2017 F250 XLT 6.2L GAS
My truck has the block heater, but plugging it in seems to do nothing. The cord it is plugged into has power. I have looked in the manual for a fuse for it, but nothing is listed. Does anyone know if there is a fuse for it? My next step is to trace the cord to the block heater which from other threads, should be at the passenger side freeze plug. My plug-in point is behind driver side bumper, although others say the plug-in cord is on the passenger side. Is it possible that it has a plug/cord for a block heater, but no actual block heater?

 

Not sure where the block heater is on the 6.2. What symptoms are you seeing that make you believe its not working? If you have the cord on the front bumper, then you definately have the heater.

 

Most everyone commenting on the block heater and plug location is referring to a diesel.
I didn't even know you could option one on a gas engine truck from the factory.
There will be no fuse in the fuse block for it, it is not at all connected to the electrical system of the truck, totally independent, and of course uses 110v power.
A block heater is a very simple deal, electricity energizes a simple heating coil, so if it isn't working then there is a break in the circuit or the heating coil is burnt out or corroded out.

 

After having it pugged in for 4 hours, I see no indication on the instrument cluster temp guage that the coolant is warm. Is the guage not able to sense the block heater temperature? Should I physically check the coolant temp elsewhere?

 

On my truck with the 6.7l, I notice only about a 40 degree increase in the ECT as per my Edge CTS3 when using the block heater. it helps, but doesn't make a huge difference.

 

Per AI: How Does Engine Block Heater Work
An engine block heater works by pre-heating the engine to optimal temperatures before you start it. It connects directly to your vehicle’s coolant system and heats the coolant, which then flows through the engine block, warming the engine. This pre-heating ensures that the engine maintains a temperature that promotes efficient starting and operation in cold weather.

The primary function of an engine block heater is to keep the engine oil warm and thin, allowing it to flow more easily when you start the engine. This reduces strain on the engine and helps it start more reliably in cold temperatures. The heater raises the engine’s temperature to about 15-20 degrees Celsius (59-68 degrees Fahrenheit), making starting your engine in chilly winter months as easy as starting it on a warm summer day.

There are different types of engine block heaters, including:

Freeze plug heater: Replaces the existing core plug and heats coolant within the engine.
Dipstick heater: Heats engine oil directly.
Oil pan heating pad: Provides warmth to the oil pan.
In-line coolant heater: Spliced into a coolant hose to heat the coolant as it circulates.
Using an engine block heater not only boosts engine performance and longevity but also aids in environmental protection by ensuring more complete and efficient combustion of fuel, which reduces the release of harmful emissions.

 

Put your hand on the block and it should feel warm... The block heater has no fuse to check...

 

I've had block heaters on both my old 6.2 and current 6.7. Neither after being plugged in registered on the temp guage. iDash on the 6.7 shows the coolant temp at about 60 degrees after 3 hours plugged in during single digit temps. The heater is really meant to prevent coolant freezing, but does help give a bit warmer start temp for a bit faster warmups.

 

Yeah doubtful you would see any movement in the temp gauge needle, block heater doesn't raise the temp that much.

 

Thanks to all that replied. All good information. I followed the cord to the block heater where it enters the block (mine apparently uses the driver side freeze plug) and it is definitely warm, almost too hot to hold on to. That confirms that although it is working, the dash temp guage doesn't pick up the little bit that it warms the coolant and oil.

 

As soon as you start the truck, you should see gauge move pretty quick, as soon as the coolant circulates to the sensor.

 

Keep an eye on your next electric bill, the increase will show you its working lol,......... j/k. Glad you got it figured out.

 

I was going to ask if you had the dealership do the "fix" on it. Meaning they cut the cord. lol. I see you figured it out.

 

All new new vehicles sold in Alaska have to come Standard with an engine block heater at no charge on the window sticker. That includes a Honda Civic or a Super Duty with a 7.3L.

 

FWIW - I enabled my IC to display the water and transmission temps in degrees with FORSCAN a long time ago. This allows me to share the following info:

I plugged the block heater in this past Wednesday afternoon and left it connected. Yesterday evening the wife and I went to dinner. When I started the truck, the water temp was 106°F, according to the IC. The analog part of the gauge was still all the way down. A few seconds after starting, the water pump obviously circulated the water in the engine, so the temp dropped on the display to 98°F. It stayed there for a minute or two and then began climbing as we drove to town. The outside temps have been between 17°F - 26°F for the past week or so, so the block heater is certainly capable of some serious wattage.

Obviously, the truck starts instantly (no glow plug warm-up) and the transmission warms up much more quickly as well. Typing this got my curiosity up, so I read the Owner's Manual.

From my Owner's Manual:

"The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. The system does not have a thermostat. It achieves maximum temperature after approximately three hours of operation. Using the heater longer than three hours does not improve system performance and unnecessarily uses electricity."

Reading that, it looks like I had it plugged in way too long for any benefit. Good to know.

RTFM, right? Story of my life - read it AFTER using whatever the item is.