GrearHead - thanks for the reply. I've been tied up with work the last several days and have yet to figure this out. I did reach out to GDE and they are always extremely helpful. They literally replied to me over the weekend of Thanksgiving and was not expecting a reply till early the following week. How much better customer service can you get than that!!!
Here's what they recommend. Figured I'd add this to my post incase someone else has this same issue:
In doing some more digging, this does not have much to do with the DEF line heater itself but the main power that goes to the DEF system heater control unit.
First you'll want to check F31 in the fuse box assembly that's underhood. It should be a 30A fuse. If it is blown and immediately blows again when you install a new fuse then somewhere the main power line is rubbed thru and shorted to ground.
If the fuse is fine, then you'll want to check for power at the DEF heater control unit. It is located on top of the crossmember that passes under the rear of the cab, the connector has a large orange/red handle that you pull out to disengage from the control unit.
The main power coming in related to this code is at pin 11 per the below:
View attachment 3586
If the fuse is good but there’s no power in the connector then you’ll have to work back thru the harness to find where the power is lost.
You might also check with the dealer, as this kind of stuff should be covered under the AEM warranty extension if yours is still active.