2007 3500 6.0 Says Overheating, Dealer Blames Block Heater?

[gb540]

2007 Silverado 3500, dually cab/chassis, 6.0 gas, 6-speed auto.

 

Was towed in to dealer on driver's complaint of a non-functioning temp gauge (stayed at zero), and the message center saying "Engine hot, AC turned off". Truck showed no signs of overheating, was towed as a precaution.

 

Dealer is saying this was caused by the engine block heater. Apparently the routing of the heater cord is causing interference with the PCM (huh?!?). Dealer said GM is aware of this problem, and is "working on a solution". Dealer advised not to use block heater until GM issues a service bulletin or something.

 

Has anyone else heard of this?? We've used frost plug / block heaters for many years with no problems like this. Are the new Silverado brains more sensitive than usual, or do I have a fast-talking dealer shop?

 

With deep-subzero mornings coming up, I'd hate to be without the heaters.

 

Thanks in advance!

[BlackSilver]

!?!?!?!?!?

 

It sounds so "off the wall" it couldn't be "made up"!

 

Let us know!

[lsufan]

I have a 2005 2500hd 6.0 and have had almost the same thing happen to me twice. All that happened was my check engine light was on and the temp gauge read zero. Dealer said it was the block heater and not to plug in if the temp was above 10 degrees. The tech said the block heater puts off too much heat and it trips a sensor or something causing the check engine light to come on. I had my block heater on a timer to turn on 2 hours before I took off to work so it did not stay on during the night. Since then I have only used the block heater if I knew the temp was going to be below 10 degrees and have not had any more problems. If I remember I will see if they have a part# listed on the service report.