So I plugged in my block heater last night and when I start the truck this am it was obvious that it didn't work. This is the first winter I have had the truck so I have no history on the block heater. It's a 96 with 95k on the odometer. So here are my questions. What should I check first? Is there a fuse? Where is the heater located? Is it difficult to change? Luckily this truck will start no problem in the cold but it would be nice to have a little heat when I leave early in the AM.

 

If you use the "search" option then "advanced search" look for "block heater" you'll come up with hundreds of threads that'll answer all your questions and more.

 

And after your research, you can get under the truck on the driver's side of the block above the oil filter and look.... Just follow the cord.

90% of the time, the element is good and the cord is bad. You could try replacing the plug and save some $$.

Word of caution, if you replace the heater, drain your coolant first.

 

Guess I'm too dumb to figure it out. Of the hundreds of threads that it listed I did not see any in the 94-97 diesel section that answered my question. Definitely hundreds of threads listed though.

 

The search function is pretty lame on a mobile device

 

"Exit mobil view"... or "View full site" You arent forced to use the mobil app..

 

I never was in the Mobil view. I am at work and was just hoping for some quick answers. Thanks for any valuable info. I'll just diagnose it this weekend.

 

Just replaced the plug on mine because one of the wires was broken at the end. Yours, like mine, is probably broken at the end by the plug. Just ohm out each wire to tell if it is good. Mine was. Replace the plug and your good to go. By the plug at one home the home stores.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...997-7-3-a.html


how to fix block heater cord video

 

The plug gets dragged on the ground and like said above, probably just replace the plug and your good to go.

 

This is the cord I purchased some time ago. You can also get a cover for it as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Kats-28216-He...F4Z0ND7YNQ0JKP

 

I put a 15 amp timer on mine and just have it come on a couple of hrs before I leave the house.


Saves a ton of money on the electric bill. I think most pull around 9 -10 amps 1100-1200 watts. Most indoor home timers will carry the load.


I always said if I ever got to where I could help a new guy, I would never tell them to hit the search function if the answer was not as long as a novel.

 

https://no.co/gcp1


Mount the plug with above seems to be a good idea

 

I have in my notes that between the flat pins on the electrical plug you need 13 to 15 ohms. If that checks as open, you should unplug the cord from the element where it goes into the block and ohm the pins there to see if you element is still good.

Kevin