I checked with my local Toyota dealer about installing a block heater. They said they don't carry OEM block heaters so they cannot install it, So why does the instructions show the OEM heater cartridge hole on the 2010 Prius? Doesn't the PIP have the same cartridge hole?
Most dealerships who don't carry an item either say that the item won't fit (which it will) or that it doesn't exist (which it does). We get this same problem with the PriusChat Shop's mudguards all the time. You should be able to install the EBH yourself. PriusChat Shop : Toyota Prius Engine Block Heater [Prius EBH] - $59.00
So......I should go over the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor and get one installed? Probably wouldn't improve my gas mileage tho, because I'm only 2.7 miles from work. I' m just going to suck it up by scraping the ice off the windshield and leaving the defroster/heater off. and drive in EV with my winter coat on. lol
The point was, I wanted the Toyota Dealership to install it in case of Warranty Issues. I'm aware of Priuschat Shop having one. I looke at the instructions to install it and decided too much detail was involved in disassembling parts of the engine compartment.
I think in Canada it is a must have item, dealers install block heater before you pickup a car they don't ask you. I was checking the coolant temp. when I plug the my Prius V when was -5c (23F) after about 40min the coolant temp was 28C (84F)
there's a new thread here by someone who purchased a cheap 12v heater that works in his gen III. might be a nice compliment to our heated seats!
here, lemme help u: I recently saw that Harbor Freight is selling these 12v heaters for $10 (Its listed for $14.99 but the flyer has a coupon for $9.99). (12V Heater w/ Fan) I'm gonna give it a try to see if I can save some mpg's in the upcoming winter months. This (along with ccdisce's wonderful ECT spoofer) should give me summer-like fuel economy in the normally fair KY winters. I will be mounting it in front of the center console (not hard mounted just placed there) and will move it on the dash if I needed to defrost. I will let you know if it does what I expect. It is cheaply made but, what do you expect for $10? I wouldn't recommend it for colder climates like MN or WI etc but, in the milder areas (AL, NC, SC etc), it should warm you up pretty good (I'm hoping anyway). We'll see. Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/gonna-try-a-12v-heater-for-winter-mpgs.116602/#ixzz29NTrcZOI
here's the product manual from the heater: http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/96000-96999/96144.pdf
the specs on the heater are: 12vdc x 13 amps= 180 watts, my oil filled heater is 400 watts and couldn't heat my PIP more than ten degrees. (outside temp was 47 degrees f inside temp 51 degrees f)
http://www.juicedhybrid.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/prius%20engine%20block%20heater%20instructions.pdf
