Poor Heater Performance On Drivers Side – 2019-2021 Cadillac Chevrolet GMC

NHTSA ID Number: 10205563

Manufacturer Communication Number: 21NA237

 

Summary

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to perform a cooling system flush to remove possible debris from the cooling system pipes.

 

 


20 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
CADILLACeBay logoESCALADE2021
CADILLACeBay logoESCALADE ESV2021
CHEVROLETeBay logo35002020-2021
CHEVROLETeBay logoSILVERADO 15002019-2021
CHEVROLETeBay logoSILVERADO 25002020-2021
CHEVROLETeBay logoSUBURBAN2021
CHEVROLETeBay logoTAHOE2021
GMCSIERRA 15002019-2021
GMCSIERRA 25002020-2021
GMCSIERRA 35002020-2021
GMCYUKON2021
GMCYUKON XL2021

 


Condition

Some customers may comment on lower heater performance from the driver side HVAC vents when compared to the passenger side.

• In some cases, the driver side center dash vent will have the lowest temperature.

 

Cause

This may be caused by a blocked heater core tube.

 

Correction

Flush the cooling system using a flushing agent recommended by GM.

Note: GM of Canada is working on making this product available from other sources but as of the time of publication, the source in Canada will be Canadian Tire under part number 038–0891.

⇒ Perform a flushing procedure using Blue Devil Radiator Flush Cooling System Cleaner, which is approved by GM engineering.

 

Service Procedure

Important: All signs of the cooling system cleaner must be flushed completely from the cooling system before adding the coolant.

Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling and Flushing in SI.

Note: The temperature difference between the vents when the process is complete should no more than 5-7 degrees C with the engine at full operating temperature with all vents open. If the temperature difference persists after flushing, the dealer should contact TAC.

1. Drain coolant and wash all of the coolant out of the system with clean drinkable water.

2. Add flushing chemical (one container) to the surge tank and fill the cooling system with clean drinkable water.

Note: Do not allow the vehicle to become exposed to sub-freezing temperatures with the engine off, the flushing chemical provides no freeze protection.

3. Allow the engine to idle for 4 hours, the vehicle can also be driven if desired during this period.

4. Confirm that the heater outlet temperatures are within 5-7 degrees C with all vents open and the heater on high fan with outside air.

5. Drain and wash the cooling system with clean drinkable water and refill with a 50/50 mix of Dexcool Coolant and clean drinkable water.

The performance of the heater may improve very soon after the flushing chemical is placed in the system. The chemical must remain in the system for between 3 and 4 hours to have the effect of removing the deposit that is causing the heater core to be blocked. This material is primarily in the radiator, so if it is not thoroughly cleaned out, the condition could recur.

 



1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

Bulletin No.: 21-NA-237
Date: November, 2021

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10205563

MC-10205563-9999.pdf 75.307KB

 


 

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Zerex Dex-Cool 50/50 Ready-to-Use Antifreeze Coolant 1 Gallon
  • Unsurpassed freeze protection and anti-boil performance outperforms industry standards
  • Organic acid technology resists rust, scale & corrosion while protecting all cooling system metals (including aluminum)
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  • Pre-mixed orange formula is ready-to-use in a 50/50 ratio with deionized water to protect all modern engine components from winter freezing (-34F) and summer boiling (265F).
  • 5 year/150,000 mile guarantee protects against engine failure caused by freeze-ups or boil-overs
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Zerex Dex-Cool Antifreeze Coolant Concentrate 1 Gallon
  • Unsurpassed freeze protection and anti-boil performance outperforms industry standards
  • Organic acid technology resists rust, scale & corrosion while protecting all cooling system metals (including aluminum)
  • High-quality additives protect against leaks and won’t harm gaskets, hoses, plastics or original vehicle finish
  • Orange concentrate formula should be mixed with clean tap water or demineralized water at 50/50 ratio for temperatures -34 to 265F; 60/40 for -62 to 270F; and 70/30 for -84 to 267F
  • 5 year/150,000 mile guarantee protects against engine failure caused by freeze-ups or boil-overs
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PEAK DEX-Cool® Antifreeze + Coolant, Premium Engine Coolant with Antifreeze, Car Antifreeze Coolant Mixture for GM Vehicles, 1 Gallon
  • VERSATILE ENGINE COOLANT: This antifreeze + coolant is designed for use in all GM vehicles 1995 and newer requiring an orange organic acid technology (OAT) coolant. This item contains a bittering agent called Denatonium Benzoate.
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ACDelco 10-101 DEX-COOL Extended Life Coolant - 1 Gallon
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Last update on 2026-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

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