HVAC Controls at back of Console Seem Too Hot

[flacorps]

We have a '12 Traverse. It was just at the dealer's for a driver's side airbag issue and a problem with the 60-side of the 2nd row not wanting to fold. Both cheerfully handled under warranty by Gordon Chevrolet on N. Dale Mabry in Tampa.

What they didn't do anything about was the HVAC controls at the back of the console, which seem to get very warm or even hot to the touch.

They said it was because those controls are lighted and the light heats them up. They suggested keeping the panel dim to minimize the heat.

This explanation didn't seem entirely trustworthy to us. We had a Mazda CX-9 with similar controls, also lighted and they didn't heat up like that.

Does anybody else have any experience with this situation?

 

[zora]

I see no NHTSA bulletins or complaints concerning this issue and could find nothing using google. You could try contacting Chevrolet Customer Service.

 

[flacorps]

Well, we've found out we're not the first. Check #29800 from Oct 2011:

http://www.faqs.org/car/chevrolet-traverse/electrical-system/

 

[zora]

I went back to the NHTSA site and selected 2009 and found the same complaint but provided no resolution. Suggest you contact Chevrolet Customer Service.

 

[flacorps]

The same issue also got coverage on another site:
http://www.traverseforum.com/index.php?topic=2208.0

I'm hoping everyone with a Traverse who sees this thread will reach back and check after having driven a few miles.

I'm not convinced it's normal ... usually sources of heat like that have been engineered out of today's cars.

 

[zora]

I forwarded this thread to Chevrolet Customer Svc