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Be careful of your block heater

rforten
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rforten New Member

rforten

Posted
Posted

Plugged my 2020 GMC 3500 block heater in tonight.  Took about 15 minutes until it self-immolated.  I think there may be an issue with these.

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Pryme Senior Enthusiast

Pryme

Posted
Posted

Holy crap. Post more pics in the light when you can and more info on how it went up. 
 

I was wondering about adding one to my truck. 
 

I’m no longer wondering 

rdonarski Enthusiast

rdonarski

Posted
Posted

I have never used mine on my 2020 2500HD. After seeing this, I probably won't be unless absolutely necessary. Lucky I live in N WI where the weather is always balmy. 😜

sheath Enthusiast

sheath

Posted
Posted

Well that's a big bummer.

I've been using mine without  issue.

One thing that would be nice is a dash warning to say it is plugged in, so driver's don't take off with the cord plugged in.  Actually a shift lock out with warning sirens and lights would be better... lol

I drape the zip-tie that was around the cord on either the door handle, or steering wheel as a reminder.  So far so good.  🎗️

Hoginedgewood Enthusiast

Hoginedgewood

Posted
Posted

Ive always wondered how much good a 1200 watt heater can do to hundreds of pounds of un insulated metal, now i know how much bad it can do. 
im betting that will buff out. LOL

gemarsh Senior Enthusiast

gemarsh

Posted
Posted

2022 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali DRW. Used the block heater on a 9°F night, next morning all kinds of lights and warnings came up on the dic. Had 3 crank no starts. Un-hooked batteries for an hour and it did start, with codes.

 

Limped it to the dealer, Sunday.

 

Call from dealer said complete engine wiring harness needed. GM engineers to come take a look. Will be down for awhile but alternatively, I will have a truck to get back into.

  • 2 weeks later...
gemarsh Senior Enthusiast

gemarsh

Posted
Posted

Got some pictures from service manager. Still waiting on inspection. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picked up a 23 Sierra 2500 AT4 Saturday. Won't be usi g the block heater until gm gets this under control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

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sheath Enthusiast

sheath

Posted
Posted

Would be an interesting conversation to listen in to at the QA meeting where this gets discussed. 

GFCI is a smart choice! 

 

By chance, has anyone with this issue contacted the NHTSA, to start a case?

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