Stupid GM block heater code (temperature sensitive cord end)

Greaser · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

RE: Stupid GM block heater code (temperature sensitive cord end)

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

aeronlearmonth wrote:
Hey,
This was a really great write up. I am going to try this to my 2008 1500 with the 5.3L this weekend.
Do you have to completely start and turn off the truck, restart then drive? Or does simply rolling the key to on then off, then start it and drive away? Or does this not trick the computer enough?

Thanks!
Aeron

I've never tried that, I just start it, turn it off, then restart. A key cycle may work just as well though, I don't know.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Greaser wrote:
Missed this information when it was posted........anyone know what model year this became a GM feature?
Going to be in the market for a used truck early next year......maybe I can avoid this "great" engine heater feature.
I also hate the tire pressure sensor feature,everyone seems to have one that breaks
and then has the check engine light on forever because paying $100. to replace one sensor is just too much.
Some things don't need to be improved.
-G

I think I started seeing them around 2006'ish but I could check the parts books to make sure if you like. You'll spot that silly cord end right away if you are looking at a vehicle though.

aeronlearmonth · Newbie

BAD NEW!

Did this mod to my 2008 Chevy 1500 5.3L. Wired a regular plug end on, plugged it in for 4 hours before starting. Started, turned off, restarted. Drove for around 7 minutes as the temperature gauge raised.

Suddenly temperature gauge went to zero and truck dash indicator read "ENGINE HOT / A.C TURNED OFF". Drove another 2 minutes to work. Turned it off, won't start again. Just sits there and cranks.

Unplugged my battery, waited 5 minutes, hooked back up. started rough but at least started. Seems to be running fine now but haven't driven anywhere yet.

Not sure wen't wrong, but this logic does not seem to apply to the 2008 1500's.

Aeron

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Interesting. I've done this on 2 vehicles and I know a number of other guys who've done it with 100% success. I can't figure out why your's would be different....hmmm.....

But yes, that's exactly how it reacts when it knows you plugged in warmer than -18*. It happened to me one day on our G8 when I forgot to cycle the key and just drove away on the initial start. Got a few minutes down the road, big red "X" on the Driver Information Centre, it said "Contact Dealer" and ran like crap. Same thing, cleared it and everything was fine again... Our daughter had it happen a couple of times too when she forgot to do 2 starts on her car but it's never happened when she did the double start.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Just a thought, next time you try it, start it, drive maybe 100', shut it off and restart, then see if it does it?

aeronlearmonth · Newbie

Will play around with it more on the weekend.. Too save me from being late for work. haha!

unruhjonny · Guru

wow!
This almost makes me glad that I could not have a block heater from the factory on my Cobalt!?

I was told GM cast the block on my car (an earlier direct injection engine) without any provisions for a block heater -the only way to do it, was to buy one of those epoxy-in-lace oil pan heaters, or an inline heater... neither of which I have cared to do.

Just another example of 'big brother' (in this case GM) trying to protect us from ourselves.

Granted you don't need to plug in a vehicle till somewhere below minus twenty, but it sure is nice to have a car start, and it be blowing (even) warm air over ice cold air right out of the gate!