Pyrojodge

*** Final Update *** Well, after a few months of Putco ignoring my issues with the freedom blade. They have offered to give me $300 Putco credit to use for whatever I want. They don't suggest the location of using the cab USB fuse location, but even after their new harness with the relay I still had a service engine light come on tied to the aero shutters. I tried to explain my frustration and they kept repeating that this is the location that their engineering suggests. I even offered to have them look at my truck because I can repeat the problem so they can fix it. I'm sure I can't be the only one that will experience this issue with how they suggest wiring it up. For now, I'm giving up and leaving the blade wired up how Don's Life showed to the USB fuse in the cab as I get no errors and works as expected. Frustrating process and a large lack of response from Putco in my opinion. We will see if they ever reach out in the future as they suggested they would. I won't hold my breath as I have initiated all but 2 calls in the past 3 months.

Update** 3 We unhooked the old harness which did not have a relay in line and installed the new harness with a relay and we still have the light. We undid the new harness and put the old one back in tapping into the USB fuse on the passenger side in the cab. No light and works as advertised with this set up. I have to wait a week to hear back from Putco because, "It's SEMA week and there's no one here to support you". It's been a month and a half, and I believe I've been more than patient with Putco and getting this resolved. I'll wait till after next week and see if they return my call and emails from this week after the show and see what they want to do.

Hello All, For anyone wanting an update I have one, over a MONTH later. I finally talked to someone at Putco about the issue. They have sent me a new relay to try and see if that solves my problem. I told them about the DONSLIFE video where he had the same issue I was seeing. They had no idea about that video, and I thank the user that shared that with me. I have done the change like he showed, and I now have no issues. We are going to swap the relay module next week and wire it back to how Putco suggest helping them troubleshoot the problem. If this has the same error, then I will place it back inside the cab and draw from the USB fuse and move forward. Putco made a verbal promise to make things right once we can track down the issue so I hope that I can have a closing post with the problem.

Thanks for this, I'm going to try this method to tap a power source.

Yes, I watched the video above many times. I've doble checked even after watching this after the fact. Not sure what you mean about spending the extra $80? Are you referring to the remote option? If that's the case, I did also have the remote added in to control what the blade functions are set as. I'm just very disappointed with Putco and their customer service because they've been radio silent for 3 weeks now. No communication or solution proposed at this time. Just wanted to save others the headache with this Freedom Blade and the NEW GM trucks as there is a problem.

Yes, it seems so in this case...

I looked at those but liked the other customization options that comes with the freedom blade. I also liked the new blade for the backup light being the brightest option they have available. According to Putco it uses the same updated plug-in harness in line for taillights for GM, the only difference is the fuse tap which is supposed to work (but doesn't) and Putco has still not responded back to any of my calls or emails. It's been radio silence since the 1st returned phone call on September 20th. I have not been rude but have been consistent with calls.

This blade plugs in to the tail lights directly and does not use this adapter. There is a single wire feed that is supposed to be switched on with ignition that is run to the engine compartment. This harness is not used on the Freedom blade its a new design from Putco.

So we did try at the installer for different fuse location and even worked with dealer 2 on a solution. The issue is that there is power back feeding through the blade and it will error out no matter what fuse location is used. We did try to solve this per the instructions. Dealer 2 suggested a diode in line to limit back fed current but Putco advised against that so we are waiting on feedback deom them...which we have not recieved.

Yes but the set up on this new freedom blade does not use the harness like in the video. It is a completely different set up. I appreciate the information but this is a different installation from what you provided.

That's been my experience before this. They have definitely dropped the ball on this one. Very disappointing...

I can assure you it was installed per manufacturer suggested methods. We've been over it multiple times and it's how they suggest it to be installed. It's just frustrating as I did try to support an american business and then no support when there's an issue.

