Anybody install engine block heater in 2023 or 2024 prius?

TOYOTA PRIUS/PRIUS PRIME 2023 + BLOCK HEATER Cartridge Heater PN: PK5A4-89J14

705-726-0319 www.jacksonstoyota.com

Attached is the Installaion instructions

Block heater location in Red Below.

 

^ Compared to earlier generations, that is a ridicuously easy location.

Anyone know the wattage? Our 3rd gen's (round the back, in a morass of cables) was 400, but there was a recall, due to fire hazard. How they "fixed" it: the new one is apparently 200 watts. Instead of toasty after two hours, it's tepid after four.

 

Agreed... You'd probably have to barely lose any coolant installing it. But if I was doing it, I'd see if there is a location to install it at the bottom of the engine because heat rises and it'd be more efficient.

 

Yes, none. Unlike most, Toyota opted to not immerse in coolant: it just sits in a pocket with heat transfer grease.
Plus factor: no coolant spillage.

Negative, and maybe one factor in them catching fire: heat transfer grease might melt away, leaving it dry and overheating.

 

Seems less efficient to heat metal via conduction, rather than heating coolant. Of course heating coolant that circulates with pump would be the best, but whatever...

 

My take, all the manufacturers should just slam in an immersion-style block heater at the factory, leave the power cord bundle conveniently, note in the Owner's Manuals. It's dead simple to do when the engine is dry, before being installed in the car and avoids the coolant spill associated with a post sale install. The component cost is maybe $50 at most, I'd speculate, if it's done in bulk and is the norm. I believe most do this for cars destined for the northern prairies.

Funny thing: it's seems like the colder the clime, the more owners eschew block heaters. At least that's the common sentiment I've read here. Bit of a head scratcher, considering it's beneficial for mpg, engine longevity and so on.

 

Practically no one in the US has block heaters. Lots of us have garages. I keep our cars in the garage primarily as a defense against the heat but also warm the garage to 60f during cold weather and the yearly ice storms.

 

Ours is a garage queen, remember?

 

They are also considering weight. The heater isn't much, but it was weigh savings that drove the switch to electric parking brakes.