Author Topic: question about block heater cord... replaceable? (Read 5183 times)

mk2vr6 · « **on:** December 06, 2007, 09:22:33 pm »

Hey guys.

So my friends ford taurus decided to call it quits the other day, while in the middle of the road. We tried to push it but it was far too icy so we resorted to pushing it with my car. Well, we must have crushed the block heater cord because I tried to plug it in last night and this morning, suprise, it didnt work. Tonight I plugged it in and messed with some different extension cords, etc, and found the only thing that determines if it works or not is the orientation of the plug itself, which leads me to believe the wires in the plug must have been pinched or damaged. I'm just curious if they sell just the cord for the block heater (1992 TD Jetta) at the dealership or where else I might be able to get it. Also, is it a pain to replace it? Its dark and cold and I only traced the cord to where it goes behind the block.

Thanks for the help.

jimfoo · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2007, 09:32:14 pm »

Is it a 3 round pinned type cord, in a slight v configuration? If so, you can get one at probably any auto parts store.

ilomax · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2007, 09:52:08 pm »

Just buy a new one and have a spare block heater. They aren't that spendy.

wikdslo · « **Reply #3 on:** December 06, 2007, 09:58:58 pm »

Go to any hardware store and you can get an end for an extension cord.
You just have to hack/connect the end to the wire.
Not a big deal at all.
You can even get more wire to lengthen it with. You'd just want to be sure you use some really good soldering/heatshrink and do it well.

neimis · « **Reply #4 on:** December 06, 2007, 11:56:47 pm »

I've replaced my block heater cord twice already. It unplugs from the element, just make sure you get the proper plug configuration, there are different plugs (just take the old plug to compare to the new one).

Bought my cords at Napa IIRC

mk2vr6 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 07, 2007, 09:24:13 am »

Is it a pain in the ass to get to the cord? I'm going to take a look at it today after work if i can get home when theres still some light.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #6 on:** December 07, 2007, 12:02:29 pm »

No it's easy. Getting it from underneath is probably easiest.

shegel · « **Reply #7 on:** December 07, 2007, 12:12:39 pm »

a while back (during the summer) mine started to leak on me.... so then i pulled it out(forgot to drain coolant) and replaced it with an expansion plug. now that its colder i bought a new one from my work(schucks) and am still waiting to install it. in the mean time when i didnt have it i used a magnetic pan heater. i forgot to take it off one day and when i couldnt find it i checked the car. it was still on there. the ground cord was rubbed through in a couple of places. some spare wire with some connectors and electrical tape later and i now have a working pan heater...point is that there not that expensive

magnetic heater= 25.00

replacement block heater= 19.99

also keep in mind that im a big guy and i was still able to get the old heater out of the car.

madmedix · « **Reply #8 on:** December 07, 2007, 02:24:27 pm »

I just replaced my heater; be careful of the cord length if it's a turbo. The first unit I got ran just a little too close to the exhaust goodies. Proper (safe) cord routing so it wouldn't cook left it too short to reach the front corner. When I returned it to the store for another brand, it had an 18" longer cord. I'd bring your old one with you and make sure it's near the same length (If you don't want to have to open your hood every time you plug in/unplug).

Andy

tylernt · « **Reply #9 on:** December 12, 2007, 08:07:48 pm »

Putting a new plug on the end of the cord will probably be the easiest. Wal-Mart even sells one for a couple bucks, that's what I used. Only drawback is it is not waterproof.