EcoDiesel Block Heater Installation

[Escape.idiocracy]

Good to hear.. I live in Victoria MN and forgot to unplug before I took off for 5/6 days.
I would guess there a thermostat that would turn it off and on as need be correct?

The heating element gets to about 120*F . Verified Pre install- and area surrounding the plug with a thermal gun post install.

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[BlueScapegoat]

The heating element gets to about 120*F . Verified Pre install- and area surrounding the plug with a thermal gun post install.

Kind of wish it was more powerful, honestly.

I mean, the idea is to just get the block warmed up a bit and it does that, but sure would be nice for it to be toasty on these cold days. 8 hour work shifts this week plugged in as soon as I park it, still gets down to the 60s by the end of my shift, and of course down to the 40s as soon as it starts cycling coolant. Negative temps and windy.

 

[Aonar]

If you look in posts 18 & 40 over at the JLU forum, you can see my temps with the corresponding air temps. Love mine and it is used daily when the temps hit 20 and below. Diesel Preheat - won’t start | Page 3 | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) - Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, 4xe, 392 - JLwranglerforums.com

 

[Rusty PW]

The block heater on the timer is working out really good. The heater goes on at 2am, goes off at 5:15am. Water and oil temps are around 100F. One thing I have noticed is the air temp reading on the dash is higher then what the actual air temp is. If it's 15F outside. The dash is reading 30 to 35F. Once I start moving. The dash will correct it's self. I'm loving the block heater. It's nice that I don't have to wait long for heat inside the JT.

 

[YYC Rubicon]

Thanks everyone for providing the "how to" info in this thread. It is especially helpful since the dealer wanted $1000+ to install the block heater. I have a 2023 JTRD and since I am in Calgary I will need a block heater this winter.

I looked up part 56044738AA the various online Mopar parts stores show this as for the 2021 JT Ecodiesel but not the 2023. So I ordered the part they show for the 2023 JT Ecodiesel 68523853AA and it doesn't have a threaded end for the block (but it does for the cable end ???). Chatted with online store and was told based on VIN that this was the correct part and I should see if there is an alternate location to insert it.

I returned the part and just wanted to see if anyone could confirm that 56044738AA will work in the 2023 JT Ecodiesel which I assume it will as I can't believe they made any changes from 21 to 23.

 

[Rusty PW]

The 56044738AA from the 2020 JT is the one I used in my 2023.

That 2nd one, 68523853AA is for the gas engine.

 

[Bronyaur]

Thanks everyone for providing the "how to" info in this thread. It is especially helpful since the dealer wanted $1000+ to install the block heater. I have a 2023 JTRD and since I am in Calgary I will need a block heater this winter.

I looked up part 56044738AA the various online Mopar parts stores show this as for the 2021 JT Ecodiesel but not the 2023. So I ordered the part they show for the 2023 JT Ecodiesel 68523853AA and it doesn't have a threaded end for the block (but it does for the cable end ???). Chatted with online store and was told based on VIN that this was the correct part and I should see if there is an alternate location to insert it.

I returned the part and just wanted to see if anyone could confirm that 56044738AA will work in the 2023 JT Ecodiesel which I assume it will as I can't believe they made any changes from 21 to 23.

I just went through the same thing. That part (68523853AA) is not for the gas engine. You insert it into the brass plug that is in the block. It fits perfectly and clicks when it’s fully seated. No need to drain coolant or remove the plug. I scratched my head for two days and almost sent the part back until someone on Facebook posted a pic of the same part inserted into the brass plug. I was like, “What? No way!” But, it works.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

Thanks everyone for providing the "how to" info in this thread. It is especially helpful since the dealer wanted $1000+ to install the block heater. I have a 2023 JTRD and since I am in Calgary I will need a block heater this winter.

I looked up part 56044738AA the various online Mopar parts stores show this as for the 2021 JT Ecodiesel but not the 2023. So I ordered the part they show for the 2023 JT Ecodiesel 68523853AA and it doesn't have a threaded end for the block (but it does for the cable end ???). Chatted with online store and was told based on VIN that this was the correct part and I should see if there is an alternate location to insert it.

I returned the part and just wanted to see if anyone could confirm that 56044738AA will work in the 2023 JT Ecodiesel which I assume it will as I can't believe they made any changes from 21 to 23.

Confirmed it will fit in a 2023. Literally just put this stuff in this past weekend.
Don’t forget the “Mopar” coolant…. Didn’t need much…. But did need some.
Heating unit:

Plug that is in the block and needs to be removed.

 

[Rusty PW]

I just went through the same thing. That part (68523853AA) is not for the gas engine. You insert it into the brass plug that is in the block. It fits perfectly and clicks when it’s fully seated. No need to drain coolant or remove the plug. I scratched my head for two days and almost sent the part back until someone on Facebook posted a pic of the same part inserted into the brass plug. I was like, “What? No way!” But, it works.

That must be something new then. They didn't have that when I did my install.

 

[Bronyaur]

That must be something new then. They didn't have that when I did my install.

I think so. It’s listed for the ‘23 but I don’t see it listed for earlier models. The question would be if the factory brass plug for the ‘23 is the same as previous year models, or if it was modified for ‘23 and this part only fits in the ‘23 plug. I don’t know.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

I think so. It’s listed for the ‘23 but I don’t see it listed for earlier models. The question would be if the factory brass plug for the ‘23 is the same as previous year models, or if it was modified for ‘23 and this part only fits in the ‘23 plug. I don’t know.

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-engine-block-heater-68523853aa

Has it listed for 22-23 models.
Damn. I mean the other option wasn’t difficult to put in… but I mean- this new version seems like it would make this a 5 minute job.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

I looked up part 56044738AA the various online Mopar parts stores show this as for the 2021 JT Ecodiesel but not the 2023. So I ordered the part they show for the 2023 JT Ecodiesel 68523853AA and it doesn't have a threaded end for the block (but it does for the cable end ???). Chatted with online store and was told based on VIN that this was the correct part and I should see if there is an alternate location to insert it.

Would you mind posting a couple more photos of this? The two ends.
Please/Thank You.

 

[BlueScapegoat]

Also seems to me like a metal piece that clips into a metal piece wouldn't be as efficient as an element directly submerged in the coolant, but maybe the difference is negligible.

 

[YYC Rubicon]

Here is a (bad) photo of the cable end of 68523853AA. I already sent it back as I couldn't believe it would seal properly. Once I install 56044738AA I will take a photo of the brass plug and see how easy it would be to drive through the middle of it with a socket to see if is possible to install the newer part by pushing it through.

Edit: if I was only smart enough to realize the new style clips on the brass plug and is not driven through it...

 

[Holeshot]

Just bought that dry type heater, did not buy the 200+$ CAD cord at the dealer thinking I could find a cord that matches in the aftermarket, but I guess I was wrong. Any one have an aftermarket part number for the cord of this bloc heater?

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