In very cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater when the temperature is at or above 0°F (-18 C°) as noted on the cord.

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the power steering fluid reservoir. If you have a diesel engine, refer to diesel supplement for location.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

Caution: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you will be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

In very cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger's side of the vehicle, near the right rear auxiliary battery.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

Caution: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don't, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature. You may wish to use your coolant heater to improve ease of starting at temperatures between 0°F (-18°C) and -20°F (-29°C). Keep the coolant heater plugged in for a minimum of four hours. At temperatures below -20°F (-29°C), the coolant heater should remain plugged in for at least eight hours. It will not harm either the coolant heater or the vehicle to leave the coolant heater plugged in longer than the times stated. Be sure to remove and store the cord before starting the engine. See Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System for information on what fuel to use in cold weather.