Heated Washer Fluid Option Dumped By GM After Massive Recall

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:20:00 EDT

The heated washer fluid option on some GM vehicles has been unceremoniously dropped by the General after potential short-circuits and fires within the system led to a 950,000-vehicle recall in August. Dealers are expected to have a fix for vehicles already equipped with the system by November, but GM elected not to take any further chances, nixing the option and blaming sole supplier Microheat for a design flaw. Thus far, the heated washer fluid system is suspected in at least three fires. So, who's at risk?

Anyone with a heated washer fluid system on a GM product, as Microheat was the only manufacturer used. Specific vehicles include the Hummer H2, Buick Lucerne and Enclave, the Cadillac DTS and Escalade, the GMC Yukon, Sierra and Acadia, the Saturn Outlook and the Chevy Avalanche, Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban. No word yet on whether other manufacturers will discontinue the system — currently Microheat is only company making washer fluid heating products. They may not have a choice, however, since the GM complaint and resulting expenses are reportedly driving the supplier out of business in short order. [Automotive News; Sub. Req.]

GM Recalls 950,000 Vehicles For Heated Washer Fluid Problems

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EDT

If you ponied up for the heated washer fluid on your late-model GM vehicle, you likely own one of more than 950,000 cars, trucks and SUVs worldwide that the company is recalling. The Detroit News reports a short-circuit in the heated windshield washer fluid circuit could cause smoke, an odor or potentially a fire. But has it? Apparently yes: In at least three of nine suspicious fires involving the recalled vehicles, the windshield washer system was found at fault. No accidents or injuries have been reported due to the defect, but a new circuit with an inline fuse will be installed by your local dealer to ensure that remains the case. Full recall model listing and manufacturer contact information below the jump.

Recalled vehicles:
2008 Buick Enclave, 2006-2008 Buick Lucerne, 2006-2008 Cadillac DTS, 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban, 2007-2008 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL, 2006-2008 Hummer H2 and 2007-2008 Saturn Outlook.

For more information, call:
Buick: (866) 608-8080
Cadillac: (800) 982-2339
Chevrolet: (800) 630-2438
Saturn: (800) 972-8876
GMC: (866) 996-9436
Hummer: (800) 732-5493

[Detroit News]

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Heated Washer Fluid Option Dumped By GM After Massive Recall

GM Recalls 950,000 Vehicles For Heated Washer Fluid Problems