lukassmith25
Silverado diesel PTC heater problem
Summary of the thread
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado diesel experienced poor cold starts, an error code for the heater circuit, and increased fuel consumption, indicating a potential issue with the PTC heater. The problem was confirmed by a professional diagnosis, revealing a defective electric auxiliary heater. Replacing the PTC heater resolved the issues, improving cold starts and fuel efficiency.
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4 comment(s)
lukassmith25 (community.author)
Thanks! When you say check the heating element's resistance, do you mean the auxiliary heater element itself? If so, where would I find the connector to test this resistance? I want to be sure I'm testing the right thing.
rudolf_fischer6
Yes, I meant the auxiliary heater element itself. On my BMW, it was hard to get to, near the blower motor. Since it's a PTC heater, it should be between the main heater core and the ventilation system. Honestly, with the error code and symptoms, it might be easier to take it to a shop. My problem cost me around 250€ to diagnose and fix (glow plugs and labor), so it might be worth getting a professional opinion before you start tearing things apart.
lukassmith25 (community.author)
Understood. I took the Silverado to a shop, as you suggested. The electric auxiliary heater was defective, as suspected. The repair cost, including parts and labor, was 350€. Replacing the PTC heater fixed everything. Thanks again!
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CHEVROLET
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SILVERADO
rudolf_fischer6
Sounds familiar! I had a similar problem with my older BMW 3 Series – different brand, same headache. Cold starts were rough, and the fuel consumption went up noticeably, especially in winter. It wasn't a PTC heater issue (it was the glow plugs), but the symptoms sound really similar. Did you check the heating element's resistance? An open circuit would definitely throw a code and mess with the engine's cold start strategy.