COOLANT HEATER PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A coolant heating system includes: a coolant heater including: a housing including: an inlet configured to receive coolant; and an outlet configured to output coolant; an electrically resistive heating element that is disposed within the housing and that is configured to generate heat when power is applied to the heating element; and a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of coolant within the housing; and a heater control module configured to: receive the temperature from the temperature sensor; selectively control application of power to the heating element based on maintaining the temperature at or above a predetermined temperature; selectively detect the presence of a condition based on the temperature; and when the presence of the condition is detected, disconnect the heating element from power.