So I figured out how to install my block heater

popgadget · 01-12-2007, 10:55 PM

I installed my block heater today. It was the Canadian part that my local Toyota dealer (pennsylvania) ordered for me. It took less than a week to get it, the price was under $40.
I installed it from underneath (with the car up on ramps), it took about 10 minutes to install the heater and another 15 or so to route the wire.
The pictures from Hobbit's instructions were very helpful, even though I ignored the suggestion to go in from the top. While it is impossible to see the actual opening that the heater slides into from below, you can clearly see the "bulge" in the block where it resides. I was fairly easy to insert the heater by braille, connecting the wire was more difficult, but still not much of a challenge. I did trial fit the plug into the heater, and took notice of the orientation relative to the clip before installation.
I would suggest using your left arm, placed between the axle shaft and the block, while lying under the car with your feet towards the front of the car.
Again, while I did not follow any general directions, the pictures and descriptions of others posted here made it much easier than if I tried to figure it out cold.
Thanks to those who went before me.

claremontprius · 05-21-2007, 08:23 PM

Lots of great info here. What I am confused about is the male electrical socket. Is it dangling somewhere inside the hood? What do you do in the summer? Do you have to remove the wires?

FireEngineer · 05-22-2007, 09:39 AM

The male plug goes where you want it, within reason. Most have it come through the lower grill on the drivers side, some the upper grill in the middle, some open their hood everyday and keep the plug hidden in the engine compartment. For the summer most leave it hang where it is, some will pull it back behind the grill for looks, and some use it all year round.

Wayne

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01-12-2007, 10:55 PM	#381
popgadget Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I installed my block heater today. It was the Canadian part that my local Toyota dealer (pennsylvania) ordered for me. It took less than a week to get it, the price was under $40. I installed it from underneath (with the car up on ramps), it took about 10 minutes to install the heater and another 15 or so to route the wire. The pictures from Hobbit's instructions were very helpful, even though I ignored the suggestion to go in from the top. While it is impossible to see the actual opening that the heater slides into from below, you can clearly see the "bulge" in the block where it resides. I was fairly easy to insert the heater by braille, connecting the wire was more difficult, but still not much of a challenge. I did trial fit the plug into the heater, and took notice of the orientation relative to the clip before installation. I would suggest using your left arm, placed between the axle shaft and the block, while lying under the car with your feet towards the front of the car. Again, while I did not follow any general directions, the pictures and descriptions of others posted here made it much easier than if I tried to figure it out cold. Thanks to those who went before me.

05-21-2007, 08:23 PM	#382
claremontprius Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Lots of great info here. What I am confused about is the male electrical socket. Is it dangling somewhere inside the hood? What do you do in the summer? Do you have to remove the wires?

05-22-2007, 09:39 AM	#383
FireEngineer Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: SW-Side of Chicago, IL Posts: 792 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 4	The male plug goes where you want it, within reason. Most have it come through the lower grill on the drivers side, some the upper grill in the middle, some open their hood everyday and keep the plug hidden in the engine compartment. For the summer most leave it hang where it is, some will pull it back behind the grill for looks, and some use it all year round. Wayne