Block Heater

who’s using OEM or aftermarket engine block heater? How do you like it and is it worth it?

 

assuming you get the new part that's not recalled in Canada, yes it's worth the ~$150

The problem is that Toyota doesn't make an OEM part and Toyota USA doesn't have a part number for a Tacoma block heater.....they've got to be ordered from Toyota Canada through a dealer. Right now it's unclear if the USA dealers are buying pre-recall parts. A couple of us are looking into it on this thread

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-2018-toyota-block-heater-recall.539971/page-2#post-19728831

 

The Canadian Tacoma style block heater was never recalled, but rather amended. They are quite expensive but look far better.

They are 450$ + 1.5 hours labour.

I'm 90% sure you can run the old style from aftermarket but I havent seen one installed in a Tacoma yet.

 

There was a recall for the ones that Toyota Canada was installing at Canadian dealerships (look at the first post on that other thread.....I've also spoke to at least 3 reps from Toyota Canada about it), but I see what you're saying......it's technically the wiring harness for the block heater, not the heating element itself.

Is the wiring harness in that one you have pictured different than the one that just runs up along the engine bay to the battery (that's what I have, and it's been recalled.....confirmed the part numbers with a dealer in Toronto)? Do you have a part number for that one in the picture? Looks sweet

 

I'm a Canadian tech at a Canadian dealer, there was a ton of confusion due to some dealers incorrectly installing the old pre-2012 style block heater (905). The modular ones were never recalled officially. I owned a 16' and my best friend has a 2013, neither of us got letters due to the style my dealer installed.

 

I saw a YouTube video of a after market heater Installation on a 2016 TACO. Looks pretty straight forward. Cost is around $60.00

 

That’s excellent news! That 905 part number is the one I’ve got that’s caused all this confusion.

I was told by the Toronto dealer that the replacement part number is PK-5A408J05......is that the one you’ve got?

 

I dislike the need for a special cord. My VW also has one..... it’s bad enough driving away with it still plugged in, but forgetting the cord at home and not being able to just use a readily available extension cord to plug the vehicle in at work with, is a pita. Buying a second cord is an expensive option I guess.
When the daytime highs are in the -30’s.......
I may just cut the cord and put a lighted end on and hang it out the grille old school style.

 

Our 17 came with two cords, one is a foot long and lived in with the jack, the other is a 6ft and hangs in the garage.

 

anybody use those kat's block heaters for the 2016 trucks? it looks like they just push into a hole in the block, anybody use one?

 

I just bought one. YouTube has a good video on how to install it.

 

etrailer.com part number kh11813

 

icu1, how is it? does it work ?

 

Sorry for the confusion. I just ordered it.

 

ok , let me no how you make out when you get it ,

 

Will do.

 

Just installed Zerostart # 3100129, Back of Drivers side head at Bell housing there is the hole for it.
Had to go from under truck to get to it.!! 5 yes 5 min to snap in
May need short extension cord to run out of grille, but for under 100 tacos who cares.

 

how did you make out ?

 

It hasn’t arrived yet.

 

I got the dealer installed one and it's a nice and tidy installation. No cords to tie up or dangling about while driving and pulls out nicely if one ever forgets to unplug when leaving the driveway.