Of course the block heater is in the engine block. However, on ours the cord for plugging it in is in a neat little swivel beside the hood latch on the left. Lift the hood, swing out the plug, plug it in and close the hood. I am not sure if all the Volvos have the block heater cord like this. If not, it may just be a matter of searching under the hood for a 120V plug and wire, usually near the front right side. If the cord was never used before it could be wrapped up and tied under there.