Block heater tripping breaker on outlet

hunter0781 · **Joined:** Sat Dec 31, 2011 9:23 pm **Posts:** 29

Morning Gentleman...

This is the first time I've had issues with my block heater on my CRD. When I plug it in it trips the outlet and I can hear a click inside the engine compartment.

-I've checked the extension cord and outlet with a few other devices and can't find anything wrong with either.
-I checked the Fuel heater fuse (#11, 20 AMP) under the hood and it's fine.

Anyone else experience the same problem? Anything else I should check?

I work outside and off the grid so this is kind of a must for my libby in this current northeastern weather. I've been using it for the past 2 months without a problem.

As always, thanks for your help!

Cheers, Andy

jws84_02 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 14, 2015 9:51 am

Not sure when you say you checked the extension cord, do you mean the actual block heater cord? Those will and have gone bad

hunter0781 · **Joined:** Sat Dec 31, 2011 9:23 pm **Posts:** 29

Plugged it inside and didn't have a problem. Tested it again outside and it worked. Either the outlet can just barley handle the wattage or there's something wrong with it. Also read somewhere that road salt can work it's way into the plug and cause a ground fault. Might change the plug.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sat Feb 14, 2015 10:28 am

Could be a variety of things. Past chat indicates the block heater draws 400w at 3.3amps which isn't much. However:
1. other stuff on the same circuit can cause issue - example running a microwave on the same circuit.
2. wall plugs can go bad and I've seen circuit breakers go bad
3. cord to the heater has 3 wires inside a rubber outer layer. I've seen some heater cords in pretty sad shape which might cause an intermittent ground fault.
4. could just be random chance.

DOC4444 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 14, 2015 3:09 pm

The block heater cords typically fail right at the plug where the cord goes into it. You can check the health of the block heater with an ohmmeter. (It should be about 34.)

I would also use another extension cord to eliminate that variable.

DOC

flman · **Posted:** Sat Feb 14, 2015 6:11 pm

Hearing a click under the hood followed by a breaker tripping is most likely the heater cord shorting out.

Hexus · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2015 2:03 pm

My cord was bad, had the same thing happening on my GFCI plugs in the garage. Changed the cord = problem solved.

You can do it in your drive pretty easily in about 15 minutes.

hunter0781 · **Joined:** Sat Dec 31, 2011 9:23 pm **Posts:** 29

Thanks everyone. What's involved in replacing the cord? Anyone have a part number? Appreciate it!

cevans · **Joined:** Wed Aug 24, 2005 12:48 pm **Posts:** 278

You can get the OE for about $40, but this aftermarket one works just as well :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Kats-28500-Gauge- ... eater+cord

papaindigo · **Posted:** Mon Feb 16, 2015 2:06 pm

Pic of plug end is in engine pic post on CRD tech site. Hardest part is feeding new wire otherwise just unplug/plug in new at bottom end

Block heater tripping breaker on outlet

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