Engine Block heater on a '06

Rangerdavid · 09-28-2009, 09:12 PM

so my EBH seems to have stopped working. I've tried different plugs, drop cords, etc. but it definately seems to be the EBH unit itself.

Any suggestions from anyone as to what I could check, do, or look at to try and see if this problem is solvable?

also, has anyone (Wayne) ever removed an EBH and plugged in another one?

thanks in advance,

RD

**efusco** · 09-28-2009, 09:56 PM

David,
Most commonly the problem is a short in the cord just behind the reinforced area. If you want you can cut off the end of the current cord about 2-3" behind the reinforced area and splice in a new plug. That would be the cheapest and easiest fix.

Otherwise, replacement of the entire assembly will be necessary. The orange connector to the heater core itself is usually dried out and will crumble when you try to remove it, but getting the core out is quite easy and you just need to stick in a new core and run the new cord just like the first.

I've repaired cords about 3 times and replaced the entire unit once. Neither option is difficult. In either case, when you get the cord fixed/replaced I strongly suggest buying an 8" extension cord to leave connected to the end of the OEM cord. Then if it gets worn/shorted you just replace the extension cord, and not have damage to the OEM cord. You can find those at Wal-mart or a computer shop.

JimboPalmer · 09-28-2009, 10:15 PM

8" 16/3 3pk Short Cord by Woods Import Coleman - More Extension Cords at doitbest.com
(I knew being a computer guru would help eventually)

FireEngineer · 09-29-2009, 11:50 AM

Did you just want to see me again Dave? Evan is right, it probably is the cord just behind the strain relief, a known defe......problem with these cord sets. They do not sell cords separately so you would have to buy a new EBH kit to get an OE cord. Or as Evan says you could splice in a new cord head after the break. Changing the cord set is just like a new install, not very hard. Getting that little heater out may take some effort if necessary, but it is usually fine.

Wayne

Rangerdavid · 09-29-2009, 12:58 PM

thanks guys!! I think I'll give it a shot before the weather gets too cold here. Wayne, I'll send you a PM if I get stuck!!

RD

09-28-2009, 09:12 PM	#1
Rangerdavid Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Boone, North Carolina Posts: 1,264 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 9 Times in 6 Posts Friends: 25	Engine Block heater on a '06 so my EBH seems to have stopped working. I've tried different plugs, drop cords, etc. but it definately seems to be the EBH unit itself. Any suggestions from anyone as to what I could check, do, or look at to try and see if this problem is solvable? also, has anyone (Wayne) ever removed an EBH and plugged in another one? thanks in advance, RD

09-28-2009, 09:56 PM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,228 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 49 Thanked 249 Times in 148 Posts Friends: 37	Re: Engine Block heater on a '06 David, Most commonly the problem is a short in the cord just behind the reinforced area. If you want you can cut off the end of the current cord about 2-3" behind the reinforced area and splice in a new plug. That would be the cheapest and easiest fix. Otherwise, replacement of the entire assembly will be necessary. The orange connector to the heater core itself is usually dried out and will crumble when you try to remove it, but getting the core out is quite easy and you just need to stick in a new core and run the new cord just like the first. I've repaired cords about 3 times and replaced the entire unit once. Neither option is difficult. In either case, when you get the cord fixed/replaced I strongly suggest buying an 8" extension cord to leave connected to the end of the OEM cord. Then if it gets worn/shorted you just replace the extension cord, and not have damage to the OEM cord. You can find those at Wal-mart or a computer shop. __________________ Evan E. Fusco, MD "It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word." -Andrew Jackson

09-28-2009, 10:15 PM	#3
JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Greenwood MS USA Posts: 378 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 17 Thanked 66 Times in 53 Posts Friends: 3	Re: Engine Block heater on a '06 8" 16/3 3pk Short Cord by Woods Import Coleman - More Extension Cords at doitbest.com (I knew being a computer guru would help eventually)

09-29-2009, 11:50 AM	#4
FireEngineer Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: SW-Side of Chicago, IL Posts: 1,155 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 1 Thanked 50 Times in 38 Posts Friends: 12	Re: Engine Block heater on a '06 Did you just want to see me again Dave? Evan is right, it probably is the cord just behind the strain relief, a known defe......problem with these cord sets. They do not sell cords separately so you would have to buy a new EBH kit to get an OE cord. Or as Evan says you could splice in a new cord head after the break. Changing the cord set is just like a new install, not very hard. Getting that little heater out may take some effort if necessary, but it is usually fine. Wayne

09-29-2009, 12:58 PM	#5
Rangerdavid Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Boone, North Carolina Posts: 1,264 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 9 Times in 6 Posts Friends: 25	Re: Engine Block heater on a '06 thanks guys!! I think I'll give it a shot before the weather gets too cold here. Wayne, I'll send you a PM if I get stuck!! RD

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Engine Block Heater	bestmapman	Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	15	08-03-2008 12:13 AM
engine block heater	rookie101	Gen II Prius Technical Discussion	11	03-23-2008 01:36 PM
Just got my engine block heater	jim240	Gen II Prius Modifications	2	02-13-2008 01:18 PM
Engine block heater	gazz	Gen II Prius Technical Discussion	21	05-26-2007 09:00 PM
Engine block heater	bobc	Gen II Prius Modifications	52	06-21-2005 12:14 AM