thanks. also has anyone ever had to replace their block heater?

Scott
Old 01-13-2009, 09:34 AM
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does it still start up good after light goes off
Old 01-13-2009, 09:35 AM
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I think your block heater is probably fine. I'm in sunny San Diego and my '03 shows the wait-to-start light every time and has since new. If it's real warm outside or the trucks been recently run, the wait-to-start time is very short, but it still comes on.
Old 01-13-2009, 09:37 AM
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yes it starts fine... just thought the light would not come on??? really have not used the plug in much..thought about getting a magnetic oil heater also..
Old 01-13-2009, 09:38 AM
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the light always comes on. i think. if it starts fine u have nothing to worrie about
Old 01-13-2009, 09:46 AM
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Is there any tell tell signs that indicate the block heater is working? Any thoughts about the magnetic oil heaters?
Old 01-13-2009, 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by LovinTheTorque
Is there any tell tell signs that indicate the block heater is working? Any thoughts about the magnetic oil heaters?
does your truck heat up quicker in the cold mornings? the block heater is just that, a block heater... it helps your engine turn over, and shorten the heatup time..

the wait to start light is heating your fuel rail, if I'm not mistaken...
Old 01-13-2009, 11:49 AM
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You still have to heat the air with your grid heater....
Old 01-13-2009, 12:38 PM
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The WTS light comes on for 2 sec for a bulb check.

It is possible that the grid heaters are coming on also, the block heater heats the coolant, the grid heaters heat the incoming air in the intake.


As long as the truck is starting easier, then the block heater is fine. Tomorrow, before you start it, touch the block and see if it's warm.
Old 01-13-2009, 12:51 PM
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FYI the magnetic oil pan heaters are not very good IMHO, get the kind that you stick on the bottom or side of the oil pan. You have to remove the paint and make sure its SUPER clean. But it works REALLY well.

FYI the oil pan paint is REALLY stuck on there.
Old 01-13-2009, 04:02 PM
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The wait to start light is activated by intake manifold temperature, as is the grid heater. I forget what that temperature actually is, something like 55 or 65F, but in relatively warm weather, neither will come on if it's been plugged in for a long time and the underhood temperature is actually that high. Up here our summer nights are often cool enough that the grid heater and WTS light will come on. Other times, even though the light doesn't come on, once the engine starts the inrush of air cools down the manifold sensor enough to start the grid heater cycling.
Old 01-13-2009, 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by cheadlesram2500
the light always comes on. i think. if it starts fine u have nothing to worrie about

'My light never comes on when I have had it plugged in. Or in the summer if it's warm enough.
Old 01-13-2009, 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by flytrip
'My light never comes on when I have had it plugged in. Or in the summer if it's warm enough.
Your 06 is different---the light doesn't come on unless the heat is needed.
Old 01-13-2009, 08:07 PM
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My Light always comes on
Even when its plugged in
But it has been -40 for about 3 weeks here
Old 01-13-2009, 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Gunrunner
Your 06 is different---the light doesn't come on unless the heat is needed.
My wait to start light never comes on either when its plugged in, even if it is -25 below. What makes the 06's diff? I really don't know. Is it just a new program in the 06's. Please tell. Thanks
Jason


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