Heater Grid: disconnecting it, (benefits?)

[GSP7]

I wondered how long the grid heater stays on. Is it just timer timed or is it thermostatically controlled some how?

Edited December 2, 2017 by GSP7

[Mopar1973Man]

Timer based on both battery temperature and IAT temperature. So it possible to get grid heaters after starting even though the coolant is greater than 190F and IAT is greater than 60F. Battery temperature can and will impact grid heater usage.

Edited December 2, 2017 by Mopar1973Man

[dripley]

I plugged mine in last winter on a timer and had come on about an hour before departure time.That was enough to get the coolant temp up to 70 - 80*. Never did forget to unplug it though.

[JAG1]

I don't think I will ever forget to unplug ever again.

 

 if you have a marginal alternator that has to help power the grid heaters and recharge the batteries after using them,  does that send higher AC ripple thru the ECM/ PCM?

Edited December 3, 2017 by JAG1

[jlbayes]

Some of us do not have a place to plug their trucks in....I live in an apartment complex. No outlets and I will not run a cord out to the truck. Too many characters living around here to give them an opportunity. 

[Mopar1973Man]

The whole idea of plugging is overhyped... So everyone is plugging in there trucks while at home. Then drive to work and most don't get the privilege of plugging in at work. Then go to places like ski resorts where the parking lot is filled will vehicles sitting all day or longer without being plugged in.  Like last year I was working with a local gent to move cows and hay for the winter. Several times my truck was left behind in a pasture in minus weather for hours while we ran other equipment or vehicles. Again no place to plug in. After realizing this I gave up plugging in all together. No matter my cord for my block heater is also damaged and no longer functional. I still love driving past the logging company lot and seeing guys firing up logging trucks with minus weather and never see a block heater.