Newb question - Block heater problem

akuma · 12-02-2012, 08:55 PM

Hi guys, I have a Subaru Impreza year 2010. In my area, the temperature is really low, so these days I always plug in the block heater for a few hours before driving. I don't know much about cars, but I heard that if the block heater is working, it has some kind of "water boiling / running" noise when plugged in. So, every time when I plug it in, I listen carefully. And usually there is such noise. However, this morning, when I plugged it in, there wasn't any noise. After a few hours, I opened the hood and touched the engine part and other areas, they weren't heated up. Can I assume the block heater is not working? Thank you very much for your advice.

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lavid2002 · 12-02-2012, 09:04 PM

Sounds like a safe assumption to make to me. You should fill out your profile.

You sure the cord you plugged it into has juice?

rkramer · 12-03-2012, 02:40 PM

Not all block heaters make noise, and the vast majority of the time you aren't going to be able to feel any warm parts. Do you have a kill-a-watt? Plug the heater in to that and see if its drawing power. You could also take a multimeter and check the resistance of the heater.

Bacon117 · 12-03-2012, 03:18 PM

Make sure the outlet has power. I thought mine was borked until I realized my wife turned of the switch in the garage. lol

12-02-2012, 08:55 PM	#1
akuma Scooby Newbie Member#: 339522 Join Date: Dec 2012	Newb question - Block heater problem Hi guys, I have a Subaru Impreza year 2010. In my area, the temperature is really low, so these days I always plug in the block heater for a few hours before driving. I don't know much about cars, but I heard that if the block heater is working, it has some kind of "water boiling / running" noise when plugged in. So, every time when I plug it in, I listen carefully. And usually there is such noise. However, this morning, when I plugged it in, there wasn't any noise. After a few hours, I opened the hood and touched the engine part and other areas, they weren't heated up. Can I assume the block heater is not working? Thank you very much for your advice. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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12-02-2012, 09:04 PM	#2
lavid2002 Scooby Specialist Member#: 226864 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: southern NJ Vehicle: 2005 PSM WRX 18.5lb. 93 oct, DP, UP	Sounds like a safe assumption to make to me. You should fill out your profile. You sure the cord you plugged it into has juice?

12-03-2012, 02:40 PM	#3
rkramer Scooby Guru Member#: 118209 Join Date: Jun 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: North Dakota Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sedan	Not all block heaters make noise, and the vast majority of the time you aren't going to be able to feel any warm parts. Do you have a kill-a-watt? Plug the heater in to that and see if its drawing power. You could also take a multimeter and check the resistance of the heater.

12-03-2012, 03:18 PM	#4
Bacon117 Scooby Specialist Member#: 118500 Join Date: Jun 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Michigan Vehicle: 02 Silver Wagon "Stage 2"	Make sure the outlet has power. I thought mine was borked until I realized my wife turned of the switch in the garage. lol