If your vehicle has this feature, the plug-in receptacle is located under the driver's door.

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.

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Find the plug-in receptacle located under the driver's door.
3. Plug a heavy-duty, three-prong extension cord (rated for at least 15 amps) into the vehicle's plug-in receptacle first. Then plug the extension cord 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. Use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug the cord.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. From 32°F to -10° F (0°C to -23°C), keep the coolant heater plugged in at least two hours. Below -10°F (-23°C), keep the coolant heater plugged in for a minimum of eight hours or overnight. 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 What Fuel to Use for information on what fuel to use in cold weather.