Springs should be about $300 Body pucks maybe $200 Larger tires: mute point since you'd put them on the wrangler anyway. Skid Plates $300-$400max Bumpers $1000 total (of which some of that you'd spend on putting a beefed up bumper on the wrangler anyway)
Thanks for the follow up info on the encoder motor. I tried the suggestion of pulling the ATCM fuse (fuse 8 - ATC?) in the underhood fuse block and the AWD fuse (fuse 48) in the passenger compartment fuse block. Neither one stops the binding problem when I backup and turn. I guess I'll wait until a fix is available in October.
If anyone has luck in getting GM to fix this problem, please repost right away with info. Thanks.
Why do you insist on a manual transmisson? Sure, manuals are fun to drive, but an automatic is better for offroading and towing. No clutch to burn up and less stress to the engine when going over bumps and rocks because of the fluid coupling.
Wherever did you get the idea that this was an offroad vehicle? I know! The commercials, right? :-) I bought mine because of horsepower and rear wheel drive. Also to carry my surfboards to the beach. The Toyota 4-runner is a great offroad SUV, but it is gutless and sways badly in the wind (poor on-road manners). They're finally fixing most of that with the latest model.
You can tow a smallish boat with a sedan, but it will be quite unresponsive if it's anything larger than a fishing boat, especially when you're going over hilly/mountainous terrain!
because no one can. A whole bunch of your "defects" are in fact positives in my opinion. Why waste the time of everyone on this forum with a debate about the virtues of an automatic versus a manual transmission or some other feature that is not an option on these vehicles?
"Anon are you living in the 70s? sedans can't tow anymore except maybe the Grand Marque."
Oops. I guess maybe. Really? How about a Camaro? I am trying to picture RWD, V8, and coming up blanks. Wow, what has happened? No wonder SUV's have gotten so popular. The choices have dried up.
"also ATs are superior in offroad situations."
That is a highly debatable subject, and a can of worms I don't want to open.
" A whole bunch of your "defects" are in fact positives in my opinion."
Different tastes for different people.
"...Why waste the time of everyone on this forum with a debate about the virtues of an automatic versus a manual transmission or some other feature that is not an option on these vehicles?"
Because it is a somewhat attractive vehicle to me, and I've heard some good things (as well as bad) about them, and I am interested if it would be a good fit for me. I am unfamiliar with them, and trying to get some information. I thought that was kinda the purpose of these forums. No? Just because certain things are not available or optional or whatever does not mean everybody knows that. Thanks anyhow.
I'd say hands down auto's are better. Case in point...get a manual in deep mud...and see what happens to the clutch
The only benefit to the manual off road is downhill breaking, but the auto's are hardly bad. Besides, try starting up hill in a manual off road without wheelspin.
Don't even try to compare reliability as the autos of today are great...especially when you add in the clutch.
"...Besides, try starting up hill in a manual off road without wheelspin."
That is an easy one. Just don't use the clutch. Just turn it over in gear. That's an old old offroad trick. In fact, that might be considered an advantage to the manual.
Golden dog: GM replaced mine several months ago and I have not had a problem yet. Not sure what is new with their latest fix. Pulling the fuse didn't help mine. I wonder if they really aren't changing anything but that there is a shortage of parts.
FYI: my '94 Z-28 is rated for 1000 lbs towing. Ever see a pop-up tent do 120 mph? Ha ha!
Manual vs Auto? Pathfinders are also availible with a stick but are rare. Autos are just way more common. Off road? Think of all the places jeeps and trucks went during WWII. All sticks. It all depends on how you drive them.
I dunno, why? Silly question, I know, but you complain about the reliability issues of a JGC yet you would consider a Triplet which people complain about also. I personally have had minor problems with my TB, but nothing major. I guarantee that you won't get the off-road capabilities in a Triplet as a Jeep. Trust ME. even with 31"Tires my ground clearance is about 9" Not the best... I probably could do decent without the front and rear clip's, just weld some sheet metal ones... there is nothing blocking it... The truck does decent, but then again... how many stories have you heard about Jeep's not being serviced because they "aren't made to go off road" lol.... In this day and age, you aren't going to find many vehicles that will do well off road... at least new ones.. Explorer has IRS that go through the frame.... The TB has IFS that goes through the oil pan. so. Most lift kits for IFS vehicles are limited by the angle of the shortest driveline anyway... you can easily push the tires out an inch or two and get a 4" lift on the truck. Cost? about 2grand. Same with all IFS. Can't answer your question, but I say buy what you want, and let your personal experience judge a vehicle, not someone elses... look back about 100 posts... many people have had good experiences with their Triplets...
Actually you'd be suprised right in their Warranty is says that the warranty would be void if use off-road. Funny considering that is their selling point!
I currently debating replacing mine speakers as well, but I don't have the Bose :-( - that's why I'm looking. Someone posted about speaker replacement and options try searching (I've heard searching is so-so here).
