Just picked up a 2006 4x4 mega cab SLT, CTD last Friday and I can't find a plug to plug it in? Here in Western, Pa it can get cold in the winter, so what's the deal doesn't have to be plugged in or am I missing the plug and have to and should put one on. You would think for a truck that stickered at $47K there would be and should be one on there.
Plus what is the temp. range that they should be plugged in providing the 2006 is able to be and needs to be.
Thanks.

 

Does it say you have one on the sticker? i know you can buy the plug directly from cummins for like 9$ dont have the part number handy. it is a special little cable that plugs into the side of the block. Look in the front of your truck to the passenger side of your radiator/intercooler area. it should be sitting there.

 

NAPA also has them. I do not have the part number either but got it the next day. The cost was somewhere in the around $20. It pugs in on the left side of motor. It has a screw on cover you have to remove first.

 

Yeah, basically the engines ship from Cummins with the block heater, but Dodge has made the power cord an option .

As far as when to plug it in, I haven't ran into a situation where it would not start when not plugged in, but I think I'm like most people in that I prefer to plug in when it's going to be below freezing. It just runs quieter, less smoke, warms the cab sooner, and defrosts sooner.

 

I have started mine in -12 degrees without being plugged in. It smoked a bit and was loud but she ran. Try to do that with a powerstoke. My 97 was useless when it was real cold.

 

The quicker they reach opp. temp. The quicker you start getting better fuel economy. I plug mine in every night in the winter. It even sleeps in the garage at night. The other thing that helps. I put my block heater on a timer, so it comes on 4 hours before get in to use it. That does save the power bill a little.

 

that's a great idea! 4 hours should be enough to get her turning over in the mornin'! Everyonoe should be happy by then!

 

As a worst case scenario, I've started mine without being plugged in all the way down to about -28 without being plugged in. I had synthetic oil in it at the time. They really do start much better and with MUCH less smoke plugged in, or in the heated garage.