Major GM Recall for engine fires - heated wiper fluid

[pjgj28a]

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. is recalling 857,735 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield wiper fluid system for a potential short-circuit problem, according to federal safety regulators.

A short-circuit in the system may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor or cause smoke, increasing the risk of a fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site.

The recall involves the 2007-2008 model year Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Avalanche and Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT, GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL and Saturn Outlook; 2006-2008 Hummer H2, Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne; and the 2008 Buick Enclave.
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GM plans to install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge to fix the problem, NHTSA said.

Separately, GM is also recalling 88,809 2008-model year Buick Enclave, and 2007-2008 model year GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook SUVs in 28 states and Washington, D.C.

A build-up of snow or ice on the windshield or the wipers may restrict the movement of the wiper arm in the SUVs and could cause the wiper to detach from its motor, according to the NHTSA Web site.

[Algemein]

Thanks for posting this....

[Baragon-EXT]

Yeah, this kinda sucks, because they announced the recall the same day I picked up my new EXT. Kinda put a bummer on it.

On the flip side, it's still summer out there, and the local TV said the replacement harnesses will be available in November sometime. Might be able to get it fixed before the weather really turns bad....

Kennedy

[hcvone]

They have been sending me recall notices, I will have to stop throwing them out. Going to make this a sticky up top

[TSS]

Originally Posted by hcvone

They have been sending me recall notices, I will have to stop throwing them out. Going to make this a sticky up top

Interesting. I have not rec'd any notices.

[fear1]

I haven't recieved any notice yet either, but I did drop by the dealer for a broken door handle and they informed me there wasn't a fix available yet, but I imagine they will just unplug the fluid heater for a temp fix.

[Mplsspyder]

This came out yesterday-

Date: September 11, 2008

To: Dealer Operator and New Vehicle Sales Manager

Subject: Discontinuance of Heated Windshield Washer Fluid System (Option XA7 or CHW)

Please be advised that effective immediately GM will no longer make available the Heated Windshield Washer Fluid System (option XA7 or CHW) on any GM Vehicle. Therefore, the following criteria will apply:

·Vehicles previously ordered and built with this feature (XA7 or CHW) that are in-transit will be delivered with this option.

·Orders currently in-system (event 30-38) will have this option (XA7 or CHW) deleted and the appropriate credit applied.
oOn vehicles / merchandising models where the feature is standard equipment the credit will be applied to the base price and the Monroney Label will include a notation that the feature has been deleted.
oOn vehicles / merchandising models where the feature is included in a Option Package, the credit will be applied to the package price and the feature excluded from the description.

·All ordering materials (guides / configurators) will be updated accordingly.


The affected vehicle lines include:

·Buick: Enclave, Lucerne
·Cadillac: CTS, DTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
·Chevrolet: Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado, Traverse
·GMC: Acadia, Yukon, Denali, Yukon XL, Denali XL, Sierra, Sierra Denali
·Hummer: H2
·Saturn: Outlook

[Algemein]

^^^
thanks for the update.

[ewill3rd]

Is there a way to edit this thread title and make it realistic instead of sensationalistic?

First of all I guess "major" is a subjective term but it sure makes it sound horrible.
Second, this has nothing to do with an "engine fire" at all. Lastly if you actually read the text of the recall it says something about "snow and ice" (as seen above).
Are people really having snow and ice issues right now?

I have posted on this twice already, it isn't some revelation about something that GM is trying to hide.

I don't mind people posting on stuff like this, it is important to have it checked to prevent possible damage but the title is just too much.
Here is the recall in its current form.

08048: Product Safety - Heated Windshield Washer Module Short Circuit-Add Wire Harness - (Sep 8, 2008)


Subject: 08048 -- Heated Windshield Washer Module Short Circuit - Add Wire Harness


Models: 2006-2008 Buick Lucerne

2008 Buick Enclave

2006-2008 Cadillac DTS

2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT

2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe

2007-2008 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL

2006-2008 HUMMER H2

2007-2008 Saturn OUTLOOK

Equipped with Heated Washer Fluid System




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The wire harness required to complete this recall will not be available until November 2008. Until parts become available in November, dealers/retailers are to remove the heated windshield washer fuse on vehicles being prepared for delivery to a customer. If a customer brings their vehicle into the dealership/facility expressing concern, dealers/retailers are to remove the heated windshield washer fuse. Customers are to bring their vehicle back in November to have the wire harness installed.

