GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Installation Procedure


Object Number: 873459  Size: SH

Caution: Allow the engine and all cooling system components to cool before installation of the block heater.

Important: 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.

The engine block heater is installed on the front face of the 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.


    Object Number: 873454  Size: SH
  1. 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.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 25N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 873455  Size: SH

    Notice: 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.

  3. Attach the power cord to the core support using the clips assembled to the power cord.
  4. Route the female end of the power cord downward, between the air cleaner resonator and the upper radiator hose, directly behind the engine cooling fan shroud.
  5. Route the female end of the harness under the resonator and attach to the heater element.

  6. Object Number: 873457  Size: SH
  7. Route the male end of the harness over the fresh air inlet snorkel and through the hole in the radiator support, towards the headlamp assembly. A protective plug cover should be assembled over the male connector when the power cord is routed through the hole in the radiator support.
  8. Wrap the cord in a coil and leave it placed in the area behind the headlamp assembly.