I was throwing some intake tubes in this weekend, and I noticed some wiring that seemed out of place.

I took a closer look and it's a power cord. A 3-prong power cord. WTH
Looks like it's been tucked under the intake tubing.

I have no idea what this is or what it could be for.
It's not a normal thing... right?

Anyone with better insights than me have any thoughts what this could be about?

I've had the car for a couple years and haven't had any electrical issues.

So weird. Would really appreciate any insights.

Pics for reference...

The cable in question

Plug end

Highlighted in Yellow. It looks like it routes through the firewall, beneath the power steering?

 

Engine block heater, perhaps? Most cars in severe cold climates (Canada, etc.) have these installed by the dealers and the cord gets routed right in the area shown in your pics. Other than that there would be no need for a 120VAC plug.

 

Thanks, ILM - I bet that's it.

The car was originally from Canada.

Interesting. I've never seen that before in balmy Seattle.

Probably no need to worry about pulling it then?

 

I would just tuck it away somewhere and forget about it. The wire sat there all these years and you never know, might come in handy one day.

 

so what does this cord do? u plug it into an outlet then what? its pretty funny tho

 

I admit I had to fire up the Google machine to get a better understanding.

My findings:
"A block heater warms an engine to increase the chances that the engine will start as well as warm up the vehicle faster than it normally would in extremely cold weather. The most common type is an electric heating element in the cylinder block, connected through a power cord often routed through the vehicle's grille."

 

what heating element is on the cylinder block that is being powered on?

 

From my understanding its a heating element similar to one in a hot water heater. It goes in place of one of the "freeze plugs" in the block.

 

This is a dealer installed option typically found in cars sold in the extreme northern climates (Canada, Russia). There is a heating element installed in the rear of the engine block (#4 attached diagram). Most cars will not have this option.

 

Your Car running on diesel LOL...

 

I live in Winnipeg Canada. -31C this morning. Just went out to garage to plug in car and hope block heater still working. Mine is G37 2013 and I have only used heater on very odd occasion. Now with Covid not driving as much. Sometimes 3 days and car does not move. In this climate, even though car parked in gas rage- may need help.

Question- readers, shouldn’t I hear the hum of the block heater after I plug it in????

 

I dont think you'll hear it if its tucked into the back of the block... no.

Also -31c? I can't even imagine. I'd just move at that point lol.

 

I'm guessing they live near where I do, highest temp we'll see this week is -21 and a lowest temp of -30. You should hear a VQ engine cold start at -25, sounds like a half broken diesel for the first little bit.