Engine Block Heaters

We use the block heater year 'round, very mild winters here. Got it dealer installed at time of purchase, for $400.

In Canada now, Toyota Canada offers the block heater as an installed accesory for 3rd gen Prius for $236. Toyota's US site makes no mention of it. Also, wonder if these prices only apply at point-of-sale, or anytime. Just food for thought, the install is not a walk in the park, I've heard.

But it's doable. Some go in from above, some from below. From above I think you need to remove the wiper assemblies and windshield cowl. Good video on that here:

The part alone is maybe around $60~80 if you just walk up to the dealership parts counter. Or the PriusChat store? This is a snapshot from Toyota Canada website:

 

There's a number of instructions on the web regarding install. There are some tricks. You want to make sure the thing is fully greased for heat transfer, yet when pushing it in it's good to leave an thin, bare channel in the grease, so air can escape. And no matter what the method, access is very limited. Be very careful to tie the plug very securely at the front grill, and use an extension cord that'll pull out readily, for when you forget to unplug. It will happen.

 

I ask this before so please don't mark me as spam. I can't find the boards where I posted this before if you find them PLEASE let me know. Currently I live near Chicago, Illinois USA. I am trying to move to Anchorage, Alaska. I have a 2012 Toyota Prius C two with 72,000 miles. I have my second set of all season tires. I know I am going to have an engine block heater and see if that works. Will I need anything else such as oil pain heater, battery heater, snow tires ETC?

 

There is a Prius c Block heater. If I was moving to Alaska I would consider Snow Tires. And the ferry from Bellingham WA to suburban Anchorage. (Whittier AK)
Engine Block Heater for 2012-2016 Toyota Prius c - PriusChat Shop
Michelin X-Ice Xi3 | 175/65R15
AMHS Schedules

(Rats, the ferry is not running past Skagway until April 2018. Ah well perhaps you are moving in better weather)


This is the Kennicott in Bellingham this October.

 

Have Priuschat purchases been coming through ok? There were issues. I don't know now. Just order through a dealership, especially if you want installed.

 

Thank you, sorry, and Happy Holidays!

 

I purchased the Block Heater for my 2012 Prius Plug IN Advanced. Part number PU140-0000913US -2 is for the 202 watt model. I followed the instructions on https://priuschat.com/files/2010PriusBlockHeaterInstallationInstructions.pdf.

I have seen post and attempted to install the block heater from underneath on a 2008 Prius so I never even attempted go under on this 2012 model. I would not go underneath unless you want your hands to look like you have been in knife fight LOL.

After removing the cowling "took about 25 minutes" it is an easy shot to the hole in the block. MAKE SURE you follow the instructions and remove the bolt that holds the high voltage cable and pull it up out of the way, otherwise it will be a major battle to insert the heater.

The heater does install with the cable and the locking clip pointed towards the firewall or the driver. I installed the cord to the heater before installation. There is a hot exhaust pipe very close by, ensure you use the zip ties to route the cord away from this heat source.

The heater has been installed from underneath but WOW, he must be a magician and I'm sure he had a major battle with the wires in the way. You have been warned.

Note: I have attached a 1 foot extension cord to the Heater Cord. If damage were to occur from plugin and unplugging I could replace the short extension cord rather than replace the whole heater cord, which would be a major operation.

Also before you ever start the installation plug the heater in and test that is working prior to installation. Be careful it will get to 175 degrees in seconds.


seconds.

 

Double zip-tie the cord where it comes out through the grill: you want to make sure the extension cord pulls away, before the cord starts getting dragged out of the grill.

 

OH I would never forget to unplug the cord LOL. Have you heard of the new GPS for us old people. "Not only does it tell you where you are going but it reminds you why you went"

 

Count on forgetting, at least once.

Yeah I did the install from below, absurdly crowded and awkward.