Nissan Frontier Block Heater Guide
1998–2026
Engine-specific fitment for the Nissan Frontier 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
Factory option or dealer accessory in Canada, depending on year and trim
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.
Nissan Frontierengines & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 1998–2004 | — | — | 11401+ cord 28400 | — |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 1999–2004 | — | — | 11417+ cord 28400 | — |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 2005–2019 | — | — | 11412+ cord 28500 | — |
| 4L 6-cyl | 2005–2019 | — | — | 11412+ cord 28500 | — |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 2020–2026 | No aftermarket listing — use the genuine Nissan dealer kit | |||
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 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier come with a block heater?
Factory option or dealer accessory in Canada, depending on year and trim. 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 Nissan Frontier?
The recommended setup is a frost plug (cartridge) block heater (typically 400 W). Engine-specific fitment for the Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier?
2.4L 4-cyl: Kat's heater 11401 with cord 28400; 3.3L 6-cyl: Kat's heater 11417 with cord 28400; 2.5L 4-cyl: Kat's heater 11412 with cord 28500; 4L 6-cyl: Kat's heater 11412 with cord 28500. Confirm displacement and model year against the fitment table before ordering.
Where is the block heater cord on a Nissan Frontier?
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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