I am getting ready to order my 2004 FX4 this week and was wondering if anyone had info on how to specify a block heater.

I will be buying the truck in Norfolk, Virginia, but I'm moving to Alaska this summer so I thought it might be nice to have.

I haven't seen any mention of it on the "Build Your Vehicle" pages on the Ford website, nor have I seen anything in the brochure. I searched this forum for "block heater" and did see that someone in California accidentally got one with it installed, so I know they're out there. In one of the replies to his post, someone said that they automatically come on trucks sold in northern areas.

Any info anyone could give me on what to tell the salesman would be greatly appreciated, such as, ordering codes, etc.

Thanks,

Jake

Currently 2000 F150 Sport Regular Cab, 4.6, manual transmission, 3.55 LS, short bed, 2WD, 60/40 cloth bench, custom Flowmaster exhaust with 45 degree side exit stainless 3" tips flush with side of bed, spray-in bedliner

Hopefully soon to be anxiously awaiting delivery of a 2004 F150 FX4 Supercab, 6.5' styleside, bright red over dark shadow gray, 18" wheels w/ LT tires, medium flint sport captain's chairs, 3.73 LS, moonroof, reverse sensing, rear window defroster, adjustable pedals, power seat, 35.7 gallon fuel tank, tow package

 

Im not sure about ordering one installed already. But if you cant find an answer or you cant order it that way, you can always buy one aftermarket and have it installed before you move.

 

My truck came with one. I believe all vehicles sold in my country have them installed.

 

If you are moving to Fairbanks you better get a circulating heater, battery warmer, trickle charger, grill cover, interior warmer etc...been there done that....

 

Nope, not quite Fairbanks.

It's actually just southeastern Alaska, in Sitka, but my dad mentioned getting one last night on the phone and I figure it might be nice to have anyway. Anything to save wear and tear is always good. There'e nothing saying I wouldn't travel further north, either. From what we've heard and read, Sitka has more of a Seattle climate, just with longer winters.

Since my original post, I've found on the Ford Accessories page that there is a block heater you can buy after the fact for around $80 and have it installed at the dealer. Does anyone know if it's the freeze-plug kind? Is it easy enough to install at home? They also list an engine block heater that comes with a battery warmer.

Jake

 

You don't need much of a heater for Sitka. A garage or big umbrella would be better...Went to school in Juneau so I been there and done that too...Bring your fishing poles...

 

I'm in California just north of Sacramento and my truck came with one. Why my truck came with one? Who knows.

 

Thanks everyone for the info.

pawolf, don't they have some pretty serious mountains (snow, cold) north of Sacramento?

Also, did you order the truck or did you buy off the lot? If off the lot, maybe the dealer installed it for someone else, then that person didn't want it, or maybe they got it from another dealer with a climate more suited to needing one?

I went to the dealer today to place my order and asked the salesman and he tried to order it with the block heater code in his source book (41H) but it wouldn't go through. He said it was something about it being available only in certain states so my guess is that the northern states' trucks are built in different factories, maybe Canada, and they are equipped to install the block heaters and the factory my truck will be coming from (Norfolk, Virginia) doesn't do 'em.

I did find that there is an official Ford accessory block heater though, and I might go that route. I think it was around $75 or so.

Jake

 

I'm looking at the order sheet as I type this...

41H is listed under LPO Options as well as Daytime Running Lights.

The note for the heater says:

"Available as an option for Fleet only." "except standard in select 7 states."

I've looked at trucks delivered to Wisconsin and they have the heater and yet in Northern Illinois, I have yet to find one that has one on it. Go figure...

Chris

 

Thanks!

Yeah, I figure I'll just have the dealer install the Ford Accessory block heater after the truck comes in.

Although, I was reading the 2004 F150 owner's manual online last night and says it's just recommended if you experience temperatures below -10F. The record low for where I'm going (Sitka, Alaska) is 0F, so maybe it's not worth it, unless someone tells me it's a good idea anyway.

Jake

 

Jake
Yes there are mountains around here. But they are at least 2 hours away. I ordered my truck and did not specificaly order an engine block heater.

 

ignore that. where you are going you want the heater. also consider a battery blanket/heater.

 

Even for just single digit temps (at the lowest)?

Jake

 

At what temperature would you recommend me plugging it in?

Jake

 

Well, Sitka is rather mild being on the coast. I'm sure the real cold weather guys will weigh in here, but I usually plug in below 15-20 degrees if I have to leave it outside.
Anchorage had some -10s this year (so far) and I kept mine in the garage overnight, but did plug in at work.
You don't want to plug in any old time it drops below 32 as these block heaters will kick the electric bill up.
One solution some people here use, I have learned, is using a timer where you set it to come on 3-4 hrs before you are going to fire it up and take off. This way it heats up the engine, but doesn't needlessly heat it all night.
In this area of AK, the dealers (and garages) are used to doing these aftermarket as so many cars come up from the L48 without them.
Good luck with the move.

Rock