mysterious electrical outlet

[pitteach]

I have noticed on my '00 LX that there is a male electrical outlet under the front bumper grill. I have checked my manual to find out what this is used for, but I can't find anything. Does anyone have any ideas. My thoughts are its an auxillary power source for the van, or since the van is originally from Canada--possibly a block heater????? Is this a factory item or an aftermarket add-on? I do not want to plug this in until I know what it does. Maybe this was Ford's initial attempt at a hybrid vehicle? You would need one heck of an extension cord! Thanks.

[zombie13]

Originally Posted by pitteach

I have noticed on my '00 LX that there is a male electrical outlet under the front bumper grill. I have checked my manual to find out what this is used for, but I can't find anything. Does anyone have any ideas. My thoughts are its an auxillary power source for the van, or since the van is originally from Canada--possibly a block heater????? Is this a factory item or an aftermarket add-on? I do not want to plug this in until I know what it does. Maybe this was Ford's initial attempt at a hybrid vehicle? You would need one heck of an extension cord! Thanks.

Trace the cord (under the hood) and see where it goes. My '99 Ranger had a block (or oil) heater. Worked great in the winter till it started popping GFCI's in my garage.

Z.

[phil-l]

My 2000 LX has the same thing: It's a block heater. Mine is nicely done, and clearly an OEM item.

I bought my Windstar used - but a Carfax revealed it started out in Indiana, where winter weather is taken more seriously than where I am now in Maryland.

I've used it a couple of times, mostly just to check it out. If you listen closely, you'll hear a slight hissing while it works. In cold weather, after being plugged in for several hours, the van starts faster and the heater is warm almost instantly.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by pitteach

I have noticed on my '00 LX that there is a male electrical outlet under the front bumper grill. I have checked my manual to find out what this is used for, but I can't find anything. Does anyone have any ideas. My thoughts are its an auxillary power source for the van, or since the van is originally from Canada--possibly a block heater????? Is this a factory item or an aftermarket add-on? I do not want to plug this in until I know what it does. Maybe this was Ford's initial attempt at a hybrid vehicle? You would need one heck of an extension cord! Thanks.

Definaately the block heater. Incidently it is not an "outlet" due the male prongs and is in fact an "inlet". It is very nicely done on this vehicle with the protective door and a fixed location. My Wife's GM simply has a cord that hangs haphazardley. It draws about 4 amps (400-450 Watts). I have used mine in January with a simple timer when the temperatures can hit -20 C.

[LeSabre97mint]

Hello

Yes...that is for an engine heater.......I would of had fun with this post if I was the first responder. I would have said something like.... that is for your electric motor if you want to drive without using gas....???

Here in MN we use those when the weather take a dip to 30 ....that's below zero by the way.

Dan

[pitteach]

Thanks for the info. Good to know its there. Even though I never knew it was there, I've never had to use it. I will put it to use in the upcoming Buffalo winters. Nice to have warm fluids upon startup.

[road_rascal]

I use mine regulary here in MN now that the van and sometimes the car gets to sit in the driveway since the bikes get to take up half of the garage space.