I am looking for an engine block heater that is compatible with my 2014 Aqua/Prius C. So far the only providers of compatible EBH I could readily find are by Toyota Canada. However, I am aware of a product recall issued by Toyota Canada for many models of EBH, at least one of which is used for the Prius C, due to a design flaw in the wire casing that creates a fire hazard. Has there been an EBH introduced by Toyota for the Prius C in replacement of the recalled EBH model(s)? If so, does anybody know the part number?
Is it really that cold in New Zealand that this heater is necessary? This is usually a problem in Canada and the northern states.
The temperatures of winter nights in the South Island (where I currently live) can regularly dip below 0°C, it snows occasionally, and I often have to de-ice the windshield. Us Kiwis typically just roll with it and put up with consuming the extra fuel heating our vehicles. Compared to spring till early autumn, the car spends most of my winter commutes with the engine running; heating its engine coolant from the cold-start, and reheating that coolant repeatedly each time it cools below 40°C along the way. I would only enjoy a few minutes of EV driving each way. With this in mind, and having access to electrical sockets both at home and at my workplace, I am inclined to at least try to obtain an EBH to reduce my winter fuel consumption and expenses.
Then perhaps the DEFA Electric Engine Preheater (Norway) would suit you. defa.com They are installed on various hybrids. Your car has a 1NZ-FXE engine, the same as the Prius Gen2. Now you can place an order from anywhere in the world, see if it is convenient.
Wow, thanks! That's a plausible alternative I'll look into! The product is also rated 230V, same as AUS/NZ electrical voltage. I was a little worried that I'll need a stepdown transformer for any imported American/Canadian electrical product, rated 120V.
I’m getting gratis replacement of our EBH next Wednesday, through dealership. This is on a gen 3 though. I’ll share any info I can after that. We got the block heater installed, for a pretty penny, in November 2010, when the car was brand new. It shorted out at the wiring to heater element, maybe 2019. This was after VERY frequent use, typically 2 hours before every cold-start, year ‘round. I DIY’d replacement install at that time, been fine since, but heard of the recall, so contacted dealership.
