Alphatherm

[riggz]

I am looking at adding the Alphatherm washer fluid heater to my 2009 LTZ that did not come with it from the factory.

I don't like the idea of it running ALL the time when I would only need it a handful of times in the winter. I don't have the option to add the switch in the dash (power side steps) so I can't just plug and play the AT37GM model, but could I install this model and just add the wiring and a switch under the hood myself? Does it come with any wiring or would I have to find the plugs?

 

[TowGMC]

I added the Alphatherm part to my '09 Denali that hadn't come equipped, and I have to tell you that it's been the second best accessory this horrible winter, second only to my heated steering wheel. I absolutely love the fact that after about 30 seconds I have heated water to clear the frost or thin ice off the windshield every morning when I leave for my office. And being able to clear salt off the windshield on the highway at 70 mph without it glazing over is wonderful. I use it so often that I'm filling by reservoir every 2 weeks this winter.

It would be no big deal to run a wire into the interior of your Tahoe so you could turn if off when not using it. But remember that it takes 30 seconds to heat up so if you needed it asap you would have to wait. The unit looks for I think it's 12.9 volts of power to cycle on, which is only when the alternator is powering the vehicle. So it shuts down when you turn off the vehicle.

That being said, I find the heated fluid also clears bugs off the windshield in the summer better than unheated. Think dishwasher that uses heated water to wash your dishes. It does work.