I plug mine in whenever it gets below 35. I did use a timer but I never know when I may have to leave so I keep it plugged in all of the time. It just starts up and warms up must better when plugged in. I have not noticed a big increase in my electric bill.

I guess the wost that could happen by plugging in like I do is wearing out the heater.

 

The heater in my 89 was ten years old when I traded the truck and it never failed to work. To me, the cost of a few watts is cheap compared to an overhaul.

 

I was just going to post yesterday about this groaning thing. Yestarday it was -6F here and my truck wouldn't start because of bad batteries but once I got a jump she fired right up. NOW, when it fired up I noticed this groaning and slight vibration in the steering wheel and throttle pedal but figured it was the cold so I drove it anyway and sure enough it went away. Bothered me at first but now i know so its all good. Truck was plugged in last night and it was -19F and she fired right up this morning. Wait to start light was on a little longer than normal with it plugged in but I dont blame it for being -19!!! Thanks

 

I can relate! Me and my five year old OEM batteries are not liking the cold!

The groaning is the power steering most likely. Sounds like heck, don't it!

My 2 cents to boot to all - The way I figure things is plug it in like the manual says. The electric bill ain't going to go up near as much as it is going to cost me for "other stuff".

Matt

 

Cumminsdude-

I know the feeling on the hard starts when cold. It would barely turn over if the temperature got below 40 degrees. My five year old batteries were just about shot. Had the local auto parts place test them and the passanger side battery was at about 265 cca and the driver's side was at 425 cca or so. Went to Costco and picked up the Kirkland brand that have 725 cca and 120 reserve. It fires right up now.

Mark

 

I don't plug in till it gets below zero.
I park in a garage though, so even if it's -10 out it's still around 20 above inside.

 

No doubt I need new batteries! I am currently trying to see if I can get through the winter.

If I plug it in I am still able to start up even when the needle drops to 10F or so.

Matt

 

Usually plug in when temps drop below the 25 degree mark. It seems like if you plug in before these temps the truck kind of acts like its to cold to drive that day.

 

gsdog1,

That is exactly what I was doing. I was plugging it in and even with the bad batteries, it would start really well. Plugging it in really does help.

 

MARKY MARK

With you there dude! 2 hours on the plug and a way we go!

Matt

 

Exactly gsdog1. I would set the timer for 4:30 am to 6:30 am and leave for work at 6:45 am. Worked perfectly for me. It will get you through until you can get new batteries.

Mark

 

You think they will let me plug it in at college because I dont! I'm going to try to get through the winter with the batteries I got because I know for a fact it will start fairl easy if its above zero. I'm going to take a jump starter to college with me just incase. If it gets to the point where it wont start easily I'll buy new ones but I think I'll be alright.

 

Does anyone know if it is bad for the engine to start it up w/ it still plugged in?
Hunter

 

Not at all. In fact, if you're going to let it idle for a few minutes before you drive, you should leave it plugged in until you're ready to leave.

 

I've been plugging mine in for a while now, but recently with this cold front it actually takes a couple of seconds (as much as 10 seconds) for the "Wait to Start" light to go off. Is this normal? Up until two weeks ago it was just unplug it start it right up.

thanks