Bad block heater?

arengant · **Posted:** Wed Nov 30, 2011 7:29 pm

So this is the first time I've tried the block heater, and I get zero heat, I tried two hours. The previous owner did use it, it was unwound with the plug stashed near the bumper. From what I can see, the cord is in decent shape. How do I check to see if it is working or not? The Vom shows open line when I test the prongs...

If it is toast, I think an oil heater would be a better option as a replacement right?

Thanks!

CRD05il · **Posted:** Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:28 pm

It takes 4 hour to get warm for me.

naturist · **Posted:** Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:51 pm

If the VOM shows open line, it is quite possible the cord has come off the heater. I've heard of that happening to folks. You might check that before you spring for a new heater.

arengant · **Posted:** Wed Nov 30, 2011 10:04 pm

naturist wrote:

If the VOM shows open line, it is quite possible the cord has come off the heater. I've heard of that happening to folks. You might check that before you spring for a new heater.

That was the line I was thinking. Any idea on the connection? It's been cold and I haven't had the day light yet to look, but it seems kinda hard to located the heater itself.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Thu Dec 01, 2011 7:28 am

The cord itself is about $25 at the dealer or was a couple of years ago. The cord's attachment point to the heater is down on the back driver's side of the engine; reached from underneath the vehicle and accessible with the factory front skid on. I forget how exactly it attaches but it is handy to have 2 people; 1 up top to wiggle the cord and 1 underneath to locate the lower end.

X2 on checking the cord first.

CATCRD · **Posted:** Thu Dec 01, 2011 10:41 pm

If you measure the resistance it should show about 35 ohms if memory serves. Sounds like there's something wrong with your cord.

arengant · **Posted:** Thu Dec 01, 2011 11:04 pm

ok, thanks guys, gives me somewhere to start looking.

I am slowly getting used to this Midwest weather

arengant · **Posted:** Sun Dec 04, 2011 2:10 pm

So I pulled the cord-plug and checked it. There were a few cracks in the insulation near the female (engine) plug, but nothing major. I re checked the continuity between the prongs, and I am sure there must be a break in the line because if I wiggle and jiggle it I go continuity once. Time to order a new plug!

Oh, and the PO sure did route the cord funny. Anyone have any input on where to route it? I like SirSam's idea of having it connected up to a trickle charger for those really cold days!

wolcott · **Joined:** Thu Nov 10, 2005 4:16 pm **Posts:** 108

Jeep had a vendor that turned out a bad batch of cord plugs. Try replacing this before anything else. I replaced mine and it has worked well ever since.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2011 8:31 am

I wire tied mine to the oil dip stick tube, from the factory the cord was curled up and tied there, and then ran it along the wiring bundles, with wire ties as needed, to in front of the power distribution center in front of the battery where I have a velcro strap to hold it to the upper radiator support or some such. This keeps it out of the weather but with enough slack that I can pop the hood and pull the plug end out to hook it up with the hood down.

arengant · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2011 6:55 pm

papaindigo wrote:

I wire tied mine to the oil dip stick tube, from the factory the cord was curled up and tied there, and then ran it along the wiring bundles, with wire ties as needed, to in front of the power distribution center in front of the battery where I have a velcro strap to hold it to the upper radiator support or some such. This keeps it out of the weather but with enough slack that I can pop the hood and pull the plug end out to hook it up with the hood down.

Great idea! But, why do you do this in Florida?

striperman36 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2011 7:24 pm

I just bring mine out by the wiper, loop it back in when not using it.

Run a cord on a timer set to 4 hours before I would crank it up to leave the yard.

Had no issues last 2 winters starting even to 0F

papaindigo · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2011 7:46 am

arengant - because I'm in North Florida were we do have winter with the occasional 15 F overnight temp

CATCRD · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2011 7:16 pm

I ran my cord forward near to the tow hook. When not using it I just flip it up into the plastic lower lip and it stays out of the road spray. 2-4 hours on a timer in the morning makes it a joy to start.

arengant · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2011 7:56 pm

I have the cord on order

Bad block heater?

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