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Engine Block Heater for PIP

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by priuskitty, Sep 28, 2012.

  1. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    I checked with my local Toyota dealer about installing a block heater. They said they don't carry OEM block heaters so they cannot install it, So why does the instructions show the OEM heater cartridge hole on the 2010 Prius? Doesn't the PIP have the same cartridge hole?
     
  2. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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  3. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    I would install it myself but the instructions look beyond my capabilies

    LG-MS910 ? 2
     
  4. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    Then any decent auto shop should be able to install it for you using the provided instructions.
     
  5. terpsmandan

    terpsmandan Member

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    That is because the block heater is a Toyota Canada part.
     
  6. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    So......I should go over the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor and get one installed? Probably wouldn't improve my gas mileage tho, because I'm only 2.7 miles from work. I' m just going to suck it up by scraping the ice off the windshield and leaving the defroster/heater off. and drive in EV with my winter coat on. lol
     
  7. terpsmandan

    terpsmandan Member

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    You can order one from here for $59.
     
  8. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    The point was, I wanted the Toyota Dealership to install it in case of Warranty Issues. I'm aware of Priuschat Shop having one. I looke at the instructions to install it and decided too much detail was involved in disassembling parts of the engine compartment.
     
  9. syscon

    syscon Member

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    I think in Canada it is a must have item, dealers install block heater before you pickup a car they don't ask you.
    I was checking the coolant temp. when I plug the my Prius V when was -5c (23F) after about 40min the coolant temp was 28C (84F)
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there's a new thread here by someone who purchased a cheap 12v heater that works in his gen III. might be a nice compliment to our heated seats!
     
  11. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    LINK PLEASE!!
     
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    don't know how to link, but it's 'Gonna Try a 12V Heater for Winter MPG's' op is usnavystgc.
     
  13. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    here, lemme help u:
    I recently saw that Harbor Freight is selling these 12v heaters for $10 (Its listed for $14.99 but the flyer has a coupon for $9.99). (12V Heater w/ Fan)
    [​IMG]
    I'm gonna give it a try to see if I can save some mpg's in the upcoming winter months. This (along with ccdisce's wonderful ECT spoofer) should give me summer-like fuel economy in the normally fair KY winters. I will be mounting it in front of the center console (not hard mounted just placed there) and will move it on the dash if I needed to defrost.

    I will let you know if it does what I expect. It is cheaply made but, what do you expect for $10? I wouldn't recommend it for colder climates like MN or WI etc but, in the milder areas (AL, NC, SC etc), it should warm you up pretty good (I'm hoping anyway). We'll see.

    Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/gonna-try-a-12v-heater-for-winter-mpgs.116602/#ixzz29NTrcZOI
     
    bisco likes this.
  14. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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  15. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    the specs on the heater are: 12vdc x 13 amps= 180 watts, my oil filled heater is 400 watts and couldn't heat my PIP more than ten degrees. (outside temp was 47 degrees f inside temp 51 degrees f)
     
  16. Photau

    Photau Junior Member

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    Where would those instructions be??
     
  17. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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