Topic: how to test the car block heater?

[kingeh]

Beside paying the auto garage to test the block heater. Is any other way to test without paying every time?

[rrocket]

Yea.  Simple product called Plug Alive!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoAccessories/WinterAutomotive/PRD~0303201P/Plug%2BAlive%2BBlock%2BHeater%2BOutlet%2BTester.jsp?locale=en

[blur911]

Yea.  Simple product called Plug Alive!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoAccessories/WinterAutomotive/PRD~0303201P/Plug%2BAlive%2BBlock%2BHeater%2BOutlet%2BTester.jsp?locale=en

A multi-meter can be had for cheaper and does a lot more, if you know how to use one.  Set it on ohms and measure the resistance, it should probably be in the 10-50ohm region (I'm guessing)

[Cord]

As long as you are not parked beside a busy train track, you can plug it in and listen. Similar to plugging in a kettle, in a few seconds you can usually hear it start to work.

[Seafoam]

As long as you are not parked beside a busy train track, you can plug it in and listen. Similar to plugging in a kettle, in a few seconds you can usually hear it start to work.

Yes that will work.I had noticed last week when i plugged my block heater into a timer it was not coming on. Thought it was the timer. It was the plug end on the block heater. Sure enough cut off the end installed a new one and waited 5 seconds for the hissing sound.
I wish my honda had a more permanent plug end like the big diesel trucks have mounted in the grill opening.

[kingeh]

Plug Alive sold out in 2 Canadian Tire.  Finally got one in AMA and got discount cause m member.  Wow, it worked great!! Also worked on the battery warner too!  Thanks 

[ktm525]

As long as you are not parked beside a busy train track, you can plug it in and listen. Similar to plugging in a kettle, in a few seconds you can usually hear it start to work.

Yes that will work.I had noticed last week when i plugged my block heater into a timer it was not coming on. Thought it was the timer. It was the plug end on the block heater. Sure enough cut off the end installed a new one and waited 5 seconds for the hissing sound.
I wish my honda had a more permanent plug end like the big diesel trucks have mounted in the grill opening.

Volvo had this in Europe but didn't bring it to NA. Essentially the block heater cord looked like a household wall socket. The trick would be to find a double male extension cord. The socket had a little door, flip it up and plug it in. Just like plugging into the wall. Too easy I guess

[tpl]

Dangerous.   How soon before a Darwin recipient, standing in a puddle, licked the live pins.

[richink]

As long as you are not parked beside a busy train track, you can plug it in and listen. Similar to plugging in a kettle, in a few seconds you can usually hear it start to work.

Yes that will work.I had noticed last week when i plugged my block heater into a timer it was not coming on. Thought it was the timer. It was the plug end on the block heater. Sure enough cut off the end installed a new one and waited 5 seconds for the hissing sound.
I wish my honda had a more permanent plug end like the big diesel trucks have mounted in the grill opening.

Volvo had this in Europe but didn't bring it to NA. Essentially the block heater cord looked like a household wall socket. The trick would be to find a double male extension cord. The socket had a little door, flip it up and plug it in. Just like plugging into the wall. Too easy I guess

I'm sure that the V store will sell you one for $99 with a fancy "Volvo" logo stamped on it 

[ktm525]

Instead of the plug alive. I found a cheap solution to at least test if the circuit has power (parkade etc) is the Noma extension cordds sold at Can Tire. The socket end of the cord lights up if their is power.

[Art]

Yea.  Simple product called Plug Alive!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoAccessories/WinterAutomotive/PRD~0303201P/Plug%2BAlive%2BBlock%2BHeater%2BOutlet%2BTester.jsp?locale=en

A multi-meter can be had for cheaper and does a lot more, if you know how to use one.  Set it on ohms and measure the resistance, it should probably be in the 10-50ohm region (I'm guessing)

The multi-meter test works great. My block heater resistance is 25.2 ohms and is working fine.

[Cord]

As long as you are not parked beside a busy train track, you can plug it in and listen. Similar to plugging in a kettle, in a few seconds you can usually hear it start to work.

Yes that will work.I had noticed last week when i plugged my block heater into a timer it was not coming on. Thought it was the timer. It was the plug end on the block heater. Sure enough cut off the end installed a new one and waited 5 seconds for the hissing sound.
I wish my honda had a more permanent plug end like the big diesel trucks have mounted in the grill opening.

Volvo had this in Europe but didn't bring it to NA. Essentially the block heater cord looked like a household wall socket. The trick would be to find a double male extension cord. The socket had a little door, flip it up and plug it in. Just like plugging into the wall. Too easy I guess

Some Fords had this feature in the past (I clearly recall the old style Taurus) using a grille mounted male plug. Very convenient.

Instead of the plug alive. I found a cheap solution to at least test if the circuit has power (parkade etc) is the Noma extension cordds sold at Can Tire. The socket end of the cord lights up if their is power.

That will tell you if you have power to the extension cord but doesn't tell you if the block heater itself is working.

[ktm525]

I know. I assumed that an owner would have tested the block heater with his/her multimeter long before when the weather was warm.

The extension cord that lights up is a quick way in nasty weather to determine if the plug you are using is live. You can always look for the arc when plugging too.

[Winklovic]

I just look at my Scanguage when I start the car.  The coolant is usually at least 10°C. 

[Seafoam]

I just look at my Scanguage when I start the car.  The coolant is usually at least 10°C. 

Yes that's how I knew my block heater wasn't functioning. The coolant temperature should have been much higher than that if it is plugged in.For my particular car anyway.

[Fobroader]

Yea.  Simple product called Plug Alive!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoAccessories/WinterAutomotive/PRD~0303201P/Plug%2BAlive%2BBlock%2BHeater%2BOutlet%2BTester.jsp?locale=en

A multi-meter can be had for cheaper and does a lot more, if you know how to use one.  Set it on ohms and measure the resistance, it should probably be in the 10-50ohm region (I'm guessing)

By far the easiest way to tell you weather you have a good block heater or not. You dont need a $300 Fluke, a $40 Canadian Tire special is all you need around the house.