Condition
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2006-2008 model year Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; HUMMER H2 vehicles; 2007-2008 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles; and 2008 model year Buick Enclave vehicles equipped with a heated washer fluid system. A short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. This may cause other electrical malfunctions, create an odor, or cause smoke. In rare cases, it may cause a fire.

Correction
When parts are available in November 2008, dealers/retailers are to install a wire harness with an in-line fuse. Until parts become available in November, dealers/retailers are to remove the heated windshield washer fuse on vehicles being prepared for delivery to a customer. If a customer brings their vehicle into the dealership/facility expressing concern, dealers/retailers are to remove the heated windshield washer fuse. Customers are to bring their vehicle back in November to have the wire harness installed.

Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2006-2008 model year Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; HUMMER H2 vehicle; 2007-2008 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles; and 2008 model year Buick Enclave vehicles equipped with a heated washer fluid system and built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers/retailers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the system(s) below. Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.

- GM dealers and Canadian Saturn/Saab retailers should use GMVIS.


- Saturn US retailers should use the 'Investigate Vehicle History' link on the Global Warranty Management application within DealerWorld.


For dealers/retailers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided through the applicable system listed below. Dealers/retailers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.

- US GM and Saturn dealers/retailers - GM DealerWorld Recall Information

- Canadian GM/Saturn/Saab dealers/retailers - GMinfoNet Recall Reports

- Export dealers - sent directly to dealers

The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.

Parts Information
No parts are required to pull the heated windshield washer fuse. When wire harnesses are available for ordering, a revised bulletin with ordering information will be sent to dealers/retailers.

Service Procedure
Important: Until wire harnesses become available, the following procedure allows dealers/retailers to remove the heated windshield wiper fuse, disabling the system.

2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT, Escalade ESV

2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado (GMT900), Suburban, Tahoe

2007-2008 GMC Sierra (GMT900), Yukon and Yukon XL

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.
Important:: The underhood fuse block is located in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. Refer to Underhood Fuse Block in the Owner’s Manual for fuse information.

Locate the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC).



Remove the UBEC cover and locate the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse.



Important:: Remove the two relays (1) next to the fuse to gain access to the fuse.

Remove the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse (2) using needle-nose pliers.
Store the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse in the glove compartment.
Install the two relays (1) removed in Step 4.
Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.
Test the operation of the windshield wiper system.
8.1. Ensure the wiper system functions in low and high positions.

8.2. Verify that the windshield wiper/washer switch functions. The windshield wiper system should provide wiper fluid to the windshield.

8.3. Ensure that the heated windshield washer fluid system has been disabled.

Verify that the heated windshield washer switch does NOT flash.

Secure the UBEC cover on the UBEC.
Close the hood.
Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS


2006-2007 Buick Lucerne

2006-2007 Cadillac DTS

The underhood bussed electrical center is located in the vehicle’s front passenger side of the engine compartment between the engine coolant recovery bottle and rearward of the radiator support housing. The "Heated Windshield Washer" fuse is in location "JC1", which is positioned in the rear center quadrant of the UBEC.

2008 Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS

The underhood bussed electrical center is located in the vehicle’s front passenger side of engine compartment between the engine coolant recovery bottle and rearward of the radiator support housing. The "Heated Windshield Washer" fuse is in location "F28", which is positioned in the rear inside quadrant of the UBEC.

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.



Locate the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) (1).



Remove the UBEC cover and locate the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse (1).
Remove the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse using needle-nose pliers.
Store the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse in the glove compartment.
Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.
Test the operation of the windshield wiper system.
7.1. Ensure the wiper system functions in low and high positions.

7.2. Verify that the windshield wiper/washer switch functions. The windshield wiper system should provide wiper fluid to the windshield.

7.3. Ensure that the heated windshield washer fluid system has been disabled.

Verify that the DIC does not display the following message, "HEATING WASH FLUID WASH WIPES PENDING".

Secure the UBEC cover on the UBEC.
Close the hood.
2006-2007 HUMMER H2
Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.
Important: The underhood fuse block in the engine compartment is located on the driver's side of the vehicle near the battery. Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block. Refer to Underhood Fuse Bock in the Owner’s Manual for fuse information.





