Just got a notice regarding a recall to fix a possible short in the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater. They will install a wiring harness with an in-line fuse. While that will prevent an overheated wire or fire, doesn't sound like it actually fixes the problem. Seems to me like you won't know you have a blown fuse until you try to use the washer fluid and it's frozen. Am I wrong?

Has anyone had this done?

First off the washer fluid won't freeze, its full of methanol. And yes it seems its a band aid from what I read. Just protects the wiring from shorting, by throwing a fuse in line.

there isnt any parts yet. for now we are only pulling the heated washer fluid fuse.

I thought I read they are installing a new harness with inline fuse? (And I think a dealer told me they are back ordered until november, unless they meant something is being released then?)

I thought I read they are installing a new harness with inline fuse? (And I think a dealer told me they are back ordered until november, unless they meant something is being released then?)

No new harness. Just a in line fuse. Typical GM BS fix. They pulled my fuse untilthe part arrives. If it hits freezing and still no part, I'm putting it back in.

GM sent me a letter not to long ago telling me that, "Chevrolet dealer will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse...parts should be available on or after November 1...any questions call Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-630-2438"

I'll try to call my dealer this week some time and let everyone know the result.

I guess a new wiring harness would be a fix if the problem was in the original harness or if the original wiring harness had wires which were to small to carry the current used by the heater. We'll see.

I was told that the "harness" is a length of wire with a fuse. It simply blows in the event of a short instead of a pssible fire. It doesn't fix the cause of the short like a proper solution would.

I was told that the "harness" is a length of wire with a fuse. It simply blows in the event of a short instead of a pssible fire. It doesn't fix the cause of the short like a proper solution would.


That's what I was afraid of. Sounds like sometimes the heater draws more current than the system was designed to handle so the fuse prevents the wires from overheating and/or a fire.
I agree, installing a fuse doesn't seem to really be a solution but better than nothing at all. At least it will prevent the truck from becoming toast.

I was told about this problem. What I did was get a 14ga ATC fuse harness and tap inline. Simple fix. I always used the heated washer nozzles in cold cold weather. Makes the truck look like its breathing steam.