Ford Explorer Block Heater Guide
1996–2026
Engine-specific fitment for the Ford Explorer is listed below — aftermarket elements are available for most engines, with Zerostart and Kat's part numbers shown where the application guides list a direct fit.
Factory availability
Dealer-installed accessory in Canada on most years and trims
Cord location
Most installs route the cord to the front grille or bumper area, driver's side. Check for an existing coiled cord before buying anything.
Ford Explorerengines & block heater part numbers
Engine list built from Natural Resources Canada model-year data; part numbers cross-referenced against the Zerostart / Phillips & Temro and Kat's application guides. Always confirm displacement and model year before ordering.
| Engine | Years | Zerostart kit | Cord | Kat's heater | Install location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4L 6-cyl | 1996–2010 | 3100039(1-1/2" bore) | 3600006 | 11458+ cord 28400 | RF(6 o'clock position) |
| 5L 8-cyl | 1996–2001 | — | — | 11610+ cord 28400 | — |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 2002–2010 | 3100040(1-1/2" bore) | 3600006 | 11610+ cord 28400 | LR(9 o'clock position) |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 2011–2019 | 3100002(3/4" NPT bore) | 3600001 | 11409+ cord 28216 | RR |
| 2L 4-cyl | 2012–2015 | — | — | 11409+ cord 28216 | — |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 2016–2026 | — | — | 11490+ cord 28216 | — |
| 3L 6-cyl | 2020–2026 | No aftermarket listing — use the genuine Ford dealer kit | |||
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 2020–2023 | 3100002(3/4" NPT bore) | 3600001 | 11409+ cord 28216 | — |
Zerostart part numbers: 31/35-prefix = heater kit, 36-prefix = detachable cordset. Kat's: 11xxx = heater element, 28xxx = cordset, 24xxx = pad heater. Install location codes are from the manufacturer's guide (LF = left front of block, RR = right rear, etc.); "position" is the element's clock orientation during install.
First: check whether you already have one
In Canada, block heaters are frequently installed at the port, the dealer, or by a previous owner — and then forgotten. Look for a two- or three-prong plug on a black cord near the grille, bumper, or tow hooks, sometimes still zip-tied from the factory. If you find one, test it before winter with our 5-minute multimeter test.
If you need one installed
A frost plug (cartridge) block heater for the Ford Explorer typically runs $40–$120 CAD for the part, plus shop installation. See installation costs in your city — and book in October, before the first cold snap fills every shop calendar in the Prairies.
FAQ
Does the Ford Explorer come with a block heater?
Dealer-installed accessory in Canada on most years and trims. Check behind the grille for a coiled cord before buying anything — many Canadian-market vehicles have a heater installed that the owner never knew about.
What block heater fits a Ford Explorer?
The recommended setup is a frost plug (cartridge) block heater (typically 400 W). Engine-specific fitment for the Ford Explorer is listed below — aftermarket elements are available for most engines, with Zerostart and Kat's part numbers shown where the application guides list a direct fit.
What is the block heater part number for a Ford Explorer?
4L 6-cyl: Zerostart kit 3100039 with cord 3600006 (Kat's 11458); 5L 8-cyl: Kat's heater 11610 with cord 28400; 4.6L 8-cyl: Zerostart kit 3100040 with cord 3600006 (Kat's 11610); 3.5L 6-cyl: Zerostart kit 3100002 with cord 3600001 (Kat's 11409); 2L 4-cyl: Kat's heater 11409 with cord 28216; 2.3L 4-cyl: Kat's heater 11490 with cord 28216; 3.3L 6-cyl: Zerostart kit 3100002 with cord 3600001 (Kat's 11409). Confirm displacement and model year against the fitment table before ordering.
Where is the block heater cord on a Ford Explorer?
Most installs route the cord to the front grille or bumper area, driver's side. Check for an existing coiled cord before buying anything.
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