Cold Weather Starting
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Annapolis, Maryland
Cold Weather Starting
As the temp here in MD approaches freezing I have begun to plug my truck in overnight. I use a 1000W timer which gives power to the block heater for about 4 hours before starting.
My questions:
1. Do the heating elements heat up even when the block heater has been on?
2. Is there a way to test the block heater/heater cord to be certain they are working properly?
3. My 5 year old stock batteries clearly don't have the umph they used to. If the block heater is working properly, any suggestions on replacements?
Thanks!
My questions:
1. Do the heating elements heat up even when the block heater has been on?
2. Is there a way to test the block heater/heater cord to be certain they are working properly?
3. My 5 year old stock batteries clearly don't have the umph they used to. If the block heater is working properly, any suggestions on replacements?
Thanks!
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 719
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From: Annapolis, Md
I have noticed that as the weather is getting colder, the batteries in my truck just don't want to turn her over in the morning. I have been lucky, and she has started every time so far, but I think I am in for a new pair of batteries real soon.
I have not tried plugging the truck in over night yet, but I will try that soon and see if it makes a difference.
To answer your questions, One, I believe the grid heaters are controled by the IAT sensor. Not the coolant sensor.
Two, I have heard that the block heater will actaully make some noise when it is running. I would listen for that noise and see if it is there.
As for Batteries, I am looking at a pair of Optima Yellow tops. I have had great luck with them in my other trucks.
I have not tried plugging the truck in over night yet, but I will try that soon and see if it makes a difference.
To answer your questions, One, I believe the grid heaters are controled by the IAT sensor. Not the coolant sensor.
Two, I have heard that the block heater will actaully make some noise when it is running. I would listen for that noise and see if it is there.
As for Batteries, I am looking at a pair of Optima Yellow tops. I have had great luck with them in my other trucks.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Stillwater, OK
As the temp here in MD approaches freezing I have begun to plug my truck in overnight. I use a 1000W timer which gives power to the block heater for about 4 hours before starting.
My questions:
1. Do the heating elements heat up even when the block heater has been on?
NO. It can't. It would drain your batteries in minutes. Too much current draw.
2. Is there a way to test the block heater/heater cord to be certain they are working properly?
If you go out in a cold morning and your "wait to start light" doesn't just click on and then back off, it don't work! It should not have to wait more than a second if it is working properly.
3. My 5 year old stock batteries clearly don't have the umph they used to. If the block heater is working properly, any suggestions on replacements?
I use a pair of NAPA spiral cells. They are made for NAPA by Exide. They are 7 or 8 year batteries and the crank speed isn't even comparable to regular water filled batteries. And they can't leak, the filling is a gel type junk. They are expensive, but they are the way to go in my opinion.
My questions:
1. Do the heating elements heat up even when the block heater has been on?
NO. It can't. It would drain your batteries in minutes. Too much current draw.
2. Is there a way to test the block heater/heater cord to be certain they are working properly?
If you go out in a cold morning and your "wait to start light" doesn't just click on and then back off, it don't work! It should not have to wait more than a second if it is working properly.
3. My 5 year old stock batteries clearly don't have the umph they used to. If the block heater is working properly, any suggestions on replacements?
I use a pair of NAPA spiral cells. They are made for NAPA by Exide. They are 7 or 8 year batteries and the crank speed isn't even comparable to regular water filled batteries. And they can't leak, the filling is a gel type junk. They are expensive, but they are the way to go in my opinion.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 968
Likes: 1
From: Irricana, Alberta, Canada
I plug mine in when it is expected to drop below -20*c and it is on a timer as well to come 3 hrs before i leave.You can usaully hear the block heater come on, it sounds like a kettle boiling.
The grid heaters are controlled by the PCM, they will come on if the IAT senses a temp below 60*f.The heaters will both come on for startup,@ 90A each,and once the truck is running they will alternate back and forth for up to 3 minutes or you reach 20 mph.
Good batteries are a must for good cold weather starting, i just replaced mine.I also just put on a new set of grid heater relays as the old ones weren't letting enough current flow to the heaters and it was hard to start.
The grid heaters are controlled by the PCM, they will come on if the IAT senses a temp below 60*f.The heaters will both come on for startup,@ 90A each,and once the truck is running they will alternate back and forth for up to 3 minutes or you reach 20 mph.
Good batteries are a must for good cold weather starting, i just replaced mine.I also just put on a new set of grid heater relays as the old ones weren't letting enough current flow to the heaters and it was hard to start.
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