Engine block heater cover

[ibisboy1]

I have a 2025 Yukon Denali. This is my first diesel and it is dropping below zero. I wanted to plug it in tonight, but, having issues removing the engine heater cover. I tried prying from the top with a flat blade screwdriver that was taped. Didn't moved. Also tried a plastic pry tool from the top and side. At this point I am causing some minor damage to the cover and to the surrounding trim, so, I have given up. Design seems very poor in that it is designed to pry the cover from the top (where there really is no room). I saw a vid with a guy using a paperclip from the side, but, that seems like its not a great idea given it is metal on plastic. At this point, I am honestly considering just drilling a hole in the plate to get it out and then replacing the cover. Seems like this would be the least destructive approach. I can't see it dropping below 0 here more than a handful of times a winter so, I would end up doing this a few times. Let me know if there are any better ideas or if others have taken this approach.

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

I have a 2025 Yukon Denali. This is my first diesel and it is dropping below zero. I wanted to plug it in tonight, but, having issues removing the engine heater cover. I tried prying from the top with a flat blade screwdriver that was taped. Didn't moved. Also tried a plastic pry tool from the top and side. At this point I am causing some minor damage to the cover and to the surrounding trim, so, I have given up. Design seems very poor in that it is designed to pry the cover from the top (where there really is no room). I saw a vid with a guy using a paperclip from the side, but, that seems like its not a great idea given it is metal on plastic. At this point, I am honestly considering just drilling a hole in the plate to get it out and then replacing the cover. Seems like this would be the least destructive approach. I can't see it dropping below 0 here more than a handful of times a winter so, I would end up doing this a few times. Let me know if there are any better ideas or if others have taken this approach.

I have a 2024 Tahoe Premier (non diesel) - and the rear cover in the painted bumper cover for the spare tire access is also very difficult to open.

I don’t know why GM makes the cover so difficult to open to access a feature that can be critical?

Is there any way you reach behind the cover and push it open?

 

[Tahoe14]

Run it by the Dealer and ask the tech.