What's the button on block heater plug in?

[mikendmb]

Today I plugged in my extension cord to the block heater plug on the front of my truck. I noticed this little button (ball) on top of the block heater plug and accidentally pushed it down and I couldn't get it back out. What is that button, and should it be down or up?

[dee004]

Hmmm, mine doesn't have a button on it maybe it's a reset

[Lilpooh]

Originally Posted by dee004

Hmmm, mine doesn't have a button on it maybe it's a reset

Mine either.

OP, do you have a pic? Could be aftermarket or homemade.

[mikendmb]

Originally Posted by Lilpooh

Mine either.

OP, do you have a pic? Could be aftermarket or homemade.

I just attached a photo of it... the button is currently pushed in and I can't get it to come back up so I'm hoping it's ok. Ho can I test if the block heater is working?

[poorboy1964]

hum it does look like a reset but I haven't seen one like it before, someone must have put a new plug end on it. I don't believe it's factory. might be for daisy chaining extension chords together and a push pin to lock them.

[Lilpooh]

Looks aftermarket, even the cord is round, where as the OEM cord is flat.

[mikendmb]

So should it be pushed in or out?

[schwartzworld]

Originally Posted by mikendmb

So should it be pushed in or out?

Out. If I'm seeing the plug correctly, there are no screws holding it together. Pushing that button in allows the plug halves to be pulled apart so it can be replaced. I'd replace it with one with screws. I just had to replace mine due to a melt down. Easy to do.

Fred