3rd Gen Block Heater Recall

The designers and builders of the Tacoma live in a region that does not need or likely even know what a block heater is used for. Even in Canada, the majority of people live in areas that do not need block heaters.

My mechanic charged me $50CAD to install an aftermarket KATS block heater that sells for around $70USD...pretty much a no-brainer.

 

Just received a recall notice in the mail last week for the truck that burned to the ground almost 2 years ago... FML!!

 

wow seriously

 

Oh shit that is messed up hope insurance covered it.

 

I figure it has something to do with my insurance company suing Toyota for the cost of replacing the truck and rebuilding my house...

 

lol see above

 

Not sure why a gasser needs a heater block anyway, I lived where it would hit -40 and never had issues with gas. My diesel well I’d be walking till it got to -20 lol

 

I used one on my 2nd gen in Alaska. Made a huge difference even on a gas engine. Sure it would still start at -40° when not plugged in but it started easier and warmed up faster with warm coolant, oil and battery.

 

I noticed Toyota.ca has changed the maintenance schedule to include an annual inspection of block heaters, if equipped. This is new. I have not seen this before. I wonder if this is due to the recent issues?

 

where does the fire start?
connector? or heating unit?
ive thought about bypassing the 3 pin oem plug and hard wiring a standard plug onto the power wire.
like a normal block heater system

 

I'd like to know as well but I have not heard of any details from anyone here or Toyota itself. My truck goes in for an oil change next month and I'll ask the service writer.

 

When my car caught fire, it looked like the cord that goes from the plug to the block heater element itself. I could be wrong, though. There is some speculation that the fires start with the block heater element due to faulty or missing thermal interface grease.

 

scary shit when your house burns

 

Literally the only time I was happy with having a detached garage.

 

Update. Nothing. Toyota Canada is absolute fucking bullshit. They’re not telling me anything. Yet I know they’ve already investigated the truck. Word from the fire chief in town let alone direct word from the feller who looked after the investigation from transport Canada! Had a great conversation with him

Came down to COCHRANE TOYOTA….yes I’m calling you out right now because I know you guys troll these forums…not properly installing the block heater. I’ve left messages multiple times asking for you guys to call me back. Yet you haven’t.

Beware guys. For those Canadian fellers who received the recall….you can clearly see how bad toyota fucked up. The list of vehicles affected is half a page long. Sole reason I completely switched away from Toyota.

 

Need a dislike button for this one. I hope you keep after them.

Did you end up in a Raptor?

 

That's unacceptable on Toyota Canada's part! Sorry your dealing with all this.

I think I'll be installing the oil pan adhesive type heating pad before winter.

 

Do they still make lower radiator hose heaters? I used them on various cars years ago. They were simple but always worked fine for me.

 

whats new with this issue?

 

Besides the block heater disconnection to prevent me from using my block heater has anyone been contacted for the actual repair yet?