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2007 and newer Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon

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  • jmaynardjmaynard Member Posts: 37
    DOn't believe this article. The hybrid was first announced for the 07 model, then all information related to it was pulled and the dealers were told that it was not gong to happen. Now, they are publicizing it again.

    Here is a question that you need to ask. Why would they invest in retooling their factories when they can just make up some better numbers, like they did for the current 07, and swindle more customers into purchasing what they have now. After all, all they have to do is say something like, we've improved the current DOD system per our customers request and made it much more fuel effecient. Of course, all of us who bought into the original lie will stil be stuck with low gas mileage.
  • cohibacohiba Member Posts: 2
    I have an 07 LTZ 4x4 with 8k miles, bought new in April, and the transmission went out today. Under normal road conditions, I felt a huge slip, heard my engine rev high, the transmission spun freely, and the only gear I had left was LOW 1. I drove it slowly to the dealership and they were baffled. After I turned it off and it sat a while, they couldn't even get it into the bay, so they had to tow it in.

    Any suggestions? I'm a bit upset.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I don't recall reading anything here about such early catastrophic transmission failures but I suppose the good news is that it should be covered by warranty.

    tidester, host
  • 2tahoes2tahoes Member Posts: 6
    :mad: Yep - I too feel deceived. My 07 tahoe is averaging 13.4 mpg. When I took to dealer for oil change at 6,000mi. Asked mgr about it, he said they'll reset computer, should be better. Service tech said comp couldn't do anything about it that there were no upgrades. They make me feel like stupid owner which makes it worse. Before I ordered my LTZ looked into all this "DOD" and all the other promises (Bose stereo upgrade and features which aren't on it)plus other things...voice feature to change station, which doesn't work, and they checked said it does and printed out directions. Now I'm mad I read directions before I brought it up. Got home, husband and two sons all followed their printed out page and it doesn't work! Next time I take it in, I'm gonna make him get in to show him how it doesn't work. No interior storage. More to be said but... I love the syle, size and comfort, but I'm gettin to the point where everytime I get in to drive it, I'm mad that I was so taken. I've always been pro-GM (my last 5 vehicles) now I'm thinking I'll keep this one another year and start to look at the foreign suv's. That angers me that I'm even thinkin that!
  • canddmeyercanddmeyer Member Posts: 410
    The good news is that Chevrolet (GM), unlike most manufacturers, will replace your transmission with a factory rebuilt unit. My local Chevy dealer usually swaps them out in 24 to 48 hours, so unless there is something new or unusual about the 2007 tranny you'll most likely have your vehicle back very soon unless the service department is backed up on repairs. Total bummer though.
  • 73shark73shark Member Posts: 325
    Suggest you check out forums on any potential foreign rig. Just checked out on this forum what my wife just bought and it might be a piece of junk. Time will tell.
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    fungdad, head over to that auto101 forum and i'll dig up some more documentation every week or three and we'll let some objective power mechanics experts can decide who is right. this week's documentation is from some university mech eng web page. google up some of your own docs, why don't ya! see ya over in auto101!
    speaking of tahoe, maybe a diesel for model year 2008?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Here's the link to save a step!

    Auto101: How To and How it Works!

    tidester, host
  • jmaynardjmaynard Member Posts: 37
    Finally, I can actually help someone. Your voice prompts will work. Here's the short and skinny.

    If you press the voice button for a brief second it will ONLY mute the radio. If you press and hold the button for 2-3 seconds, it will chime and you can then use voice commands. Took me two weeks, after a trip back to the dealer where they could not figure it out, to figure this one out on my own. That tip would have been well worth the extra few words in the owners manual.
  • jerrywimerjerrywimer Member Posts: 588
    Hate to burst your bubble stakeout, but the "V8/4 mode thingy" was not a patched fix. GM was the first to announce plans to bring this technology to their vehicles a few years ago when they were still referring to it as DoD. But they messed around doing it and both Honda and Chrysler brought vehicles to market using some form of similar technology before they did(Honda with V6/3 obviously, but Chrysler / Dodge with V8/4). GM didn't put it out as some sort of patch- they just took a while to get it here.

