I just had my block heater replaced last Friday. It was shorting out and tripping the ground fault circuit on the house. It was shorted close to the plug end. I figured that I should find a better way to plug in the car so I modified a block heater extension cable and installed it in the car today since it was warm outside (-2 no wind).
Here is the cable used with the to be installed end since the original had spaces for three plugs and I only need one. Plus it was kinda long.
Cable with new end in place ready for install.
Wire tied the plug end to the bottom of the front grill. This is just for now. I'll probably shorten the wire more and have it on the drivers side of the car. Summer project I guess.
The wire is then run up and across the engine bay along the gap for the bonnet. Or is hood the proper term.
It was then run over to where the new heater cord is and plugged in. I then just tucked it down by the battery.
Everything works. Now I have a warmed engine again. Never had a working block heater for almost four weeks this year and I did miss it. Engine should start easier again plus I'll get some heat quicker too. This cord is easily replaced should something happen to it.