# Thawing out my subaru

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/thawing-out-my-subaru/9925>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** subaru\
**Created:** [January 27, 2008, 9:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/thawing-out-my-subaru/9925 "2008-01-27T21:45:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![frozen\_in\_Fairbanks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/41988e/32.png) [@frozen\_in\_Fairbanks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/frozen_in_Fairbanks)\
**Post date:** [January 27, 2008, 9:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/thawing-out-my-subaru/9925/1 "2008-01-27T21:45:36Z")

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Sadly, I think my block heater is not working. It’s a balmy -40. I want to get it started if I can. I tried putting insulated blankets on the hood of my car and a light under the car. No go. I tried lighting some charcoal briquets and after the flame was gone putting that under the car where the oil pan is. I left it there for two hours and my car did not start but it is turning over some. Any suggestions? I don’t have a garage and I may have to have it towed somewhere to thaw but I thought why not see if someone out in cyberspace as long as I am stuck here on a chilly Sunday. Thanks.

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**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\
**Post date:** [January 27, 2008, 9:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/thawing-out-my-subaru/9925/2 "2008-01-27T21:53:35Z")

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You can increase the output of your battery if you take it inside to warm for several hours, then, reinstall it, and try to start. If you have a flammable spray can of something non-toxic to spray into the air intake, PAST the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor, try that.