Want to install an Engine Block Heater yourself? This guide may help.

Got my son-law to install it > Good thing I checked to se if it was heating as he had put it ina recessed hole int he tranny that is the same size as the one in the block. I burnt my finger feeling around in there. Finnally located the right hole and was able by extending the plug to route it out the back and fastening to curt hitch. Used it this morning after 2.5 hr hook up but noticed very little difference.

 

Thanks to Green Hokie, Wayne, and everyone else who posted advice on the installation of the EBH here. I couldn't have done it without the pictures and advice in this thread. It still took me substantially longer than 20 minutes, I blame that partly on it already being winter (so my fingers kept getting numb and I'd have to go in and warm up) and I don't have a garage. I also have thick forearms.

I almost managed to do it without the Prius drawing blood, but it got my hand when I was trying to plug the power cord in. The big screw sticking out didn't get me because the first time I tried it I had a coat on, so I could feel where the pokie was going to be. Obviously it would be impossible to complete the installation with a coat on as one's arm would be too thick to reach far enough.

I think a key strategy is to get one's elbow in the part of the aperture with the least space, and to use one finger to feel the position of the target while using the other fingers to control the heater.

I used a killawatt meter to verify that it was plugged in correctly, with the wattage drawn at 400W. It is a device that I recommend to anyone who has ever wondered how many more things they could plug into an outlet safely.

For a timer I got one from amazon that has switches in fifteen minute increments, as opposed to those timers with on/off tabs that can get lost.

 

Last year I bought A EBH. Tried to install but to get heating unit into cavity without loosing all grease is almost impossible. Also trying to get plug on Bad news. I gave up No heater.

Cal.

 

Wondering why go to all the trouble heating the block and all that when you can heat the oil in the oil pan for a far simpler install. Heat the oil to 100F and start the car and it will heat up much faster than trying to heat the block.

 

One of the instructions suggests leaving a "groove" in the applied grease layer to allow air to escape. That trick worked well for me.

Also triple check the orientation of the plug before inserting. Good luck!

 

Has anyone experience on the European engine block heaters? I am from Europe and we only have those, like Defa WarmUp?

Just got an offer for one and would appreciate opinions.

Thanks from newbie
Cheers!

 

So you can't get one made by Toyota? That's weird. Maybe the Toyota one is not powerful enough for really cold places? I suppose your local variety should work for your weather condition there - so give it a try I would say. Good luck!

 

Just completed this with Toyota OEM ebh, Quite easy 30 mins. Watch out, the hole points towards the drivers side of the car, not towards the back of the car. Do a dry run of connecting the cable to block heater before you get under the car. Do a dry run of putting the block heater in hole without the grease. If you do this it will make it much easier. I used the square edge on engine block as a feel guide. Thanks again for the instructions!

Thanks,
Stockton.

 

Is the EBH sold at priuschat shop....

PriusChat Shop : Toyota Prius Engine Block Heater [Prius EBH] - $59.00

....essentially the same as what was described in such great detail at the very beginning of this thread 5 years ago?

In other words, if one buys this unit, there will be no surprises?

Thanks

Cheers

 

If I were you I would e-mail the seller to make sure the part is guaranteed to fit the model year of my car. Good luck!

 

I know its a four year old comment, but.....
The HCH that I'm trading in this week for an '08 Prius, I put in heated seat heaters a few years ago (see drama here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3821425/2007-honda-civic/page-3 ) and I intend to do the same with the Prius. I've been able to keep the ICE sourced heat down to an absolute minimum because of the heated seats.

 

Alright I tried but I couldnt read this whole thread. Way too long.

I want to install a block heater but I think Ive read enough to know that its a good idea. The one idea I had was to install an ac power inverter into the car and plug the block heater into that. I would use a timer just like you would in a garage.

So thats my plan. Feel free to give me your opinions.

 

If it was my car I would not want to add extra wear to my HV battery. (Does it even have enough capacity to run the EBH for a few hours?) But since it's yours feel free to experiment and let us know how it works out for you. Good luck!

 

I won't be connecting it to the hv battery. I would be using a power inverter connected to my 12v battery. If i find i have issues draining my battery ill plug in my battery solar charging panel to the 12v battery. It shouldnt be an issue at all.

 

I don't think the 12V battery would do.

 

I am also frustrated trying to do an install. No problem finding hole but can only insert for about 1 inch. I'm guessing in 7 years that the metal has been exposed to the elements there is some corrosion if not insect life. I wonder if anyone has had to clean out the hole before installation and if so, how have they done it?

 

Sounds like a personal problem to me

 

Ok, I see what you mean!

Does anyone have a serious answer?

 

It's been a long while since I installed mine and I didn't have the problem. Maybe you could cut a dowel rod that's slightly smaller in diameter than the EBH. Wrap and glue a layer of sand paper around it and use that to clean the corrosion. Good luck!

 

Thanks, 2009Prius; that might work. I am also considering a drill attachment and a flexible shaft, though I've never used one and don't know if it would be flexible enough. I get nauseous after being under the car, so I'd much rather write and think about it.