    And for something else to think about- GM doesn't establish the fuel economy numbers that are making everyone so angry- the EPA runs a representative sample of each manufacturer's vehicles on standard test loops (city and highway) and then uses some formula to calculate the number you see on the window sticker. As an additional note of curiosity, the EPA number you see posted isn't even as high as they actually achieve on their test loops- they subtract some standard percentage meant to more closely approximate the effect of Joe Blows' terrible driving style and conditions. ;)
  • jmaynardjmaynard Member Posts: 37
    It's not about EPA estimates, it's about what works and what does not. AFM, or Dod simply does not work on the standard Gm configuration using the 3.x rear axel. That is the complaint. Yes, we would like to see better fuel to distance numbers and if this technology were truely doing what they claim it to do, we would be seeing better numbers. The fact is, the way that they have it set and/or implemented we are getting worse fuel to distance than with the straight V8 in the older models. I get 1 mpg worse than my old 2004. Now, lots of people state that the milage will improve as the engine gets older. Yes, about 1 mpg. That means that even with my MUCH lighter driving, and a newer more wind resistant body style, and a supposed more fuel effecient engine, after some amount of time I will be berrting, well, the exact same fuel to distance that I was getting with my 04. Something just seems wroing with this picture.

    The argument, and the reason that we are asking people to complain, is that it appears that the system only kicks in when coasting downhill. Now, I won't come right out and say it because I cannot prove it but it seems like, given all the factors listed above, if the engine were to go into V4 mode when driving at 60mph on level or even very slightly inclined roads we would get some additional distance for each gallon of fuel burned. It also seems that there is no noticible difference in the amount of fuel used when coasting or going downhill in V8 mode compared to V4 mode. In fact, in my tests, it appears to get better fuel to distance when it is in V8 mode and coasting. Can't explain that one.

    Notice I ever mentioned MPG which is what the EPA put together for us. In fact, I believe that GM laoded the tests that the EPA uses by furnishing a modified 07, probably with the 4.11 rear axel in order to get those numbers. I am convinced that if the EPA took an 07 Tahoe off a dealer lot, with stock options, and ran the exact same tests the numbers would be more like 13 city and 15 highway.

    That, sir, is the problem. We were duped, lied to, scammed. We were sold a feature that, as it stands, only adds something else on the vechile to break and additional weight to lug around with no added value. We were sold this on the premise that this technology would decrease the amount we used per mile. Since we are actually utilizing more fuel now, we believe that Gm has a responsability to 07 Tahoe and Yukon owners to look into the problem and find a solution.
  • fundadfundad Member Posts: 27
    I just hooked up a fuel gauge and tested the fuel pressure while driving... Guess what... 48 PSI while coasting at 70 mph all the way down to 45 mph... Now I know you know absolutely nothing about the internal combustion engine
  • chile96chile96 Member Posts: 330
    Anybody know the recommended tire pressure for the 20" factory wheels?

    Mine came with 17" wheels so it only posts the recommended PSI for those and not 20" wheels. If someone with 20" wheels could take a look at the inside of their driver's door (B pillar) and let me know, I'd sure appreciate it

    TIA
  • 2tahoes2tahoes Member Posts: 6
    jmaynard - Very well put!Thank you. I was told by truck sales mgr that mpg would get better around 6,000 miles. ok, it did go up around four tenths but now that I have 10,100 all the sudden I,m getting worse at 12.3! I'm tired of driving around like granny!!!! especially since it really doesn't appear to do anything!
  • greggbostongreggboston Member Posts: 39
    GM claims "about 8%" improvement on MPG with AFM according to this article GM AFM engines

    and this one say a 5% improvement for trucks.
    GM expands AFM

    So if you think that V4 mode is going to boost your MPG by 20 or 50% you may be disappointed. What I am finding is that my 2007 Suburban will go into V4 mode a fair amount but it is highly dependent upon driving style and conditions. Any additonal load, uphill, acceleration and it will drop back to V8. Also I think that the cruise control may not realize the best MPG since it trys to maintain a set speed rather than allowing the vehicle to slow or speed up depending upon conditions.

