Ram 2500 / 3500 Block Heater Guide
2010–2026
The 6.7L Cummins uses an intake grid heater instead of glow plugs — which leans hard on the batteries. The factory block heater plus battery blankets is the reliable stack; serious cold-country operators step up to a circulating heater.
Factory availability
Standard on Canadian Cummins builds
Recommended heater
Circulating (Pump) Coolant Heater
Typical wattage: 750 W factory element; 1,500 W circulating upgrade
Cord location
Factory cord low on the driver's side, near the bumper.
Ram 2500 / 3500engines & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 2010–2023 | 3100131(Cartridge bore) | 3600121 | — | LR |
| 6.7L 6-cyl diesel | 2010–2026 | 3500022(3/4" NPT bore) | 3600008 | — | —(N/A cooler position) |
| 6.4L 8-cyl | 2014–2026 | No aftermarket listing — use the genuine Ram 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 circulating (pump) coolant heater for the Ram 2500 / 3500 typically runs $120–$400 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 Ram 2500 / 3500 come with a block heater?
Standard on Canadian Cummins builds. 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 Ram 2500 / 3500?
The recommended setup is a circulating (pump) coolant heater (typically 750 W factory element; 1,500 W circulating upgrade). The 6.7L Cummins uses an intake grid heater instead of glow plugs — which leans hard on the batteries. The factory block heater plus battery blankets is the reliable stack; serious cold-country operators step up to a circulating heater.
What is the block heater part number for a Ram 2500 / 3500?
5.7L 8-cyl: Zerostart kit 3100131 with cord 3600121; 6.7L 6-cyl diesel: Zerostart kit 3500022 with cord 3600008. Confirm displacement and model year against the fitment table before ordering.
Where is the block heater cord on a Ram 2500 / 3500?
Factory cord low on the driver's side, near the bumper.
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