I'm thinking I might need a block heater for this winter. We do have mornings where it gets in the teens and sometimes a little colder. I got my truck from Florida so it was not an issue there. I'm completely clueless on the block heaters, where do I start?

Thanks!

 

Look by the oil filter. there should be an orange electrical cord attached to the oil cooler header. Follow it until you find the plug. I'll try to find a pict for you.

 

Look just above the oil filter that's where the heater is installed.If it is there follow wires to connector to plug in.Try it and see if it gets warm.If it's not there you know where to put it.Good luck.

 

Thanks, so all I do is plug that in? A pic would be helpful--thanks again!

 

He may not have a block heater. It was an option in 1997.

 

Here's a pict from TJ:

 

found it, here it is after routing it through my grill. Can I just leave it like that or should I zip tie it up somewhere?

 

I just tuck my behind the grill when not in use. never goes any where.

 

i stuck mine out of the bumper cooling slats, its out of the way in there and looks nicer, and is easier to get your hand in to pull out

 

At what outside temp should I be plugging it in? Just plug into regular extension cord from a 110?

 

Use a good 12 or 14 gage extension cord. The shorter the better. Temps depend on how well your truck starts in the those temp. if it starts good don't plug it in. starts hard or you want heat in the cab faster plug it in. I use a heavy duty outdoor timer to run mine when I use it. Set it for 2 or 3 hours before you leave for work and that way your not spending extra on electric. though the block heater really doesn't cost much to run but it adds up.

 

That cord can be replaced on that heater, if it goes bad. Flapping on the bumper
will start to bust the wires inside the insulation.
Pull the clip off the heater end, that keeps it on the heater. Do a continuity check
on the cord, before you take it out of the truck.
They are about $35 bucks at Autozone, or $75 bucks at Ford.