I might have cut a tywrap to lengthen the cord but if you can do a minor thing to lengthen then there is no problem..

 

Time to try the block heater as it's going to be cold here tonight -15C The cord in my 2016 was folded in half and clipped together. When unclipped it extends about 6 inches out of the front. I'll definitely fold it and clip it back in the morning before driving. First time with a vehicle with a block heater - will be interesting to see how fast the heat comes on in the morning.

 

When you review your experience, please mention how long you had it plugged in. Thanks!

 

I created a short extension of my own of a couple of feet. I take that and just leave it stuck out between the hood and the grill. I bought a little prong cover so the snow and ice don't stick.

I don't think multiple cords are really an issue - just be a little more loss.

I did it this way as otherwise it would be problematic for my wife to open the hood in the cold and the snow.

 

I'm not sure about the older escapes, but my 2017 appears to have electronic louvers (Active Grille Shutters) that open/close automatically depending on the engine/water temperatures.
Because of this, it would be unwise to pass a cable though the front grill as you would interfere with the louvers and their operation.

 

You really don't need to tie wrap it. Just put it in place and close the hood carefully. Then the cord can be easily pulled out and in for extra length. Great location.

 

It is extremely frustrating that this short block heater cord will NOT go through the grille anywhere. The only place you can secure it outside of the engine bay is to carefully lift the edge of the plastic trim above the rad on the driver side where a small channel allows you to slip the cord under that trim so it wont move and it is outside of the car. Trouble is that the plug now is sitting there just below the hood edge where the weather is and where it can be hit by someone passing by. I cannot imagine that Ford wants us to lift the hood, place the rod in the hood, unclip the heater cord, plug it in to the extension, close the hood ON THE EXTENSION CORD and then have to do this all again to disconnect the block heater before riving away. We have remote start which means when we remotely start the engine ,we have to put the key in the ignition and turn it to on before we lift the hood or the engine will shut off. This is more than a bit crazy don't you think.

 

If you use it often enough, I would buy a 3 foot extension cord and figure out a way to route it through the grill. I've done this in the past. All of the block heaters on my Fords have been short, so I think it might be somewhat intentional (they don't want the plug sticking out and getting damaged or slammed in the hood).

Block heater - what’s that? We don’t have them in the South. ?

A block heater is a small 120V 400W heating element that is installed in the engine block. When plugged in, it heats the coolant and the engine block so that the engine can start easier in extreme cold temperatures, and it warms up faster. Used when it is below zero in the winter. They are installed as standard equipment in vehicles sold in northern states.

 

Block heater - what’s that? We don’t have them in the South. ?

 

My block heater cord sticks out perfectly under my hood. I have the plug out just enough so I can plug it in.