This is for anyone in Canada or in the snowy US states. Has anyone installed or had installed the engine block heater, how much was it and where does the plug end that you plug into?

 

I didn't even know if I had one or not.....my dad's car sits in the garage, so I would never be able to plug in the cord, assuming I have one, without worrying about some freak ripping it out of my car as they passed by my house.

 

I think those things run up your electrical bill like a mofo.

 

it plugs in to the right side of the front header

theyre pretty cheap. $20 usd at the most (thats pretty expensive considering its a cord with a plug on the end)

mine was installed on delivery

 

You have the Acura one? The dealer installed it for you when you got the car?

 

yes, yes

 

Thanks for the reply. Just wondering how long it takes to warm up past the 1/4 point on the needle or does it not work that way?

 

It's really only intended to warm up the oil. Not sure if it will warm up the coolant in the block (if it's a dipstick design it won't). It definitely won't warm up the coolant in the radiator. As a result, I doubt you would notice the temprature gauge move up much at startup. It might warm up quicker as a result of the warmer oil, but that's about it.

As I said, it's meant more to keep the oil warm so that the oil will flow better and less strain on the starter and battery as a result of not having to crank through oil that has the consistency of molasses.

 

i typed in a 1 page post but it didnt wanna go through

to sum it up: for $20 its worth it

 

$20 isn't a lot and it seeing that you're in Toronto, I'm betting it get's cold there a little more often than it does here.

At the very minimum, it'll help the starter and battery crank a little easier when it's real cold.

Go for it.

 

Thansk. I'm gonna get it on my next dealer visit. No point in straining my TL this winter when the temp feels like its subzero

 

This is from Acura's site. $88 Installed?

Engine Block Heater


Keep your engine warm during winter months
Specifically designed for TL engine
Aids in cold winter starting while reducing the strain placed upon a cold engine
Plugs into normal household current using a standard extension cord
Estimated Installed MSRP: $88.20*