Cold start capability
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Albany NY
Agreed, it is better to plug it in when it is cold. I normally plug mine in at -20C (-5F) or colder because it starts better and warms up faster. But like other I don't always have that option.
Here is a video of mine starting at -35C (-31F) not plugged in. It sat all night. I have odyssey batteries which I am sure helps. But as you can see, it fires right up
Here is a video of mine starting at -35C (-31F) not plugged in. It sat all night. I have odyssey batteries which I am sure helps. But as you can see, it fires right up
Disregard my last post boasting about firing up and running smooth at 4 deg. F
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 161
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Owner's Manual Information
When in doubt, check the owner's manual...
2011 F-250/350/450/550
(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
(pages 266-267)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
(pages 266-267)
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).
For flexible fuel vehicles, if operating with E85 ethanol, an engine block heater must be used if ambient temperature is below 0°F (-18°C).
See
Cold weather starting earlier in this chapter for more information on starting with ethanol.
WARNING: Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for proper and safe operation:
For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.” Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum. Use as short an extension cord as possible.
Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to the outlet without stretching.
Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate extension cords over a period of time.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters. Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good condition before use.
Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order to prevent possible shock or fire.
Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and similar items.
Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has been operating for approximately a half hour.
Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of power per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will not improve system performance and will
unnecessarily use additional electricity.
unnecessarily use additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
------------------------------------------------------------------
While in Michigan for Christmas, I experienced temps below 0 farenheit. I noted that the engine came up to standard operating temps (200 degrees) much quicker than when I hadn't used the block heater. In fact, I was surprised with how quickly it came up to temperature. On one 30 mile trip, it never did come all of the way up to temperature when I didn't use the block heater. You do as you want, I will follow Ford's recommendations in the owner's manual. 
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Using the block heater is fine for anyone driving to a schedule. But if you need to be ready to go when the call comes, leaving the heater plugged in all the time can get expensive. In my neck of the woods it costs about $3.26 per day to have the block heater plugged in. That's $100 per month!
Granted there are some efficiency issues due to the cold, but wear and tear? Maybe. Certainly not enough to be concerned with.
Granted there are some efficiency issues due to the cold, but wear and tear? Maybe. Certainly not enough to be concerned with.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Using the block heater is fine for anyone driving to a schedule. But if you need to be ready to go when the call comes, leaving the heater plugged in all the time can get expensive. In my neck of the woods it costs about $3.26 per day to have the block heater plugged in. That's $100 per month!
Granted there are some efficiency issues due to the cold, but wear and tear? Maybe. Certainly not enough to be concerned with.
Granted there are some efficiency issues due to the cold, but wear and tear? Maybe. Certainly not enough to be concerned with.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
$12 per month would be fine with me, but if you don't know when or if you'll be driving it, then you'd be up the creek like me. The best I can do is use one of those devices that turns the power on below freezing. That's all month here in January and February.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
I plug mine in when it gets into the single digits. Do it before I go to bed so it does stay plugged in more then three hours. On days I have forgotten or when it's today way while I'm working I haven't had any trouble starting but think it's still worth it.
On the other hand, I plug my tractor in at work every night when it's below 20. I can really tell a difference in it when someone else uses it and 'forgets' to plug it in. (Read: lazy asses) It'll turn over slow as all get out, and it'll let you know when the batteries aren't up to snuff.
On the other hand, I plug my tractor in at work every night when it's below 20. I can really tell a difference in it when someone else uses it and 'forgets' to plug it in. (Read: lazy asses) It'll turn over slow as all get out, and it'll let you know when the batteries aren't up to snuff.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: central MN
-24F this morning and the truck started pretty good. The only problem is after a block of driving I got the "low fuel pressure" warning followed by the "reduced engine power". I must have some waxing of the fuel on the filters. I don't know why the diesel in this area on MN would not be able to handle these temps. I did let it warm up for about 20min just in case you were wondering. Looks like I need to put some diesel 911 in her and try to get some heat on the filters. This should be fun with a -50F wind chill!!
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
-24F this morning and the truck started pretty good. The only problem is after a block of driving I got the "low fuel pressure" warning followed by the "reduced engine power". I must have some waxing of the fuel on the filters. I don't know why the diesel in this area on MN would not be able to handle these temps. I did let it warm up for about 20min just in case you were wondering. Looks like I need to put some diesel 911 in her and try to get some heat on the filters. This should be fun with a -50F wind chill!!
Just change the lower filter would be better.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Don't use the 911 stuff unless regular treatment won't work at all. The 911 has alcohol in it which will bond with any water in the system and allow it to pass the water separator. Even a tiny amount of water passing through the HPFP can be disastrous.
If it is running, you should be able to get regular anti-gel to circulate through the system and get things back up to snuff.
If it is running, you should be able to get regular anti-gel to circulate through the system and get things back up to snuff.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 105
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I had my truck plugged in last night as low was to be -3. Woke up to +3, truck started fine, warmed up for about 5 minutes and rolled. about 6 miles into my 10 mile trip to work the drive to clean filter popped up. As I turned into the parking lot the BIG orange wrench showed up in my productivity screen. Dont know what I have to deal with when I go home, temp supposed to drop all day. Guess she will have a trip to the doctor in the very near future. Anybody seen this?
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Rochester
It is -25 degrees F (air temp) w/ -50 degree F wind chill this morning, and I forgot to plug my truck in, but had to be out by 5:30am. Did a remote start and the truck fired right up. Let it run for 15 min or so and drove off (slowly), until things warmed and loosened up a bit. This has been the coldest I've driven my truck. Absolutely no issues while driving this morning...besides it taking forever for the engine temp to raise..and that was with a cold front. Also, I use no additives, just the winter blend diesel.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
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From: Melbourne, Aus
I had my truck plugged in last night as low was to be -3. Woke up to +3, truck started fine, warmed up for about 5 minutes and rolled. about 6 miles into my 10 mile trip to work the drive to clean filter popped up. As I turned into the parking lot the BIG orange wrench showed up in my productivity screen. Dont know what I have to deal with when I go home, temp supposed to drop all day. Guess she will have a trip to the doctor in the very near future. Anybody seen this?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 365
Likes: 2
From: Silverthorne, Colorado
Last week after mine sat in 5 to -15 while constantly plugged in and with a nice coating of road salt and mag chloride on it, it popped a fuel temperature sensor fault DTC. Clearing it once the truck warmed completely and it never came back. Not really concerned. Mag chloride collection does weird things to electronics.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
I had my truck plugged in last night as low was to be -3. Woke up to +3, truck started fine, warmed up for about 5 minutes and rolled. about 6 miles into my 10 mile trip to work the drive to clean filter popped up. As I turned into the parking lot the BIG orange wrench showed up in my productivity screen. Dont know what I have to deal with when I go home, temp supposed to drop all day. Guess she will have a trip to the doctor in the very near future. Anybody seen this?