How come Tacomas don't come with a block heater?

My 2011 didn't have one (bought new) and even my 2004 doesn't have one. Has any Tacoma ever come from the factory with one or does Toyota just assume they don't need one? Is it bad to start one in extremely cold temps without it? You'd think so. It gets cold here, been below zero the past few days and it isn't uncommon to reach -40 in January. I've also been told that running synthetic oil disqualifies the need for a block heater, idk how true that is.

 

To my knowledge they do not come with them but you can buy one separately.

With those temps I would go out and buy one even if you are running synthetic.
But i am not positive on it being a necessity

 

Most who need them add them. Most don't need them, I'd imagine, so it's a lot of investment in something relatively few will want.

 

Montana is pertneer Canada.

http://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-5504

That reminds me. Temps dropped drastically today and the starter was a bit sluggish. Hoping I don't wake up tomorrow to a dead battery. It is 8 years old after all.

 

I was thinking they were an option up north but I might be wrong. I added mine to my 07, super easy.

 

I ordered the one from the link above. I'm going to have it installed at the dealer when I fly home this time. The temps here in North Dakota are below 0 at the moment and you can tell that the Tacoma isn't liking it. I figure it can't hurt.

 

A block heater is an option at some dealerships. Probably just through the service/parts departments. I run synthetic oil and if it will drop down below 15 F I will probably plug mine in. (block heater)

You could also do an oil pan heater, which might work better imo.

 

I've never really had any luck with those, they don't seem to work as well as a block heater. Plus, you have to crawl under the truck to put them on and take them off, that's no fun lol. Am just gonna put a block heater in it instead, they are easy to install.

 

that's why they are added only as an option and not a factory installed part since 95% of vehicles don't need them so no manufacturers ship them that way unless the dealers request it be added

 

Kats P# C0140-02134

 

I wouldn't agree that full synthetic disqualifies the need for a block heater. You won't get wax formed due to freezing like you would in a straight conventional oil (so no need to keep the oil above freezing temps) but startup oil temp is still way below what it needs to be. At -40 the viscosity of that oil is super sludgy and takes longer to get to the optimal 10cs, so warmer is better. I ground my teeth this morning as it was 16F and I thought about the non synth part of my synth blend. I have a jug of Mobil 1 full synth 0-20 ready to go for my OCI this weekend and thought I could have used it in there for this drastic temp dip. Sigh. (Note: for my Camry, not my Taco)

 

flirting with danger! i like it.

 

Did you?

 

Considering last winter we had over 67 days below ZERO, I'm thinking of getting one for my truck. I've had them in all 3 of my other trucks and you can practically hear the engine thanking you on cold mornings.

 

^^ Good idea I think. Can't hurt, other than your 'lectric bill!

 

I've used both. The magnetic oil pan heater is the best for easy starts on cold mornings and the engine will warm up quickly since the oil is already warm. You can leave it stuck to the pan and just stow the cord when you go for a drive.

Block heaters only keep the water jacket warm, which is good if you are concerned about freezing the water jacket. The oil will still be thick in the bottom of the pan though. The oil will get a little heat through transference, but it's at the bottom and heat rises.

 

My old truck was purchased new in Montana and came from the dealer with a block heater. The sticker said "cold weather package".