Putco Freedom blade on 2023 GMC Sierra Denalli (BEWARE)

Pyrojodge · September 29, 2023

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.

64BAwagon · September 29, 2023

Any electrical modifications on these new trucks should be attempted only as outlined in the upfitter manual best practices. You may try to find the info there for an acceptable source power for your modification. These trucks are very fussy and ANY mod to the electric is going to be scrutinized heavily and likely billed to you, just as you experienced. Things have changed with this new electrical architecture and this is just the tip of the iceberg, theres a lot more coming.

Jus Cruisin · September 29, 2023

You might want to read this thread for the proper way to install.

https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/263555-putco-led-tailight-bar-installlooks-great/

Pyrojodge · September 30, 2023

11 minutes ago, Jus Cruisin said:

You might want to read this thread for the proper way to install.

https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/263555-putco-led-tailight-bar-installlooks-great/

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.

BigMick2023 · September 30, 2023

9 hours ago, Pyrojodge said:

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.

I'm surprised.....Putco has always made quality products and I've had good luck with support.

I installed the following two items from Putco on my 2023 High Country and zero issues with them......work and look awesome. Must be something different with the Freedom Blade vs the Virtual Blade?

Putco Virtual Blade™ DRL LED Grille Light Bar

Putco 60" Blade LED Tailgate Light Bar Red/White LEDs

Edited September 30, 2023 by BigMick2023

Pyrojodge · September 30, 2023

13 minutes ago, BigMick2023 said:

I'm surprised.....Putco has always made quality products and I've had good luck with support.

I installed the following two items from Putco on my 2023 High Country and zero issues with them......work and look awesome. Must be something different with the Freedom Blade vs the Virtual Blade?

Putco Virtual Blade™ DRL LED Grille Light Bar

Putco 60" Blade LED Tailgate Light Bar Red/White LEDs

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

Jus Cruisin · September 30, 2023

9 hours ago, Pyrojodge said:

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.

Did you bother to watch the video? He bought the wire harness. Plug and play. No splicing.

https://youtu.be/LomLsGOpSL0?si=8WP0Z3A-W83S6Xin

Edited September 30, 2023 by Jus Cruisin

PhilB · September 30, 2023

I just read the Putco installation manual for the Freedom Blade. Yes - it suggests using fuse 92 (aeroshutter) for the fuse tap. BUT - the installation instructions say "We recommend using your truck’s accessory, ignition or interior fuse. Please see your trucks user manual for correct fuse location. This fuse needs to be on a circuit that turns on with truck ignition. See table at the end of the instructions for some possible fuses."

So pick another fuse to tap and then the issue will go away.

Pyrojodge · September 30, 2023

1 hour ago, Jus Cruisin said:

Did you bother to watch the video? He bought the wire harness. Plug and play. No splicing.

https://youtu.be/LomLsGOpSL0?si=8WP0Z3A-W83S6Xin

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.

Pyrojodge · September 30, 2023

49 minutes ago, PhilB said:

I just read the Putco installation manual for the Freedom Blade. Yes - it suggests using fuse 92 (aeroshutter) for the fuse tap. BUT - the installation instructions say "We recommend using your truck’s accessory, ignition or interior fuse. Please see your trucks user manual for correct fuse location. This fuse needs to be on a circuit that turns on with truck ignition. See table at the end of the instructions for some possible fuses."

So pick another fuse to tap and then the issue will go away.

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.

Jus Cruisin · September 30, 2023

5 minutes ago, Pyrojodge said:

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.

This? 7

https://www.putco.com/product/blade-quick-connect-harness/529005/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjt-oBhDKARIsABVRB0xlbV6eqtS1v2jOHv10PI9I0_8c2cBQ3tUYkCrMrQDWNmJZ6I73J0saAkcXEALw_wcB

Pyrojodge · September 30, 2023

11 minutes ago, Jus Cruisin said:

This? 7

https://www.putco.com/product/blade-quick-connect-harness/529005/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjt-oBhDKARIsABVRB0xlbV6eqtS1v2jOHv10PI9I0_8c2cBQ3tUYkCrMrQDWNmJZ6I73J0saAkcXEALw_wcB

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.

silveradosid · October 2, 2023

if feed back is the problem, then install an ignition controlled relay.

newdude · October 5, 2023

Nothing should be installed on the shutter fuse. At all. The shutters are a LIN BUS device so if they fail or are pissed off for some reason, it will turn on the check engine light.

Curious. Why didn't you get the Putco bar offered by GM in their accessories catalog? The one they sell has a plug and play harness that goes into the tail light connectors and doesn't require any fuse taps that can lead to numerous issues?

Its not the freedom blade however. p/n 19418352

Edited October 5, 2023 by newdude

Pyrojodge · October 5, 2023

14 minutes ago, newdude said:

Nothing should be installed on the shutter fuse. At all. The shutters are a LIN BUS device so if they fail or are pissed off for some reason, it will turn on the check engine light.

Curious. Why didn't you get the Putco bar offered by GM in their accessories catalog? The one they sell has a plug and play harness that goes into the tail light connectors and doesn't require any fuse taps that can lead to numerous issues?

Its not the freedom blade however. p/n 19418352

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.