Block Heaters

[SVOMACH1]

Going to be in the minus mid 40s tomorrow with the wind chill so just curious who would plug their vehicle in? Pros? Cons?

[RedSN]

Absolutely.

When I was in Timmins, I had 2 block heaters in the T-Bird. Had on a timer set for 3 hours before going to work.
The small amount of electricity is offset by the gasoline used to come up to op. temp.

Even here, I plug in if it goes below 20

[Stephen06GT]

What Don said.

[Old Fart]

What Don said as well... Cars start well in -20s but they are plugged when forecast is in the -30s +

[Armen]

I believe I’ve read that block heaters only need to be plugged in for 30 or so minutes prior to start time and that hours before hand doesn’t improve anything further.

[Old Fart]

^^^...unless it's -35, lol

[ZR]

No downside to using the block heater, like Don said, cost is not all that much.

[83 5.0]

Wasn't there a Canadian Package that use to include a block heater on new cars? Have to admit with fuel injection and higher effecient ignitions, very rarely have any of our vehicles failed to start around the GTA or Bancroft.

[ZR]

Just checked the Ram build sheet, block heater = check. ;)

[Intmdtr]

no block heater on my ram...that I have found yet.

[OneQwkStang]

Dodge Grand Caravan gets plugged in when ever its colder than-10. The timer turns on about 4 hours before we leave for the day and its blowing warm air by the time I leave m street.

[Laffs]

no block heater on my ram...that I have found yet.

Pop the hood, look above passenger side headlight, there is a black plastic cover, reach under neath that and you will find the plug to your block heater.

I've been plugging my Ram in the last week or so for three hours in morning before I leave for work. Gets coolant up to 20*C or so in the morning, seems to start smoother and doesnt high idle for first 5 minutes. My commute is so short I figure anything I can do to put some heat in it without idling forever is a good idea. Next week I'm going to try and put a plug like this

https://noco-thenococompany.netdna-ssl.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1440x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/G/C/GCP1-AC-Port-Plug-Charger-Inlet-Extension-Cable-PT01.jpg

https://www.amazon.ca/NOCO-Genius-GCP1-Black-13-Amp/dp/B009ANV81S


In the plastic shroud in the bumper. That way I dont have to choose between opening and closing hood every morning and having my heater cord bounce around while driving

[Screw]

Can I not just plug it in overnight ?

[Old Fart]

^^^That's what I do...just a bit more electrical cost.

[Stephen06GT]

Can I not just plug it in overnight ?

Yes, yes you can.

[OneQwkStang]

Pop the hood, look above passenger side headlight, there is a black plastic cover, reach under neath that and you will find the plug to your block heater.

I've been plugging my Ram in the last week or so for three hours in morning before I leave for work. Gets coolant up to 20*C or so in the morning, seems to start smoother and doesnt high idle for first 5 minutes. My commute is so short I figure anything I can do to put some heat in it without idling forever is a good idea. Next week I'm going to try and put a plug like this

https://noco-thenococompany.netdna-ssl.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1440x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/G/C/GCP1-AC-Port-Plug-Charger-Inlet-Extension-Cable-PT01.jpg

https://www.amazon.ca/NOCO-Genius-GCP1-Black-13-Amp/dp/B009ANV81S


In the plastic shroud in the bumper. That way I dont have to choose between opening and closing hood every morning and having my heater cord bounce around while driving

I like this...

[OneQwkStang]

Pan heaters are much more effective BTW.

Also heat under the hood could attract animals, be aware. I'd give a quick blip to the starter to warn critters to move or could be a messy cleanup.

Block heaters do exactly what they should and work just fine. As for critter and blip the key, you cant blip a key these days on new vehicles. You turn the key they start right away. One less critter to worry about in my eyes.

[OneQwkStang]

Can I not just plug it in overnight ?

Over the holidays my vehicle sat on the block heater 24 hrs a day because we couldn't predict when we would leave the house..worked fine.

[Laffs]

I like this...

Ya I figured its a nice option for a few bucks more, cleaner install and no risk of paint damage from plug flapping.

Thinking I'm going to install it like this on Ram:

http://www.ram1500diesel.com/forum/attachments/ram-1500-diesel-general-discussion/28962d1476038497-pictures-location-block-heater-cord-5456d1424785386-cheap-block-heater-cord-port-plug-2.jpg

[Snaketamer]

Really like my '14 F150 block heater plug...sits behind the licence plate when not in use and easy to get at. Doesn't get full of road salt/slush.
Now, my wife's Accent is the exact opposite. I have it wedged between the hood and the head light so it doesn't swing back and forth scatching the paint or headlight lense. Will definately look into one of those NOCO's.

[Intmdtr]

Pop the hood, look above passenger side headlight, there is a black plastic cover, reach under neath that and you will find the plug to your block heater

Found it thanks.

[Laffs]

Found it thanks.

Glad to help, my Noco arrived today so going to try and get that in tomorrow.