Here you go - from the manual, page 127:

We recommend that you do the following for a safe and correct operation:
• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). This extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold temperatures, and be clearly marked Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances. Do not use an indoor extension cord outdoors. This could result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could cause an electric shock or fire.
• Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of combustibles.
• Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly connected.
• Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has been operating for approximately 30 minutes.

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/14204om2e.pdf

 

Thankfully here in NYC all I need is the remote start but for you make sure you use the proper equipment to not cause a fire. I believe the cord is so short because they want the connection to the extension cord protected from most of the elements

 

Don't have one so I can't reply other than to ask...you mean to plug it in you have to open the hood? That would make no sense IMO.

 

No you run the plug through the grill usually but yes the hood needs to be open to connect everything. You just don't leave it open

 

Black and White Picture/Photo: Cars with block engine heaters connected to plugs. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

 

I grew up in northern MN and am familiar with block heaters and oil pan heaters, but don't have one on my FE since I now live in the comparitively tropical Iowa. After the initial install of the heater, I've never had to open the hood to connect. I took the OP as saying that the connection wasn't long enough to route it through the grill, which would require opening the hood to connect every time. That was the clarification I was seeking.

 

I'm having the same issue as Jon Scudder and I don't think anyone has answered his question yet. The instructions from the manual posted by Bjeans are of no help. The block heater cord, even when unclipped and pulled out as far as it will go, still looks too short to get through the grill-if you can figure out how to get it through the grill since the rad is enclosed pretty tightly. I haven't spent a whole bunch of time playing with it, but if I figure it out will post. Maybe Jon Scudder has a solution by now?

 

I'm having the same issue as Jon Scudder and I don't think anyone has answered his question yet. The instructions from the manual posted by Bjeans are of no help. The block heater cord, even when unclipped and pulled out as far as it will go, still looks too short to get through the grill

Isn't that why the manual says to use an extension cord?

 

Don't have one but from what I've seen and yes it's annoying you run an extension directly to the engine block cord. My friend had it through his grill but I think he cut to make it easy another just slammed the hood on the cord which I wouldn't suggest but it works. With the clod blast that just hit the states I just hope all drive safe and pay attention to the road!

 

Actually, you get used to opening the hood, plugging in the extension cord to the block heater and then closing the hood on the cord (The rubber seal prevents damage to the cord, and you can still use the remote start in this case). I actually like this method, the head of the block heater cord won't be flapping in the wind, and eventually break on the ends, it won't be beating against the paint on the SUV either, instead it will be in engine compartment, where it should last for years I have been using it for about the last 3 weeks now, every night. I remote start the car, open the drivers door, push the ignition button, pop the hood, unplug it, close the hood, and off I go...

 

Exactly how I've done it for years. I didn't want the end of the cord flopping around like a chicken wing. Even on my company pickups.

 

Wow. Well, maybe that's the way it is now. It might explain why I've noticed fewer cords hanging out of grills these days. Maybe I'm just getting old and lazy, but continually popping the hood when it's -40C seems more than inconvenient to me. But, I guess I'll just suck it up and try it that way and see if I end up being a convert.

 

that look like it would work

 

I personally think this is intentional to keep people from plugging an extension cord directly to the block heater cord.

I'm in fairbanks, alaska. The typical winterization treatment here is that the dealership install a power strip between the engine bay and front fascia. They wire the block heater, battery heater, oil pan heater, and optionally the tranny pan heater to it.

A really common thing is that people back out without remembering the unplug first. I definitely wouldn't want to risk that when the block heater and extension cord are directly connected. If the plug doesn't happen to be oriented to disconnect, real damage can result.

 

I personally think this is intentional to keep people from plugging an extension cord directly to the block heater cord.

I'm in fairbanks, alaska. The typical winterization treatment here is that the dealership install a power strip between the engine bay and front fascia. They wire the block heater, battery heater, oil pan heater, and optionally the tranny pan heater to it.

A really common thing is that people back out without remembering the unplug first. I definitely wouldn't want to risk that when the block heater and extension cord are directly connected. If the plug doesn't happen to be oriented to disconnect, real damage can result.

I did exactly that with my daughter's Mazda pickup when she was going to school at UAF (the brain-freeze capital of the world. ). 40 below and colder is very common up there in the dead of winter.

 

You might be right-just another thing to protect ourselves from ourselves. I've certainly driven away more than once without unplugging, but usually I just end up dragging an extension cord down the road and eventually losing it. Luckily I've never damaged anything. I find that I actually don't have to plug in newer vehicles much anymore, but my wife likes to which is how I got into this discussion!

 

WTH?? It's another AutoGuide.com Forum.

Anyway, here's the photo I was trying to post.

 

The Marinco looks like a great solution...

 

The best way to remember to unplug your block heater, is too loop the cord over your side view mirror...

 

One way to route short block heater cable

I did not want to have to open and close the hood each time I used the block heater cable. So I found a way to have it accessible at all times. There is a spot where the cable will lie down and not interfere with the hood. Its just to the left of the headlight. The problem is that it will not stay there. I fastened it down with 2 cable ties so that the hood closes properly and without causing damage to the cable. See the attached pics.
Hope you find this useful.
Solee

 

This was super helpful!

I did not want to have to open and close the hood each time I used the block heater cable. So I found a way to have it accessible at all times. There is a spot where the cable will lie down and not interfere with the hood. Its just to the left of the headlight. The problem is that it will not stay there. I fastened it down with 2 cable ties so that the hood closes properly and without causing damage to the cable. See the attached pics.
Hope you find this useful.
Solee

Thank you-the pictures helped so much! I was thinking it was that folded up cord but wanted to confirm since there is no diagram of it in the manual. Well, there is an "under the hood" diagram but nothing specifically pointing to the cord! I even chatted with someone from Ford and they couldn't tell me where it was. LOL.

Now I am ready for this week's -20 deg temperature.

 

Good work. And you can barely see the plug when the hood is closed.

 

Thanks Solee, I've done it the same way. So far no damage.

 

Guys, stupid question: how do you know if you have a block heater? I guess it's an option but I wasn't asked if I wanted one when I got the car in the dead of winter last year... where in the engine bay should I look?

 

It would be on your window sticker, if you have it, let alone you would have a short cord that's attached to your engine block

 

For some reason I don't think my block heater works. I have plugged it in twice here in the -17 wisconsin winters and both times the engine was cold when I went out there even with the remote start about 5 minutes before walking out. When you used yours, is your engine warm when you start it up or does it still take a few minutes to warm up? I am from AZ and have never used one before.

 

Block heaters typically don't get hot, they are used to keep the engine above freezing in subzero weather. At best the block will be slightly warm to the touch after an all night run.
They do not bring it up to operating temperature.

 

Thanks Solee-my wife's happy now...

 

Has anyone reported this as a design flaw? I was considering purchasing a short extension to make it long enough to feed through the grill but could not find a space to feed it even if it was longer. They also do not recommend multiple extension cords so a change in design is required.

 

I have so many complaints about the Escape. Lots... But there is nothing wrong with the length if the block heater cord. Plenty long enough. I base it between the grill and the hood. Absolutely no problem with mine.