I got this option for my 12' rubicon unlimited that I ordered. It was only a $35 addition. Anyone have this option? Is there a switch for it, or is it automatic?

 

There is no switch for it. You plug it in, it heats up.

The cord for the plug is located between your stock airbox and your battery. It's long enough to hang just outside the hood if you want it to.

I don't know if you'll see any benefit from it in Boston. Generally I use mine if it's well below freezing. How much of your winter qualifies as being that cold?

 

For $35, it won't kill you wallet....
But...
You probably won't need it in Boston. Maybe once or twice a year....

I'm looking to order new...and I will probably get it as well. Mostly for those times 4 years from now when the stock battery is going to crap and I know it might be really cold one night.

 

I see ...So is there a certain tempature, when I might want to plug it in?

 

I'd say when you are looking at nights where the temp will get down into single digits. Even then....you don't really, really need it. But if you are looking at negative temperatures at night...and single digits in the morning when you go to start it (especially without the sun warming things up)..that is a good time to use it.


Damn....I don't want to think about winter.....

 

Geez i had temps in the negative teens last winter. No issues starting, not once.

Would the cost be different to purchase afterwards? Or around the same? Im going to look around

 

I really didn't think there was a need for it at the time, but for $35 I figure'd to get it and research it later.

 

On the 2012 Rubicon's the extension cord with electrical plug is located on the drivers side, toward the front around the fender area. I pulled mine out last week just to make sure it was there.

To answer another question, the $35 is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of the vehicle, so yeah I got one. Also to add one later, would cost a chunk of change.

 

Also, you don't need to keep it plugged all night. Run the cord on a timer to juice it a couple of hours before you plan on starting it in the morning.

 

In Anchorage they ask people to "plug in" at 20 degrees.....that's 20 above 0. Mainly because a warmer engine emits less emissions, so it's better for the air. Personally I plug in when it gets down around 0 or so. I plug in mainly because it's WAY more easy on the engine at start up when it's warmer. Oil warms up faster and circulates better.

Remember, it's not a matter of "not needing it". Sure your jeep will probably start right up at -30 below. It's just a matter of making it easy on the engine.

I also don't leave it plugged in all night. I run a timer and just have it come on a couple hours before I leave in the morning.