So I figured out how to install my block heater

I installed my block heater today. It was the Canadian part that my local Toyota dealer (pennsylvania) ordered for me. It took less than a week to get it, the price was under $40.
I installed it from underneath (with the car up on ramps), it took about 10 minutes to install the heater and another 15 or so to route the wire.
The pictures from Hobbit's instructions were very helpful, even though I ignored the suggestion to go in from the top. While it is impossible to see the actual opening that the heater slides into from below, you can clearly see the "bulge" in the block where it resides. I was fairly easy to insert the heater by braille, connecting the wire was more difficult, but still not much of a challenge. I did trial fit the plug into the heater, and took notice of the orientation relative to the clip before installation.
I would suggest using your left arm, placed between the axle shaft and the block, while lying under the car with your feet towards the front of the car.
Again, while I did not follow any general directions, the pictures and descriptions of others posted here made it much easier than if I tried to figure it out cold.
Thanks to those who went before me.

 

Lots of great info here. What I am confused about is the male electrical socket. Is it dangling somewhere inside the hood? What do you do in the summer? Do you have to remove the wires?

 

The male plug goes where you want it, within reason. Most have it come through the lower grill on the drivers side, some the upper grill in the middle, some open their hood everyday and keep the plug hidden in the engine compartment. For the summer most leave it hang where it is, some will pull it back behind the grill for looks, and some use it all year round.

Wayne

 

How much does the engine move?

Just saw this comment on hobbit's site:
3rd-gen block heater

How much slack is needed there? How much does the engine move? A few millimeters? A few inches? Thanks!

 

Re: How much does the engine move?

A few inches is the safe answer.

Wayne

 

Re: How much does the engine move?

That is a lot! I have never knew that but now I think of it since the car bounce up and down while driving it is possible to have relative motion between the engine and the body that large.

I started a new thread here and hope to get some answer soon:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...schat-shop-cable-engine-body.html#post1191486

Please visit and comment. Thanks!

 

Encouraged by popgadget's #381 above, and a toasty 41° garage, I got the Prius up on her ramps and started poking around. After about 40 minutes, I finally found what has to be the hole for the block heater, but there's no way I'm going to get the heater into the hole. I can barely reach the hole with my left arm as recommended, and there doesn't look to be enough room to get the heater up there and turned into the hole, let alone do it with my arm and hand. Seems to be some kind of shield in the way, about an inch away from the hole.This is an early 2005, bought in Florida, so maybe they figured it would never need a block heater. Off to the dealer, I guess, or try again from the top, unless someone has an aha! moment for me..

 

I found -- sort of -- an aha! moment at Want to install an Engine Block Heater yourself? This guide may help. | PriusChat. Several DIYers got to the same point I'm at and were encouraged to try harder. They succeeded, so just maybe...

 

Finally gave up trying from the bottom and eventually got 'er done from the top, following Hobbit's instructions, mostly. Only took 5 hours and one trip to the hardware store, but it will take another trip to the dealer for a new cowl gutter as well. (The old one got run over and doesn't quite match up with the car any more.) (Not my fault.) Very little blood left on the Prius, it's 30° outside, 44 in the garage, and she should be getting toasty warm as I type. My hat is off to those who can do one in any way in 20 minutes. I never did see the alleged hole in the block; maybe I can borrow a proctoscope next time.