Block Heater Not working?
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Block Heater Not working?
Hi All,
So I had the need to use my block heater (factory installed on a 2003 Explorer) last night (-17F). However, I think it didn't work.
According to the manual, it needs at least 3 hours, and it is acceptable to leave it plugged in all night. Anyway, I left it plugged in all night (~7 hours).
When I got up this morning, I turned on the ignition (but did not start the engine), and the temperature gauge didn't even budge. Unfortunately, I was silly enough to not actually start the engine then to test further, as I assumed something was wrong.
Also, I know there was power, as I tested the extension cord I used.
I've never used an engine block heater, so I really don't know what to expect. Do I have a faulty engine block heater, or was I wrong to assume it did nothing given my "test"?
Thanks,
MilesTeg
So I had the need to use my block heater (factory installed on a 2003 Explorer) last night (-17F). However, I think it didn't work.
According to the manual, it needs at least 3 hours, and it is acceptable to leave it plugged in all night. Anyway, I left it plugged in all night (~7 hours).
When I got up this morning, I turned on the ignition (but did not start the engine), and the temperature gauge didn't even budge. Unfortunately, I was silly enough to not actually start the engine then to test further, as I assumed something was wrong.
Also, I know there was power, as I tested the extension cord I used.
I've never used an engine block heater, so I really don't know what to expect. Do I have a faulty engine block heater, or was I wrong to assume it did nothing given my "test"?
Thanks,
MilesTeg
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: MT
The best way to test a block heater is to check if it is drawing any amps when plugged in..You will need a clamp on amp meter to do this though..And you can't just put the clamp over the whole cord, must go on either the neutral or hot side only..You can strip away the insulation on an old ext. cord or buy an adaptor that goes on between ext. cord and block heater plug in..Or you maybe able to feel for heat around the heater after the heater has been plugged in for a while..If you can get to it..
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
I just found my block heater, tested it last night...It did not seem to work, so I warmed the truck up then I cleaned off the plug to the block heater and plugged it in, you can hear it circulate if its working, checked it this am...all is warm
try cleaning you plug on the heater...it helped me
try cleaning you plug on the heater...it helped me
