Hey Guys, Noticed a couple of days ago that the cord on my block heater was rather warm when I unplugged in the AM. Today the cord was cold when I unplugged and I'm thinkin' the heater died:( as the plug had juice. It's a 2002 and I use the heater alot during the winter. My question to you guys is, Are they hard to change? Location? Approx cost? or should I send her to my friendly stealer? Thanks in advance.

MY 04 D/A LB7 started to pop my garage ground fault breaker, I assumed it was the cord so I changed it (took me about 45min. total) I took the r/f inner wheel well off makes it real easy on my lower back (I'm used to taking this off because of past fuel filter changes) it's necessary to cut the tape off of the plastic convulted tubing and a 10mm bolt which secures it to the frame. Replacemnet cord had to be ordered took 1 day to get at a price of $18.00 if memory serves me correctly.

Breaker still popping, I can't believe the block heater itself is now causing the breaker to trip, I would think if it went bad it would just cause an open circuit (if the element burn't out) but maybe there is some kind of intenal short at one of the 3 terminals on the heater?
I've tried other H.D. extension cords and outlets, no luck. I hope this may be covered under warranty (truck was bought new 12/04, I currently have 12,500 miles on it) hate to jump on your thread but anyone else have this type of scenario before??

Thanks

I've had mine replaced 3 times for the same reason, and it's covered under warranty. Mine have been due to coolant seepage from the block thru the unit and into the pins (terminal). Twice, the cord has melted off at the terminal, due to scorched pins, and once an internal short of the unit itself. Check the cord at the block and you will probably find the end hanging there melted off. I tried different outlets, block heater cords etc... to eliminate the possibilty of a defect on the power side, but it looks like I have a knack of inheriting defective block heaters. Hopefully this one lasts longer than 1 year. The last one was replaced under my extended warranty.
Just an FYI for you, the dealer has to drain some of the coolant to install the new unit, so they cut me a deal on a full coolant flush. I paid for part of the coolant and they covered the labour and coolant they drained for the install under warranty. It cost me something like $15.00 for a complete coolant flush.

Thanks guys,
I am doing a oil change this weekend and will put in a new AC Delco fuel filter ( thanks Eric ). Like you Chalie, I will take off the inner fender and take a "look see" to check if the cord is still there. I'll keep you posted.

Check the cord with your multimeter to see if it is open. If it is then check the element next. Block heaters are a low tech item. I don't know why so many are going bad. Sounds like loose connections. Later! Frank

Gunnrunner, The same thing happened to my block heater. The cord was always warm in morning when unplugging the block heater. Usually I could hear it start heating when I plugged in the cord. but one night it didn't make any sound. I am in process of replacing the block heater.

I think my block is also not working. One morning the extension cord looked like it had melted a little. The cord has a light to let you know there is power to the cord. Back to the plug melting...it is plugged into a GFI. I am going to check it with a multi-meter.

I guess I can kill three birds when she goes into the shop, block heater, tailgate straps, and brakes.

I posted my concerns earlier, I'm calling my dealer first thing Mon. to see if it's covered under warranty. I'll post how I make out, I was a flat rate tech (years ago) at a G.M. dealership (unitl my lower back gave way) I really hope this GMC dealership doesn't try and give me the run around (first time dealing with them for service work) they are so close to my home, it would be a real drag to get into the high $$ thing. I'm lucky I used my heater 8-10 times since buying it new late last winter.


Thanks