Block Heater

[mattgirard88]

As the temperature starts dropping, I was looking for the cord for a block heater on my '15 Chevy 1500, and cannot find it. I bought the pickup in Wyoming so I would think they would have one on it. I looked everywhere and cannot find one. What's the best way to make sure it does or does not have one? I really would rather have a factory one but if it doesn't have one I suppose I'll have to have one installed. The manual said it should be wrapped up on the drivers side fender by the fuse box, not there. I also don't see it already routed toward the grill anywhere.

[LongrangeLauber]

Should be able to check your window sticker/ build sheet, it would be on the options side (right side) of the window sticker. I know most 1500's don't come with them but you are up north so maybe they do just come standard

[SMiller]

Bet no one ordered a block heater on it, there are MUCH better options out there anyways as the factory block heater won't come on until it gets very cold, best bet is to cut the lower radiator hose and install a lower radiator hose heater. They work great, are much hotter then a block heater and circulate a lot more coolant.

[mattgirard88]

This one was used, but the last two pickups I bought were new and had them. It's an LTZ, I don't see it on the window sticker, I don't think it's the original window sticker since it's used. And also some of the LTZ options aren't on the window sticker and it definitely has those options. I'm thinking if I was to cut the hose and put one in that would void my warranty right? Don't want to do that.

[twoplustwo]

It's optional equipment now - about 100 dollars. ( Canadian )

If your vehicle has it - it would be near the empty battery tray on the drivers side.

[mattgirard88]

Does anyone know where the frost plug is that the factory block heater is usually in place of? Drivers side? Passenger side?

[GMMediumDutyMQ]

RPO code should be K05. If the label in your glovebox doesn't show that code, your truck wasn't built with it from the factory.

[SMiller]

Jesus don't start popping out frost plugs.

 

Just install a coolant hose heater, it does not void any warranty and all you have to do is replace the $12 hose if you ever want it back to stock.

[gone_fishing]

I live in ND and bought my truck in MN. It was new but I didn't custom order it. No factory block heater. I have started my truck when it's been sitting outside all night in temps around -25F. It cranked a little longer then usual but it started just fine. Unless you are regularly seeing temps down below -30F I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you decide you would like some sort of heater there are options out that don't require freeze plug removal (radiator hose that others have mentioned or adhesive backed that go on your oil pan).

[BuyAmericanIron]

There are a few things you should know about the factory block heater. 1) It has a thermostat in the plug that does not allow operation until the ambient temperature is about Zero degrees F. 2) The reason for the thermostat has something to do with the relationship between ambient air temperature and engine coolant temperature after the truck has been idle for six or more hours. This may be incorrect, but it is close. Read the details about three years ago and going from memory. 3) If you cut off the thermostat or install a different type of heater, you could possibly get a CEL because the ECM is looking for the engine coolant temperature to be approximately zero which would match (or nearly match) ambient air temperature after six or more hours of sitting idle. 4) If your truck has a custom tune, this can be turned off so you won't see the CEL.

 

The factory block heater does not fit into a frost plug like the older trucks. There is a plug on the left rear of the engine block just above the oil filter that screws out and the OE block heater just screws into the block with a gasket similar to the oil drain plug. On my last truck I cut off the plug/thermostat and installed a regular plug. Had it tuned for headers and never got a CEL. When it is zero or below, it is nice to start your truck and have luke warm air from the vents within the first minute. Also aids in starting after sitting. Also if your truck has been sitting outside for a long period, the fast heat will clear the windows a lot quicker.

[redwngr]

Engine Coolant Heater

The engine heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles with an engine heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting.

An internal thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist, which will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).

 

Not all block heater cords have the thermostat,

[SMiller]

 

Engine Coolant Heater

The engine heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles with an engine heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting.

 

An internal thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist, which will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).

 

Not all block heater cords have the thermostat,

While you may have READ that, the rest of us have seen and had to cut the end of the cord because the GM trucks DO have a thermostat and it makes the heater useless as I want it to work between 35*-0* as well.

[redwngr]

Yes. mine has one too.

Previous truck was a duramax, same note in the manual, and no t'stat on the cord.

[jagabom (Esquire)]

I cut the thermostat cord out and use a timer so that the block heater, car warmer and battery blanket all come on about 3 or 4 hours before I start it up. From 32 F to about 10F only the car warmer is plugged in. Below that everything comes on.

Jim

[Nwatson99]

Sorry to bring up an old topic like this, but my owners manual states I have a block heater and the cord is wrapped up in the wiring harness and cover that is taped up on the right side next to the fuse box under the hood.

Here is my dilema, yes there is a harness there, yes it is big, yes it has a ton of vinyl tape around where it T's off, etc, but unless I know 100% sure there is a block heater cord there, I do not want to start un-wrapping the harness.

 

From reading on this older topic I know before I do try to un-wrap stuff, I will look in the glove box for K05 code posted by GMMediumDutyMQ

Also I will read on my sticker which I have to see if it came with one, but I do remember it stating I had the SLT premium plus package, and Z71 off road package, 6.2L engine, but that is about all I remember on it.

Now is that a good location to start looking if I have the K05 code or would it be mounted somewhere else on a 2017 6.2L?