Hello All!
My apologies for the delay in posting the update. It took a while to coordinate a time to do the retro-fits vs. doctor appointments.
Grab a cup of coffee, and read on! So here is the timeline for my heated seats/key fob retrofits:
Purchased car: 12/5/2022
Checked this site weekly:
https://www.buick.com/ownercenter/recalls
... Then typed in the VIN.
DRL Recall hit already back in December, but I did not take it in as it did not seem that important. Figured I would just have it done with the 1st oil change. Also, the recall was present when I purchased the car, but was not done before delivery. Can't imagine why.
First recall for heated seat chips showed up on: 3/15/2023
Let my salesman know.
The next day, the Key Fob recall showed up. 3/16/2023,
Salesman said parts ordered.
Checked w/salesman status on 3/23/2023. Parts not ordered.
Checked w/salesman status on 3/27/2023. Parts not ordered.
Visited dealership on 3/28/2023. Parts ordered.
Visited dealership and Parts arrived on 4/5/2023, scheduled install for 4/27/2023.
I kept checking with my salesman because I thought he was supposed to take care of me after the sale, but was relegated to the back burner - I know, shocking revelation.
Also, there were times I stood at the parts counter for 20 minutes while the people there just sat looking at their computer screens without acknowledging me standing there - like there was some sort of contest to see how long this fool would wait until he said something. I was hoping my salesman could bypass this obstacle for me.
On the 3/28/2023 visit, I was passed to the service dept. The young lady there seemed to understand my predicament, and appreciate that I did not get upset. - I choose my battles, and this was not worth getting upset over. I have time to let the process play out. Once the parts were available (that was the hard part), it was just a matter of time to put them in.
So, the bottom line is: be patient, check the recall site yourself, find a person that seems willing to be of assistance, and follow up as needed. In the military I got into trouble many times for going through or around obstacles in my way. Some things never change.
Before you leave the service department after the recall installations are done:
- Check front and rear seat heat functionality.
- Check front seat ventilation functionality.
- Check key fob that is was programmed.
- If you had the Daytime running lights (DRL) recall done, check that the DRL's turn off when headlights are on.
- Look over the interior for sloppy work, oil stains on seats, and etc.
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4/27/2023 - All recalls performed. Heated seats work OK, and the front ventalated front seats - I can hear the fans, but for now do not feel anything. So I'll have to check on that when the weather gets warmer. The key fob was missing the key. I forgot that I had it already at home.
I just found some oily hand prints all over the rear seats that I had to clean off. I used Tuff Stuff foamy cleaner spray from the auto detailer area at Walmart. It was raining today, and the car was in the dark service dept. area so I did not see the stains until I got home.
If I forgot something, please feel free to add it below.
Always get copies of receipts for
any work done. Service, recalls, etc. Anything. Even if it's free work.
While I was at the dealer, I saw they had 2 brand new Envision Avenirs on the lot. I looked at the Monroney stickers. Both had 3 Credit (Not Equipped) missing key safety items: Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert for $350. No mention of key fobs or heated seat chip retrofits.
I check the YouTubes frequently and search on Buick Envision Avenir. I sort the results by upload date - newest first. I have noticed that the cars in the reviews now have the heated seats, but some safety equipment is not available. I also noticed they do not have the air ionizers, lumbar supports, massaging seats, or any rear door and hatch area scuff plates installed. The reviews for the new Envista and Encore GX have the missing safety equipment that the Envisions do not have. How does that work?