This is an update to a thread I started (can't find it anywhere) about having my Honda dealership installing an engine block heater.

The part cost me $59.00 and installation cost me $60.00 (which included replacing the anti-freeze). Installation took about 1 hour.

I'm not sure of the power usage as of yet but I think the heater uses around 15 watts. I ordered a voltage meter from Amazon and will post my findings on it at a later date. The temps for the last few days have been in the upper 20's and low 30's. I leave the heater plugged in for 8 hours for now (I plan on purchasing an outdoor timer and adjust the times the heater runs) and unplug it when I leave for work at 3 AM. The car starts up and immediately it idles at 1000 rpm and I can get mild heat out of the vents in seconds. No more waiting for the car to warm up and the idle to drop....just start and go....definitely a great investment.

 

ya i want one too, plus less tailpipe emissions and save gas! 100 bucks for faster warmup hmmmmm.

 

Where's the plug go? Is it nicely permanently affixed so you can access through the grill?

 

Now this is cool! Cold startup driving kills my mileage. Was it installed at the dealer? If so, can you get a part number or something? I found one at handa-accessories.com but it says Not for Hybrid Model.

 

The plug is routed to the scoup in the front bumper and is tied down nicely using wire ties so it stays in place. Yes, I had it installed at the dealership because the instructions call for draining the anti-freeze (it states in the instructions NOT to reuse the anti-freeze after draining) and removing the front bumper. They did't have the heater in stock so I had to order it (they had it in 4 days). The part# for my 04 HCH is 08t44-s5b-100. I'd call your dealer's parts department for information on block heaters for the 06 HCH. The block heater screws in place replacing the engine block drain bolt located on the back side of the engine.

 

Can you let us know how it affects MPG? Worthwhile improvement?

 

For those "do-it-yourselfers, here is a PDF which details installation of the Honda Engine Block Heater on the 2004 HCH:

http://www.cheaphondaparts.com/shop/...4/aii25481.pdf

And here is the page you can order it:

http://www.cheaphondaparts.com/shop/...Product_ID=120

I'm likely going to order one of these and install it...SOON.... !!!

 

It suddenly dawned on me that engine block heaters and pluggable hybrids are a match made in heaven. The manufacturer could integrate the block heater right from the factory at a cost of probably less than $5 when spread over the full production run of the vehicle.

You'd plug the car in at night and the block heater could be on a thermostatic switch. This way you can plug the car in hot, like right after pulling in the garage and it will only charge the battery. Then once the coolant drops below, say, 100 degrees, it would kick in the heater too in order to maintain an effective coolant temp. You'd go out the next morning to a fully charged battery, reasonably warm engine and have full electrical assist and the high FE and low emissions that come with having a warm engine.

To be really fancy, I'm sure you could even program in some sort of button on the FOB that's kind of like remote start. Press the button 10 minutes before you leave and the engine heater kicks up to maximum heat and it runs the electric interior heater and seat heaters at max heat from wall current. Then you hop in your vehicle with say, 120 degree coolant temperature and a 70 degree cabin temp. All of that without using any fuel or battery power because it would be plugged in when you hit the button.

 

that's yummy. Sounds like something Mercedes or Saab would do, but Honda? c'mon- these guys won't even give us driver seat memory or dimming mirrors.

 

I'm having my installed next Tuesday. $106.00 Canadian plus tax!