    Also engine RPM and speed may have an effect on how long the vehicle stays in V4 mode. I have to experiment more to determine what is the optimum speed/RPM for the best MPG.

    We seem to be realizing about 17 MPG (DIC) in mixed driving -probably 75% highway and 25% city driving. I filled up got on the highway for a 20 mile shot and the DIC said I got 19.4 MPG when I got to the exit. A couple of miles off the highway and back 20 miles and the MPG was down to 17.3.

    I'm thinking that 17 to 19 highway is reasonable for an EPA 20MPG vehicle. Right now I believe we will realize that. We'll see, we have a couple of longer hauls scheduled for the holiday weekend...
  • 73shark73shark Member Posts: 325
    32 psi, 35 psi in spare.
  • 73shark73shark Member Posts: 325
    Not sure what this means. Doesn't the fuel pump supply the rail any time the key is on? Then the regulator controls the pressure.
  • 73shark73shark Member Posts: 325
    Two of the four moldings on my 07 were starting to detach (adhesive failure). Dealer ordered new ones, painted, and installed. New ones are doing the same thing. Service is ordering new ones again and will redo.

    Might check yours closely as it isn't readily apparent.
  • tuscotoddtuscotodd Member Posts: 50
    Is it just me, or does anybody else think that part of the reason it slips from V-4 back to V-8 mode is due to GM trying to keep the change completely unnoticed? I think if we as owners were willing to live with being able to "notice" the change in modes, the V-4 parameters could be set much more agressively. Maybe it would get annoying - similar to a vehicle that is geared to high and keeps locking/unlocking the torque convertor?
    Maybe this is something that the tuners can allow us as owners to modify in the very near future?
    --
    TuscoTodd
  • nosbor77nosbor77 Member Posts: 40
    maybe.. I think it would be great if they just gave us a button for v4/v8 mode. I'd just drop it into v4 when cruising on the hwy. Also for light driving in town. I already don't accelerate very fast to conserve gas, so I figure it wouldn't hurt with half the hp in stop & go traffic.

    The thing that gets me is that this isn't very complicated stuff. I can see why they weren't aggressive with the v4 coming on. Many people would then be complaining about lack of performance or hp from a 5.3L truck. You can't please everyone. Their focus is delivering a truck 1st, then an economy vehicle 2nd. That's why they should have provided us with the ability to turn v4 mode on & off.. Let the driver choose. They never should have made the claims in thier advertising. I can get the 21 mpg on the hwy, but can get no where close to 15mpg in town. Even when I "BABY" it..
  • nosbor77nosbor77 Member Posts: 40
    Has anyone tried adding a cool air intake?? Also, I see throttle body spacers available. Maybe adding this stuff plus better exhaust would improve mpg some.. Sucks to have to spend a G or more to impreve mpg though.
  • jmaynardjmaynard Member Posts: 37
    You need to check your real axel to see which one you have. I would bet that you have the 4.11! Again, for anyone else chiiming in, the problem appears to be worst with the 3.x line of rear axels. People with the 4.11 seem to be happy with what they are getting.

    Noone said that they expect 20-50% improvement. I stated that I expect AN improvement over my 04 model. After all, this is a lower drag body style and it is supposed to be a more technology advanced engine. Myself and others have seen less miles per gallon than with the older less effecient models.
  • tony97gttony97gt Member Posts: 20
    I'm looking for LED lights for my tag light. Does anyone know the bulb number for the tag light?
  • greggbostongreggboston Member Posts: 39
    Sorry I have the 3.73 rear axle. In a 4WD Suburban which I believe is a bit heavier than the Tahoe and has a slightly lower EPA rating (15/20 vs. 15/21 MPG). I am running in 2High mode right now which may make a difference.

