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Last time they fixed this they replaced the PCM, even though the part number was for the ECM. This time it's the throttle body. No error codes registered in the computer this time either.
Anybody else had this problem?
The SLT comfort and convenience package seems like a big waste of money. There are a lot of novelties, but nothing I have a use for.
Wife is stuck on the Envoy XL, I like the Envoy better. Can anyone help me win this argument?
First, the system uses standard shocks, no hassles there. It uses two simple air bladders (instead of springs), sensors,a small compressor, and regular (bilstein shocks). Otherwise the suspension is the same.
Benefits:
Supposedly rides nicer, who knows...
Ensures the vehicle is always level, both front to rear and side to side, nice....
The built in compressor can be used to help in roadside emergencies, you can pump up your own tires or somebody elses.
GM provides a kit, included in the price with the hose, air gauge, and various needles. You can use it on vacation or for camping. Air mattresses, balls, etc.
It came free with my 02 Bravada, but the price by itself seems reasonable.
--
Doug
I'm currently considering a new vehicle, and I'm looking at the Trailblazer tomorrow. So far, I think the new 4Runner is my top choice - I took a quick test drive of that already. But I'd heard some interesting things about Chevy's reliability improving. Obviously, the opinons on that differ in this forum....though I do hear a lot more problems here than in the 4Runner discussions. I may consider other vehicles as well (Explorer, Pathfinder)
I ordered my truck and missed out on some great incentives because of the timing. Since current incentives are tremendous and future incentives are a big uncertainty right now, I would recommend to keep pounding the pavement and the gmbuypower.com site until you find one you want. There are also extra incentives to the dealers to sell in December, so they should be willing to offer on top of GM's 0, 0, 0 deal!
If you can't find one that you are looking for, I would try to talk the dealer into offering you incentives based on what is currently offered, but I don't think you will find any takers.
The Tripletts don't have this feature... Yet.
Frank
My wife has air suspension bladders on her '98 Transport and it still works great and has never given us any problems. I have it on my Envoy XL SLT and it too works equally great. It is proven technology. With ECAS you also get Bilstein shocks for better handling.
If I towed trailers it would be a no brainer to get the ECAS.
I prefer the ride of the XL over the regular trailblazer. It's very nice for a truck. in fact better than a lot of cars I have rented.
I thought the bilstein shocks were standard on all trailblazers?
Anyway, when I found a dealer that would do the work to find one I was able to walk in Saturday, tell them what I want, and picked it up Wednesday. Just got it yesterday and I LOVE IT!
My advice to you is to work to find a dealer that will do the search (and arrange the dealer trade) for you. Let them know you will buy it before the end of the year and you know exactly what you want. I had to take the polished wheels since my exact requirements could not be found. Advice is predicated on the fact that I was able to get the GMS pricing (no haggling). This way I wasn't put in a lesser negotiation position for the vehicle price. If you have to negotiate the price with them, you just have to be ready to walk out on the deal if they won't work with you.
Buypower is not easy to find what you are looking for and the dealer can do it fairly quick. They are able to enter your requirements and identify matches fast. The delays involved doing it this way is ensuring the vehicle is still available, arranging the transfer, and getting the thing to the dealer you are going to buy it from.
Good luck!
Also had the issue with the rear washer fixed (bad switch) and the rear wiper going nuts (rear door BCM unit replaced). The service dept. was very helpful and did not cringe when I dropped it off with 11 issues (ok, one was an oil change).
So, everything is perfect now! (knock on simulated wood grain).
I guess I need something new to [non-permissible content removed] about... How about a TSB to attenuate the seat heaters! The lowest setting is too hot after 10 min. and the highest setting can fry an egg! My g'friend's Audi has 6 settings and they are much more comfortable. If only we could reduce the power level overall sent to the heaters...
Well, if that is the worst I can come up with, I have to say that it is a great truck. For all of you on the fence, don't let the complaints on this board scare you away. I have had my 02 for over a year now, more than 20,000 miles on it and other than the tweak TSBs, I have no issues. Even those have all been fixed to my satisfaction. If it was not for this board, I would not have even known about them!
Mileage (city/country/stop-n-go/a little hwy) has been 17 in summer and 16 in winter. And I have some Pb in the right shoe... ;-)
Merry Xmas to you all...
-John
I think I have the heating duct problem. I feel cold air (or lack of hot air) blowing on my feet. Does this TSB fix that? Do you know the TSB number so I can take it with me when I go in for service?
Mark
But I really just wanted to say that I caught myself smiling at the reference to periodic table of elements. *grin*
I've been leasing Nissan Pathfinders for the past 6 years. Other than a squeak here or a rattle there, my PF's have been extremely reliable. So you can see my hesitation as I consider the TB for my next vehicle. I swore I would never go back to American-engineered cars after the horrible experience I had with a '96 Dodge Avenger(funny, Dodge doesn't even make that model anymore). However, after seeing the new Trailblazers, I'm trying to convince myself that my oath was only for American-engineered CARS. I seem to have found a loophole! It worries me though when I read posts in here about vehicles stalling. Squeaks and rattles I can deal with. Thinking I could be up north out in the middle of nowhere and having my truck stall makes me worry a little bit. I realize this is an exception, but it is cause for concern. Anyway, I was wondering if there are any other foreign-to-domestic SUV converts out there that might want to offer up there experience.