Hello all, I wanted to give my horror story from Putco and the frustrations associated with their product to maybe warn others before they make the same mistake I have made. I have a 2023 Sierra Denali with super cruise. I had my front windows tinted to match the rear windows and I love it. For nighttime use I wanted a brighter reverse light, and I did some searching and found the Putco Freedom Blade. I understand this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I liked the features and options that came with it, so I contacted a local installer to put the blade on my truck. The moment I picked up the truck from the installer I had an engine light, but the installer had a scan tool and told me that there were a few codes and one associated to the active shutters which is where the manufacture tells you to place the fuse tap. He cleared the code and I had already had an appointment for the tailgate switch issue and had dealer 1 look at the engine code. They questioned the light bar but stated that it was probably due to an OTA update that didn't complete correctly. They did the update and light is off. 2 days later I have another appointment at a different dealer (Dealer 2) for my glovebox not opening. As soon as the tech went to drive my truck in, he notices the engine light (had been off since the other dealer 2 days earlier). They ask if I want them to look at the code I said yes please. After a couple hours the tech comes to me and tells me that the blade is back feeding and is keeping one of the relays energized when it's supposed to be off, giving the code. The issue is solely due to the blade and fuse tap. They then explain since this is an accessory item that I'm liable for the $160 diagnostics charge because it's not really a factory defect. I contact Putco and I get a very nice person in chat that is trying to help, he even calls me and is talking through me to make sure we have the right fuse location and all which is verified. He explains to make a warranty claim and they will be in touch 24-48 hours' time with direction. The dealer took pity on the situation and actually halved the fee and got it to $96 for the diagnostic. I also went back to the installer (same town as dealer 2) and explained what is going on and they tried to help and reach out while I was there. It's now been 10 days and I have had -0- response from Putco. I have made three phone calls, and the responses are as follows: Since it's Friday leaders doesn't work much on Friday, so we will be in touch early next week. (Diag + 3 days) The leadership is in a meeting, and they should be reviewing your case and be in touch soon (Diag + 6 days) Leadership is busy doing inventory because we have SEMA and other shows going on. They are still reviewing your case, I have no more information (Diag + 9 days) So honestly, I'm out almost 1k with a non-functional product and the manufacture doesn't want to even return phone calls for their product. Please think twice before trying to utilize this freedom blade with these new trucks because there's something with the wiring that will cause the engine light to be intermittently on. Basically 3 drives with it on and 3 drives with it off. TLDR: Putco product causes engine light verified by dealer. Have provided all documentation to Putco and NO real response from them.

My rear view mirror is a camera and no I can't see it. Hence my issue.

Just brought home my 2023 Denali and I already have a tonneau cover on it. I stopped for fuel in the rain and then drove probably 6+ miles to my destination. I'm unsure of if somehow I hit the button twice in my pocket or what, but it seems strange to have happened. When I got to our destination, I went to back into the parking spot and noticed that the camera was looking at the license plate instead of behind me. I'm worried about this becoming a problem because I usually carry my tool bags and such in the bed of the truck and would hate to have the gate open and I would have no idea since I can't see it in the rear view or mirrors. Anyone know why it would have opened or if GM can notify us on the newer vehicles? My 19 Silverado would let me know if the tailgate was done with a simple notification that I could dismiss. This is so far the only true issue with the truck. I've seen that there have been others with the issue of the multi pro tailgate opening on its own and I do pull at trailer on occasion and if that were to happen it would definitely F up the tailgate.

I agree! That's the only reason that I didn't get the ultimate.

It was time to trade in my 2019 HC and updated to a 23 Denali reserve.

I have not experienced a draw on the battery to my knowledge. But the truck gets used almost daily so I'd think that would keep the battery topped up. The dealership offered to put in a new body control module but they didn't have faith that was going to fix the issue and is expensive. GM just accepted my order for production on my new truck so kinda just going to live with it for a couple months I think.

Well, so far my issue is still not solved. Replacing the wireless module didn't fix the problem. It's so strange. When I got the truck from the dealership, I could unlock the truck from distance. Then I noticed that I couldn't unlock the vehicle any longer with the key fob buttons but I could unlock with the door buttons. Now that is random if I can unlock with the door handles without getting the remote out of my pocket and going to the back door to unlock. It is a frustrating situation for sure.

Dealership replaced the wireless entry module today and... So far so good... My key now works from distance and hasn't failed to unlock yet. I'll let you know in a few days and make sure it still is playing nice but hopefully this is the fix...

@smithmr What a bunch of garbage!!! I can tell you from experience don't waste your time!

Interesting, at this point I'm almost 1k into it and it's not fixed still having random issues. Supposed to replace the wireless key module on Wednesday this week so I'll let you know.

yeah, naaa. They are just rolling the bill higher as we speak.

So just to update a week later from the last time I dropped the truck off. Still don't know what's going on with the fob. Has a code for low battery in fob that we can't get rid of but we have replaced the entire key fob and batteries again and still get the issue. GM is still supporting on a list of things to check to solve the problem. As of now, still not fixed.

So at the dealer today and no codes or indicators as to what is going on. As far as I know the TPMS is working and shows the tire pressures. They are going to update some type of programing for the door control button. They really have no idea why we are having the issue. There's nothing showing in the codes. The other strange thing I happened to notice the last time I was locked out was as soon as I got into the vehicle the rear view camera was on in the dash but I had not even tried to start the vehicle or anything.