Engine Block Heater

[Genesis111]

I live in Canada and was looking at buying a new Honda Accord this month. I’ve been seeing lots about the Genesis and now that I’ve read about it and have test driven the car, I’m sold on it (well…nearly!). When I asked the dealer about the engine block heater, he told me that one isn’t available at this time. When I asked him when it would be available he didn’t know. In fact, I called Hyundai Canada to find out when the block heater would be available and the answer I received was “sometime soon….hopefully this year”. I next called Hyundai USA and spoke with a friendly member of their “Genesis Team”. He wasn’t aware of this issue and put me on hold to check. He came back and told me that he was stunned that Hyundai doesn’t list a block heater for the Genesis and that the issue hadn’t come up until now. He is escalating the issue and expects to get back to me by the end of the week.

Now, I know that this issue probably doesn’t affect most Genesis owners on this forum but for those of us in Canada and in states like ND, MN, MI and even upstate NY, this is a BIG problem! How can I put down $50K on a car that won’t start when the temperature drops to 30 or 35 below? Even if it does start at that temperature, it’s pretty hard on the engine. Unless I get confirmation from Hyundai that a block heater will be available in the next 2-3 weeks, it looks like I’ll be buying a Honda. Perhaps Hyundai is only interested in selling these new vehicles to buyers in warm climates???

 

[JOwest]

Can you not get one of those after market block heater for the Genesis? I believe Sears, Canadian Tire, etc sell them. I hate to see you get a lesser car because of the block heater issue.

 

[Genesis111]

I've been looking for an aftermarket block heater but so far no luck. Does anyone have any ideas as to where I might find one?

I agree....I would much rather get the Genesis but not having a block heater is a non-starter (pun intended!).

 

[BaywayRic]

Here is an old TSB, which at least shows Hyundai is familiar with delivering Block Heaters. Just not for the Genesis yet.

 

[Gimli]

That's strange because they have a picture of an engine block heater as an accessory in the Canadian brochure for the Genesis. Unless it's specific to the Tau V8 (which it shouldn't be, engine block heaters are pretty standard) I'm thinking it's not that it doesn't exist but rather that it may be back-ordered due to supplier issues.

 

[Calvin]

Years ago when I worked up in Montreal I bought a Heater through J C Whitney. It replaced my oil dip stick. The element was on the end and it worked really well even with higher viscosity oil. I'm not sure if they still make something like that or not but it might be worth checking them out online.

 

[RayRay]

It's available like G says and yes it's for the Genesis. My dealer here in TO offered to install it for me for $190. I got up and walked away....was shocked it didn't come with it like my 300C did. I think the canadian Genesis website has it for $190 + installation. More shocked that he couldn't throw it in after I spent $52K on the car. That's life for ya.

 

[Genesis111]

I've had a number of conversations with Hyundai Canada and the block heater for the Genesis is definitely NOT available yet (it is also not available in the U.S.). The block heater for the V8 will be available in 4-6 weeks. The block heater for the V6 is still "in development" (i.e. no ETA!).

The Dealer in Toronto must be tlaking about installing an aftermarket heater. If so, I'd be interested to know the mfg. and part number. Thanks.

 

[crepen]

There seems to be a lot of confusion about accessories. My dealer parts rep says the only accessories he has are cargo trays (which I have) and a block heater. E-mail me privately if you want dealer info.

But, this same dealer, when I was negotiating the purchase, quoted me a hyundai made dealer installed remote start system (for $750 !!!) which I said I'd think about. I have since been told that it is not yet available. The sales rep suggested I get all-weather mats - I'm told they don't exist yet either.

In my experience, block heaters are not really needed on modern vehicles. I live north of TO, and we do get the odd -40°C (that's also -40°F for the metrically challenged ) morning. As long as the battery is OK, my (or my wife's) 10 year old 1987 Dodge Omni, 7 year old Pontiac Firefly, 10 year old Sable Wagon and Merc Mystique all started on even the coldest mornings at the end of their lives.

 

[Gimli]

A remote start "system" on these vehicles would be a pretty useless redundant system. Since they can already be started without a key all it would need is a program in the on-board computer that would start the car (but not allow it to be taken off Park) when you press a couple of buttons on the remote (like "lock" and "unlock") at the same time. IMO it's puzzling it doesn't already have that functionality and it would be a good move from Hyundai to offer it in an upcoming update.

