Do seat blower fans really need to be programmed?

I have a 2016 Yukon SLT with ventilated (heated & cooled seats). The ventilation blower fan in the drivers seat (back) is dead - and it's not a wiring problem. I located the correct replacement part (GM Part # 84206625 - $115.00), but all of the sites selling the replacement blowers have the following caveat: " This part requires programming and/or special setup procedures. GM Service Information describes the procedures and special tools needed to ensure proper operation in the vehicle."

I'd like to hear from anybody who has replaced one of these fans. It's hard to believe that a ventilation fans needs to be programmed by the dealer. That will turn a 15 minute $115.00 repair into a $350 bill.

Thanks

2Cool2Fool said:

I have a 2016 Yukon SLT with ventilated (heated & cooled seats). The ventilation blower fan in the drivers seat (back) is dead - and it's not a wiring problem. I located the correct replacement part (GM Part # 84206625 - $115.00), but all of the sites selling the replacement blowers have the following caveat: " This part requires programming and/or special setup procedures. GM Service Information describes the procedures and special tools needed to ensure proper operation in the vehicle."

I'd like to hear from anybody who has replaced one of these fans. It's hard to believe that a ventilation fans needs to be programmed by the dealer. That will turn a 15 minute $115.00 repair into a $350 bill.

Thanks

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You should post this in the proper model years section (you've got it in the '21+ section). But assume that you have to program EVERYTHING electrical swapped into these trucks.

And unfortunately it’s a common failure. I believe anything that comes on by itself is going to need programming. On the upside look on YT for ways to get around the dealer.

KMeloney said:

You should post this in the proper model years section (you've got it in the '21+ section).

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Moved to the correct section. Consider "reporting" posts like this so we mods don't miss them.

Fless said:

Moved to the correct section. Consider "reporting" posts like this so we mods don't miss them.

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Ohhhh, ok. Sorry. Been around here forever and didn't know that button was for this kind of thing. Thanks!

2Cool2Fool said:

I have a 2016 Yukon SLT with ventilated (heated & cooled seats). The ventilation blower fan in the drivers seat (back) is dead - and it's not a wiring problem. I located the correct replacement part (GM Part # 84206625 - $115.00), but all of the sites selling the replacement blowers have the following caveat: " This part requires programming and/or special setup procedures. GM Service Information describes the procedures and special tools needed to ensure proper operation in the vehicle."

I'd like to hear from anybody who has replaced one of these fans. It's hard to believe that a ventilation fans needs to be programmed by the dealer. That will turn a 15 minute $115.00 repair into a $350 bill.

Thanks

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I am going "presume" to say that IF you already have heated or heated & cooled seats, that replacing the blower mechanism should not require any programming
I have heated seats in the 18, and I "could" swap to heated & cooled, all it would take is the "seat with the option". a change in the electrical harness for power and a new switch.
no programming is required.
I would also presume that if you added heated or heated/cooled seats to a vehicle without the option originally that yes that requires a bcm update, wiring harness, different trim on the center console for the buttons, etc in order for it to function correctly.
reason being the bcm programming has the ability to pre-heat the seat for you when it's cold and you auto start, so yes it has to be programmed to perform that function.

AND if for some "unknown" to us reason a new blower module needed programming, then just add another $115 to that, not a big deal, heat/cool or live without it........

You can presume that, but I wouldn't. Had to have my '01 Z06 recognize a new, OEM window switch. I'd bet that programming requirements for factory replacement parts has only become more necessary lately.

KMeloney said:

You can presume that, but I wouldn't. Had to have my '01 Z06 recognize a new, OEM window switch. I'd bet that programming requirements for factory replacement parts has only become more necessary lately.

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well there are 4 choice's
you replace the blower and it works and you go happily down the yellow brick road
you replace it and pay a little more for programming (which I think is unlikely)
you have the dealer replace it and program it and get really screwed (monetarily)
or leave it broke

I supposed it's possible it could need a "vin learn" but I haven't heard of anyone having to do it

here is a note from phil (the harness doctor) regarding what I was mentioning above, regarding upgrading to heated/cooled from heated only.
does not mention anything about programming, just bypassing "seat memory" in some cases.

Update - the car came with the KB6 option (heated & ventilated seats). The old blower worked when I selected the cool switch, but not the heat switches. So I replaced that blower with a brand new OEM blower - same problem. No heat. All of the fuses are fine. Any ideas?