I am curious if any 2008 owners have successfully replaced their OEM/disabled heated washer unit with the new one posted some time ago from AlphaTherm. I dont remember whether the AT-37GM could be installed once the recall work was performed or if you had to install it on a CTS that didnt have the recall performed. I do remember alot of concerns about the companies lack of response to customer inquiries. I see that the AT-380D unit marketed for other car makers seems to be popular and highly rated.
I havent had my recall work done yet. My only use for the feature is for the summer low flying aircrafts common in South Carolina; I also live in NJ but usually dont spend the winters up here anymore.
AlphaTherm was initially overwhelmed by demand for information and aftermarket product following GM's recall of 1,500,000 OEM units, but soon provided complete information and a detailed comparison of the new improved AT-37GM vs. the old recalled GM/OEM unit: http://alphathermusa.com/files/Comparison_MH35_vs_AT37.pdf
I did mine too. What 928S said. Easy replace, no problems, works great and you still get to pocket @ $30 when all is said and done. There was an earlier thread that had a coupon code for an additional 10% or something off...I don't recall what it was off hand.
PS: I thought Alphatherm actually responded rather quickly after the recall.
928S/st4422,
Thanks a lot for your info. After reviewing what GM does with the recall and what you did prior, I think I got the picture. Do the adapters to connect the tubing have a specific name? Not sure what size tubing I have. I ordered the Alphatherm unit so I could review the doc. I also watched the video and it appears getting the unit installed on the special bracket and attaching the wire connectors properly will be the most difficult for one as challenged as I am towards mechanical work.
What did the dealers have to say when they saw the tubing change and fuse missing?
I may have some questions as I move forward - if so I will send you an email if thats OK.
Thanks again.
jghiller
First, I took my CTS to a local NAPA auto parts store and told the salesclerk "I need a little plastic gizmo to connect two windshield washer hoses." He came out to the parking lot to see for himself and determine the correct diameter which he didn't say and, sorry, I didn't ask. After connecting the two hoses, I tucked 'em away under the fender - out of sight and reach of my Cadillac dealer's clumsy hands...lol.
Then, when I took my car in for the recall service, I told the Svc Advisor upfront that I had removed the 60-amp fuse and coupled the hoses to bypass the heater module. No problem, he wrote it all on the Work Order so that the Svc Tech would know to limit his job to removing the heater module and completing paperwork so that I could leave with $100 check in hand.
When installing the AlphaTherm unit, the heater module bracket and electrical connections are literally a "snap." I predict that you'll have no problem.
Thanks - I saw your picture and figured I take it too and show NAPA. Is this connector only needed in the interim until the AlphaTherm is installed or still needed if the new tubing is different size or both? I assume AlphaTherm comes with all the connectors, etc you need unless there is a diameter difference.
Yes, the hose connector is needed only in the interim. It will keep OEM hoses intact for a quick and easy AlphaTherm installation - i.e., remove temporary plastic connector and slide loose ends of OEM rubber hoses onto AlphaTherm heater module for a perfect fit, no complications.
On the other hand...
If you rely on discretion of your servicing Cadillac dealer, how will the Svc Tech choose to bypass OEM heater module and connect 2 plastic washer fluid tubes - 1 from reservoir, 1 to spray jets?
GM recall bulletin says, "Disconnect the windshield wiper solvent inlet and outlet rubber hoses (Step 1) from the windshield washer solvent heater assembly and from the two plastic inlet and outlet windshield wiper solvent tubes...Use a portion of the rubber wiper solvent hose removed in Step 1 if needed to join the two plastic wiper solvent tubes together. Discard the remaining portions of the rubber windshield wiper solvent hoses."
And, as noted by st4422 in other thread, "the supplied connectors from AlphaTherm were not compatible with the existing GM washer tubing so I had to substitute 1/4" to 1/8" adapters."
Okay, from NAPA I got a straight plastic coupler with approximate diameter of 1/8-inch inside and 1/4-inch outside (circumference of barbs); measurements eyeballed with a flat ruler, but should be close enough for use with flexible rubber hose.
My dealer keeps bugging me to get this recall done. I just simply haven't had time to let them have the car to do it. I was primarily waiting until the next oil change.
Anyhow, I've downloaded the photos and manuals of the recall and from Alpha Therm in the meanwhile to review. I can handle removing the fuse myself, and the hose connector, so here are my questions:
1. Just to be clear, the connector piece everyone was talking about above, it should be a 1/4 inch diameter on both ends and I just need one?
