Short out when plugged in

Discussion in 'Volvo Forum' started by North D Daddy, Jan 11, 2015.

  1. North D Daddy

    North D Daddy Bobtail Member

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    Jan 11, 2015
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    I have a Volvo D12 2007, and when I plug the extension cord into my engine heater, it shorts out the cord. Ive tried different cords and different electrical supplies - that leaves the truck itself - any suggestions as to what is causing this to short out? I've had to leave the truck running on low idle since I was not able to plug the engine heater in.
     
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  3. crzyjarmans

    crzyjarmans Road Train Member

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    Has it ever worked? Have you had any work done to the truck? Possibly some wires got crossed, chase the wires down see if there any corrosion
     
  4. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    You say it shorts out, do you mean it blows a breaker in the AC power? If so, have you tried using a different outlet? You could have a bad breaker, or your breaker may not be high enough amperage for that heater.
     
  5. crzyjarmans

    crzyjarmans Road Train Member

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    He did say he tried different electrical supplies, which leads me to think he might have some corrosion problem, where the wires are touching, then when he plugs into, ZAP!!
     
    Big Don Thanks this.
  6. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Oh for hell's sake! I guess my reading comprehension has followed the rest of my mind. Somehow, I didn't key in to that.:biggrin_25513:
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  7. Ringo1

    Ringo1 Light Load Member

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    Sounds like a bad cord. Remember most block heaters have a cord that can be replaced. Trace your cord to the heater itself and it should have a threaded nut that holds the plug in place. Once you remove your cord, check the overall condition for corrosion and you should be able to buy a cord from most truck parts store.
     
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  8. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    If you have a multi-meter, test the prongs on the truck heater input for resistance.

    My GUESS is that the breaker is tripping out with a dead short on the 120V hot wire.

    I nervously plugged mine in for the first time on Friday . . . 120V and 12V and plugs and prongs give me the heebie jeebies.
     
    Ringo1 Thanks this.
  9. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    Could be anything from the cord insulation being rubbed through somewhere between the truck plug and the heater itself, to the heater element itself being internally shorted. If you're not familiar with electrical troubleshooting, take it to a professional. The time you spend chasing it down will be more expensive than the cash that you spend to get the problem fixed.
     
  10. North D Daddy

    North D Daddy Bobtail Member

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    Yes it has worked in the past - did have some work done to trailer lights and washed the truck.
     
  11. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    I have a Detroit and I replaced the whole heater. Comes with a cord and everything. Just screws in. It was pretty cheap too.
     
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