Engine Coolant HeaterYour vehicle may be equipped with an enginecoolant heater.In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the enginecoolant heater can help. You will get easier startingand better fuel economy during engine warm-up.Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in aminimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolantheater is not required. Your vehicle may also havean internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord.This will prevent operation of the engine coolant heaterwhen the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) asnoted on the cord.To Use the Engine Coolant Heater1. Turn off the engine.2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.For the 3.6L V6 engines, the cord is located inthe engine compartment on the passenger’s sideof the vehicle in front of the fuse block. For the4.6L V8 engine, remove the engine compartmentbeauty cover and the cord is located on the driver’sside of the vehicle above the strut.You must remove the plastic cap to access the plug.3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.{CAUTION:Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outletcould cause an electrical shock. Also, thewrong kind of extension cord could overheatand cause a fire. You could be seriouslyinjured. Plug the cord into a properly groundedthree-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cordwill not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prongextension cord rated for at least 15 amps.4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug andstore the cord as it was before to keep it awayfrom moving engine parts. If you do not, it couldbe damaged.How long should you keep the coolant heater pluggedin? The answer depends on the outside temperature, thekind of oil you have, and some other things. Insteadof trying to list everything here, we ask that you contactyour dealer in the area where you will be parkingyour vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advicefor that particular area.2-25
