Block Heater Thermostat

[ArcticJ]

First time here...great forum...here it goes

 

I just purchased an 06 Z71 Tahoe with the factory block heater. On the plug, according to the manual, is a thermostat that only allows the heater to operate at temperatures below 0 F, or -16 C. My wifes 05 Suburban has this also. I'm guessing the "thermostat" has something to do with the bulked up plug/round tumor located behind the metal prongs...just a thought. My 95 and 99 Tahoes and 02 Suburban had the heaters, but did not have the thermostats and operated flawlessly.

 

My question is what's the purpose of this thermostat? Is it just to keep one from plugging it in when it's 50 outside? Is it in reaction to someone damaging their block somehow? Or is there a part within the engine, introduced within the last year or two that can be damaged if the heater is used when the temp is above 0F?

 

The manual says not to use unless its below 32 F...makes sense. But then they go and do this, limiting the use to below 0 F, which is @%*^in cold...

 

Ultimately, could I lop off the old plug, replace it with an easy to locate orange one, rated for the watts and go ahead and use the heater as designed, at realistic temps such as 10-20 F without damaging anything?

 

Thanks for you thoughts.

[GM-Tech]

Sorry, as a South Floridian, I've never even seen a block heater let alone know how it works.

 

When I get to work, I'll look it up in our service information and see if I can get some details.

[ArcticJ]

Sorry, as a South Floridian, I've never even seen a block heater let alone know how it works. 

 

When I get to work, I'll look it up in our service information and see if I can get some details.

 

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I appreciate you checking GM-Tech...thank you

[GM-Tech]

Sorry, there is very little information on the block heater and nothing specific on the power cord.

[ArcticJ]

Sorry, there is very little information on the block heater and nothing specific on the power cord.

 

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Too bad...in your experience, can you think of any possible explanation why they would limit the use to below 0F?

 

It really can't be a heat issue since the coolant is obviously warmer when the engine is running...I don't get it.

 

Anyway, thank you for checking

[GM-Tech]

Too bad...in your experience, can you think of any possible explanation why they would limit the use to below 0F?

 

It really can't be a heat issue since the coolant is obviously warmer when the engine is running...I don't get it.

 

I don't get it either. Doesn't seem to be very useful if you can only use it below 0 degrees. Are you sure about that? I'll do some more research on this.

[ArcticJ]

Too bad...in your experience, can you think of any possible explanation why they would limit the use to below 0F?

 

It really can't be a heat issue since the coolant is obviously warmer when the engine is running...I don't get it.

 

I don't get it either. Doesn't seem to be very useful if you can only use it below 0 degrees. Are you sure about that? I'll do some more research on this.

 

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Sorry it took so long to get back...I am sure, since I started this thread, another has opened regarding the p/n of a block heater and has taken a turn to the use-less-ness of a block heater that only works when its <0F. It seems with some checking, others are now realizing that Im not imagining this or plugging the plug in the wrong way

Their block heaters are also useless in most winter temperatures in the lower 48

 

I don't get it and I certainly don't understand why it's so hard to have a resource for the dealer listing modifications to vehicles so when something like this comes up, the appropriate person at the dealership can retrieve some factual information instead of looking at you like your speaking a foreign language...cars are not my business...if they were, especially trucks, I would be informed or atleast able (or willing) to seek the answers...ok, im done

 

ill be sharpening my wire cutters while I wait

 

Thank YOU