    Did the '04 model have the same engine/drivetrain as the '07 minus AFM ? Are you in 2H or 4Auto mode?

    Part of my point was and is that the AFM V4/V8 mode may not be the major factor in apparent lower gas mileage performance. Something else may be at play. I also think driving style can have a much greater effect on MPG than a supposed 5% improvement with AFM. I can realize a 15% improvement in MPG with my other vehicle depending on how agressively I drive it.
  • tony97gttony97gt Member Posts: 20
    I'm looking to connect an amp and a sub to my '07 Tahoe. Not trying to make it ghetto, but I want to give the stereo that little extra "thump" that it needs. Can anybody give me some advice on wheter the '07 Tahoes have pre-amp outputs on the back of the factory radio, and if they do how do I get the factory radio out? I'm looking into a single solobaric 12" kicker in a truck box to just slip behind the 3rd row seat. Thanks!
  • jmaynardjmaynard Member Posts: 37
    Greg, I'm not an idiot. Please read all the posts on the topic befire you write.

    The 04 had the same engine, less the AFM, and drive train.

    I drove my 04 VERY aggressive and it got 14.5 average. I have been babying my 07 and I get 13.5. Others posting here and on other boards have experienced the exact same problem. Now, maybe you got a better batch, or maybe you work for GM and are not stating facts. Not mine to question. I am asking everyone that is not seeing the savings that were advertised to speak out. Those that are are welcome to support us or do whatever, but frankly you, and they, don't have a horse in the race so what would it matter to you. We do enjoy hearing that you are recognizing savings because it gives us hope that our vehicles can be fixed, but please don't base your experience as a judgement of ours. We know what we see.
  • jay_24jay_24 Member Posts: 536
    the '04 and '07 engines are not the same. The '07 put out more horse power and more torque than the '04s did. Perhaps its the same engine tuned differently or slightly different parts.
  • greggbostongreggboston Member Posts: 39
    OK, wow. I have been reading this board about a month and following the MPG threads with concern. I don't work for GM. I'm not judging anyone, only providing "my" experience and what I found on the web on the AFM/DOD engine. The web info states that the MPG gain from AFM alone is only a single digit percentage, i.e. 1 MPG at best. Rather than simply blaming V4/V8 mode for lower than expected MPG, perhaps other causal factors should be considered.

    Some variables (many mentioned previously) - fuel type, rear axle, wheel size, tire type, 2WD or 4x4 mode, ambient temperature, speed, payload, terrain, V4/V6 mode %, driving style - I'm sure there are others.
  • sastokersastoker Member Posts: 11
    I put an Airaid cold air intake and a Gibson exhaust on my Yukon and only noticed (at best) a 1 to 1.5 mpg improvement. I might also install the throttle body spacer this weekend to see what it does - (it should arrive on Friday).

    One problem though, I don't think the Yukon likes the intake and exhaust changes that much. I took it in to the dealership today because it will hesitate in the higher RPM's in second gear when the accelerator is 3/4 or more of the way down. It feels like it is not getting enough gas or that the timing is off. The service department said "scan check, no codes present, no bulletins or updates available" They suggested that I put on the stock intake system and see if the problem goes away. I'm going to try it this weekend.
  • twernst10twernst10 Member Posts: 25
    Hey Sov,
    Curious as to how long it took them to send you yours? I ordered mine last Friday, 2-day delivery and all I have recieved is a order confirmation and invoice number. They don't seem to answer the phone always get v-mail. Do they build them individually or is there a shortage b/c it is a new product. Just a few questions. Really want it before my Tahoe gets here
  • greggbostongreggboston Member Posts: 39
    I sent them two emails with questions in the past week and have gotten no reply as of yet... Looks like a small operation, perhaps they are on vacation. Let us know when you receive the product and get it installed, I'm interested in it also. Thanks!
  • sjenkinzzsjenkinzz Member Posts: 11
    How difficult is it to remove the wood trim around the radio? Does it just snap right off or what?
  • twernst10twernst10 Member Posts: 25
    I actually followed up with an email just a few hours ago, and shortly thereafter recieved a notice from UPS that the package has been delivered. I definitly agree it is a Mom & Pop operation; which I am okay with as long as the quality is there. Won't be able to install for a little while yet. My Tahoe is Factory Order, I think I am the only person on the East Coast that doesn't want 2nd row captains chairs but wants all the other goodies. Any way last truck was a FO and nothing beats getting it built just for you. One cool thing was the window sticker said, " This 2003 Jeep Liberty was built for....." May keep the window sticker just for that reason. Will follow up after I get it installed.
  • sdoo25sdoo25 Member Posts: 25
    This may have been mentioned previously but it would be good to remind everyone. I believe that the gas for the summer is being mixed w/only ethanol instead of whatever was used previously. Ethanol doesn't burn as efficiently as the previous addative. The difference in mileage from the EPA, everyone's previous Tahoe's, etc. may also be due to this fuel change as well as incorrect programming.

