Front Plug

[College Student]

I have a 2003 eddie, with a plug on the front of the vehicle, i suspected it was a block heater for cold days and such, the first time i used it my car was warm, but any other time it seems to only warm the engine enough to make the guage just barely rise off the peg, am i missing something?

 

[matt0248]

Nope, It only warms the coolant to aid in warming the engine on cold days. You really only see a major benefit if it is really cold, say below 0 F. Otherwise is just keeps some of the coolant warm.

 

[jaydez]

I was under the impression that they warmed the oil in the oil pan to make cold starts easier and a little safer for the engine.

 

[matt0248]

I was under the impression that they warmed the oil in the oil pan to make cold starts easier and a little safer for the engine.

Diesels have this, but not the explorer. It is just a frost plug heater. There are magnetic oil pan heaters available, I have never used one though.