Any one recommend a shop (independent or a Toyota dealer) where you had an EBH installed in your Gen III with satisfactory results? I could install it into my Gen III but I am getting lazy in my old age. I live north of Seattle.
Did you get your block heater installed yet? I installed my own in my 2007 but have never used it. I live just north of Woodinville off Hiway 9.
I'm also interested in independent shops in this area. The household Hondas were long been taken to Bret's Independent in Lynnwood. Though primarily a Honda shop, they also do Toyotas. However, I haven't yet had any reason to take the Prius in, and haven't heard any feedback anywhere about how well they handle hybrids.
Unfortunately, FireEngineer resides in/around Chicago, IL which is >2000 mile drive from me. Having him fly (or esp. drive) is a bit much to ask of him unless he's coming out to the area already for some reason...
I saw the Pacific EV shop in Bellevue a couple of weeks ago. They did a EBH with their PHEV kit install. They quoted me $150 for the EBH installed. Thanks, Dan Lander
Well I got an estimate of $200 from a local Toyota dealer. I'm thinking about completing the install myself.
I completed the installation yesterday, it was not too difficult at all. Of course the first time through it took twice as long to finish but with lessons learned, I could (but do not wish too) complete the job fairly quickly the second time. After a two hours heating period this morning, the Scan Gauge fWT temp was +40 degress above the in car temp reading at initial start up. I noticed the initial engine warmup time was similar in distance traveled as I experienced during our mild summer mornings. Does anyone have a good idea for a more elegant location to stow the power cord receptacle when not in use instead of inside the engine compartment? I dislike opening and closing the hood everytime I use this feature. I am thinking of fashioning a exterior power receptacle either at the fog lamp cover or underneath the front bumper.
