When is block heater installed?

[angrynewyorker]

Does anyone know when the block heater option is installed? Is it installed during manufacturing process, or is it added later in JB?

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[JP18]

Does anyone know when the block heater option is installed? Is it installed during manufacturing process, or is it added later in JB?

I've never visited the Toledo plant, but I would presume that the block heater is installed at the engine assembly plants, and the wires are tucked/packaged until the engine is loaded into the frame. Once the engine is in place, the wires are unpackaged and run to where they need to go.

Have a look at this video.

JP18

 

[angrynewyorker]

I've never visited the Toledo plant, but I would presume that the block heater is installed at the engine assembly plants, and the wires are tucked/packaged until the engine is loaded into the frame. Once the engine is in place, the wires are unpackaged and run to where they need to go.

Have a look at this video.

JP18

Then they would have to have 2 different sets of engines to pick from, those with block heaters and those without. I guess it’s possible, but seems like that would be a hassle for them.

 

[JP18]

Then they would have to have 2 different sets of engines to pick from, those with block heaters and those without. I guess it’s possible, but seems like that would be a hassle for them.

Not really. Engines and other large assemblies are often built for a given VIN. For instance, the entire dash assembly comes in pre-assembled, regardless that it's a Rubicon or a Sahara, and whether it has the auxiliary switches or not.

Options are not added at the assembly plant, they are done by VIN and each part is tracked until it's installed.

Also, the wire looms are now custom built for each vehicle. The days of "one wire loom fits all" are long gone as the number of options is very high. [I have a friend that works with BMW in Spartanburg SC, he confirmed that is how BMW does it]

JP18

 

[angrynewyorker]

Not really. Engines and other large assemblies are often built for a given VIN. For instance, the entire dash assembly comes in pre-assembled, regardless that it's a Rubicon or a Sahara, and whether it has the auxiliary switches or not.

Options are not added at the assembly plant, they are done by VIN and each part is tracked until it's installed.

Also, the wire looms are now custom built for each vehicle. The days of "one wire loom fits all" are long gone as the number of options is very high. [I have a friend that works with BMW in Spartanburg SC, he confirmed that is how BMW does it]

JP18

Oh, ok. I was thinking the engines were built in Italy and shipped in, then they added block heater there somewhere. I think I heard there was an engine plant there in Toledo? Maybe they add it there according to the order?

 

[JP18]

Oh, ok. I was thinking the engines were built in Italy and shipped in, then they added block heater there somewhere. I think I heard there was an engine plant there in Toledo? Maybe they add it there according to the order?

It's possible that the base engine is built at the engine plant and customized for the VIN further down the line.

But by looking at the assembly video, the large assemblies are ready-to-go, plug-and-play, once they are dropped in the frame.

I don't believe that a block heater would be added on the final assembly line.

JP

 

[angrynewyorker]

My whole reason for asking was I was just hoping it was not added later when they add other options (tailgate reinforcement, etc...). From the sound of it that is not the case.

 

[JP18]

My whole reason for asking was I was just hoping it was not added later when they add other options (tailgate reinforcement, etc...). From the sound of it that is not the case.

I can't speak for that. What I do know is that when the large assemblies are put together, all of the wiring and other connections are plug-and-play.

I'm fairly certain that a given Jeep will take a different path in the assembly line depending on some options that need to be added. For this, the build sheet needs to be followed, and it's all computerized, again, based on the VIN.

For your example of a block heater, the heater's wire would be packaged as the engine is put in. During the time they plug and play, the heater's extension wire would be wrapped in a zip-tie and held to a structure. (at least, one my last Jeep with a heater core, that's where it was).

JP18

 

[viper88]

Not really. Engines and other large assemblies are often built for a given VIN. For instance, the entire dash assembly comes in pre-assembled, regardless that it's a Rubicon or a Sahara, and whether it has the auxiliary switches or not.

Options are not added at the assembly plant, they are done by VIN and each part is tracked until it's installed.

Also, the wire looms are now custom built for each vehicle. The days of "one wire loom fits all" are long gone as the number of options is very high. [I have a friend that works with BMW in Spartanburg SC, he confirmed that is how BMW does it]

JP18

I think different wire looms are used for the JL too. I remember reading about a forum member wanting to add the proximity door option to his JL. His JL did not have the wiring in the doors for it or something.

 

[JP18]

I think different wire looms are used for the JL too. I remember reading about a forum member wanting to add the proximity door option to his JL. His JL did not have the wiring in the doors for it or something.

Very common nowadays. I had a 2000 Honda Civic that didn't have cruise control... and neither did it have the wiring!

JP18

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