03-06 Dodge Cummins block heater cord installation

By GRI

Tools: pliers
Material: tie straps
Time: 15-20 minutes
Level of difficulty: easy


First locate the plug in the engine block.
It is located on the passenger side and is visible if you look in between the exhaust manifold holes (see picture).





There is a cap on the socket. Mine was a bluish green.
I was unable to do the install without removing the air filter and hose from the turbo. So do that first and set everything to the side.
Next unscrew the cap. I needed a set of pliers to get it started.
Now you’re ready to attach the plug.




There are many sources to obtain the heater cord. Ebay has them, Genos garage and many online big rig sites. They are a generic cord that is also obtainable from the local dodge dealer but it says mopar so you pay more. But they should cost
around $30 plus shipping, twice that if purchasing from the dealer.





Take the orange end and put it in the socket and screw the silver nut on. I don’t know the torque spec but I tightened it as hard as I could by hand and then gave it another ¼ turn with pliers.

Drop the cord down on the inside of the frame rail.
If you bought your cord from the dealer or Genos garage, the cord comes equipped with the plastic push ins that are placed so they match existing holes in the frame rail. I noticed that the ebay (generic) cords didn’t have them so tie straps would be needed or you would have to purchase some plastic push ins.
Run the cord out towards the front of the truck until you run out of the plastic push ins.





The cord should come out by the factory tow hook location or bumper brackets if you don’t have tow hooks.





There is plenty of cord to do whatever you want with it. I tucked mine in the bumper and tie strapped it to another harness so that only 4-6” is available and can easily be found and plugged in without falling to the ground and dragging when not is use. I may get creative later on.

Once that is done go back and reconnect the air filter and hose check and make sure that the heater cord won’t get pinched or burned. Also check for misc tools lying around and make sure everything is tight.

 

Good writeup Bill..................thanks for the contribution

 

awesome, bill

 

I need to do this to my dad's before this winter...his stupid common rail has enough problems starting up when hot...I don't wanna try it cold...mine...fires right up cold or hot first turnover...course she does smoke a lot when I don't plug her in when it's cold...plug her in...fine just fine.

 

hehe dont forget to plug the MAF sensor back in if unlpugged.
Also personal I ran mine out under the hoodpiece, too keep it farther from danger when using the tow hooks.
Thats handy info tho.

 

the picture of the cord hanging down was just a picture to show how much play is left when you get to the end. It is tucked into the bumper out of harms way.

 

whit, The images are red x's. I believe you got the images on here for me? Can you check the image host site to see if they are still there?