2004 Dodge Neon block heater

[JStieger]

My girlfriend's 2004 Neon didn't come with a block heater. I was thinking that perhaps it's like some of the 3rd gen CTD trucks in which the block heater cord sometimes has to be purchased extra. Is the block heater already mounted in the block and do you just have to purchase the cord that plugs into the heater or does the whole assembly have to be purchased? Also, looking in the engine compartment from the top it's pretty hard to see where the heater is supposed to be since the engine's just crammed in there - any advice? Thanks!

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

I would doubt that there is an engine heater in the car. If there was, there would no doubt be a cord. More than likely the heater would be in a freeze/frost plug hole at the bottom of the block. They aren't that hard to put in, just be careful popping the plug out, you don't want that to endup inside the block! I think the heaters cost all of 30 bucks or so.

 

[ekroman]

Chances are, it's not in there, unless the car was delivered originally to a cold climate area.



If you want to know for certain, it may be easier to lift the car up and go from underneath. You would be surprised how much you can see from the underside.



Good luck.

Eddie

 

[JStieger]

Thanks for your insights. I'll take a look again this weekend when I have more light and time to work with. The car is only 5 months old so we'll probably end up taking it into the local dealer before I get any wild ideas to pop out freeze plugs!

 

[CChase]

Before popping freeze plugs. Take a look at Napa (or other stores), there are heaters that plumb into the heater core lines and circulate coolant. The added benefit of circulating types is your windows get more heat on them and will clear quicker than with just a immersion type block heater.