BLOCK HEATER ISSUE

I went from a 2012 Access cab, 4x4, 2.7L to a 2016 brand new model year of the same. The 2012 had a block heater on with no issue. I had one put on the 2016 before delivery and it started leaking antifreeze soon after. Dealership changed it and everything seemed ok. I used it this winter and it started leaking through the electrical connection.
Dealership worked for some 4 hours on the problem, broke the part, got in touch with Toyota technical support and finally completed the installation of a new part. I was warned (???) that if the problem occurs again, they would simply replace the heater with a plug and reimburse me for the initial block heater.
It's my first experience with Toyota productst even though we visited the Toyota/Lexus dealerships when myself or my wife were shopping for a new car. We always ended up with Honda/Acura and never experienced any issue of the kind. This time though I wanted a medium size pick up and did not care for the Ridgeline.
According to the technical personnel, it is the first time they met such a problem and it was never encountered with the V6 engine...

As for the rest of the truck, everything is fine and although there is not yet 8,000km on it I really enjoy the ride and convenience. 2016 is far more quiet and the ride is a lot smoother than the 2012.

 

I blame the dealers employee who installed the Block heater. Also shitty service. A block heater isn't the toughest part to install.

 

Well, this is exactly what I said to the technical advisor, in less blunt terms. This is not rocket science for sure. But this area of the 2.7L engine was supposedly slightly modified and now they have to insert the part, turn it to 90° and then complete the installation.
I am far from impressed anyway.

 

I think it one of those jobs they give to the less qualified personnel. But even a lesser qualified person should be able to turn a part 90 degrees.

 

Well, I don't know for mechanics. But as far as sales persons go, they sure know how to try to turn your head 90° while another one actively works your wallet !

I am only half joking: this is known as the two sales persons technique and I experienced it on two different occasions at two distincts Toyota dealership. If the topic is of interest to you, you can Google " car sales technique" or similar research titles.

 

Where are ya that ya need a block heater???

 

Up North in Canada, more precisely some 100km from Montreal. During winter time we get a few weeks of minus 20-30C weather. Most modern cars, except diesel, will start under such conditions. But drawbacks are present: it shortens battery life by causing a deeper discharge; the motor takes more time to warm up; fuel consumption is temporarily higher causing more pollution; oïl film within the engine can break down causing premature wear. These are documented and use of a block heater is encouraged around here although many people do not resort to it.

 

Most people nowadays used remote starters and run the vehicle for 20 minutes before driving.

 

Could be done, of course and it is a popular item in auto parts stores.
Lots of unecessary gas consumption and pollution though.

 

Block heaters are significantly better than this method. They reduce wear and tear and fuel consumption rather than increasing...

 

I agree with you. People are more for the convenience. At work where I park I am one of the few people who plugs in their vehicle. I see a bunch of vehicles started via remote at the end of the shift. I prefer plugging in.

 

+1 especially the 3rd gen remote starter that requires an extra start.

 

I haven't even followed it to see where it goes to make sure it isn't leaking.

But if you're having the issue I'd say just monitor it. They're fixing it and you have it reported which is good. Will make the process easier. Just a buzz kill it's failing and inconvenient

 

Hi Joe23! I haven't had to follow it for long: it was dripping under the engine on two occasions. And twice this winter I noticed the expansion tank to be empty.
You are right: it's now on file and under warranty.

 

I think the dealer offering you a plug and forget about the problem, is a cop out on their part.

 

I keep that in mind and we'll see what happen with the latest repair... As a customer I often find it productive to let them believe that they easily can do away with me and then, if needed, to give them a good calculated bite.