Engine Coolant Heater

Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater.

In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.

Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as noted on the cord.

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment next to the battery box facing the engine.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-Volt AC outlet.

CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock.

Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you will be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area

    See also:

    Collision Parts
    Genuine GM Collision parts are new parts made with the same materials and construction methods as the parts with which the vehicle was originally built. Genuine GM Collision parts are the be ...

    Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Sidemarker Lamps
    A. Sidemarker Lamp B. Stoplamp/Taillamp/Turn Signal Lamp To replace one of these bulbs: 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk. 2. Remove the convenience net. 3. Remove the plastic wing nuts retaining th ...

    How to Add Automatic Transmission Fluid
    Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission fluid to use. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to b ...