How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

[Duby T]

My winter car is a 94 honda civic and lately Ive had a sneaking suspicion that my oilpan heater (or blockheater...not sure what I have) is not working.

If I leave it plugged in overnight, the car still fires up the same as it would if I didnt plug it in at all. I double checked my extension cord just to make sure it wasnt the problem, but it works fine. Sooooo, I think it might actually be the plug-in coming from the car.

Is there anyway to check if my oilpan heater (or blockheater) cord is busted?

[stefan]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

usually i just plug it in really slow, and watch for a spark. if its drawing current, you'll probably see a spark, or hear a little crackle.

[Duby T]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

Not a bad idea. Any other suggestions?

[VAG_Tech]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

Get an ohmmeter and test the plug going to the heater. It should have a resistance value. If it doesn't then you know there is an open circuit and the heater cord or the heater should be repaired/replaced.

[FlyBoy]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

Depending on how it works exactly, you might be able to just put a multimeter on both prongs of the plug. If it reads anything (i.e. not off the scale) it should be fine, if it reads infinite or off the scale it may be broken. Although with the small voltage applied by the multimeter it may not be enough to read anything (or infinite) since the heater is usually a resistance circuit generating the heat.

You can also get an amp meter that goes around the wire to detect a current. Maybe someone has one of them you can borrow.

Dave beat me to it!

[Kor]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

Put your tongue to your oilpan.

[VAG_Tech]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

Dave beat me to it!

It is my job...

[Khyron]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

If it's a pad heater, it should be warm when you touch it, no? Mine was night and day difference on starting in the cold - like summer startup vs winter.

[Duby T]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

Mine was night and day difference on starting in the cold - like summer startup vs winter.

If thats the case, there is something wrong with my heater

[Ben]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

I need to check mine out today too, but i think its working because--- Last night that car would not start at all, It even got to a point where i had the oil light flashing and i gave up. Tonight i've been out 3 times to start the car and you would think it was 25 degrees out there. Not -38.

[Red90]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

Jesus....

1) Plug it in....

2) Stick you hand under the engine and see if the pad gets hot.....

[DeanerF]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

if its a pan heater they get really warm.

if its a block heater you can hear them.

[Duby T]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

The cord to my oilpan heater snapped in half today. Anyone know where I can pick up a new oil pan heater?

[Red90]

Re: How can I check if my oilpan heater is working?

Gregg's has a large selection. CT usually has the 250W units, Product #30-0001-6