2017 Sierra Denali rear window EXPLODED!!!

Carrot · May 3, 2019

2 hours ago, Grjfer said:

If have not already done so, report it. https://www.nhtsa.gov/

Sorry, from Canada here...

STRMTRPR · May 4, 2019

5 hours ago, Carrot said:

Sorry, from Canada here...

.. link to file complaints for Canadian owners

https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/PCDB-BDPP/fc-cp.aspx?lang=eng

YJBrian · May 16, 2019

On 11/27/2018 at 9:05 AM, YJBrian said:

I'm experiencing a similar issue in my 15 Sierra. I can hear the buzzing/sizzling noise, and so far no smoke or broken glass, so I'm not using the defroster to avoid further issue. Is the cause if the failure known? I'll bring it by the dealership, but the truck is out of the bumper to bumper warranty at this point, so I'm not expecting much. Buzzing is definitely related to the defroster and it goes away when the rear window is opened, but it does not seem to be coming from the electrical contacts to the sliding window. In my case, it sounds more like it is from the drivers side window.

To close the loop, shortly after posting this, the noise stopped along with the defrosting. I checked the fuse and the relay and all was good, but the defroster never heated up on any of the three windows panes. I sat on this until recently where after diagnosis, the dealer said the sliding glass had no power and the entire window assembly needed to be replaced. I am out of the factory warranty, so the dealer contacted GM and got some assistance on the repair, costing me $450 for a 'deductible' and it was replaced the next day. Thankfully it did not shatter like some of you experienced and I could deal with it on my time. Unfortunately, they had no other information on the fault and I did not take a much closer look to see if there was evidence of melting/burning in areas that others have posted photos of before I brought it in for repair.

1SLOW1500 · May 16, 2019

To close the loop, shortly after posting this, the noise stopped along with the defrosting. I checked the fuse and the relay and all was good, but the defroster never heated up on any of the three windows panes. I sat on this until recently where after diagnosis, the dealer said the sliding glass had no power and the entire window assembly needed to be replaced. I am out of the factory warranty, so the dealer contacted GM and got some assistance on the repair, costing me $450 for a 'deductible' and it was replaced the next day. Thankfully it did not shatter like some of you experienced and I could deal with it on my time. Unfortunately, they had no other information on the fault and I did not take a much closer look to see if there was evidence of melting/burning in areas that others have posted photos of before I brought it in for repair.

Should have metered out the cement in the glass and seen where the issue was if there was one. But happy they did something for you.

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Zzyyzx · May 29, 2019

Hello All, I’ve lurked on the board for quite a while and learned a lot and done many of the suggestions/projects. I finally registered when I had this problem earlier this week. I had my rear defroster on and was sitting in a drive-thru (i.e. I know it wasn’t a flying rock) when I started to smell something burning. I thought it was the car in front of me and didn’t think much of it. I then heard a loud bang from behind my head and looked back and saw smoke from the right side of the slider and my driver’s window was shattered. I found the burn pattern consistent with others.

I read the forums, taped it up, disconnected defog fuses, filed a complaint with the NHTSA. I tried to get the area service representatives contact info, but was told by multiple people that he only deals with the service department and not customers directly. I contacted the commercial unit manager that sold me my truck and he confirmed, but told me to take it to the service dept and he’d have them give it a look. They told me it’s out of warranty, so I asked for a referral to the area service rep. They allegedly pushed it up and told me he said Chevy would contribute 0%. I said that doesn’t sound like anything and he said they won’t pay for anything. He told me to open a claim with GM and have the window replaced for about $750 and then give them a blank check to troubleshoot the defroster issue that caused the fire. Then he told me there’s only one window unit in all of North America and it’s currently located in Canada, so it would be at least six days for the dealer to get it and then I’d have to schedule the repairs.

This sounds like a bunch of bull. Has anyone else had more success with this? And is the overheating issue that’s causing these windows to shatter located in the window unit or is it elsewhere in the truck (i.e. am I fixing the problem by replacing it, or is it possible to happen again)?

Thanks!

Carrot · May 29, 2019

And yet another case that can confirm my claim proving I am not just making things up like what the dealership where I got my truck is trying to convey. Go straight to GMC legal department and report your case. I had mine out of warranty but fixed at no charge through GM dealership. I got it fixed but currently trying to sell. I had so much very bad memories and nearly cost my daughter's limbs. You can e-mail GM Legal department at [email protected] addressed to Ms. Holly Hillis and don't forget to attach pictures, lots and lots of them! I am hoping and praying there will be no more worst case that will happen like what had happen to me and my children brought about this defects but sorry for sounding like the devil but I feel like this defroster debacle is like time bomb ticking just waiting to explode like just wait, wait for it....

Edited May 30, 2019 by Carrot

MarkMacie · May 30, 2019

Just an update on my window that shattered:

I had my window replaced through insurance at the dealer the next day because the glass began to fall out. I contacted GM and they opened an investigation on my complaint. I sent them pictures and was surprised they kept in contact with me every other day. They told me to have the insurance company hold off on paying the repair bill while their engineers reviewed. After about a week and half going back and forth they admitted that there is a known issue but would not cover the cost and to go ahead with the insurance payment.

I have taken the fuse for the rear defrost out so this doesn't happen again...

1SLOW1500 · May 30, 2019

Fuse isn't the issue or the solution. More so for other people that that circuit covers. But your truck do as you wish.

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NCPGMC · May 30, 2019

3 minutes ago, 1SLOW1500 said:

Fuse isn't the issue or the solution. More so for other people that that circuit covers. But your truck do as you wish.

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It might not be a permanent solution or the issue but my back window won't be blowing out in the interim...Cryptic messages are no solution either but there are no shortage of them on this thread...

1SLOW1500 · May 30, 2019

It might not be a permanent solution or the issue but my back window won't be blowing out in the interim...Cryptic messages are no solution either but there are no shortage of them on this thread...

I will just say ok. Hope it doesnt blow out with the fuse removed. [emoji106]

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NCPGMC · May 30, 2019

8 minutes ago, 1SLOW1500 said:

I will just say ok. Hope it doesnt blow out with the fuse removed.

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Am I to interpret this to say that even without the fuse in the circuit, there is some other B+ running to this thing from a secondary source that is not in the schematic?

rah7777777 · May 30, 2019

My permanent solution was to pull the fuse.

Looking at the wiring diagram, pull fuse #10 (30a) and case closed.

GM obviously doesnt care too much about the issue, so I'd rather not have to worry about any of it for a feature I don't need.

Especially with 2 car seats in the back.

rah7777777 · May 30, 2019

https://www.gmupfitter.com/files/media/photo/828/18_Sierra_Electrical_Body_Builder.pdf

page 1-7

wforrest08 · May 30, 2019

40 minutes ago, NCPGMC said:

Cryptic messages are no solution either but there are no shortage of them on this thread...

Couldn’t agree more. If I knew something about this and felt for whatever reason I couldn’t tell others how to avoid this situation I would feel like a real POS just antagonizing everyone who has posted on here that has had to deal with this... guess that’s just me?

1SLOW1500 · May 30, 2019

Am I to interpret this to say that even without the fuse in the circuit, there is some other B+ running to this thing from a secondary source that is not in the schematic?

I am only saying that on some models the fuse also runs other things you do need or want. Also why do you think it is the defrost circuit and not 1 or 2 other factors as well?
There are other ways to resolve the issues that cost money but if you diy then under $20. I now not for everyone and many will say no gm has to do it. I will not get into the rights and wrongs of it just saying search around some may be worth tou time. If you are happy with fuse out, great.

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