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120V plug under hood?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by Mattedfred, Nov 9, 2021.

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  1. Mattedfred

    Mattedfred New Member

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    Hello,

    Sorry for the newbie first post and stupid question but I've gone through the owner's manual, tried Google and searched this site but haven't found the answer.

    What's that 120V plug for that's under the hood on the passenger side near the headlight?

    Being from Canada it looks like it would be for a block heater but I can't see where the wiring routes to the engine.

    Appreciate any assistance.

    Ted
    2017 Prius Base
     
    #1 Mattedfred, Nov 9, 2021
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Hard to say without a photo but that's typically an engine block heater.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Nov 9, 2021
  3. Mattedfred

    Mattedfred New Member

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    I’m not with the car right now but the wiring doesn’t appear to go to the engine block. Just imagine a 120V plug sitting there at the front passenger side of your engine. Anyone with a Prius 2017 or otherwise have this?
     
    #3 Mattedfred, Nov 9, 2021
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i vote heater too
     
    #4 bisco, Nov 9, 2021
  5. Mattedfred

    Mattedfred New Member

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    Here’s a photo of the plug. While it looks like a block heater plug, it doesn’t route to the engine block. It routes to another electrical connection. See next image below.
     

    Attached Files:

    #5 Mattedfred, Nov 10, 2021
  6. Mattedfred

    Mattedfred New Member

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    This is the electrical connection mentioned in my previous post. Surely another Prius owner has the same plug and knows what this is?
     

    Attached Files:

    #6 Mattedfred, Nov 10, 2021
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yeah you’re right. That’s weird. That looks aftermarket to me but I don’t know what would require a household outlet. An engine oil pan heater maybe?

    My engine block heater was dealer installed but went into the engine block and it didn’t have that extra controller in the second photo.
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Nov 10, 2021
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    On-board charger for the 12 volt battery? Except battery's on the driver's side.

    @Tideland Prius, should this be in 4th gen maintenance and troubleshooting, not newbie intro stuff?
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Nov 10, 2021
  9. Mattedfred

    Mattedfred New Member

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    I don't believe our owner's manual mentions one. I've posted this in the section you mentioned. My apologies. Surely we're not the only one's with this plug?
     
    #9 Mattedfred, Nov 10, 2021
  10. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    An engine heater does not have to heat the block directly.
    There are several ways to accomplish it via the coolant too.

    And it is also possible that it connects to BOTH an engine heater and a 12 V battery tender.

    Where did you GET the car ?
    Maybe you should ask them ??
     
    #10 sam spade 2, Nov 10, 2021
  11. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Doesn't look "normal" - but I'm in Australia where everything is upside down.

    upload_2021-11-11_19-10-32.png

    There has been talk by a few people on this FORUM about running a CPAP Machine needing Mains voltage. Possible?
     
    #11 alanclarkeau, Nov 11, 2021
  12. Mattedfred

    Mattedfred New Member

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    We purchased the vehicles used from an out of town Toyota dealership last year. I assumed I'd get a way quicker answer via this forum. Meanwhile, I've emailed our sale representative. I attempted to repost this in the 4th gen technical section but I guess that wasn't approved.
     
    #12 Mattedfred, Nov 11, 2021
  13. Ozark Man

    Ozark Man Member

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    I have a 2017 four touring in the U. S. and don't have that. It must be after market or a Canada thing.
     
    #13 Ozark Man, Nov 11, 2021
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  14. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Good luck with that.
    It is likely that the only way you will get a good answer is to have a shop trace out the wires and see what they are connected to.
    Having it up on a rack where both the top and bottom of the engine is accessible should make the process much easier.
     
    #14 sam spade 2, Nov 11, 2021
  15. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Those black plastic zip ties holding the electrical enclosure in place scream "aftermarket".
     
    #15 fuzzy1, Nov 11, 2021
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  16. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    I would suggest using an extension cord and hook it up to see what happens, but that is risky.
     
    #16 CooCooCaChoo, Nov 11, 2021
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I moved this thread to the Gen 4 section already.
     
    #17 Tideland Prius, Nov 11, 2021
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  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    iwould be willing to plug it in, just for the thrill :eek:
     
    #18 bisco, Nov 11, 2021
  19. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    ^^^ Make sure you have full comprehensive coverage before you plug it in. If it melts down at least you'll be covered.
     
    #19 CooCooCaChoo, Nov 11, 2021
  20. Mattedfred

    Mattedfred New Member

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    Thanks for moving the thread. I wasn't aware that had happened.
    Still waiting to hear back from the dealership.
    Meanwhile, I'm going to email the photos to the service rep at our local Toyota dealership and see if he can quickly get us an answer.
    Still can't believe we're the only people that have read this thread that have this plug.
     
    #20 Mattedfred, Nov 12, 2021
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