Engine Block Heater
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 766
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From: MI
Engine Block Heater
I wonder if an engine block heater is available for the LS and if so, how difficult is it to install? I know that their are pros and cons to using one, so I would like to hear what everyone has to say on the matter. Happy New Year.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
The instructions at the following link are for the block heater for Europe but they might give you an idea of how difficult it is to install: http://www.lexus-tech.eu/aimuploads/...%20S1%20v2.pdf
I don't think the 110 volt version sold in Canada and by some U.S. dealers is as complex or have the covered bumper outlet. The part used to be pretty cheap - I think about C$75 - but Lexus Canada now shows only installed costs .... currently C$457.50 for the LS460.
I'm pretty sure that the same block heater fits all 90-06 LS400/LS430 and most other Toyotas of that era.
I had a block heater on the 79 Mercedes Diesel I drove from new until bought my first LS400 in 1990. It looked like a hassle to install so I had the Mercedes dealer do it - and it was not something I wanted to do myself during what was a very cold winter. I used the Mercedes in Colorado at high altitudes in winter so having the block heater was critical. I never missed not having a block heater on a Lexus. Heated seats make a lot of difference and my Mercedes didn't have them. I have read that the output of the Toyota/Lexus block heater isn't all that high but people who have said that may be expecting to much.
I would likely have block heaters on our cars if we lived much further north. With the Mercedes it became a game to find a place to park where I could plug in its block heater. I stole electricity for it in countless parking garages and parking lots running its extension cord up to 100 feet. Once I started looking I found electrical outlets everywhere. In 10 winters of use, no one ever unplugged or tampered with my block heater power cord which I found very surprising.
I don't think the 110 volt version sold in Canada and by some U.S. dealers is as complex or have the covered bumper outlet. The part used to be pretty cheap - I think about C$75 - but Lexus Canada now shows only installed costs .... currently C$457.50 for the LS460.
I'm pretty sure that the same block heater fits all 90-06 LS400/LS430 and most other Toyotas of that era.
I had a block heater on the 79 Mercedes Diesel I drove from new until bought my first LS400 in 1990. It looked like a hassle to install so I had the Mercedes dealer do it - and it was not something I wanted to do myself during what was a very cold winter. I used the Mercedes in Colorado at high altitudes in winter so having the block heater was critical. I never missed not having a block heater on a Lexus. Heated seats make a lot of difference and my Mercedes didn't have them. I have read that the output of the Toyota/Lexus block heater isn't all that high but people who have said that may be expecting to much.
I would likely have block heaters on our cars if we lived much further north. With the Mercedes it became a game to find a place to park where I could plug in its block heater. I stole electricity for it in countless parking garages and parking lots running its extension cord up to 100 feet. Once I started looking I found electrical outlets everywhere. In 10 winters of use, no one ever unplugged or tampered with my block heater power cord which I found very surprising.
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