Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Block Heater

[icman95]

The fact that it tripped the breaker almost immediately should be a red flag. Maybe the insulation on the cord is frayed and the wire is shorting. Maybe the heater itself is bad like you said.



It's nice to know that it started no problem in -20 without being plugged in.

 

[EricBu12]

Also to note that you should not run the engine with it plugged in. . the flowing water over the element causes a static charge and it fries the element.