How do I know the block heater is working?
Can you tell by a sound of some kind?

Last night here in Alberta, it dropped below -40C. If you are in Edmonton area, you will know we are in a cold snap this week and it is bloody cold.

I brought a timer and set it to start at 3AM to 9AM for the block heater. But when I started the car this morning (8:10AM) , it did NOT sounded like a good normal start. Everything was so cold that it was hard to push the clutch and move the stick into gear.

So later tonight I will test by plug it in before I go to bed to see if I have a better start tomorrow.
Also, how long do I need to plug in the block heater for cold days like this week?

Keep warm guys.

 

If the block heater is working, you should be able to hear a "kettle" sound after it's been plugged in for a couple of minutes. You should also be able to see/hear a spark within the extension cord end as you plug it in.

3-4 hours "should" be enough time to be warm enough prior to starting.

 

block heater won't do squat for your tranny... just allows the engine to start more easily

 

Anyone know how much power the g35c draws on a block heater?

 

a block heater draws about 500w to 1000w.
I guess it depends on the model.

But ya, I guess a block heater wont do much for tranny fluid.

 

Here is some info for block heaters...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_heater

At -40C, I would be leaving it on longer than 4hrs...

You should look into getting a "battery warmer" too.

 

+1, the engine will turn over smoothly, but everything else will be STIFF.

When you first plug it in, you will hear a hiss, but not when on the timer. You should still be able to hear it when you go to unplug it, though. And in these temps, it will turn over sluggishly, you'll notice it for sure if it's not on. 3-4 hours is plenty of time, in my recent experience (like, this morning )

 

That's the truth. I didn't need to use the brakes at all going down the parkade ramp. And talk about a stiff ride!

 

Only allows easier startup and better lubrication for the engine after a cold night or day.

Everything else from electric motors, shocks, transmission, etc. is like molasses.
I don't miss that for a minute.

 

Any tips for my driver door latch that seems frozen and I have to slam the **** out of it for the door to catch and stay shut? Whats the best thing to spray on it that might help?

 

hahaha I thought I am the only one getting this annoying issue. Damn canada cold weather.
I don't think the G35 coupes are meant for Canada cold winter. Sadly it is the only car I have.

I checked the block heater cable and it says it is 1250W for those required this information. I tried hearing the sound of the block heater but I could not hear it and it was too bloody cold to stand out side for more than 10 minutes.

It look likes I have to warm up the car for at least 15 minutes before it runs almost normally this morning.

 

Normally all the shops I know use white lithium grease which often used in marine applications as well. Graphite is often used as a lubricant in key locks but I'm not confident that would help with the cold weather freezing situation.

 

Couldnt have said it better myself.

Anyone notice if even a bit of ice is on the window, it will have trouble opening and closing? ie. Opening up the door early early in the morning.

 

Check RFD man; good responses there as well. Same username on there as well; nice to see a RFD on G35Driver .

Edit**

Sure hoped you cleaned your car:



Haha.

 

It is pretty bad. At my work (outside parking); the doors freeze quite a bit. One time ice formed on my bottom door panel from the humidity when I washed my car; when I opened the door it ripped the paint where the ice was...

Other days the door never closes; the window tries to go up; but the door won't shut; and other time the window never does anything; you just hear the faint sound of a motor; haha.