When I bought my truck there is a block heater on it, I see the plug hanging on the bottom of the bumper.

I've never used it, but the -26 degrees last night and the -10 tonight made me think about it.

Since I've never used it, is there anything I should check before using it. I've never had one before, and I don't want to plug it in and start my truck on fire or anything. haha

 

I live in Minnesota and plug mine in when it gets down to 0, gets the oil to move a little quicker.
Plug it in.

 

I live in Minnesota also, 0 or below I plug it in. Makes a world of difference in how it starts and no weird high pitched noises. Just soooo much easier on the motor. You can leave it plugged in all night, but I have found even at -25, 4-5 hours is good. Make sure you use a grounded cord, if there is a problem it should pop the house breaker before anything "burns" on the truck. Better yet try a GFI out, which most have on the outside of your home. However if the cord is poor or wet it may pop the GFI although the block heater and it's wiring are OK. If you want to take a look-see at the heater, slide under the truck behind the DS front wheel. Look up by the exhaust manifold, you should see the light orange wires "plugged into" the heater that is within a frost plug opening. Maybe check that the wires have not been resting on the hot manifold and are melted. Other than that , plug it in and your truck will thank you..

Spotty

 

Plug it in! I also live in Minnesota and I plug mine in anytime the temp drops below 25 degrees! It keeps the block and oil warm so it takes less time to warm up and you waste less gas! My truck never likes the cold weather every time it hits 0 or lower it growls when you start it up and my oil gauge doesn't move until it starts to warm up so I don't mess around I just plug it in and no problems!

 

I live in Minnesota also, plug it in! I did for the last couple nights. The only downer for me though is I work at 2:30 AM when it gets the coldest. I do have remote start and use it all the time in the winter. Plugging it in does help greatly, I'm not able to at work and when I left yesterday my truck didn't like the cold too well.

 

thanks guys..... I was really asking if there was anything that can wear out or easily breaks with those block heaters. I know what they do, and i know i want to use it because it's freeeeezing. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything wrong with the heater before i plug it in.

Heading outside right now to make sure the wire's haven't melted....

 

Check the wires, if it looks OK, plug it into a GFI outlet. If something is wrong, it will pop it in an instant. If the unit is burned out, it just won't heat. All it is like is the electric element on top of an electric range, only it sits in coolant. Not too complicated, yet very efficient.

Spotty

 

cool, thanks, I looked at the wire, it looked like it was well tucked away.

no gfi's outside, (something i never noticed when i bought the house)
I plugged it in inside before I left for work, if it's not alright, i'm sure i would've got a phonecall by now asking how to reset the breaker. haha

 

i live in minnesota too, when i plug mine in cant tell any difference. what gives?

 

Might be burned out, wire broke, etc.., because you WILL see a difference in how it spins when plugged in for 4 or more hours. Feel the block around the heater when cold, then feel it again after 4-5 hours of being plugged in. If still stone cold, heater or wiring no worky.

Spotty