2. Where is this video everyone keeps referencing?
I tried to order the AT-37GM over the weekend with the 10% discount, but the promotion had expired. I emailed them and they responded this morning saying that they have reopened the promotion. Just use Promotion Code "web716" when ordering. I placed the order a few minutes ago and it worked. Not sure how long the promo will go.
How easy is this to install on a CTS that never had the heated washer fluid system? My 2009 CTS-V didn't come with this feature but I would love to have this for those long, icy Cleveland winters!
When I was in their website, I was looking at their other model (AT38-OD) for cars that did not have the feature from factory because I am thinking about adding it to my other car that sits outside. They have instructions that you can download before you buy and will give you a sense of how "Easy" it is. Seems to me the only question would be where do you tap into the battery. Everything else seemed pretty straight forward.
Yeah, as jhermit indicated, AlphaTherm model AT-37GM discussed here is designed only for '09 and earlier GM vehicles with a factory-installed windshield washer system that includes separate controls for both unheated and heated operation. For other vehicles, model AT-38OD converts the factory-installed unheated system to an always-on (while engine is running) heated-only system, and utilizes the single existing factory-installed control switch.
Got my unit in 2 days and I am close to just going out there and putting it in - but instead need to go and get adapters to temporarily connect input/output oem hoses(looks like my 08 CTS has same size hose as Alpha(1/4" outside diameter), go find the fuse and remove it and take car in Friday and hope GM doesnt mess things up.
Unit looks sturdy and well made - I should just hand it to GM and say put it in!
st4422/928S,
Did you remove the negative cable from the battery before removing fuse? Not something I want to play with - are there instructions for this in manual? I didnt notice any. Looks like there is some sort of lever on the white terminal that may be used to remove connection.
Did you remove the negative cable from the battery before removing fuse? Not something I want to play with - are there instructions for this in manual? I didnt notice any. Looks like there is some sort of lever on the white terminal that may be used to remove connection.
Yes, as a precaution I did disconnect the battery's negative cable. Battery located in righthand wall compartment in trunk, no tools needed to disconnect/reconnect. Afterward just remember to reprogram power windows via quick-n-easy procedure in owner's manual.
After the recall service has been performed and the AlphaTherm AT-37GM is installed, when re-inserting the 60-amp fuse with engine off, there's no need to disconnect the battery.
Isn't this the same company (different name) and/or unit that started the recall in the first place? Or is it the new and approved version (I assume so since everyone is installing it)? Thanks.
Yes, it is different but based on the technology of the original. 928S posted this link http://alphathermusa.com/files/Comparison_MH35_vs_AT37.pdf
which gives a rather detailed description on how they have improved it. Their website also has information. I did quite a bit of reading and was comfortable that the problems have been adequately addressed.
My unit also arrived in 2 days. I am going to the dealership on Friday to have the recall done and I will install it Sat.
Thanks - I also see where the electronic throttle control has to be programmed too.(Page 5-44).
Does the connection come off using the lever mechanism on the terminal? Ony info on cable removal I found was in TSBs(Alldatadiy) and that showed a battery in engine - obviously incorrect for the CTS.
I wouldn't worry about disconnecting the battery. Just remove the fuse while you do the installation, then replace it. You might want to cover the fuse block during installation just so nothing falls into the interior... power is there at all times.
Searched 2 auto parts stores and was lucky to find one 1/4" barb. Wrangled the input/output hoses off old unit and connected them with adapter - although I probably could have used a 1/8" because these adapters were square ended and not tapered like the ones that came with new unit. The ones that came with the new unit are supposed to be 1/4" but looked smaller. In any event, thats done. Not a critical step. Removed battery shroud and figured out how to remove UBEC top(push in on tabs as per unlock arrows), and carefully removed yellow 60amp fuse.
Taking to dealer tomorrow and its supposed to rain so I better make sure wipers work OK as instructed.
OK, so I know we have been going back and forth about the hose size. I have a 2008 AWD and I just came back from the NAPA store. The counter clerk and I went out to the car and pulled the hoses off the heated wash unit. The coupler that fits perfectly is a 3/16". the 1/8" was too small and the 1/4" too big. After connecting the in/out hoses from the wash unit, I checked for leaks with the 3/16" one I used and there were none at all. So unless GM used different sized hoses on some cars, I would suggest getting a 3/16" coupler. The NAPA part number is 9864, "straight connector." Cost is $3.29. Hope this helps. BTW, I pulled the 60 amp fuse without disconnecting the battery (with the engine off) and there were no problems. Whether that was correct or not, I don't know but I can say there were no problems on my car doing it that way.
Now I am ready to take it into the dealer, get the unit removed and install the new one I am gong to order from Alpha Therm.
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