I have been looking for 2 days now and I cannot find any info on where to find the block heater plug in my car. Please someone help me! Any time the temperature outside gets below freezing my car acts up starts fine but doesn't want to stay running and makes a terrible noise. Warmer temperatures it's just fine.

After searching the internet and this forum I have come to the conclusion that it's accessible through the bumper? Pictures would be so helpful. Thank you so much!

I love my car but if I can't use it in the winter then I have to sell it.

 

Is this the plug or is it some kind of sensor?

 

I think the fitting you are viewing is the ambient air sensor.
The block heater ( if equipped ) is located on the engine block on the side closest to the radiator.
If you look at the upper radiator hose assembly and look down you will see the thermostat housing mounted against the cylinder block.
To the left of the housing assembly you will see 2 hoses that connect to the block.
To the left and beside the hoses should be a fitting with an open end that has electrical terminals. That would be the block heater connection. If it isn't there you don't have one installed.
If it is there you will need to purchase an electrical cable to connect to it and then route it to a convenient location that you can plug into an electrical outlet.

 

The block heater (see item 7) is next to the back of the alternator:



I understand there's a short fixed harness should come off this to a connector.

(EDIT: Vern posted a better description of the location whilst I was doing the diagram.)

Graham

 

Goodness, I can't see a thing in there. I can see the oil filter, other than that, nothing. I'll have to take it in and get it checked. Thanks for the info and run through.

 

A block heater will not help with this problem. Look elsewhere.

 

Do you have any suggestions where else I can look?

 

This is how much I can see. I do see a wire but it's a small, not much thicker than speaker wire.

 

But I saw your radiator hose is swelling, look like you might need to replace it too.

 

Ok, so which one is it? 1 or 2? Or does it go in the other spot (green arrow)?.

 

Green arrow is the location but that engine doesn't have one installed.

 

Ok, thank you for your help. Now I know exactly where to look.

 

As far as I know, none of the Canadian market X Types came with a block heater installed. Mine was sold in Toronto and doesn't have one.

However, it is the same thread as the Ford V6 version of this engine, as used in the Contour and Taurus. You can either buy a new one at the parts store, or go to a junkyard and pull one from a Ford. My car was sitting outside and it was -25 last night and it started. Takes a bit more cranking than when hot, but starts fine.

 

More evidence that the OP's problem will not be solved with a block heater.

 

I live in BC and we've had some crazy weather the last couple of weeks. Weather that is normally seen in the prairies, according to my husband. Up to -10 during the night with 60km/h winds, with a windchill of -20. Anyways, the car runs fine when the weather is above 0C so I assumed I need a block heater. The car is not currently insured, I'm driving our third car (sigh) so I'm good for now but miss driving my Jag.

 

If that is -10C that would be 14F, which isn't too cold, at least where I live. That should not be low enough to affect how your car runs and there is probably an issue that manifests itself more once the temperature gets a little colder, like a vacuum leak. If it is running as rough as you say I would think that there would be a check engine light on. If there is post the code(s) here. You also say you hear a strange noise. Can you elaborate more on that? Like a squeal of a belt or like metal to metal contact? Something else?

 

A block heater simply helps the engine crank a little better in extreme cold weather (-25 and colder). Your engine apparently cranks and starts so that's not the issue.

I don't bother plugging my cars in at -10, that's not 'cold'

 

As a side note, windchill doesn't affect cars. Humans feel it because we are warm blooded, but oil and batteries don't get affected.

 

Petra could you describe the noise please? Is it a squealing or shrieking sound for instance?

If so it could be as simple as the antifreeze mix in the coolant not being correct and the water pump is freezing or partially freezing in the subzero temps and the belt is slipping on the pulley.