How-To: Replace Heated Washer Unit With The Alphatherm.

LeoS41280 · December 28, 2010

anyone know to put the new unit in a 09 that did not have one, I just wondered about the low voltage wire connection
I think one is a ignition connection and then a pair of switched with the led indicator.

Personally, I don't think it would be worth the work to install it in something that it didn't come in.

topdj · December 28, 2010

its a heck of a lot easier then the heated steering wheel install

Nargg · December 28, 2010

This has got to be one of the best threads on the web for any topic! Just ordered one of the OD versions for my 2011 Silverado. Probably get one for my Wife's Equinox if it works and installs as easy as it looks. Sent an e-mail to my Dad for his 2009 Duramax with the defective GM heater, he'll be very glad.

I will definately install this with a switch in the cab. We only get 3 or 4 months of cold weather per year here, and 2 months of heavy bugs. It makes sense to keep this little device working longer if I can disable it when I don't need it.

Just on a side note, so many love to bash GM for this whole issue, but it seems to me from the TSB instructions that GM WAS thinking of us in the end. Having the dealership leave enough parts in the trucks to replace the unit later on was a genious move on their part. Hats off to the engineer that wrote that TSB!

rxis · January 18, 2011

Thats the same price as without the discount. I just sent an order without using it by accident.

The code is web716. Would not work for me either. Called them up, mentioned this forum and they were glad to give the discount. $85.70 shipped the same day I ordered.

Rob1 · January 18, 2011

Anyone have any pics of this in a Sierra? I looked in the engine compartment of my '08 and didn't see any wiring harness.

Cheers

thisflatearth · January 18, 2011

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showpost....mp;postcount=22

Check in that post. They are all under the drier side black fender support on the firewall.

Anyone have any pics of this in a Sierra? I looked in the engine compartment of my '08 and didn't see any wiring harness.

Cheers

Rob1 · January 18, 2011

Thanks!

Hmm..I'm gonna check mine tonight - I think the original one is still there.....just the fuse removed.

Cheers

ChrisNJ · January 18, 2011

FYI, brought my 07 in for other stuff and the recall. I told them not to cut the wires and re-install the Alphatherm unit. He said the recall said he had to cut the wires, and he would not install the aftermarket unit. I was able to decline the recall, and replaced the unit myself in about 10 minutes. Kept the OEM unit in case my truck ever catches fire and they say it caused it.

LeoS41280 · January 18, 2011

FYI, brought my 07 in for other stuff and the recall. I told them not to cut the wires and re-install the Alphatherm unit. He said the recall said he had to cut the wires, and he would not install the aftermarket unit. I was able to decline the recall, and replaced the unit myself in about 10 minutes. Kept the OEM unit in case my truck ever catches fire and they say it caused it.

You should go back there and have him reread the notice. It says to cut the wires on the heating unit. Not the wires on the truck. Then have them do it so you can collect your $100.

pwall · January 18, 2011

Funny, I've yet to receive any recall notice, and my truck has been into the dealership several times.

Rob1 · January 19, 2011

Thanks!

Hmm..I'm gonna check mine tonight - I think the original one is still there.....just the fuse removed.

Cheers

Nope - gone.....

Bracket is still there though........I'll take another look on the weekend in day light.

Cheers

1998f44 · February 9, 2011

The wires on the truck are not supposed to be cut, only the wires on the unit. The connectors are supposed to be plugged back together and re hooked to the bracket. I work for GM and I have several of the brackets that were removed from lot vehicles early on in the recall. If anyone needs the bracket I have some with the 60 amp fuses if you are installing an aftermarket one. PM me if interested. Part number on the bracket is 15897902 and when I punch it into the GM computer it comes up discontinued. GM also does not call the washer units back, we are to cut the wires from the unit itself and toss it in the trash. I do have several intact units still sitting under the bench but I cannot give those to anyone due to the recall on them. Just letting you guys know that got the brackets removed I do have a few lying around.

pwall · February 9, 2011

I've yet to recieve any recall from GM, nor has my dealership say anything.

I'm not asking either.....

cinci5 · March 10, 2011

Just installed mine 15 minutes, went easy, great product.

randas · March 11, 2011

Curious if this recall was ever sent out in Canada? I just picked up 07 Sierra and before buying it I test drove atleast a dozen 07/08s and atleast half of them had the option... and they all were still functional. They were all at GM dealers BTW