Engine Block Heater for HCH-II - GreenHybrid

Donald · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 10:24 AM

Anyone know if a block heater for an '06 HCH is available from Honda? I asked my parts man at the local Honda dealer and he could not find it. I really like the 50's for MPG not the 40's that I was getting last winter. I've checked a few Honda sites on-line to no avail.
Thanks,

byebyegaspumps · #2 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 10:30 AM

Although I don't have a need for one of these, living in San Diego, California, I did see one yesterday for $50 at Cheaphondaccessories.com.

Goodluck

Donald · #3 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 11:03 AM

byebyegaspumps,

Thanks! I'll check it out.

Anahymbrid · #4 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 11:49 AM

I saw a thread on this a week or two ago. Be careful to purchase the correct block heater... the hybrid and non-hybrid models are not interchangeable (cord length, as I recall). There was also an issue regarding getting the old plug out (to install the heater). Not easy to reach... and required a dealer's help to do at considerable costs!

Glad I live in So. Cal!!!

Donald · #5 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 12:17 PM

Found an '06 HCH block heater at http://cheaphondaparts.com . The part # is a bit different than listed. I called them, it is 08T44-SVB-100. It costs $46.00 plus $9.95 shipping. I gave my parts guy at local dealer the part # and he said it's a honda part. It would have cost me $65.00 from the dealer - so I saved $9.00. When it gets cold, I'll try to post some data with/without the block heater on my short work commute.

EZ2beGreen · #6 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 01:19 PM

Donald, let us know how the install goes...

Donald · #7 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006, 11:52 PM

EZ2BeGreen,

I plan on having the dealer do the install - I guess it's a tough job. I'll post the charges etc.

riksmg1 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 06:18 AM

I purchased a block heater on line and had it installed at my local dealership after reading the install instructions. I paid about $55 for heater and installation was about $75. I ended up spending another $35 for new antifreeze because the dealership didnt save the antifreeze that they drained out of my new car less than a 1000 miles. It even says in the install instructions to reuse the antifreeze. I would ask them to reuse the antifreeze since its good for 100,000 miles . Iam happy with the results . Ive been using it when the temp is below 50 f with a timer for a 1/2 hour before I use it up to 1 1/2 hours when its 20f out. with this I get between 2 or 3 bars on temp at startup .This allows me to get the autostop to work after about 2 blocks of driving. Noticed about a 2mpg increase when used as above compared to not using the heater.Im trying to figure out how to plug in at work for the drive home. With my killawatt meter it draws about 460watts. which amounts to pennies a day.

noflash · #9 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 07:18 AM

sigh, and I have been telling everyone you don't have to plug in hybrids...

Kephra · #10 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 08:14 AM

I just got a block heater installed on my 06 HCHII last week. The dealer charged me $119 installed, which included the heater, new antifreeze, and labor. I had it done at the same time as my first oil change, and it took about 1.5 hours to do both together.

Edited to add:
The part number of the block heater is: 8105108 08T44-SVB-100 (From my invoice). The dealer charged me $59 for the part.

It didn't come with any instructions, or user data though. I don't know how long I will have to plug it in to warm up my engine to operating temp when its 30 degrees outside. I plugged it in for 5 hours one day, and that brought the temp guage up to 5 bars, but it was 70 degrees in my garage.