    I'm a big GM supporter (my mom and step-dad worked for them)so I hope that this gets sorted out before there's additional bad press (justified or not). I will add that I didn't buy the '07 Tahoe for the gas mileage (needed room for the kids), so while I too would like the V4 mode to be engaged more often (may try adding a freer flowing exhaust, that seemed to increase the mpg for some people) I'm happy with the performance so far. :)
  • junglegeorgejunglegeorge Member Posts: 129
    Please let me know how you make out, I have the same CAI unit and was going to install it this weekend. Thanks George
  • junglegeorgejunglegeorge Member Posts: 129
    I also have not received any reply from my e-mails. I have the NAV w/o the rear entertainment center, my question is will I be able to play DVD's on the front screen? Thanks George
  • sdoo25sdoo25 Member Posts: 25
    I don't think you will. From my reading of the Tahoe's brochure and specs, if you don't have the rear entertainment system, the NAV system doesn't play DVD's, only CD's. Look at your head unit to see if the DVD logo is on it.
  • sovereignmgmtsovereignmgmt Member Posts: 30
    Got mine in 3 days. I know that the Avalanche club did a group buy of 18 and that may be the reason for the lag.
  • sovereignmgmtsovereignmgmt Member Posts: 30
    Removing the trim was hard part of the install. I thought I was going to brake it I was pulling so hard. It is really in there.
  • sovereignmgmtsovereignmgmt Member Posts: 30
    I don't think you will.
  • chile96chile96 Member Posts: 330
    I was litterally about to order the override thing but then just came across all these posts about no communication.

