In very cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
- Turn off the engine.
- Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger's side of the vehicle, near the right side engine mount.
- Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
- Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don't, it could be damaged.
Caution: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature. You may wish to use your coolant heater to improve ease of starting at temperatures between 0°F (-18°C) and -20°F (-29°C). Keep the coolant heater plugged in for a minimum of four hours. At temperatures below -20°F (-29°C), the coolant heater should remain plugged in for at least eight hours. It will not harm either the coolant heater or the vehicle to leave the coolant heater plugged in longer than the times stated. Be sure to remove and store the cord before starting the engine. See Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System for information on what fuel to use in cold weather.
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (-18°C) for easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
- Turn off the engine.
- Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
- Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
- Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged.
The cord for the engine coolant heater is located on the driver's side of the engine compartment and is attached to the hose for the power steering reservoir.
Caution: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer/retailer in the area where you will be parking your vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you the best advice for that particular area.
