GM Recalling 1.5 Million Vehicles Due To Fire Risks

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I know several Member's have other GM vehicles besides their AweSome Chevy Monte Carlo....Just a heads `up in case you have not heard about the recall....

Heated Washer Fluid System Will Be Disabled

Posted: Jun 014, 2010



The 2009 Cadillac DTS is among the 18 models under recall for faulty washer fluid warming systems (GM).


by: Michael Zak | AOL Autos

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General Motors Co. is undergoing a massive recall of 1.5 million 2006-2009 model year vehicles to disable a heated washer fluid system that poses a potential fire risk. The recall, slated to begin on June 14, covers 18 models from the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and Saturn brands.
The heated washer fluid system was the subject of an August 2008 recall that included many of the same vehicles. Reports were that shorts in the system caused fires; a wire harness, which contained a fuse, was installed as a preventative measure. According to GM, however, the module’s internal thermal-protection device did not function properly and the fire risk remained.
As a result of the continuing fire risk, the automaker will remove the heated washer fluid module and reroute the fluid hoses.
GM said that it has since learned of 5 fires caused by the heated washer fluid system, but is unaware of any injuries or crashes related to the problem. Though there have been a small number of incidents, GM clearly isn’t taking any chances.
"While our analysis shows the number of incidents is very small compared with the number of vehicles on the road, we want our customers to have complete peace of mind," said Jeff Boyer, GM executive director of Safety in a press release.
Vehicles included in the recall are the 2006-2009 model year Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; Hummer H2; 2008-2009 model year Buick Enclave; Cadillac CTS; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn Outlook; and 2009 model year Chevrolet Traverse.
Approximately 1.4 million of the vehicles under recall are in the United States, but the rest are in Canada, Mexico, and other countries, GM stated.
Because the feature will be disabled, GM has said it will make a voluntary payment of $100 to owners of lessees of recalled vehicles in addition to paying the actual cost of repair.
Owners will begin receiving recall notifications via mail this month, but can contact their dealer at any time for an appointment to have the heated washer fluid system removed.

 

Well, at least GM is being responsible.

Its kinda cool that they are paying $100 to car owners. For people who live in southern areas (who never need their washer fluid heated) this would be a bonus

 

..Hi `Brent, I agree 100%....GM didn't hide it & was upfront about the problem....I think GM got their Wake `Up Call and all GM consumers will benefit 4-Sure...
Wish U & readers a HappyDay

 

I remember seeing the heated washer fluid display at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. My friends and I thought it was a really great idea. It hadn't been picked up by any of the auto manufacturers yet. The inventors I think used an old Saturn or Sunfire for their demo vehicle.

They were letting people put their hand into the stream of the heated water. (used water because it was cheaper and not a toxic chemical) A friend of mine volunteered to feel how hot the water got. He said it was pretty hot. On the borderline of burning his hand. So this problem GM is having with it doesn't surprise me.

Cool idea though.

 

The WMF espresso machine features in Audi's latest concept car (the Roadjet) and sits neatly in the central arm rest between the passenger. WMF claim their machine is "fully functional" and "provides fresh coffee at the touch of a button". Now presuming you'll have to top this up before you set off on a journey, I would be very worried about a spillage occuring during a traffic slowdown.

 

Heated Washer Fluid. What will the think if next? Maybe a bagel maker to go with Space's coffee maker. LOL


Or even a Popcorn Popper.

 

Im sorry, but what the heck is the point of heated washer fluid?? I would think if its really cold out, you could crack your window. And then there could be fogging issues. And Ive been in whether thats been 10 below and never had my fluid freeze. I see the use of it if the window is icey, but then I would still be worried about cracking the window, and even more worried if there is even the tiniest chip or crack. IDK, I personally dont think its a good idea, but Im sure there is somthing Im missing that could change my mind.

 

Found the below on a web Search
How `bout a Beer Tap 4 your trunk
Some crazy party people make some weird, but party `mOD'S 4 their rides 4-Sure : )
Be Great 4 tail-gater's






LOL J.J., yes a PopCorn Machine is next LOL
LOL

 

At the last parts store I worked in we sold aftermarket washer fluid heaters, and they were a really big seller. Yanks may not get it, but 6 months out of a year here in Canada, you have a hard time even getting your washer jets to spray at all because they are so frozen (even when using washer fluid that is supposed to be good to -35 C / 0 F). wht02monte makes a good point about the likely hood of cracking a windshield, but I have never heard of this actually happening.

On the coffee thing: Its a neat idea and I think it could work. Probably not very good coffee. 15 years ago I knew a guy that had actually rigged up his Honda Civic to despense whisky using his washer fluid set up. Obviously not heated, but he re-routed the hosing to the interior and had a "nozzle" inside that he could put a glass under, hit the button and dispense alcohol - presumably while driving. He just filled his washer fluid bottle with whisky. Although totally irresponsible, I though it was soooo funny at the time.