    I think i will try & call them to order....
  • junglegeorgejunglegeorge Member Posts: 129
    Normally I don’t do my laundry in public, but after spending 3 hours and 22 minuets on the phone with Chevy customer service today , I need to share this experience: In early March I decided to purchase a 2007 Tahoe LTZ, I had received a GM credit card “Top Off” offer worth an additional $1200 towards the purchase. My dealer could not find an acceptable Tahoe prior to the expiration of this first quarter offer, so I special ordered a LTZ exactly how I wanted it (LOADED) knowing that I would forfeit the $1200 top off offer. I read on this forum that several readers had received a customer loyalty coupon worth $1500. In April I called GM/Chevy marketing and inquired if I was qualified for this offer since I had purchased 13 new Chevy trucks over the past 30 years. After being transferred to Eric, Manager of the Chevy marketing department, I was told that if I had a GM credit card, I was not eligible for the loyalty coupon. (so far I can accept this as part of life) However Eric goes on, voluntary, to give me his direct line and tells me to call him directly prior to the purchase, he indicates that GM has several trial offers that may be available soon, including a $1500 Gas card. My LTZ is delayed due to parts curtailment, however I finally get a build date followed by a delivery date of July 6. I call Eric as instructed, he states that he will do something to keep me whole, he tells me that the new promotions are due to be released any day, or he will arrange for a On-star credit or some additional “Dealer Cash”. My LTZ arrives at the dealer on July 2nd , I call Eric, he states he is working on something, reassures me that he will keep me whole, and instructs me to go ahead and purchase the LTZ and that he will contact me in a couple of days after the holiday. I took delivery of the LTZ - Huge mistake!! To date I have left 47 voice mail messages for Eric, the owner, finance manager, and salesman of the dealership have left numerous messages, all unanswered. I have called several staff members of the marketing department, they have e-mailed Eric and left messages on his desk, 6 weeks not a single response. I have called Chevy customer service to escalate the issue on 3 separate occasions, each time they document my call, and promise a return call within 24 hours. I have not received a single call back !!! It’s no longer about the money, I have given up on that, I just want some one to explain to me how this idiot still has a management position with Chevy. So today I called customer service and demanded to speak to a manager, after an hour or so I was finally transferred to Jeff, a customer service manager. After pleading my case, he explained and I quote “ I am as high as you, a consumer, can go”. “You can not talk to anyone above me, and I cannot help you” I have called Eric, he will not take your call, and you can not talk to anyone above him either”. “You did sign a contract didn’t you?” “I can transfer you to your dealer if you would like, but other than that I can not help you” Next I tried to open a case for the DOD/AFM issue, Chevy would not open a case, stating I only had 3005 miles on the LTZ, they would not acknowledge if there was a customer concern regarding the issue, and kept referring me back to my dealer. 3 hours and 22 minuets on the phone, and no help what so ever, this manager, Eric, will not take any calls regarding my case. No one will take accountability for Eric’s lack of customer service skills, or the DOD/AFM issue. I find this level of customer service appalling!! For what its worth, I am writing a letter to GM corporate. If anyone have a contact higher up the food chain in Chevy, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. This is my last GM product!!!
  • sovereignmgmtsovereignmgmt Member Posts: 30
    I had no problem with them. I don't think 3 days from order to delivery is a long time.
  • rhame13rhame13 Member Posts: 23
    I ordered mine after reading it in the original post. I received in a couple of days. Everything was there to install but my Denali....it's being built...still. I called them last Friday and spoke to someone that was very nice and helpful. Great product, however my only problem with it was that I would have to press the button everytime I wanted to override etc, and once I killed my car, and restarted I would have to do it all over again. I have been told that there is another product that is around $500 or $600 from Navtech that I wouldn't have to do that with. So I am sending mine back and waiting for something a little less technically challenging for me.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Consider posting that in Customer Service: The good, the bad and the ugly!!

    tidester, host
  • critter708critter708 Member Posts: 1
    In regards to the nav override I have a 07 Tahoe with Nav but no rear DVD, the aux input on the front face is it only audio or is there a video component? IE can I plug a video Ipod in somehow, or are there av inputs on the back somewhere?
    Thanks,
  • 73shark73shark Member Posts: 325
    Here's what another owner did.

    http://www.chevroletforum.com/m_6412/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm#6879

    Roof Mount Monitor (Pyle PLVW1042R) $217.00


    Headrest Monitors (Pyle PLVHR65M) $104.00 each


    Video Signal Dist (Pyle PLV2) $21.00


    FM Modulator (Pyle PLMD2) $24.00


    Video Source (Got if for free!)


    iPod AV Cable $19.00
  • sovereignmgmtsovereignmgmt Member Posts: 30
    That still would not give you video on the front Nav screen.
    All that would do is give you video for the rear.
  • sovereignmgmtsovereignmgmt Member Posts: 30
    I added vizualogic headrests monitors with built in DVD players for the front seats and spliced them into the av inputs in the console. Now if a DVD is playing from one of the headrest it can also be played on the front nav screen and the overhead monitor as well.
  • twernst10twernst10 Member Posts: 25
    I saw that NavTech version on ebay a few days ago, now I can't find it anywhere. Could you post a link? Just got a build date for My Tahoe 9-18-06, loving it. CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This discussion has been closed.