as i was putting a new air filter into my 1993 ranger xlt with the 2.3 i saw a strange cord runming into the bumper after following it i found out it was a block/coolant heater so i followed the cord the opposite way torwards the motor and i found that is it attached a a cylinder linked in to my coolant hoses so i plugged it in after about 30 minutes i stepped back outside to feel for a temp change anywhere on the cylinder it hadnt changed at all is there a way to test the heater? continuity or something?

 

Leave it plugged in overnight. Then check engine temp and how long it takes to reach running temp.

They aren't meant to get uber hot.

 

alright thanks and is there any way to test it with a multimeter?

 

I would think it whould have some sort of resistance. If it shows an open circuit, it's broken.

 

How cold does it get there? Growing up in Colorado we used a block heater(mag type) and a coolant heater at the same time just to get the thing started. But that in -30 -40 temp. If it is a bad heater I'd just replace it with a now one. Last time I looked they are about $35 at napa auto.