Where's the block heater cord?

[kingwilliam]

Hi... I have a 1999 V6. I got it about a year ago, but haven't used the block heater in all that time. I'm *assuming* this thing has one, having been originally sold in Canada. If so, where the heck is the cord? It's -25C this morning!

This forum is awesome, by the way.
thanks
b

 

[01KY4R]

looks like block heaters are not very common:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/42358-canadian-winter-99-4-runner-block-heater.html

 

[fightman80]

Mine is located on the driver side of the engine compartment.........BTW, -45C with the windchill last night! I had mine plugged in on a timer, timer kicked of around 6am, and when I tried to start it at 11:45am.....FROZEN SOLID!

 

[theizzardking]

So fightman you have one stock ?

I have a canadian model and never thought to look for one of these , probably never use it either but it'd be cooler if I had it, lol

 

[ironhippy]

both of my 4runners were bought in Canada (one in Quebec, one in NB) and neither have a block heater.

My brother used to live in Thunder Bay and most private parking lots have block heater plugs supplied. (There is a plug available at ever parking space for those unfamiliar with cold weather culture )
He had friends wire up interior heaters to run off the block heater plug. They would show up after a full days work and their car would be nice and toasty all on the company dime!

 

[kingwilliam]

Thanks, all... I'll take a look again on the driver's side.

For some reason, I thought block heaters (and rear window defrotsters and oversized windshield washer fluid tanks) were standard equipment in Canada. That is, that the government made car makers install that stuff.

Even at -25, my 4Runner fired up no problem... I just wanted to give the truck a little easier time. I always worry about that poor ol' motor having to come to life when it's that cold, even with synthetic oil.
b

 

[rajuncajun]

Mine's been hanging out the front grille since I got it. Looks like it runs back to the driver side of the engine.

BTW currently -30 C outside right now. Might hook it up tonight now that I think about it.

 

[fightman80]

So fightman you have one stock ?

I have a canadian model and never thought to look for one of these , probably never use it either but it'd be cooler if I had it, lol

Mine came stock with the block heater. Actually, every car I've ever owned came with one.......thought they all did. One day, a friend of my dad's was over with his newly purchase Saturn POS......and he told me that Block heaters were no longer a standard option on cars! Ashtrays either! Kinda weird....I don't smoke, but thought that was a strange thing!

 

[theizzardking]

Mine came stock with the block heater. Actually, every car I've ever owned came with one.......thought they all did. One day, a friend of my dad's was over with his newly purchase Saturn POS......and he told me that Block heaters were no longer a standard option on cars! Ashtrays either! Kinda weird....I don't smoke, but thought that was a strange thing!

Lol no ash tray ? That's frustrating, I have yet to see a company design a better junk cradle.

I'll check mine to see if its there and report back

 

[JohnsD90]

So fightman you have one stock ?

I have a canadian model and never thought to look for one of these , probably never use it either but it'd be cooler if I had it, lol

Yeah, watch your electric bill jump if you use it.

 

[02SE]

I installed an OEM block heater in my 4Runner, shortly after buying it new, 13+ years ago. Since my 4Runner is mainly a Winter daily driver, it makes it very nice to have the engine warm, on those bitter cold days.

Since the engine is already warm, it starts easier, the heater works almost immediately, and MPG's are better not having to run with a richer fuel mixture, as the engine warms up.

It is well worth adding if you have cold temps in Winter, IMO.

 

[Qyota]

I'd love to have one. Should probably do it when I have the coolant emptied for the system overhaul this spring.

 

[theizzardking]

I installed an OEM block heater in my 4Runner, shortly after buying it new, 13+ years ago. Since my 4Runner is mainly a Winter daily driver, it makes it very nice to have the engine warm, on those bitter cold days.

Since the engine is already warm, it starts easier, the heater works almost immediately, and MPG's are better not having to run with a richer fuel mixture, as the engine warms up.

It is well worth adding if you have cold temps in Winter, IMO.

so just to make sure this is correct you found an OEM, factory, block heater, huh, ok maybe i'll have another look at all, i have a feeling this may be a kind of rare option, not that it's that cool or anything, i think i just like the novelty of it.

 

[02SE]

so just to make sure this is correct you found an OEM, factory, block heater, huh, ok maybe i'll have another look at all, i have a feeling this may be a kind of rare option, not that it's that cool or anything, i think i just like the novelty of it.

No, I went to a local Toyota Dealer, bought an OEM block heater, and installed it. They are easy to install; you just drain the coolant, remove a freeze plug, and install the heater in it's place. Then route the cord away from the fan and belts, and refill with coolant.

As I recall it was less than $20.00. But that has been over 13 years ago now, so price and availability might have changed.

 

[notrayray]

Here is what they are calling Toyota Canada OEM...
https://trdparts4u.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-5504

 

[02SE]

Here is what they are calling Toyota Canada OEM...
https://trdparts4u.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-5504

That's it exactly.

However, mine didn't say anything about 'Toyota Canada' on the box. It was just in a regular Toyota parts box, and available at my local dealer here in the US. But as previously stated, that was 13+ years ago. Availability in the US may have changed. Call your Dealer to be sure.

 

[theizzardking]

Ok so it's not an oem option but rather a dealer installed option then ?

 

[02SE]

Ok so it's not an oem option but rather a dealer installed option then ?

Whether they were ever installed at the factory, is something that I do not know. Some Dealers may have installed them prior to sale in colder climates, but I don't know that for a fact, either.

All I can say for sure is that my '97 4Runner did not have one at the time of sale. The Dealer had them in stock in their parts department at that time, and I bought one and installed it myself.


I'm sure if they are available, and it appears that they are available at least out of Canada, a Dealer would be happy to install one for you. But it is not a difficult job to install one.

 

[Kmvreter]

Ok so it's not an oem option but rather a dealer installed option then ?

Correct. Had mine included as part of the sale. Some good dealers in the north automatically add them assuming the buyer will use it. Good customer relations.

 

[Qyota]

Whether they were ever installed at the factory, is something that I do not know. Some Dealers may have installed them prior to sale in colder climates, but I don't know that for a fact, either.

All I can say for sure is that my '97 4Runner did not have one at the time of sale. The Dealer had them in stock in their parts department at that time, and I bought one and installed it myself.


I'm sure if they are available, and it appears that they are available at least out of Canada, a Dealer would be happy to install one for you. But it is not a difficult job to install one.

Speaking of which...how does the heating plug stay in the block? Does it screw in, or what?

Thanks