Locate the under-hood bussed electrical center (UBEC).
Remove the UBEC cover and locate the 60 amp heated windshield washer Mega fuse.



Remove the two nuts (1) for the Mega fuse (2). Refer to the picture.
Remove the 60 amp heated windshield washer Mega fuse.
Store the 60 amp heated windshield washer Mega fuse in the glove compartment.
Install the two nuts back into the two studs.
Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.
Test the operation of the windshield wiper system.
9.1. Ensure the wiper system functions in low and high positions.

9.2. Verify that the windshield wiper/washer switch functions. The windshield wiper system should provide wiper fluid to the windshield.





9.3. Ensure that the heated windshield washer fluid system has been disabled. Verify that the heated windshield washer switch does NOT flash.

Secure the UBEC cover on the UBEC.
Close the hood.
2008 HUMMER H2
Open the hood and disconnect negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.



Important: The underhood fuse block in the engine compartment is located on the driver side of the vehicle near the battery. Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block. Refer to Underhood Fuse Block in the Owner’s Manual for fuse information.

Locate the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC).
Remove the UBEC cover and locate the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse.
Remove the two relays next to the fuse to gain access to the fuse.
Remove the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse using needle-nose pliers.
Store the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse in the glove compartment.
Install the two relays removed in Step 4.
Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.
Test the operation of the windshield wiper system.
9.1. Ensure the wiper system functions in low and high positions.

9.2. Verify that the windshield wiper/washer switch functions. The windshield wiper system should provide wiper fluid to the windshield.





9.3. Ensure that the heated windshield washer system has been disabled. Verify that the heated windshield washer switch does NOT flash.

Secure the UBEC cover on the UBEC.
Close the hood.
2008 Buick Enclave, 2007-2008 GMC Acadia, 2007-2008 Saturn OUTLOOK
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.



Important: The underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) is located in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. Refer to Underhood Fuse Block in the Owner’s Manual for fuse information.

Locate the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC).



Remove the UBEC cover and locate the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse.
Important: Remove the two relays next to the fuse to gain access to the fuse.

Remove the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse using needle-nose pliers.
Store the 60 amp heated windshield washer fuse in the glove compartment.
Install the two relays removed in Step 4.
Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.
Test the operation of the windshield wiper system.
8.1. Ensure the wiper system functions in low and high positions.

8.2. Verify that the windshield wiper/washer switch functions. The windshield wiper system should provide wiper fluid to the windshield.

8.3. Ensure that the heated windshield washer fluid system has been disabled.

Verify that the DIC does not display the following message, "HEATING WASH FLUID WASH WIPES PENDING ".

Secure the UBEC cover on the UBEC.
Close the hood.

[Screamn]

Got my recall today. No mention of bringing it in to remove the fuse just to bring it in after part is available. Just wont use it and shouldn't have to.

[TSS]

Originally Posted by ewill3rd

Is there a way to edit this thread title and make it realistic instead of sensationalistic?

Always a party pooper in every crowd... (j/k)

Also, I got my notice in the mail yesterday too. I am pretty sure it did suggest bringing it in to disable and then it would be fixed when parts are available. I am just going to wait to November and not use it in the meantime.

[Algemein]

Originally Posted by Screamn

Got my recall today. No mention of bringing it in to remove the fuse just to bring it in after part is available. Just wont use it and shouldn't have to.

DO NOT USE IT!!! I had a co worker whose Escalade caught on fire in the parking garage, basically destroyed her truck and a mini van parked next to her. We had to wait nearly 6 hours for it to be safe to get our cars, all this after woking a 12 hour shift...

[hcvone]

I am using my heated washer fluid every time I can, my insurance replacement is better than my trade in price.

[TSS]

Originally Posted by hcvone

I am using my heated washer fluid every time I can, my insurance replacement is better than my trade in price.

[sj1400]

I had to drop my truck off for service this week. Battery replaced, service suspension mssg resolved, and a disk error in the nav. The dealer also removed the fuse for the heated wiper system - I would have preferred them to leave it as it previously was. I rarely ever use this feature but it's going to irritate me knowing it's disco'd.