QuestionIs there any way to contact GM?
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Followup To
Question -
I installed a block heater in a brand new 2005 Chevrolet Express cargo van with V6, 4.3L. Block heater cord from GM has a thermostat in its plug that turns heater on only as it get to 0ºF or lower. I cut that plug off and connected a regular plug. Now as I use heater my check gages light comes on in a few minutes after I start the engine and temperature gage stops working. Check engine comes on as well, but not always. I learn that this is DTC P0116. I found DTC P0116 description, not to say its clear, but it sounds as it happens as intake air temperature and coolant temperature are not in correspondence. Any idea how to make it work? (not to get this lights on using block heater in temperatures above 0ºF).
Answer -
My reference sources list the following: P0116 - Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Performance.
The short answer is that the computer on your vehicle is seeing the coolant temperature sensor too warm when the rest of the engine is cold.
Perhaps GM will determine that there is a problem and issue a service bulletin to reprogram the computer to ignore the coolant sensor during cold starts.
Other than that, I cannot offer you any solution to the problem.
AnswerThe first step is to try the service adviser or service manager at a dealer. Describe your problem and ask if there have been any TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) released about it.
If you get a look like you have just arrived from Mars, contact the GM zone office for your area. The contact information should be in the owner's manual for your vehicle or the dealer will have it.
I am sure that there is a national level GM office, but you need to try the zone office first.
