Engine Block Heater Installation

CAUTION: ALLOW THE ENGINE AND ALL COOLING SYSTEM COMPONENTS TO COOL BEFORE INSTALLATION OF THE BLOCK HEATER.

The engine block heater is installed on the front face of cylinder block behind the engine oil dipstick. The heating element is installed first, then the power cord is routed and installed to the heating element.

Fig 1: Locating Engine Block Heater

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: To make sure the heater is firmly seated against the cylinder block, clean the block's outer surface of foreign debris prior to installing the heater assembly.

Position the heater element against the cylinder block positioning the heater assembly tab into the upper casting slot. Attach the heater assembly to the threaded boss on the cylinder block with the bolt provided.
Torque:

Engine Block Heater Bolt: 25 N.m (18 ft. lbs.)

Fig 2: Attaching Heater Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: To avoid damaging the power cord, make sure the cord is routed away from hot surfaces such as the exhaust manifold and upper radiator hose and does not contact any moving components or sharp edges.
Attach power cord to core support using clips assembled to power cord.
Route female end of power cord downward, between air cleaner resonator and upper radiator hose, directly behind engine cooling fan shroud.

Fig 3: Routing Power Cord
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Route female end of harness under resonator and attach to heater element.
Route male end of harness over fresh air inlet snorkel and through hole in radiator support towards headlamp assembly. Protective plug cover should be assembled over male connector when power cord is routed through hole in radiator support.
Wrap the cord in a coil and leave it placed in the area behind the headlamp assembly.

Fig 4: Routing Male End Of Harness
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.