Shop Rate & Block Heater Install (Canada)

[Clearly Canadian]

In a bit of a dispute with Kia right now so I'm micromanaging some costs.

Is $170/hr a realistic shop rate for Canada, and would it take 1.5 hours to install a block heater? Block heater part cost is $200.

So $455 total plus tax.

 

[DaJackson]

$170/hr would be high in the US.

1.5hr install from the dealer sounds about right as I don’t think there is much they can install that would be less than an hour in the book.

 

[Clearly Canadian]

Dealer installed a “Premium” block heater, the likes I’ve never seen.

 

[Clearly Canadian]

 

[DaJackson]

Did they convert you car into a plug in hybrid?

 

[Scotty@SherwoodKia]

Dealer installed a “Premium” block heater, the likes I’ve never seen.
View attachment 3114

Love the Ghost Grey on those rims !

Most Kia dealerships are using that style of Block heater now. However its not premium. If you look at Mercedes and other german cars they have the same style of plug built into the bumper so I guess you could say its the Euro type

 

[Cf5jet]

I wasn't happy with the way they mounted my receptacle under my hood as well so I found an L bracket and mounted the socket to the open hole under the fender. Also noticed the hood had to stay partially open when you plug the cord into 120V, when I used UVO remote starter it didn't work as all doors and hood must be closed. To solve that I keep cord connected to socket and ran it to the brake reservoir area and towards windshield, now hood can stay closed and Stinger can be remote started on the coldest mornings while plugged in. You can even store the cord in the brake brake reservoir area. see pictures.

 

[Edders]

For the folks that got this installed, is there a part of the install where they have to cut into the car somewhere? I have the Kia block heater and I want the dealership to install it, but they tell me they have to cut in the car's bumper somewhere for the install.

It's obvious that the dealership has never done this install on a Stinger before. I'm debating whether to let them install it, take the unit somewhere else to install, or just return the whole thing for a refund

 

[Crisis]

I started a brief discussion on the installation of the DEFA style block heater cord in the SK Stinger thread in post #44 here:
Saskatchewan Stingers

You are correct that a hole needs to be cut into the grille or front fascia somewhere. Shouldn't be a big deal though, as these installations are pretty common.

 

[Clearly Canadian]

I don't have a hole but I have to pop the hood to pass the cord through when I use it. Which is never.

 

[Edders]

I had a block heater on my old Ford Focus RS, also had to pop the hood to use it. I did use it, though, just to start the car as nicely as possible during the coldest months.

I talked to the dealer, and we are going to hold off on the install until I decide whether to cut the hole or not.

 

[Hockster]

I don't have the heater installed, but I'll need one if I drive the Stinger this winter. I routinely work 12 hour days in the winter and if it's -30°C, as it often is, block heater is a must.

Putting the plug in the grill looks like a better option than cutting a hole in the bumper cover.

 

[Edders]

I double-checked with the dealership, and I was wrong about cutting the bumper. It is the same as the one that our friend Crisis has/linked to, which is here:
Saskatchewan Stingers

I like it, and I told my dealership I want it. They never installed one on a Stinger before, and they just want to make sure of a few things before attempting it.

I also instructed them to have for me a no-hole install option, so I will have a choice