[Tom S.]

As most people here know, if you use the engine block heater in above zero temps, you are likely to get one or more service codes.

Does anyone know if there is a "fix" for this? It would be nice if GM could reprogram the truck so it wouldn't do this.

 

[Dmaxpower2]

There is a service bulletin #06-06-04-027. The bulletin mentions making sure you have the latest ECM calibrations. Also there are two different warmer cords available. Like you said, don't use the engine heater or rad blanket above 0F.

 

[coldLBZ]

I got codes PO116, PO181, PO700, the trans wouldn't shift until 2300 RPM, and I lost cruise control. I got the GM reflash, but I still got codes PO181, and PO700, this happened once. Now I try not to plug my truck in above -10C.

 

[WilliamBos]

I got codes PO116, PO181, PO700, the trans wouldn't shift until 2300 RPM, and I lost cruise control. I got the GM reflash, but I still got codes PO181, and PO700, this happened once. Now I try not to plug my truck in above -10C.

So did you get any codes at or below -10c? ( -18c = 0f for the imperial minded.) So they obviously start just fine.

 

[MGlickLBZ]

The dealers will give your truck the reflash and possibly install a new block heater cord that has a thermostat in it that won't allow it to turn on until 0 degrees F or colder.

 

[NH6.6]

I had my truck pluged in from the 25th to 27th and I don't think other than the 25th it was below 0 temps were in the low teens and I drove the truck each day and had no trouble.

 

[billaustin]

As most people here know, if you use the engine block heater in above zero temps, you are likely to get one or more service codes.

Does anyone know if there is a "fix" for this? It would be nice if GM could reprogram the truck so it wouldn't do this.

If you want to use your block heater above zero, you need to plug it in for a minimum of 3 hours to not set the codes. Usually, 4 or more is better, especially if it is below freezing.

The only time I had a problem was the day the heater was only plugged in for an hour. I bought a code reader on my way home and cleared it myself. Other than that, I have used it a lot this winter with no problem.

The current fix from GM is to install a new heater cord that has a thermostat on it. This prevents the block heater from coming on until it gets below zero.

I like to use my heater my it gets below 40. This provides instant heat in the cab, and stops the high idle and high rpm shifting. I also believe it is better for the engine to start out warm.

 

[tuney443]

If you want to use your block heater above zero, you need to plug it in for a minimum of 3 hours to not set the codes. Usually, 4 or more is better, especially if it is below freezing.

The only time I had a problem was the day the heater was only plugged in for an hour. I bought a code reader on my way home and cleared it myself. Other than that, I have used it a lot this winter with no problem.

The current fix from GM is to install a new heater cord that has a thermostat on it. This prevents the block heater from coming on until it gets below zero.

I like to use my heater my it gets below 40. This provides instant heat in the cab, and stops the high idle and high rpm shifting. I also believe it is better for the engine to start out warm.

x2--what I've been saying forever.

 

[ibfarmerduramax]

The only time I had a problem was the day the heater was only plugged in for an hour. I bought a code reader on my way home and cleared it myself. Other than that, I have used it a lot this winter with no problem.

Where did you by the code clearer?

 

[billaustin]

Where did you by the code clearer?

I got it at Checker Auto. Seems to be a pretty decent unit, for the money. You can plug it into the PC with a USB cable and run a report of the codes retrieved (have to do it before you clear them). You can also dowload updates to the firmware inside the reader.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3389&mfrcode=EQU&mfrpartnumber=3100C

 

[ibfarmerduramax]

Thanks billaustin I will have to pick up one.

 

[speeddrive1]

I wonder if you were to unplug the block heater for five or ten minutes before you start your truck if that would make a difference?

 

[billaustin]

I wonder if you were to unplug the block heater for five or ten minutes before you start your truck if that would make a difference?

As I understand it, the problem stems from uneven temperatures throughout the block. The various sensors read the wide variances and the computer thinks something is very wrong. On my truck, if I have it plugged in for four hours, the temp gauge at startup reads almost 170.

 

[ibfarmerduramax]

As I understand it, the problem stems from uneven temperatures throughout the block. The various sensors read the wide variances and the computer thinks something is very wrong. On my truck, if I have it plugged in for four hours, the temp gauge at startup reads almost 170.

I dont understand why I keep hearing this reason. To me it doesnt make sense. If the problem is that there is a big difference between in tempatures when plugged up, then the colder it is the more problems there would be with false readings, right? Just wondering. I may be misreading all these statements though.

 

[billaustin]

I dont understand why I keep hearing this reason. To me it doesnt make sense. If the problem is that there is a big difference between in tempatures when plugged up, then the colder it is the more problems there would be with false readings, right? Just wondering. I may be misreading all these statements though.

The problem comes from how the heater works, and the many sensors the computer needs to regulate the engine and exhaust. The stricter emission standards compounds the problem, and GM's programming changes to comply has left a glitch in the system.

Think about how hot that heater element has to get to warm the engine block up to 170 when it is less than 40 outside. If you plug it in for a short time, the area right around the heater will be very warm, but the rest of the block will be cold.

AFAIK, the '06 LBZ's are the only ones affected by this problem. GM is probably working on a fix. However, it could be that they have decided they can't (or won't) fix it, and will stick with their current 'solution' to the problem.

 

[Ricoch3T]

I see yall have been plugging them in for less that 4 hours. I read in the manual somewhere (I think I was looking for where the plug was) that GM suggest plugging the heater in for AT LEAST 4 hours.

I had planned on using mine b/c it takes almost a good 15mins before I can get warm in my truck. I've read all the trouble in here and have been scared to try it.

My plan tho was to buy a cheapo timer and plug an extension cord into it... I get up at 7 so I figured get it to come on about 3 to 330am should be plenty of time.

 

[ruffneckred]

Hmmmm, just found this thread, my ride has has zero issues, but I can't recall being less than 4 hours, lots of times plugged in for days and at warmer temps too.... I like keeping my baby warm

 

[Walstib52]

Block Heater

I use mine almost any time it's below freezing. Plug it in before bed. Never had a problem. Never tried a short term plug in - figured it wouldn't have enough time to have much of an effect.

 

[dmax3500]

I ''NEVER'' plugged in my 2006lbz,

it was -17 to -21 a few times,

they make a new thing called a ''COAT'' that you put on in the winter,,

all I ever do is put the grille cover on if its going to be 0 or below,if im towing or its going above 25-32 I leave the cover off ,as it wrecks the clutch fan after a while,,

the only guy here that might need the heater plugged in is the guy in canada

 

[ruffneckred]

I'm in north Dakota so canadien temps are not so far away. I run the winter front pretty much all winter. Only the upper as the lower seemed to shrink after the first season. I will see maybe 192-195 pulling a hill at 40 degrees F. But I am not pulling trailers at all.