Thanks a bunch!
First off, let me say that I *love* my TB. I have had just a handful of minor electrical issues, but all in all it's been a great truck so far! I would (and have) recommend it to anyone who asks with just one caveat: "Think really hard about this purchase if you plan on putting a boat-load of miles on it and/or owning it for 10+ years."
My '92 Honda Accord turned 195,000 flawless miles this week (I know I'm not comparing apples to apples here, vehicle-wise, but bear with me), and I just don't see my TB holding up that well. I am somewhat frightened to think what kind of shape all of the electrical "gizmos" on this truck will be in when it's got 195,000 miles (or even 95,000 for that matter). In 11 months of ownership, I've put only 5500 miles on my TB, so it's hard for me to project 4, 6, or 10 years down the road, but I'm getting the feeling that the electronics are going to be the long-term achilles heel for the triplets.
Might be good to hear from someone who's really running the miles up on their triplet to get their opinion of the longterm outlook.
Good luck with your decision.
Just wanted to chime in that I've had my 2WD TB LTZ for 16 months, and I've had NONE of the TSBs performed that I know of.
And I'm still happy!
It was covered under warranty, but the service advisor made it sound like it wasn't actually within the time period for that. The mechanic working on it told me that the advisor didn't know what he was talking about, and that it should be covered under the 36 month/36,000 mile warranty.
He also said that it was the third right headlight he had replaced that he could recall. We had a headlight go out on our 02 Firebird when it was about two weeks old, but there was moisture inside 3 of the 4 sealed beam headlights when we bought it (covered under a TSB) so that probably was caused by the water.
Otherwise, it's been (almost) perfect. We've had out Trailblazer LS for just about ten months and 12,000 miles, and it's only been back to the dealer for slightly lose cloth on the back of the right rear passenger seat, a serpentine belt that squeaked in moist weather for a minute when cold, and the headlight.
Turning the wheel several turns left or right it makes a rubbing noise, just showed up in the last week or so.
Drivers side door got caught in wind, I heard a cracking noise when it swung wide open, I believe the weld on the upper hinge may be giving way, I am monitoring it. Seems like there is a small crack in the sealant around the hinge now after the cracking noise happened.
Rubber moldings around doors seem to come loose randomly, I re-attach them with a gasket sealant glue made for rubber seals.
Radio seems to change channels on its own now and setting one seems to go thru all the pre-set channels before finding the stored channel.
Mileage has settled into about 19.7 mpg, 80% highway, not bad for a 4500 lb vehicle.
Turning the wheel all the way left or right while turning makes a squeeking noise like the rubber bushings are being moved in steering linkage. Only does this when going over bumps with wheel fully turned one way or another.
Speedometer makes a gurgling like sound when slowing to a stop, dealer quoted $470 to replace the unit, said I would live with noise, seems to of lessened now anyways.
Steering is starting to feel loose now as compared to first 25k miles, had dealer check it out, said it was tight, normal wear.
Tires are wearing real well, at least 25k of tread left on all four.
Rubber around gas tank filler tube inside gas filler door is cracking, normal?
Paint is as nice as it was when new, except for small chips from rocks on highway and a small nick on rear bumper from a rock in my shoe when I was stepping up on rear step.
Wheels look good for 47k, no discoloration of plastic covers.
Brakes are in excellent shape, dealer says they should last another 30k or more.
Oil consumption is negligible, maybe .25 quarts every 4000 miles. Never need to add between oil changes.
Engine is a little noisy when cold but quiets down within 2 to 5 minutes after warmed up.
All in all, a great truck! I had a Ford Explorer Sport prior that was much worse at 32K miles, I hated driving it because the drivetrain had become so noisy and it hobby horsed down the road from day one (rocked back to front like a rocking horse). I traded it in for the Envoy. If you are looking for a nice "Truck" that should last over 100K, the Envoy is a good choice in my opinion.
Cold feet when heater running. See TSB “TSB 01-01-38-014 JAN 02 Heater - Insufficient Heat To Driver's Feet”
As for the bumper bracket, here is what I told the dealer:
Front bumper loose. Needs bracket. See TSB: 02-08-62-001 Fix for loose front bumper fascia, 02 triplets prior to vin 22375120 (last 8 of vin)
Envoy - R/S 15184433 L/S 15184432
I forgot to mention that I had the roof rack reversed (again) so it is now correct and (incidentally) back to the factory position. I had them reverse it last summer when the original (wrong) TSB came out.
I also had the rear aux power outlet cover swaped and can happily say that I no longer worry about dents in the leather when the seats are folded.
Hope that helps you out.
