What an engine block heater does

A block heater is an electric heating element in the engine. When it is plugged in, it warms the engine while the vehicle is parked, so the engine is not starting from the full outdoor cold.

The 2026 Chrysler Pacifica manual says the engine block heater warms the engine and permits quicker starts in cold weather. The 2026 Ram 1500 manual says it warms the engine coolant and permits quicker starts in cold weather.

From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (p. 164) and the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (p. 189), read November 10, 2026.

When to plug in a block heater

The 2026 Chrysler Pacifica manual gives these outdoor temperature guidelines:

From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual, Cold Weather Operation (p. 159) and Engine Block Heater (p. 164), read November 10, 2026. Other vehicles may give different temperatures; check your own manual.

On plug-in time, the Pacifica manual says the block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

How to use an engine block heater

The cord location depends on the vehicle. On the 2026 Pacifica, it is under the hood, behind the passenger side headlamp, held by a hook-and-loop strap. On the 2026 Ram 1500, it is under the hood on the passenger side, next to the engine coolant reservoir. The Pacifica manual gives these steps:

1. Locate the engine block heater cord behind the passenger side headlamp. 2. Undo the hook-and-loop strap that holds the cord in place. 3. Pull the cord to the front of the vehicle and plug it into a grounded, three-wire extension cord. 4. After the vehicle is running, reattach the cord to the strap and stow it behind the passenger side headlamp.

Connect the extension cord to a 110-115 volt AC outlet. The Pacifica manual says the heater needs 110 volt AC and 6.5 amps to activate the heating element, and the Ram 1500 manual says to use a ground-fault interrupter protected outlet.

From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (p. 164) and the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (p. 189), read November 10, 2026.

Block heater safety

Both manuals carry the same warning: remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord before driving, because damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause electrocution.

Use a grounded, three-wire extension cord, as both manuals say, and plug it into a ground-fault interrupter protected outlet, as the Ram 1500 manual says. Do not drive with the cord plugged in or hanging loose; stow it as your manual shows once the engine is running.

From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (p. 164) and the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (p. 189), read November 10, 2026.

Does my car have a block heater?

Not every vehicle has one. Both manuals list the engine block heater as "if equipped", and the Pacifica manual says the cord is a factory-installed option. If your vehicle is not equipped, the Pacifica manual says heater cords are available from an authorized dealer.

To check, look under the hood for the heater cord in the spot your owner's manual shows.

From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (p. 164) and the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (p. 189), read November 10, 2026.

Winter service at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center

Getting ready for a cold Elgin winter? Schedule service or see our service specials.

Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Get directions.