100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

manfredeis1

Buick Regal Hybrid Defrost System Failure Fix

Having issues with my 2017 Buick Regal Hybrid (29k km). The auto defrost system seems faulty, both front and rear defroster stopped working properly. Car is throwing an error code. Had a sketchy repair experience last time and would rather hear from others first. Has anyone dealt with similar heating issues on this model? What was the actual problem and repair cost?

4 comment(s)

selinataylor2

Had the same problem on a 2020 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid. The issue turned out more complex than initial symptoms suggested. The auto defrost failure was actually connected to a failing battery system. When the battery charge dropped too low, it affected multiple electrical systems including the rear defroster and front heating coils. The error code pointed to the battery, but the symptoms showed up in the defrost system first. The repair required: 1. Full battery diagnostic test 2. Replacement of the main hybrid battery pack 3. Recalibration of the electrical system 4. Testing of all heating coil circuits This was definitely a serious repair that needed immediate attention. Leaving it unfixed would have eventually affected other electrical components and potentially left the car unable to start. The rear window defroster was actually the first warning sign of the larger battery issue. The fix restored proper function to both front and rear window defrosters, climate control, and overall electrical system performance. Would recommend getting it checked at a certified hybrid specialist rather than a general repair shop due to the complexity of hybrid electrical systems.

manfredeis1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your detailed repair story with the battery and auto defrost system. I have also been dealing with heating coil issues in my 2017 Regal and your post really helps narrow down potential causes. Just wondering, could you share what the total cost ended up being for the repair work? Also curious if you have experienced any other defroster repair issues since getting it fixed? Always good to know what to watch out for with these models.

selinataylor2

Battery issue and defrost problems have been completely resolved since the repair 3 months ago. The total came to 290 which covered the full battery service and system recalibration. The rear window defroster works perfectly now along with all other electrical components. Unlike some basic defrost repairs, this fix addressed the root cause, the failing battery that was affecting multiple systems. The auto defrost and heating coils are now functioning as designed with no recurring issues. The mechanic mentioned regular battery health checks can prevent similar problems from developing in these models. Best investment was choosing a certified hybrid specialist who properly diagnosed the electrical system rather than just treating the defroster symptoms. Worth the cost to have it done right and avoid future heating issues.

manfredeis1 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the helpful input. After reading these experiences, I finally took my car to a certified hybrid specialist. The diagnosis matched what was described, a faulty battery system affecting the window heater and other electrical components. The total repair came to 320 Euro for replacing the battery pack and recalibrating the car defrost system. While at the shop, they also found and fixed a small crack in the rear defroster wiring that was contributing to the heating issue. Been about 2 weeks since the repair and both the front and rear window demister are working perfectly again. No more error codes or problems with the auto defrost. Really glad I asked here first and went with a proper hybrid specialist instead of risking another sketchy repair job. Would definitely recommend getting these heating issues checked early before they cause bigger electrical problems. The certified shop made a huge difference in properly diagnosing and fixing everything the first time.

Join the discussion now: