Engine Block Heater

[neto1978]

I am wondering how do I activate the block heater on my 2011 6.2 liter silverado?

i couldn't find any switch...

tks.

[Bluedog]

You plug it in. There is no switch, although the cord has a thermocouple in it to prevent total overheating.

[AvalancheZ71]

I don't think you'll need to use a block heater in Florida. Ever.

[dewfpo]

There's a simple ambient bi-metalic temp thermostat that turns the engine block heater on if the ambient temps get below 0F (and it's plugged in) and off if the ambient temps get above 0F.

 

DEWFPO

[neto1978]

that's an answer!!!

tks

 

There's an simple ambient bi-metalic temp thermostat that turns the engine block heater on if the ambient temps get below 0F (and it's plugged in) and off if the ambient temps get above 0F.

 

DEWFPO

[neto1978]

In Florida for sure not, but sometimes I go up north to visit my friend In PA...so we never know...

 

I don't think you'll need to use a block heater in Florida. Ever.

[Egghaus]

I live in Canada and I've never used a block heater. In fact when I ordered my truck I saved $100 by not optioning it.

[rodram]

I live in Canada and I've never used a block heater. In fact when I ordered my truck I saved $100 by not optioning it.

 

your choice ... if it's your truck... but just don't drive anywhere in the winter where it might get to -30 ... at that temperature your truck MIGHT start, but then again you might be stranded waiting for a tow truck in the frigid cold

[Wires]

I live in Canada and I've never used a block heater. In fact when I ordered my truck I saved $100 by not optioning it.

 

your choice ... if it's your truck... but just don't drive anywhere in the winter where it might get to -30 ... at that temperature your truck MIGHT start, but then again you might be stranded waiting for a tow truck in the frigid cold

 

 

Its not even "if it starts". Starting it in -40 with sludge for oil is really hard on the the block. You can see the difference in which side has the block heater when it's torn down. One will have massive wear the other hardly any.

[Egghaus]

Had a few -30 mornings this past winter, truck started normally every time.

[Sierra89]

Had a few -30 mornings this past winter, truck started normally every time.

 

I live in Canada as well, I'll try to plug my vehicles in when the temp approaches -20C.

That said, I've taken the 06 on trips and not been able to plug it in during some sub -30C nights. In my experience, not only does my truck start slightly better plugged in, the cabin and engine heats up quicker.

I also find with my older vehicles (89, 95), as they age they don't like cold weather as much so the block heater definitely comes in handy if you plan on owning your trucks for a longer period of time and live in cold climate. If it gets around -25C my 95 doesn't like to start, but plugged it it'll start just as if it was 20C above.

To each there own!