Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 01-01-2018, 10:18 AM
Ferdinand910 Ferdinand910 is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 2
Default Block Heater Trouble

So as some of you might know there has been a pretty brutal cold snap across Canada this past week or so and my block heater picked the worst week to kick the bucket.
I've searched almost everywhere on the Internet and Youtube and there is nothing on how to change the block heater cord or where to even access the end that goes into the block. I have a Haynes repair manual but that didn't provide any solution either. Putting a volt meter to the prongs of the plug will get you a connection for like 1-2 seconds and then you will get nothing back.
So its either the cord is garbage or my block heater is burned out but I highly doubt that is the case since it was working the week prior to this cold snap.
I have a 2007 Ranger with the 4.0 SOHC. So any help would be appreciated! Its supposed to be warming up soon so hopefully I can get to work on it.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-01-2018, 12:17 PM
Grumpa Grumpa is offline
Busted Knuckles
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 230
Default Re: Block Heater Trouble

Volt meter or Ohm meter? It is more common for the element to burn out unless there is actual visual damage to the cord. Poorly maintained coolant can cause a corrosive situation and is hard on them. IMO it'd be best to just replace the whole thing.
__________________
1995 Ranger XLT 3.0L OBDII
Trans: A4LD (E) 2WD
Rear: 7.5 / 3.45 NL LHD
Tires:GY P235 75/R15 (orig 225 70/R14)
Long Bed, 20 Gal Tank
Up to 229,900 miles
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-01-2018, 12:54 PM
Markous Markous is offline
I Know This Truck . . .
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,204
Default Re: Block Heater Trouble

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grumpa View Post
IMO it'd be best to just replace the whole thing.
Yup!
__________________
2007 Sport|Dark Shadow Grey|3.slow|2WD|Black Billet Grill|Anzo LED's
#FFR
Pictures
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-01-2018, 02:47 PM
dvrich dvrich is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,181
Default Re: Block Heater Trouble

You should consider running 0w/20 synthetic oil since the temperatures have been very low.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-01-2018, 03:30 PM
99Ranger376 99Ranger376 is offline
Still around
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,298
Default Re: Block Heater Trouble

Even though it’s really cold, do not run anything except 5w30. Switch to synthetic it’s less effected by temperature. Ford back spec’d all their engines to 5w20 except the 4.0 SOHC which stayed at 5W30 and using any other oil voided the warranty. There must be a good reason for this. Maybe a portable block heater.
https://www.google.com/search?q=port...bVRAxUQgTYI1QQ


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2011 Ranger XLT 4x4 3.73 8.8" Trac-lok #1 T-bars, K -springs, LineX bedliner, General Grabber AT2's, Tonnopro tri-fold, CoverKing Realtree AP seat covers, OEM pre-keys, axle spacers, Bilstein 4600's, Hellwig AAL. Ziebart Undercoat
'98 Ranger XLT 2WD (sold)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-02-2018, 07:02 PM
Ostie Ostie is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 3
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ferdinand910 View Post
So as some of you might know there has been a pretty brutal cold snap across Canada this past week or so and my block heater picked the worst week to kick the bucket.
I've searched almost everywhere on the Internet and Youtube and there is nothing on how to change the block heater cord or where to even access the end that goes into the block. I have a Haynes repair manual but that didn't provide any solution either. Putting a volt meter to the prongs of the plug will get you a connection for like 1-2 seconds and then you will get nothing back.
So its either the cord is garbage or my block heater is burned out but I highly doubt that is the case since it was working the week prior to this cold snap.
I have a 2007 Ranger with the 4.0 SOHC. So any help would be appreciated! Its supposed to be warming up soon so hopefully I can get to work on it.
Double check for continuity or resistance at plug prong. It was - 37 C where I live yesterday and as I was attempting to plug in the Ranger last night, the plug broke clean in my hands. Closer inspection revealed badly corroded wires at the plug. With ohm meter connected, a wiggle test might show this on yours. Before changing the whole wire, try the wiggle test and maybe even inspect the condition of the wires at the plug. If in dought, cut the wires at plug and intall new plug.

Keep warm
__________________
2010 Ranger Sport 4x4 (stock minus wheels)
Vista blue metalic with cloth medium dark flint interior
4.0 automatic / 3.73 / Rancho shocks / Duratracs 31-10.5-15 / Ford deflector, bed liner and roll-up tonneau cover
New add ons: K&N air filter
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Block heater Echofall Off Topic 4 12-31-2013 05:10 PM
Block heater? Jtharry9 Drivetrain Tech 2 12-21-2013 11:35 PM
has anyone put a block heater in a 4.0 ohv? cityneck 4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech 9 11-17-2013 07:05 PM
Block Heater JohnnyRanger Electrical Tech 7 11-20-2011 02:51 PM
block heater? or coolant heater 93xlt93 Other Engine Tech 4 02-25-2011 05:56 AM