I'd like to plug in my block heater (we didn't see temperatures above freezing for more than two weeks recently), but I can't find the plug end! Heater's there, where it's supposed to be, but I've never needed it (lived in TX, now CO) until now. Is there a standard location where they hide the plug end?

 

The plug is tucked behind the driver side tow hook. You'll have to poke around to find it, but it is there behind the bumper.

 

Thanks, f_pumillo. I'm sending the wife and kids off on a 1000-mile trip back to Texas tomorrow, so I'll try to dig it out before they leave. We've had sub-freezing temps around here for the last couple of weeks, so I've been waiting until it warms to at least 25*F to start the truck!

 

I hope you put lots of additive in the tank, leaving it out in the cold too long will gel the fuel, then you got bigger problems. WHen I go on extended travel and leave my diesel home, I have my sons start it every day and run it for at least 10 to 15 minutes. I also leave it plugged in. Granted this is only when the evening and day time temps are below 40F.

Good luck

 

Texas and Colorado are not states where the cord is installed 'standard'. Ford does secure (hide) the cord, when it's included, up behind the bumper, but there's also a chance that it's not there. That would require the purchase of the cord, either the stock Ford/Navistar cord, or an aftermarket of your choosing. Prices vary from 12.00 - 60.00 based on what folks have posted.

Good Luck and Take Care

 

Btravelen:

I am aware that the block heater is not a standard item in any given state or region, nor is the plug automatically included if the heater itself is installed. My question was not meant to address whether or not the block heater is "standard" equipment installed by Ford, but was phrased in such a way as to determine if there is a specific "usual and customary" place where either the factory or the dealership will route the cord if the truck is so equipped. I've heard a number of vague references to where to find the cord; "...up behind the bumper..." ranks with "behind the grill" and "next to the headlight" and "somewhere in the front end". I've traced the cord to where it disappears into the trim and "up behind the bumber", but I guess I'll have to spend some quality time with it when my wife gets back from Texas.

f_pumillo - thanks for the tip. Fuel quality around here is variable in general, but they winter-blend the diesel (#1 with #2), and since it doesn't get down below -40 in the Uncompaghre Valley, I don't worry much about gelling; even so, I add ~24 oz. oz of Diesel Kleen in my tank at each refuel (I DO get up to Gunnison and Crested Butte every now and then!).

 

-40F or was that below 40F, A few years back, before I could find the plug in my diesel, iw ent off to work after about a week of temps that didn't get above 10F, I got the sickening dead pedal on route 78 in rush hour, managed to get off the road and sat and froze waiting for the Ford roadside assistance to get there, it took most of a day , a few bottles of additive and a new fuel filter to get me going. Since then, below 35-40 degrees and I'm plugged in. Like you I run additive all year, just double up in the winter. Good talking with you. Happy Holidays

 

I just found mine since Im going to canada for the holidays .Its on the back of the grill by the driver side ,you have to remove the grill for better acces to it .once you remove the grill its tied up with quickties .it came like that from ford at least thats how mine was .2001 limited excursion 4x4.hope solves your problem.oh one more thing .You dont have to live in the north for your excursion to have a plug .I live in south florida and mine came already installed.

 

I live in Florida and my new (Feb 05) 05 PSD Limited came from the factory with the block heater installed in the engine but it did NOT have the cable from the block heater to the grill area. I was in the North Carolina mountains over Thanksgviing and had to buy the cord a a local Ford Dealer for $65.00. I installed the wire myself along the frame rail on the passenger side. The block heater is located just above the rear of the starter when looking up from under the x. Sort of hdden from view. Not sure if all 05 PSD have the block heater in the engine??

 

My question was not meant to address whether or not the block heater is "standard" equipment installed by Ford, but was phrased in such a way as to determine if there is a specific "usual and customary" place where either the factory or the dealership will route the cord if the truck is so equipped.

If you want to look and see if your a lucky one and they slipped a cord on yours by mistake (like I did) Check this out. http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-05-20.php Check the bottom photo.

This topic has more posts on the boards "than Carter's got pills" as my folks used to say. A search would show 'em all.

Take care

 

Thank you for the link. Wished I had seen it earlier when I installed the cord.

Regards,
Bob

 

BigBlackEX
You do not say which engine you have . On some 7.3s it is on the passengers side. I think all the 6.0s it is on the drivers side. Heck my 99.5 PSD was not where it was supposed to be, but I found the bastar*.

On most if not all 7.3 engines the block heater itself is on the passengers side and I believe that on the 6.0 engines it is on the drivers side. It in in one of the holes that we used to call freeze plugs. When you go under your buggy look and see if there is a electrical cord coming off one of the freeze plugs. If not you see where one has the heater installed.

Good luck ifn you have not found it yet.

Crazy - Ed

 

Check the link above. The connector is above the starter on the 6.0L, passenger side.

Merry Xmas