Random maybe dumb question...

On my '99 Neon, I was looking under my hood near the battery, and I noticed a wire that looks like a standard 120 volt grounded plug. But its recessed like the kind on some power tools that you have to plug into an extension cord. Is this supposed to be there? Anyone know what its for?

Do you have a pic of it? I doubt it's supposed to be there. Is it above or below the battery and where does it run to?

Is that your block heater cord?

Well, it helps if I read the writing on the cord...that says "Heater Cord"...I don't have the book for the car tho, so I have no idea how to use it. Do I just plug it in and it'll turn itself off when its done, or do I have to only let it stay plugged in for a certain time? Are there any real good benefits from using it, or should I just ignore it?

you only really need it when it's really cold. all it is is a little element that sticks in where one of your frost plugs would be to keep your antifreeze warm when your not running. the only time my car really needs it is when it gets to about -30 C outside and it doesn't like to start without being plugged in.