Mallard

I have an interesting problem that maybe one of you guys can help me with. Cummin's ships all diesel motors standard with a block heater. Starting in '04 it is now an option to get the cord from Dodge to run your block heater. Of course it is some very specialized connection so you have to buy it from the dealer. Here's my problem. I ordered it from the dealer, and they tell me the part is on back order until mid January or February. Is there a way I can get this part direct from Cummin's ?? Cost of part from Dodge is $40 after the fact or $10 as an option when you order your truck. Installation looks like a 5 minute job. Let me know if anyone else has run into this problem and if I have alternate source of getting my heater plug. Right now I bought an aftermarket hot magnet that I stick to my oil pan at night. It does not do a very good job, but my thought is that it is better than nothing.

bulabula

Did you call your local NAPA dealer? I think they have them.

Commatoze

[quote author=Mallard link=board=20;threadid=23867;start=0#msg224976 date=1071664696]
........I ordered it from the dealer, and they tell me the part is on back order until mid January or February. ..........[/quote]

I guess the obvious question is, did you try other dealers? Maybe a dealer in New Jersey would ship the cord to you. Also try online.

spots

If you can find a dealer with some '03's on the lot head down there about two in the morning..
I think this was discussed before. Do a search on it. Someone (on-line sales) I think had them. My local dealer said 700 were released Dec 12, should be in stock in a couple of days. HTH

JRensel

I suggest you do not buy it from DC. Cummins sells the cord for just over $10, and even with shipping its much less. As for 5 minute job, maybe, but if you dont take off the oil filter it takes a lot longer. Trust me. Then be sure to route it away from the exhaust manifold.

Rusty69

I called the dearler last week and got mine the next day. Install in under 5 min.'s. And that was putting about 5 zip ties on it to keep it away from the manifold.

Big Ed

I don't know if a cord ordered directly from Cummins come's with the gizmo's already on it that are used to secure the cord to to the frame but the one I ordered from my dealer did.

If you look on the passengers side frame rail from under the front of the truck you will see 3 holes that the above mentioned push pin/gizmo's attach to. I used my friends '03 as a reference and did the job in about 10 minutes and I did not remove my oil filter.

I am sure a parts store carry's generic cords but I liked the fact that my dealer cord was a direct replacement that did not require any zip tie jerry rigging.

Rolngthun

Hi Big Ed,
I was wondering about the factory location, do you have to open the hood to plug in?

Rusty69

[quote author=Big Ed #2 link=board=20;threadid=23867;start=0#msg225499 date=1071715516]
I liked the fact that my dealer cord was a direct replacement that did not require any zip tie jerry rigging.
[/quote]

I got mine from the dealer also and just because I used zip-ties does not mean its jerry rigged.

Jonesey

[quote author=Rolngthun link=board=20;threadid=23867;start=0#msg225651 date=1071748070]
Hi Big Ed,
I was wondering about the factory location, do you have to open the hood to plug in?
[/quote]

The way mine was routed from the factory requires the hood to be opened to hook it up. I rerouted it to where I just reach through the opening near the tow hook. If you don't have the tow hook option it won't be as easy. The plastic panel in the bumper would have to be cut to gain access.

rossn2

I ordered mine in November and still not received it yet here in Central Texas. I called Cummins in Ft Worth and they would've had the same problem in getting it, back order. The manufacturing plant has over 300 on order from Dodge alone and were suppose to ship 700 to Dodge.
Oh, the cost from Cummins was $26 plus shipping and handling, Dodge was $29.

Still waiting for mine :'(

rossn2

I just picked mine up from the dealer...YIPPIE

It came with some plastic push-grommets that will fit somewhere. Looks like you have to remove the air intake hose from the box to the turbo to get to the block heater. Of course, engine is hot...once it cools down, might be able to just pull it out of the way far enough to attach the cord.

Now, if I can only figure out how to adjust headlights up a little higher. Dealer says says can only adjust side-to-side...

2004 2500 Quad Cab, 6 spd, 4x4, 3.73 rear end, HO Cummins...

Big Ed

rossn2, the push grommets go into the three holes in the frame rail that I mentioned earlier. I installed my cord from under the truck and did not remove anything to do the job. The only tool I used was a droplight.

Jonesey, I also have the cord located at the opening in the front bumper and no modification of the plastic panel was needed.

Rusty69, Definately Jerry rigged .

Rusty69

[quote author=Big Ed #2 link=board=20;threadid=23867;start=0#msg226206 date=1071804310]

Rusty69, Definately Jerry rigged .
[/quote]


And you have no idea what jerry rigged is.......which is prob. a good thing.

rossn2

Yeah, I had to remove the air intake from the box to the turbo because engine was hot....not big deal. I ran the cord along the frame and brought it out right behind the license plate/bumper. I taped the cord to the fog lamps wiring harness.

I plugged in at 535 am today and at 621 fired up the truck. But, it wasn't warm, So question is..how long does it take for the block heater to work? Owners manual says a minimum of an hour? Maybe I should plug it in all night and see if that works?