I just spoke with my Mercury Service Department.

They told me it would cost $530.00.

Does this sound reasonable. I can't do it myself (bad back), and I don't trust the corner auto shop.

Thanks.

Rick

 

Well, the list price for the parts is about $200, and it takes less than an hour to install, so I'd say not. Did you ask them to itemize the cost to see where the money would be going?

 

I just had my engine block heater installed for $80.00 at Bergstrom Ford. The car was in the shop for 2.5 hours (also Mobil 1 oil change and the installation of locking lug nuts). I asked if the service department called Ford Motor Company prior to starting work and they denied doing that. Then why did it take so long and only charge me for one hour of labor?

 

I say you should go back and DEMAND to be charged for ALL 2.5 hrs....

Its possible it sat waiting for a tech to be available to do the work.

 

Does the vehicle have to be on, not started, to activate this button or can it be off? If I put a trickle charger on the 12v battery would I get more warm up mintues?

 

I can't remember if the key needs to be in or not.
You'll need more than a "trickle".
It takes 5 or 6 amps at least.
I've not tried this experiment yet.
I may have to give it a shot!
-John

 

I have a "late build" 08 MMH that does not have the wires running from the engine compartment back to the HV battery - which would be used as part of an engine block heater (to warm the battery). I went to my Mercury Dealer for 10,000 mile service and asked for a quoteto install an engine block heater. I have a (non heated) garage and could easily plug in overnight to start my morning commute with a warm engine with this (and get benefits of earlier EV mode). The qouted me $400 installed to include the following 2 parts: F5RZ6A051B BLOCK HEATER, and 8M6Z6B018A WIRE ASSEMBLY. (Note another part related to warming the battery - 10B689 - was not included). They said they had remove the exhaust manifold to get the heaters installed where they needed to be.

I would appreciate thoughts on the price of the install and whether folks feel it is worth it. I normally keep a car 9-10 years.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

How handy are you?
You can get the parts for under $100 and DIY in less than 1 hour, but you need to get your hands dirty, as you open a hole in the block ( with a plug there now ) and some radiator fluid will spill out onto you and the floor, until you get the heating element inserted.

So for $400 total, you are spending over $300 for 1 hour of mechanic labor.

In the 2005-2008 you did NOT need to remove any exhaust parts.
You did not need to remove ANYTHING except the ( 16mm I think ) Hex Key ( allen ) plug in the engine block. Insert the screw-in heating element, and then run your wires to a safe & convienient place.

Less than an hour for an amateur to install. 30min for a pro.

-John

 

Thank You John, I think I will try to do the install myself.

 

You should keep in mind that "starting" any hybrid with the engine already artificially preheated might result in foreshortening the catalyst warm up cycle and thereby result in premature failure of the catalyst, 70,000 miles instead of 150,000.