DIY: xB block heater install
 

As with all the DIY’s on ScionLife…if you mess your car up it is YOUR fault. This is only meant as a guide and a help and if you cannot take it as such…take your car to the dealer.

Time to install: 45 minutes - 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Tools / Supplies Needed:
-Ratchet set with 10mm socket
-the longest extension you have
-large flat-blade screwdriver
-small mirror (makeup mirror or similar size)
-latex gloves (useful, but not mandatory)
-shoplight / flashlight
-handful of wire ties
-wire loom
-automotive double-sided foam tape

Just for reference, here is Toyota's install guide.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/SJ...directions.gif

1) Get the right part. It is Toyota part #00213-00885. There are other block heaters from Toyota that look like they will fit and may even be labeled to fit the 1NZ-FE engine, but this is DEFINITIVELY the right part for a generation 1 Scion xB (3 hours wrestling with the wrong part to back me up). I got it from Ressler Toyota in Bozeman, MT for approximately $48.

In the box you will see the block heater element (metal tube with a clip and electrical hookup on one end), the electrical cord which plugs into the heater element, a plug cover for the cord, some silicon grease to aid in transferring heat to the block, and a handful of wire ties.

2) Before you get going, you need to know where the block heater is installed. There is a machined hole specifically for the block heater on the back of the block (driver’s side of the engine), close to the firewall, about halfway down on the block. It is my understanding that this is on every 1NZ-FE engine, not just those in Canada, sold in the northern US, etc (I got my xB in California).

To find this hole, reach behind the engine (towards the firewall) over the engine cover (from passenger side to driver’s side) and feel around. It is right on the firewall side of the block about halfway down. The hole is about as large as your index finger and is approximately three to four inches deep.

Once you have found this hole, take an air gun and blow it out to get dirt, etc. cleaned out.

3) Remove the engine cover. There are four bolts which have 10mm heads.

https://lh5.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...gine_cover.jpg

3a) Here is an overview for the next few steps

https://lh4.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...0/overview.jpg

4) Remove the two electrical connections to the airbox / air outlet tube. They are simple clips that remove when you push on the release button. Be careful, as these wires are fragile and a hassle to replace.

https://lh3.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...onnections.jpg

5) Remove the clip holding the wire bundle to the airbox.

https://lh4.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S..._on_airbox.jpg

6) Remove the clip holding this hose to the airbox. Gently work it up and off. If the clip is bent slightly in the process, make sure to bend it back so it holds securely when replacing.

https://lh3.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S..._on_airbox.jpg

7) Remove the PCV tube from the air outlet tube.

https://lh4.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...0/pcv_hose.jpg

8) Remove the air outlet tube from the airbox cover by loosening the large screw on the clamp and wiggling the tube off the airbox cover.

https://lh5.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...air_outlet.JPG

9) Unlatch the airbox cover and remove it.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/SJ...ox_latches.jpg

10) Remove the air filter. This is a great time to replace it with a K&N or similar if it’s dirty.

https://lh5.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...ithout_top.JPG

11) Remove the three screws at the bottom of the lower half of the airbox. I believe they are 10mm bolts. This is where the long extension comes in handy.

https://lh3.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...ting_bolts.jpg

12) Remove the air inlet tube from the grill-side of the lower airbox. This is accomplished by twisting it back and forth and applying steady pressure. It’s a little stiff the first time you remove it…

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/SJ...irbox_hose.gif

13) Remove the lower half of the airbox. You now have some room to work with!

https://lh5.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...om_to_work.jpg

14) Use your mirror to “see” the machined hole where the block heater installs. It’s best viewed if you place the mirror on top of the transmission facing the back of the block. A light of some sort is very helpful.

--Changing gears, now we are working with the heater element and the electrical cord you got from Toyota.--

15) As I am very picky about things, I added some wire loom to the electrical cord all the way to the plug…I am sure it’s not necessary but I thought it looked more put together.

16) The block heater element will slide into the block with the blank end facing the passenger side of the car and the end with the electrical connections facing the driver’s side. The clip will be aimed towards the firewall in the 2 o’clock position. With this is mind practice plugging in the electrical connection and visualize the way it will fit before you install the heater element in the block. It will be much trickier then. Hint: the electrical cord will initially be aimed at the firewall…

https://lh5.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S.../insertion.gif

17) Take the block heater element and smear the silicone grease all over the metal part of the element. DO NOT GET ANY ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS OR NEAR THE CONNECTION END. (This is where you want to use the gloves).

https://lh5.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...con_grease.gif

--And back to the engine.--

18) Smear the same silicone grease inside the machined hole where the heating element will mount. Try not to get this all over everything else in the process. The grease aids in transferring heat from the element to the block.

19) Insert the heating element into the machined hole, orienting the clip toward the firewall. It should slide smoothly into the hole. Push it in until you hear a solid ‘click’ from the clip. It clips onto a ridge in the block to prevent movement.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/SJ...er_element.jpg

20) Connect the electrical cord like you practiced. A little harder now, eh?

