Block Heater

I spent a few hours looking into the codes you get last year.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/for-those-of-you-with-block-heaters.593024/

per my recollection, never saw an easy way around it. (2 trip logic by my recollection).

 

Looks like I theorized that 20 seconds of ignition ON with engine off would prevent the check... MAYBE
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/for-those-of-you-with-block-heaters.593024/#post-19848223

 

Yes, I appreciate the input. That did not help. It was a good guess though. I really appreciate the help.

 

getting colder out any input for the guys with those block heaters???

 

Ok here goes with my block heater install.
TLDR: you aren’t going to do this. Nobody is going to do this. Keep ‘er movin’
It puts a big ugly port on the front of the truck/ you think I ruined my truck. Don’t even @me.

As mentioned earlier here are the parts I used:

The advantage of this over the Toyota Canada spec parts are that they are cheaper, easier to source, and does not require an adapter cord.
That’s it, that’s all.

The heater installation is really easy and etrailer has a link to their video on the product page. Go watch that. Only thing I didn’t do was remove the support. I had enough room to get my hand past it.

I had the same issue as Tharris242 in that mine wouldn’t slide all the way in. It interfered with the bell housing overhang so I filed it a touch.



This shows where I filed the flat.


Heater installed


it was a bit loose even with the spring clip. Hasn’t moved after being on the road though.

That’s all that was needed for the heater itself. If you run the cord like in the video it reaches near the battery. One can then pop the hood to plug in, or get a short extension cord to run it to the grill.
That said if you want/need more convenience keep reading.

This is the port assembly. Much larger than the Toyota Canada part. it really meant to allow contractor box trailers a way to add “shore power” and designed to mount through plywood.


I decided between a couple of spots.

I think this would look best if done properly. It would be a pain to cut through the ribs, and the ABS plastic isn’t all the beefy considering one will be pushing/pulling on the port in very cold weather.

Option 2 is further down in the bumper. Stronger plastic but requires cutting a 2” 50mm hole in a expensive painted part on a truck I have made exactly 2 payments on.
Another plus is should I drive off without unplugging it the cord should pull out without any damage.



to start with I removed the fog light for access. 6 clips I was able to access by reaching down from next to the headlight.

the fog light is held in with 1 Phillips head screw.

Next is to mark and cut the hole. I used a 2” hole saw.

This was too low and interferes with the plastic on the air damn on the back side. Off road model’s shouldn’t have an issue.


Did I mention that I’ve made only 2 payments on this hella pricey truck?

To support the mounting I found a convenient stainless ring in the scrap bucket at the gettin spot. I only needed to drill and tap 3 M5 x 0.8 holes.





If you don’t have access to a suitable gettin spot, large OD (fender) washers and nuts will be fine. I used M5 x 16 stainless cylinder head screws.

all holes drilled and port installed:

inside view:



All that’s left is to route the cable. I considered putting it in flex loom for a factory look but the sheathing on the cable is plenty for protection.




I was originally going to cut both cords to length and splice them together, I’m deciding if I want to add a battery blanket as well. The port has sufficient amperage capacity. For now it’s just plugged together.


Finished install. Actually not real noticeable if you are standing near the truck. Think they will let me park next to the Tesla’s at work and plug in?


lastly a visual reminder. Also from the gettin spot. I will place it on the dash whenever I plug in.


update.
When installing the heater make sure the clip is seated in the groove. That is why mine seemed loose. I had to bend the clip forward just a bit to get it to properly lock


You can see this from the side if you look under the brake booster.

 

When I typed in "2019" the website said that the Kat heater doesn't fit 2019 and my indy Toyota mechanic says the same thing. So are you going to try and install in a 2019 Taco?

Anyone know if a generic lower rad hose heater will fit on a 2019 Tacoma?

 

It will fit, they just didn’t update the list of compatible vehicles.

 

Nothing changed between 2016 and 2020 as far as heater applicability goes.

Jeff

 

Looks good.
FYI- The stop sign on the dash cluster is a good idea unless it blows away when you open the door; I always hang the extension cord over my DS rear view mirror so I won’t forget to unplug it. Never driven away with it dragging under the truck yet....

 

My post is for a 2019 TRD Sport. The stick heater fits just fine and is easier to install than a lower hose heater.

 

Installed the same heater a while back but I didnt have to modify to fit snug. Clipped on just fine with no issues. Ran the cord up behind engine then to drivers side going through the battery area, then out to the grill.

 

Is it ok to start the truck with the block heater plugged in still. Ordering a remote start and would still like to use my block heater.
Thanks

 

we do it all the time in alaska. We would just disconnect the plug when its time to drive off.

 

^Yep, start it up, doesn't matter if the plug is still in. I've got mine on a timer so it starts the block heater chord at 5am, when I'm ready to go at 7 it's nice and toasty.

 

ok thanks

 

I am going to talk to my Toyota indy mechanic again. He gets stick block heaters out of eastern Canada. Do you know if that is where the Kat's Stick Heater from etrailer.com comes from?

 

As others have said, it won’t hurt anything, as long as you don’t have an extension cord hanging near your rad fan or serp belt.....

BTW- I had aftermarket remote starters on a couple of diesel trucks that could be programmed with the key fob to start the truck up every couple of hours for a set amount of time (eg: Start and run for 15 minutes every 3 hours) It was great for those super cold nights when the truck was somewhere without access to an outdoor plug.
I also had a couple of inline extension cord thermo-switch-thingys that I used with my block heaters; they would only allow current to flow when the temp dropped below a preset amount. Great for saving energy/$$$$.....

 

we seen all the installation jobs you all did, mighty fine work, how well does the block heater itself rate? does it really get the motor warm and can you notice a difference in the morning?

 

According to their about us page Springfield, TN.
http://www.fivestarmanufacturing.com/about_us

 

i just bought my block heater and the port assembly, im gonna mount it the same way camerasandcoffee did it.