New guy here. Just bought a 2006 Dodge 2500 SLT 4x4 diesel. My first diesel - loving it!

I purchased the truck off a lot and the only option I didn't get that I'd like to have is the block heater.

I'm assuming that the heater is installed but I don't have a cord to plug ut up because 1) the block heater is only a $10 option from Dodge - I doubt that would cover the cost to install a heater and 2) since the heater is installed by Cummins, I would think they'd put one in every engine.

A couple questions:

Am I correct in assuming that I have a heater and just need to purchase the cord?

Is the cord installation procedure something reasonably easy to do myself or should I let the dealership take care of it?

edit: Oops - just found block heater info under the tech facts link. I think it takes care of my question.

 

I got the cord from Cummins for $11.46 out the door.

 

What did you have to tell them. When I called they told me there was 2 different ones. DC wants almost 60 bucks for theirs. Any help appreciated.

 

I was just quoted ~ $20 by the local Cummins place. My DCX dealership wanted $45+.

I'm still baffled as to why a cord isn't standard. Of course, if you go through life expecting people do do things that make sense, you're setting yourself up for disappointment......

 

where is the heater installed on the block??

 

As long as they didn't change the location on the new engines, it would be almost right above the oil filter mount/ oil cooler. It may still be a Zero-start block heater. Mine is.

Zero-start catalog Look up the p/n yourself.

Does require Adobe Reader to view the pdf.

Click on the icon to the right of "ZeroStart Product Catalog - US Version"

 

I guess they saw my truck parked in front of the door because the guy just pulled the cord off the shelf when I told him what I wanted.

 

I think I know the answer to this question, but I'm going to ask just to be absolutely sure.....

I picked up a cord at the local Cummins place - gotta' love $16 vs $45 at the dealership. Anyway, the guy at the parts counter said to make sure I unplug before starting the engine - it'll short out the heater.

???

It's my understanding that the heater has no electrical connections with the rest of the engine....hell, it's 120V. I think he's full of it, but I'm a little nervous since I'm new to the whole diesel thing.

 

I realize yours is a different year but I start mine plugged in all the time. Don't take my word for it but I would get a second opinion...