-John
I notice some occasional quirky things like rear hatch does not always unlock with truck in park or takes 3 hits on the remote. Driver mirror occasionally seems out of position. Had the raging fan 2 or 3 times, and also think the seats are way too hot. (my teenage daughter loves them this way)Other than that, I enjoy the product of American design and craftsmanship.
I'm using a small town dealer and they are service with a smile.
As a Quality Manager in a US manufacturing facility with top brand recognition, I would rate my ownership experience as "meets customer expectations". Deal with perfecting the little quirky things, and I would lean toward a "Delites the Customer" rating.
For those of you that read these boards to get a sense of their expected experience, good for you.
Current customer feedback is very valuable and sought after by any responsible manufacturer that hopes to remain in business. You must recognize however that the feedback will always be biased to the negative as people are 10X more likely to share negative information than positive. In addition, people that had no reason to complain will begin to doubt their own satisfaction as they listen to the negative experiences of others. Do not shy away from a manufacturer that appears to be issuing TSB type bulletins frequently. Its called "Voice of the Customer response". Would you rather they ignore the feedback about dissatisfiers???
In my opinion, buy a Chevy or GMC with confidence. The probability is much greater that you will be happy vs disappointed
http://www.auto.com/reviews/ulrich14_20020214.htm
GAM
Also, are any new buyers getting close to invoice on XL's?
At the time when I ordered it, there were incentives offered as well. The dealer said I could get in on the incentives effective at the time if I was willing to start making the payments as if I had driven off the lot that day.
I decided to wait and see what the incentives would be when I picked it rather than start making payments for a vehicle I didn't have yet. Luckily for me, the same incentives were still being offered when my truck came in.
I am not saying you should start paying for something you don't have yet, but it may be an option if the incentives are really good and you don't want to take a chance if ordering a truck.
I have 18,000 miles on it and had only a couple of problems: 4x4 transfer case module failed - no 4 wheel drive - this was fixed, and the front axle squeal - replaced the seals.
Steve, Host
Magnetic Red Metallic
Dark Pewter leather
sunroof
comfort and convenience package (didn't want, almost impossible to find sunroof without this package)
polished alloy wheels
locking differential
traction control
3.73 rear axle
side impact air bags
running boards
It's pretty much fully-loaded except for ECAS and 6-CD player. Our experience with the air suspension and the XL was bad. The car was very floaty and the body roll seemed more pronounced. Unless you plan on towing some heavy stuff I probably wouldn't get it.
Change engine oil and filter
Interval: As indicated by Engine Oil Life Monitor or every 12 months whichever occurs first. or 7500 miles
Rear/ Front Axle Fluid Level Inspection
Inspect rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.
Interval: Every 7500 miles
Tire Rotation
Rotate tires. Check tires for uneven wear or damage. If irregular or premature wear is apparent, check wheel alignment
Interval: Every 7500 miles
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection
Inspect engine air cleaner filter and replace if necessary.
Interval: Every 15000 miles if driving in dusty conditions.
Fuel Filter Replacement
Replace fuel filter
Interval: Every 30000 miles.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Replacement
Replace engine air cleaner filter.
Interval: Every 30000 miles.
Transfer Case Fluid Replacement (Automatic Transfer Case Only)
Change transfer case fluid
Interval: Every 50000 miles
Spark Plug Wire Inspection (V8 engine only)
Inspect spark plug wires.
Interval: Every 100000 miles.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection (V8 engine only)
Inspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Interval: Every 100000 miles.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
Interval: Every 100000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement
Replace spark plugs
Interval: Every 100000 miles.
Cooling System Service
Drain, flush and refill cooling system. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
Interval: Every 150000 miles or every 60 months whichever occurs first.
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
Inspect engine accessory drive belt
Interval: Every 150000 miles.
I don't think I'd go 150K miles on a drive belt though...
On the oil changes, this is my first car with an oil change sensor that counts RPM's, etc. I usually change my oil every 3-5K, but I want to take advantage of this new technology, plus our trucks have a huge 7 quart capacity. On my Bravada, I'm scheduling oil changes around 50% life. That should be around 6K for my kind of driving. I'm not quite ready to go all the way to 12K, but I don't like to be wasteful (with my money or the unnecessary oil usage).
--
Doug
Truck is fully loaded (tips the scale over 5k#)and 4X4.
Decent weather with a 65/35 split town vs expressway 4.2L engine yields about 18.5 MPG
Using A4WD with cold weather and snow maybe 20% of the time, mileage is low 17's.
Driving style will impact this significantly.
My performance is based on cruising around 65-70 but taking my time getting there
Truck has a tight turning radius and easy to put where ever needed.
I consider myself fairly demanding and have been satisfied with the truck.
Actually chose it over the Envoy as the TB has more leg room in the front passenger area
Anyone know what it is?
~Ken
I would recommend pulling the plugs out and adding some anti-seaze to the threads.
I did this to my Silverado with a 5.3 engine at 3 years /33k miles on it. 3 of the plugs needed some WD-40 sprayed on them as I worked the plugs back & forth to thread them out easily.
Tony