2016 dodge 2500 diesel

Up here in Alberta Canada having a block heater is pretty much mandatory. I've been running a diesel pick up since 1993 and have not used a block heater since 2011. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever waited for glow plugs on my Fords. I do park my truck in a garage though.

As stated, you already have the heater, you likely just need the cord. In my area of the country its not *needed*, however it does help the truck warm up faster... but more importantly the heat comes on faster when its plugged in.

If I know that I will be driving the truck with the family that day, I might plug the truck in the night before or in the morning that day. It only costs a few cents of electricity and makes us so much more comfortable.

Your truck has a grid heater. And it may have the cord as well.

Do you need it? I have never used it on my 2012. And I never used it on my 2003. Even in -20* temps in Fairplay during elk season.

Jim2007 wrote:
Hi.. Is it necessary to have a block heater in my 2016 diesel. I live in co. So we do have cold winters. My old 2004 diesel had a block and made starting easy... Jim2007

As stated. Your Cummins already has the block heater installed from the factory. Just purchase the cord from Geno's or Amazon. And yes. In your part of the country I'd have it.

Order the block heater cord if you don't already have it. Geno's Garage will be about the best cost.

I've started my '05 numerous times at -20*F when I was working out of Leadville; it would miss on a couple cylinders for a few seconds. I wish I could have plugged it in where I was staying.

At home, I plug mine in for about 3hrs before start when it gets in the 30's.

Using the block heater is easier on everything. Quicker warm up is just one of the benefits. Thinner oil from being somewhat warm, faster/easier cranking and less grid heater time (glow plugs for the other guys) puts less strain on the batteries.

They dont get hard to start until around -30 or so. Even then, the grid heater will get it going but may run a bit rough.
So it might not be needed but it does help to get the heat flowing sooner.
Where you live, I would get it and use it just for the faster heat.