2003 Toyota Matrix Block Heater

[cfg83]

Daox -

Really clean install. I like that it is such a "small package". I was expecting a more complicated setup.

CarloSW2

[Daox]

Thanks. I really dislike sloppy mods. If its going to be done, I really try to take the extra time and make it a clean setup. Speaking of which, this install isn't quite done. I'm going to try to find myself a male socket that I can mount on the car. But, it'll have a spring loaded door like an outdoor socket you would have on your house. I haven't looked into getting one of these yet, or exactly where I'll mount it, but I'd really like it.

I'll have to look into the kill-a-watt dealy. Do you have any links, or is this a common home improvement store item?

[cfg83]

Daox -

Originally Posted by Daox

Thanks. I really dislike sloppy mods. If its going to be done, I really try to take the extra time and make it a clean setup. Speaking of which, this install isn't quite done. I'm going to try to find myself a male socket that I can mount on the car. But, it'll have a spring loaded door like an outdoor socket you would have on your house. I haven't looked into getting one of these yet, or exactly where I'll mount it, but I'd really like it.

I'll have to look into the kill-a-watt dealy. Do you have any links, or is this a common home improvement store item?

Here's the Kill-A-Watt :

Kill-A-Watt - $24.99
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/7657/

If you look around, you may be able to find a better price.

EDIT : Here's the manufacturer, P3 :

http://www.p3international.com/products.html

This is ideal for the engine block heater, because you can do a cost-benefit analysis.

CarloSW2

[rrutia]

My toyota matrix heater stopped working. DO I need to replace the entire block heater? or is there anything I can try to fix before I do that.

THanks guys

[Daox]

My guess is you'll probably need to replace it. But, I'd make sure that it didn't just get disconnected or something first. The plug that goes onto the heater itself really isn't the tightest fit in the world.

[MetroMPG]

I'd check the cord & connection for fit/corrosion first. It's less likely that the element itself somehow broke. It's just a thick wire essentially.

[Wilhelm]

Daox
Many thanks for your instructions and photos.
I just installed a block heater in my 2009 Matrix XR with the 2.4l engine. I purchased a Phillips and Temro heater at a local parts store for $45 - a lot cheaper than the $85 the Toyota dealer wanted. Plus the dealer wanted $100to install it. Anyway, your photo of the location was a great help. The hole in the 2.4 is in the same location as in the 1.8 and I had little trouble finding it. Installing it was another matter.
First I removed the bolts holding the air cleaner housing in place and lifted the unit out of the way. However, there was a heater hose blocking the way. I decided it would be easier to go under the hose rather than remove it. So after a few contortions I was able to get the heater in the hole and push it in. I rotated the unit until the metal clip caught on the block. It was very tight and it was hard to see what I was doing. Routing the cord was very easy. I did what you did - around the battery and out at the front of the grill. Anyway, I'm very happy at saving a few bucks by doing it myself and thanks, again.

[JMags]

The Kill-a-watt meters are cheaper at newegg.com

Newegg.com - P3 Kill A Watt Electricity Load Meter and Monitor

[heat77]

It is very well might be the same heating unit perfectly.

[Weather Spotter]

Doax, do have any data for how this helped you MPG? if not can you give my your best guess. I need some data for the wiki and I might do this mod if it helps enough.