3rd Gen Block Heater Recall

Don't know how many people got, or paid attention to, a recall regarding the block heater on the 3rd Gen Tacoma. If you get one, pay attention to it. This is what happened to my '17 TRD Off-Road. My '20 should be here in a week or so, and I can damn well guarantee it will never be plugged in... EVER!!

 

Yikes!

 

- I never heard nor received anything on the mail about a heater recall. Are you sure you didn't lid your truck to get the new 2020 model??... JK

 

Fire investigator showed me the recall but when I plug my VIN into the Toyota website it doesn't show up. This is the third Tacoma fire he's worked that was caused by the block heater.

 

They are supposed to give you a copy of it, did they? I called my local dealership and they have never heard of that either. Are you in good terms with your girlfriend/wife? Terrorist attack, maybe?

 

Did you have it plugged in when the fire happened?

 

Normal

 

Ya, I did....

 

Just waiting to hear back from the investigator with the recall number...

 

Are you in Canada? The Canadian Tacos come with a block heater stock, right? Or, was yours a Toyota part installed after delivery?

I don't have a block heater, but we have a lot of Canadian friends here.

 

Is the block heater an aftermarket unit or does it comes in all Tacoma’s? I heard that in Canada this is a very common mod. I saw this video and it seems like this guy is installing one.
https://youtu.be/Ifj5YcSpeKc

 

Wow, had no idea this was a potential.....you must like a toasty truck to plug it in while inside. Hope you get taken care of with insurance!

 

Ya, I'm in Canada. It's a mandatory add on here but still done at the dealership as part of their PDI.

 

That makes more scenes now, that's the dealership fault instead of Tacoma issue. Good luck with the resolution op!

 

So how cold was it that you were using a block heater?

The after photo looks like a late spring day...

 

I always plug it in when the night time temps drop below zero.
I won't be doing that anymore though...

 

Where do you live man...?? Taco's do not need block heaters unless you are in EXTREME cold. Like minus 40--50+

Keep the battery well maintained and you should not have an issue. I'm talking from northern Ont. experience.

 

I'm a born and raised Winnipegger who lives in Alberta now. It's not so much about the extreme cold. It eases winter start-ups, and reduces warm up time. I pamper my vehicles... Speaking as a licensed mechanic btw...

 

Block looks heated to me?

 

It'll buff out...