Dealer installed block heater, it was plugged in overnight. When started this morning the temp gauge read very low, normal for a winter morning in Minnesota. Shouldn't the gauge have shown a higher temp?

I've also read that the heater should be used on a timer, correct?

Thanks,

Tom

2005 Camry 4cyl

 

yes, use timer. as of the temp questions, I guess, it depends on ambient temperature. block heaters are not really furnaces.

 

Thanks for the response.

Maybe I can find my scangauge II and compare actual temps. I'm surprised temp wouldn't move the gauge above the "buried" position. I'm hoping it won't be another "we do it nice, bcause we do it twice" visit to the dealer.

 

hope not. another fallow Scangauger, hah? those are cute gizmos. is you car even parked outside? I am just trying to figure why had you to have expense and effort done to have block heaters installed. esp at a dealer.

 

Scangauge has been in 4 Toyota. Pretty good koolaid.

Dealer used oem part and charged $80 installed. 50/50, part/labor.
May have gotten what I paid for. Grrr.
Garage is often in the teens F for three months a year.

This retired gimp thought it would be a reasonable improvement in comfort by cutting down on running warmup time.


Checked all garage wiring, will check wiring under hood before calling dealer.

Thanks

 

The unit may be functioning OK, the coolant may not be heating up that much to register.

Read info at link below:

Block heater - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia