I am just wondering if there are any lights, or anything to tell your block heater is functioning? How do you know if it works, or fails? just dont want to go out one day and find out the breaker tripped or it was unplugged in garage when i attached it to the truck.

 

No indicator on mine however, I can hear a faint hum when it is plugged in. Other than that, the 'Wait To Start' light only comes on for a second or two instead of a prolonged period if the heater has been activated and done its job.

 

Just lay your hand on top of the engine , it should be warm .
If you wanted to have an indicator , I would put an amp gauge in , then you can tell when it is working or goes bad .

 

No indictors on mine but the valve cover is always warm and like someone said the wait light goes off instantly.

 

Great replies.. Thanks! I will have to check it out next chilly morning. I read that its suggested for below 40*
Any idea what the draw is on them? Id plug it in all the time but if its hard on the electric bill i may rig up a thermostat so it only comes on below 40

 

I generally don't plug my truck in until it's below 30. I can hear my block heater working within about 10 seconds after I plug it in. My truck's started down to -30 without being plugged in without a problem, so I wouldn't be too worried about it if you do blow the breaker. It's still going to start.

 

It's pretty hungry for watts - around 750W. Check out this thread:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...k+heater+watts

 

You can get a multitester and do a continuity test on it. If you have an open circuit, bad cord or bad heater. Closed circuit, then its good. I normally wouldn't plug mine in until it was atleast below freezing, usually more likely around the -10C mark.

 

The block heater has no connection of any kind to the truck's electrical system. It is strictly 120 volt AC. Therefor, no indication of operation other than the faint hum when plugged in.

 

Mines on a timer. It comes on about three hours before I pull out. That saves a lot on power and keeps the critters from moving in under the hood.

I usually plug mine in when temps fall under 50F. A warm block circulates oil a lot faster than a cold one which will lengthen engine life. Just my preference.

Kurt

 

X2 on this. Get yourself a heavy-duty outdoor timer from Home Depot or Lowes, set it up for 2-3 hours before you leave in the AM, and you'll be GTG. I do this with both my Jetta TDI and the Ram (if I know I'm going to be using the Ram.)

As an aside, has anyone installed one of these for plugging their heater in:

http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo....ber=WD-BHP9402

That looks sweet, and it's gotta beat rooting around for the plug behind the bumper. Anyone install one yet? Looking for feedback from anyone who's already taken the plunge.