PSA for those in cold climates: Aux heater usage

[T4R_Canuck]

The block heater will not have any noticeable effect the coolant temp. It's function is to warm the oil in the pan so it's not super thick due to the cold. The minor warmth difference will not affect the coolant enough to affect the position of the gauge.

I know this is old, but I just have to point out this misinformation, just in case someone reads this thread at a later date.

To clarify, a block heater does not warm up the oil, it does indeed warm up the engine coolant that sits in the block of the vehicle and does make a very noticeable difference in the coolant temperature at startup. I live in a climate that regularly hits -35C and have tested coolant temps at startup while using my block heater. In those kind of temperatures, i've gotten my coolant as warm as 7C at startup if plugged in all night. It does indeed make a noticeable difference in the position of the coolant temp gauge on the dash.

 

[JeremyB]

According to the repair manual, the following conditions must be met:

• Engine running (1250 rpm or more)
• Temperature setting MAX HOT
• Outside temperature 10°C (50°F) or less
• Engine coolant temperature 73°C (163°F) - 79°C (174°F) or less
• Headlight dimmer switch off
• Blower switch on

Got a OBDLink MX+ for Christmas so I can see all the PIDS that Tech stream can see. (I can see TPMS finally!)

With my 2014 Limited, those conditions aren't all true.

It'll run the PTCs at idle rpm.
With dual climate you just need the damper on full hot. The temp dial can be whatever until the damper moves from full hot.
Still getting data but 178 is here it goes to 0/3 heaters. 174 will knock out down to 1/3.
Headlight switch doesn't seem to affect anything.

 

[Humble Leader]

I know this is old, but I just have to point out this misinformation, just in case someone reads this thread at a later date.

To clarify, a block heater does not warm up the oil, it does indeed warm up the engine coolant that sits in the block of the vehicle and does make a very noticeable difference in the coolant temperature at startup. I live in a climate that regularly hits -35C and have tested coolant temps at startup while using my block heater. In those kind of temperatures, i've gotten my coolant as warm as 7C at startup if plugged in all night. It does indeed make a noticeable difference in the position of the coolant temp gauge on the dash.

what brand of block heater do you have?

 

[T4R_Canuck]

what brand of block heater do you have?

Sorry for the SUPER late reply. it's the stock Toyota block heater. Factory installed and 11 years old.