Can Honda CR-V Be Started with Block Heater Plugged In

Updated 07/08/2026 | Published 07/01/2026

Question:

Any issues with a 2013 crv with block heater starting it while heater is active?

asked by: Dee

Expert Reply:

Hey Dee, with block heaters like the Kat's part # KH11419 that fit your 2013 Honda CR-V you do not want to start them with the block heater still plugged in. It's not that something will necessarily happen immediately but it's very easy to forget to unplug it at that point and drive away with it plugged in.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Dee

7/8/2026

I'm not worried about driving away while it's still plugged in, it's just that other vehicles I've had I started it before and have worked many many years. So having one put in the CRV I figured I can do the same as the other vehicles. Show one morning I decided to use the key to see if it's still working I found it wasn't so I changed it and decided not to start it and it worked five times no problem, then one morning I push the start by accident and then found out the next morning to plug it in while it being frozen and heard nothing, put a tester on it and it was dead so apparently you cannot start CRV with a block heater in it. I just wanted to see what someone else would say

Jameson C.

7/8/2026

@Dee that's really odd. I wonder why that would be. I know with the cartridge style heaters they tell you not to start the vehicle with them plugged in as they get way too hot too fast and burn up.