2016 GMC Duramax 3500 diesel can't find engine heater

[madonetwo]

Sorry, guys..dumb lady here. We are stranded on a mtn top in a cabin in NC where temps have been 0-8* for two days. Packed up to go home today and truck wouldn't start. We looked for the engine heater but couldn't find it. Asked dealer who sold it to look up the spec sheet by VIN to see if ours had a heater...they "dunno". Looked online and talked to two mechanics....no one knows where to look for the connector to the engine heater in  a 2016 3500. Is anyone out there who knows? There's a youtube of a guy showing the 2017 but ours isn't where he shows. So, we may not have one. When trying to crank ,it did crank for 2 seconds so maybe our issue is gelled diesel not  a cold block. No, we didn't put additive in it. Yes, we are stupid. Help?

[redwngr]

 

 

Duramax block heater cord is tie-wrapped under battery on passenger side. 

Block heater is std on duramax. 

 

Are you waiting for the glow plug lights to go out before cranking? (if using remote start computer it will  waits automatically)

 

Need for fuel treatment (or not) at those temps will depend on source of fuel. Generally, fuel available is blended to supply cold protection suitable for where it is sold.  If you came from / fuelled in an location that 'never' sees those temps it could be a fuel issue. 

 

 

[MarcS]

That's not nearly cold enough to cause starting issues, fuel style or not. When you say cranks for 2 seconds, are you lettings off of the key? The starter will stay engages for 20 seconds before stopping....As long as you wait for the glow plugs to cycle (symbol looks like a curled pigs tail - just trying to help, not being rude), it should fire up with no trouble.

 

If it did only crank for 2 seconds then quit, was there a little red dot illuminated in the dash? May be a security system issue....

[madonetwo]

Hi, I can't see a way to reply to the comments above. I haven't looked UNDER the battery, so that's what we'll do in the AM. As to cranking, I turned the key, heard the normal "start up" and let off the key and it died.  The last try it stayed cranked for maybe 2-3 seconds b4 dying. Should I hold key in start position for 20 seconds? Didn't see a red  dot on dash.

 

Yes, waited for glow plug (pig's tail) to go out b4 starting (it took 1-2 seconds).

 

Fuel bought in SC so not likely got any treatment in it. 

[davester]

I believe the owners manual describes the cord on the wrong side (the drivers side), while it actually is on the passenger side.

[redwngr]

10 hours ago, davester said:

I believe the owners manual describes the cord on the wrong side (the drivers side), while it actually is on the passenger side.

Older manuals were correct, newer ones are wrong.  Not sure what year it go messed up. 

(Perhaps when the info for the little dmax for the midsize pickups got added?)

 

For sure, the cord is on the passenger side -- and hard to see, hard to get to. 

 

[redwngr]

11 hours ago, madonetwo said:

Hi, I can't see a way to reply to the comments above. I haven't looked UNDER the battery, so that's what we'll do in the AM. As to cranking, I turned the key, heard the normal "start up" and let off the key and it died.  The last try it stayed cranked for maybe 2-3 seconds b4 dying. Should I hold key in start position for 20 seconds? Didn't see a red  dot on dash.

 

Yes, waited for glow plug (pig's tail) to go out b4 starting (it took 1-2 seconds).

 

Fuel bought in SC so not likely got any treatment in it. 

No need to even hold key for crank.  Turn to let glow plugs cycle then  just you can just 'bump' to start position and release. The computer do it's thing. 

 

(key is just telling computer you want a start, same as if remote start is used)

 

Glow plug won't be longer than what you've seen.

If if doesn't stay running and another start is attempted the glow plug time will likely be even shorter.

[avalonandl]

I am sure the cord is there. TAKe A flashlight and look carefully, its black and ziptied so easy to miss.

[madonetwo]

I'm the lady who posted this question. I wanted everyone to know that we returned to the mtn top yesterday with temp of 54* F and the truck cranked first attempt. We have the diesel additive with us and will put some in when we fill the tank today. We will find the engine heater cord when we get home and I can get under the truck without getting in the mud. I want to thank all of you for the overwhelming kindness you showed to a person who is not "one of you", i.e., not a professional with vehicles. You were GREAT to help me out!!! Thank you again!!

[avalonandl]

The cord should be under the hood accesible from the engine compartment.

[madonetwo]

We added the diesel additive today: 20oz to 63 gal of diesel. We found the heater block cord tucked deep beside the battery on the passenger's side under the hood and have pulled it up so we can use it. Thank you again for the tremendous amount of help you folks gave us!

[txab]

[redwngr]

12 hours ago, madonetwo said:

We added the diesel additive today: 20oz to 63 gal of diesel. We found the heater block cord tucked deep beside the battery on the passenger's side under the hood and have pulled it up so we can use it. Thank you again for the tremendous amount of help you folks gave us!

Is 63 gallons a typo for 36 or are you carrying that much fuel?

 

[madonetwo]

2016 Duramax 3500......specs say 63 gal tank. I know we put in 46 gal or more. Drove 100 miles after adding the 20oz....hope we are ok......bottle said 20 oz to 60 gal tank.

 

[redwngr]

3 hours ago, madonetwo said:

2016 Duramax 3500......specs say 63 gal tank. I know we put in 46 gal or more. Drove 100 miles after adding the 20oz....hope we are ok......bottle said 20 oz to 60 gal tank.

 

Are you driving a dual tank truck (24 + 40) which means its a cab and chassis or do you have an aftermarket fuel tank?