21) Route the cord along the existing wire bundle towards the front of the engine. Use the wire ties as you go. Continue wire tying the electrical cord to the wire bundle along the engine block just in front of (towards the grill) of the spark plugs.

https://lh4.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...re_routing.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/SJ..._routing_2.jpg

22) When you reach the front of the block (passenger side), route the electrical cord forward toward the grill.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/SJ..._routing_3.jpg

23) If you are running a stock grill, the cutouts are perfectly shaped to hold and somewhat hide the plug.

(If you don’t have fog lights, pop out the fog light knockout by pushing it out from the engine bay. You can then get a hand in there to help hold things in place.)

Push the plug cover through one of the spaces in the grill first. Then follow with the plug itself. It should be snug in the grill, but not so tight as to feel like something will break. Ensure that there is a suitable amount of slack in the electrical cord.

24) Use double sided tape to secure the plug in the cutout in the grill.

https://lh4.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S...front_view.jpg

25) Make sure that everything is wire tied appropriately and that the electrical cord is not in a place where it will be pinched, cut or rubbed and that it will not interfere with any moving parts, etc. in the engine component.

26) Replace the engine cover.

27) Replace the lower half of the airbox, three mounting screws and air inlet hose.

28) Replace the air filter and upper half of airbox.

29) Replace air outlet hose, PCV hose and all electrical connections.

30) Enjoy a nice warm block, better gas mileage and easier cold weather starts.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/SJ...front_view.jpg

https://lh5.ggpht.com/_nGoG5CHhhko/S.../side_view.jpg

If you have any questions, please PM me. I am sorry I didn't have any pictures of the parts themselves...I had already installed it when these pictures were taken. Thanks.

Thanks a million for this, hopefully I can get my hands on the part shortly to give this a shot.

Just noticed you were from Canada. The Toyota Canadian part # is different, if I remember. The part # I listed was the American part #. I am sure you can still find it no problem. Thanks.

No worries, I found the right part number in another thread. Thanks again.

Might have to do this

sorry if this is a dumb question but what does it do? i have an idea but i would like to know for future ref

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_heater

It "preheats" your engine for easier starts in the winter months. In MT where I live it routinely drops below 0 in the nights with some nights getting as low as -30 or lower. The heater keeps the block, oil, etc. warm so it will get going in the morning without to much wear and tear on the engine.

If you google "block heater, prius, etc." you can finds all kinds of info about better initial gas mileage as well...I cannot comment on that just yet as I haven't run any numbers. We'll see.

i haven't tried the directions yet, though I did pick up a block heater at the local toyota dealer for 90$$, which to me seems expensive. They said it's the same as the one that fits a Yaris. That sound right?
I'm lookin elsewhere to find a better price, then I'll give it a go.

I know it will fit other vehicles with the 1NZ-FE engine: Yaris, Prius, etc. I can't believe it's that much, especially with the exchange rates the way they are. You could certainly order one from the dealership I bought it from...even with shipping it would come out cheaper, I would expect.

In lieu of a picture (that I will post when I return in December) it is approximately 4 inches long, cylindrical, with a clip attached and an electrical connection at one end. It should be the same diameter the entire length of the heater element...it should NOT have a collar surrounding the electrical connection.

If you take a picture and post it I will look at it and should be able to let you know. If you can't post the pic, email it to me at kidski@kidski.org.

bump for 19 degrees tooday and need one of these

it's been at least -10C this week and I still haven't installed mine, mainly because I don't have a garage. I'm def going to get it in this weekend though, it's a must with the temps dropping more and more.

Good to hear. I am back in the country and will post the pictures in the next two days. Thanks.

im watting to do this once there is picture.

A computer malfunction has taken me down for about a week. As soon as I can get it sorted I will get the pictures up and posted. Sorry to all for the delay.

According to my local dealer off of exit 58 on i95 that is not such part number. THe guy said he thinks its a lexus or something, not toyota and scion does not offer a block heater. I asked him about an echo or cold weather package, no clue. I asked sparks, same thing, not available. Toyota part #00213-00885

Strange. I am looking at my receipt and have double checked the part #'s. It is Toyota part #00213-00885. Ressler Toyota in Bozeman had a half dozen when I bought it a month ago...however, they aren't real familiar with Scions. This particular block heater is used on a variety of vehicles with the 1NZ-FE engine.

Ressler Toyota
8340 Huffine Ln
Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 585-2010

Hope this helps.

Thanks, I will try another dealer. THat one did not seem interested in helping me or for that matter the ida of preheating the scion. Its common to see about them on the prius website and driving 7 miles 3 times aday, it sounds like a great idea to help prolong the life of my car and oil between changes.

k, I got lost after step 1. I can't even find the hole!!!! i'll def need pics for this.

Posted pictures in the original post. Sorry there weren't more; I took all the pictures after I installed it. Hope they help. Let me know if you are having troubles. Thanks

Thanks man, these are gonna help tons! Just one thing jumped out at me, how long is the cord for your heater? It looks much longer than the one I got from Toyota. Mine measures out at about 58 inches, that sound about right?