Block heater element replacement

[Frenchy]

If you’re thinking you can cap the block heater without removing it take a look at the images of it and the cord/plug. The red rubber portion of the cord plugs into the block heater. Then the nut is tightened to squish the red rubber to seal into the block heater. So it’s already plugged and will not leak antifreeze out or let water in. If you’re thinking of removing the block heater then you have to drain the coolant and remove the heater. Then you could use a pipe plug with the same thread to plug the hole left by removing the block heater.

The problem is not where that plug is. The problem is the block heater itself. That is the reason for the recall. Ford also sells the correct plug / cap to go in place of the block heater if one wanted to remove the block heater. With that said I would leave the block heater alone unless it needed to be replaced under the recall. Then again I also live in an area where a block heater is needed sometimes.

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[Stevedbvik1]

The problem is not where that plug is. The problem is the block heater itself. That is the reason for the recall. Ford also sells the correct plug / cap to go in place of the block heater if one wanted to remove the block heater. With that said I would leave the block heater alone unless it needed to be replaced under the recall. Then again I also live in an area where a block heater is needed sometimes.

As I understand it the block heater leaks at the electrodes where the cord plugs into it causing a short. Are you saying it leaks internally and doesn’t also cause an external leak?

 

[Frenchy]

As I understand it the block heater leaks at the electrodes where the cord plugs into it causing a short. Are you saying it leaks internally and doesn’t also cause an external leak?

Essentially it cracks somehow due to poor design and allows an external leak. It may not necessarily be through the plug end but instead elsewhere. As for the potential short, I can certainly see that being a possibility.

 

[airline tech]

As I understand it the block heater leaks at the electrodes where the cord plugs into it causing a short. Are you saying it leaks internally and doesn’t also cause an external leak?

Yes, the recall is stating that the (Heater) can crack at the (element pins) and let coolant reach the pins.
Thus, when plugged in to an outlet can create a short and potential fire risk.
Now the connector plug will hold most of the coolant from actually leaking out but will start leaking externally when engine is running - Pressure @ 21 PS - it will be more of a (slow leak) as the connector threads will provide some resistance.

I

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

It’s too bad we don’t have a definitive understanding of what causes the crack.

• Use of the heater
• Heat from the engine

If we knew it was only from use of the heater, and we had never used it, there would be comfort in knowing that as long as we never plugged it in, things would be fine if we didn’t have the recall performed.

Some folks might choose to ignore this recall because they will never plug in their block heater. If we know the crack is caused by engine heat, an engine fire might be avoided but the potential for a coolant leak still exists.

I’m assuming it’s from engine heat and getting it done.

 

[Figarou]

It’s too bad we don’t have a definitive understanding of what causes the crack.

• Use of the heater
• Heat from the engine

If we knew it was only from use of the heater, and we had never used it, there would be comfort in knowing that as long as we never plugged it in, things would be fine if we didn’t have the recall performed.

Some folks might choose to ignore this recall because they will never plug in their block heater. If we know the crack is caused by engine heat, an engine fire might be avoided but the potential for a coolant leak still exists.

I’m assuming it’s from engine heat and getting it done.

How long do these things last? According to this video, it doesn't last long. And it'll eventually leak.

 

[Frenchy]

It’s too bad we don’t have a definitive understanding of what causes the crack.

• Use of the heater
• Heat from the engine

If we knew it was only from use of the heater, and we had never used it, there would be comfort in knowing that as long as we never plugged it in, things would be fine if we didn’t have the recall performed.

Some folks might choose to ignore this recall because they will never plug in their block heater. If we know the crack is caused by engine heat, an engine fire might be avoided but the potential for a coolant leak still exists.

I’m assuming it’s from engine heat and getting it done.

Generally poor manufacturing

 

[Frenchy]

How long do these things last? According to this video, it doesn't last long. And it'll eventually leak.

A good block heater won't have a problem

 

[dozxab]

Question- Does your truck even have the block heater?
It does not require Intake Manifold removal as far as I can tell.

Its mounted just above the oil filter, may have to reposition coolant hoses to remove it, but defiantly will require to drain some coolant.
Note: I see a variation in the service manuals (older-not revised) where the Intake Manifold is to be removed, either they took that out of the manuals, or they moved the heater

PN: G5726A051B - Block Heater

Plus, also note (If installed) the heater is not receiving power unless you are plugged into an extension cord and I am not seeing the published version of the recall yet.

I am guessing they are using this Plug location for the install, note this is a threaded plug.

POSSIBLE PN: for the plug: W718192-S437, needs verified

This is all I have seen on it. https://fordauthority.com/2025/10/ford-engine-block-heater-recalled-over-risk-of-fire/

 

[gfitzge2]

Happened to look at my Ford pass today and noticed the recall on the engine block heater. No parts available yet. I have only used it a few times since 2019 so I can wait. Hopefully we will not drop down into the teens any time soon. It would be OK with me if we don't at all.

 

[Jason B]

FYI, this affects 6G Rangers too. I haven't received a recall notice, as I don't think I have one or need it here in Louisiana. I do have an open recall for 'side curtain air bag' that I'll get fixed.

NHTSA: #25V687
Recall: #25SA4 BLOCK HEATER ELEMENT REPLACEMENT

 

[XRANGER2019]

The 2019 Ford Ranger shop manual states that the intake manifold must be removed to get to the block heater. I looked it up before I posted.

You don't the manual wrong it's accessible.

 

[airline tech]

FYI - They supplemented the recall with this:
Cut and Paste of the important info

Recall # Changed From 25SA4 to 25SA5


A complete Dealer Bulletin will be provided to dealer's 1st Quarter, 2026, when it is anticipated
that remedy availability including repair instructions will be available to support this recall.
IMPORTANT: Dealers should open a Repair Order (RO) only when a full dealer bulletin is
published. Opening an RO against an Awareness or Advance Notice will result in warranty
rejections against a recall.

 

[Oddball]

Think twice before plugging in your Ford’s block-heater | Driving

Alot of Vehicles being affected by this!

 

[airline tech]

FYI - Update
Ford released an update to the recall. - Recall Notices to be sent out around Dec 1, 2025
They are calling for a procedure to: (Temporally)
Remove the Block Heater and (Discard)
Remove the Power Cable & Stow (In the Vehicle)
Install a Threaded Plug: PN Listed Below - Torque = 53 ft lbs.

Labor Time: 1.6 Hrs. - Includes drain / fill and bleed.

This is a temporary repair until a Revised Part (Block Heater) becomes available and they will be reusing the power cable. (Estimated Time for Revised Part - 2nd Quarter 2026)
I am assuming they want the power cable removed to prevent anyone from plugging into a dead-end cable.

This update at least gives owners a Part Number for the Threaded Plug if you choose to just remove it and plug the hole.

The update still does not provide a (Removal Procedure) as it still references the service manual procedure.

EDIT: Update IPC (Added) for HP2 - The Block Heater (Plug)
Specs: M27 x 2.0 mm

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