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[BaywayRic]

A remote start "system" on these vehicles would be a pretty useless redundant system. Since they can already be started without a key all it would need is a program in the on-board computer that would start the car (but not allow it to be taken off Park) when you press a couple of buttons on the remote (like "lock" and "unlock") at the same time. IMO it's puzzling it doesn't already have that functionality and it would be a good move from Hyundai to offer it in an upcoming update.

Check out the TSB on Key Programming: http://genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showpost.php?p=5477&postcount=1

You cannot start the car without the key being in the car. This type of system would have to be "factory", not "aftermarket" in order to work around the security system. Since it is now illegal in some staes, don't think Hyundai will go there anytime soon.

 

[Gimli]

Check out the TSB on Key Programming: http://genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showpost.php?p=5477&postcount=1

You cannot start the car without the key being in the car. This type of system would have to be "factory", not "aftermarket" in order to work around the security system. Since it is now illegal in some staes, don't think Hyundai will go there anytime soon.

I know that's how it's programmed NOW, but, as I said, all it would require is an additional routine in the programming of the car to allow it.

A lot of other vehicles offer exactly that, especially keyless start cars. I don't see why Hyundai couldn't.

 

[Genesis111]

Thanks to crepen for the dealer information. I spoke with the contact at the dealer. He confirms that they have been able to source an aftermarket remote starter for the Genesis but don't have any options for a block heater. He called Hyundai Canada to find out when a block heater for the V6 will be available. I just heard back from him: "It's under development, no ETA on its availability".

It concerns me that Hyundai has come to market with a luxury car in the Canadain market without consideration for important options like a remote starter and block heater. In fact, it seems that there a number of accessories still not available. Have they jumped the gun on their launch? If I'm going to drop over $50K on a new car, I want it ready to roll from the dealer. I really don't want to be running back to the dealer every time they get a new accessory in.

I agree that a block heater is not critical on today's cars and for the odd night that that the temp drops down to -40 degrees it's no big deal. But several days in a row of these temps or the possibility of the car sitting for a couple of days in that temp (e.g. airport parking) could make the car unstartable. At the very minimum, it's really rough on the engine to start it when the oil is that thick.

I've got to say, I'm kind of disappointed in Hyundai. I'm starting to look at the Honda Accord and the new '09 Acura TL again. I still really like the Genesis though.....

 

[RayRay]

Is there a schematic for the tau 4.6? I'm seriously considering buying a ZeroStart™ Super Heat Magnet. Not certain where I should place it?

 

[BaywayRic]

Is there a schematic for the tau 4.6? I'm seriously considering buying a ZeroStart™ Super Heat Magnet. Not certain where I should place it?

The shop manual for the 4.6 is here: http://www.hmaservice.com/

You need to set up an account, but it's easy.

 

[itsme4g63]

im just wondering what direction you went with? Seeing as you would be paying 52 for a v6 model I don't even want to phantom the thought of what a v8 costs there because ours is 42 fully loaded. But you may ebe speakin in cadian currency so the difference of exchange rates at the time might've justified the price, at todays rate, for a v6 mode, not so much

52,000.00 CAD

=

40,802.68 USD

. But that is not what this thread is about.

I'm wondering if you did buy the genesis? and if you did, did you bargain with the dealer to include the options you wanted in the already listed price since they are not available and should be in your region?

 

[Gas Passer1]

Found an engine block heater for 3.8 L 2012 Genesis Coupe through Hyundai Canada. Part # 009AM-00002

 

[Waki]

You are worrying needlessly. The car will start wherever and whenever. Use the Synthetic oil. Personally Experienced - 20s. No problem. Buy it and enjoy it !

 

[mitch14]

Guys, I think your advice is a little late.. This thread was started in 08

 

[Gas Passer1]

You are worrying needlessly. The car will start wherever and whenever. Use the Synthetic oil. Personally Experienced - 20s. No problem. Buy it and enjoy it !

I'm not worried about the car starting. I'm trying to lessen the thermal shock to the engine when I start it at - 20. Thanks for your input.