I at least want to replace my rear speakers with 3-way replacements. I am considering something from Crutchfield (www.crutchfield.com). They seem to have a good selection and good information to help select the right speakers that fit.
I guess one encounters a lemon at least once in their life time. It's like roullete(russian).. We have always lived with well built GM products except for this Bravada. I think what makes this situation worse is the way you're treated at the dealership were you have been a customer for years. Also at the Olds customer Assistance. If they treat you with respect (not trivialize what your trying to tell them and look at you like your nuts)and really try to help, it might make the situtation a little less stressful on their customer. When they start saying you can't have a loaner, the BUMP, Klunk, like your hit in the rear, your experiencing is a can rolling in the back (insulting) one starts getting a little more stressed and turns to places as this for help to find some answers to their dream car nightmares. I wish I never found this site, that would mean we had no problems with our Bravada. It comes loaded with some of them!
If you're dealer won't step up to bat for you, shop around! Surely there are other Chevy/GMC dealers in the area, if not Olds? If you explain your situation to another dealer and let them know that you are unsatisfied with your current dealer, they will most likely go out of their way to make you happy (in hopes of repeat business). You are absolutely right though. The way a dealer handles your problems makes all of the difference! Hopefully everything will work out for you!
"Actually you'd be suprised right in their Warranty is says that the warranty would be void if use off-road. Funny considering that is their selling point!"
When I was in college, we used to go test drive Jeeps on a Saturday. After beating it through the cornfields, streams, and mountains, we'd come back to the dealership with the frazzled sales guy, and say we didn't want it or it was too beat up or something.
Johntr, we have the Advanced Search feature turned on so give that a try (left sidebar). It's still in beta so usual disclaimers. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
IMO, the goto function needs some work... you try goto #8000 in this thread and it goes to #7680 errr... does it have a different counter? perhaps one that counts deleted posts?
Anyone know where the crossovers are for the front sub-woofers in a trailblazer with a bose cd changer system? I would like to get rid of the crossovers so that I can get some mid ranges out of the front door speakers. thanks.
Ron M : I just tuned in belatedly and read your response on the whining comments. Excellent post! In my case, my TB has been ok but certainly way short of perfect. I enjoy hearing both pro's and cons of any vehicle and this board serves as an awesome media for it. I feel for any of the folks here who have one of the "bad ones" and unfortunately the odds of being in this predicament do seem much higher than they shoud be.
All tires are up to max psi and I still have a vibration usually at 57 -60, however last Thursday I felt it at 50 and down the road at 45. I found a TSB 00-03-10-007B; replaces 00-03-10-007A; Shake/Vibration in Steering Wheel, Floor, Seat at Highway Speeds on Smooth Roads (Diagnose/Balance Tires/Wheels); specified cars 1997-2002 I asked the dealer when the car was in to have the rear HVAC control replaced to check on it and see if it applied to the trailblazer but that advisor forgot. We will use another advisor the next time, have not been at all happy with this one. I hope it get them to check the tire balance. We also just experienced a rubbing noise in the drivers window that I will have too check out. I still love our TB. Our other is a 2000 suburban. Previous ones were an 83,87 and 90 suburbans. After only buying suburbans for the 19 years, we tried all sorts of SUV's before deciding that we liked the TB the best. Just wish we did not have these hassles.
On the Bose there is a seperate amplifier that drives the speakers.The crossover is in the amplifier. That's where the crossover is done, active-electronically. Makes it rather hard to modify.
Maybe there's a silent majority out there who have had excellent luck with their triplet. If so, I'm one of those. I bought an '02 Bravada last October, and have driven back and forth from Western Ill to Southern California and I just returned from New Orleans. I have also made many side trips to the tune of just short of 25k miles in 11 months. I had my first service at the dealership but had no complaints. While in California I had the 'check engine' light, but a quick replacement of a sensor fixed it. Otherwise, I have been having service at a quick change shop and bringing my own Mobil-1. I have had no reason to go back to the dealership for any warranty work. I have been following this thread for the entire time, and looking for the problems that I have seen here, but have had none. I don't have the license gasket, but have had no paint chipping. I symphatize with those who have had problems, but I hope prospective buyers will realize that they aren't all bad.
Well, put in the the silent ones who has had only a minor issue or two with their triplet (Envoy). Minor rattle/tap when engine would torque (tranny cross member needed to be bit tighter) and mirrors which didn't always return to their memory location...both fixed by the very willing to please dealer.
As a precaution I inquired about the license gasket (I had no scraping or noise - White Truck which probably helps reflect the heat), and the dealer tossed on a gasket while performing the fuel filter recall and my first complimentary oil/filter change.
Otherwise a very uneventful 10 months...and I am so far very pleased with the truck. (So far the nicest vehicle I've owned). I did however buy an extended warranty at a discount, after getting the truck at dealer invoice. (She's a first year model and I tend to keep my vehicles for 5-6 years).
Got my recall notice for the fuel filter fitting. Are these just now starting to be sent out?
For those of you complaining about reliability, I've had my Trailblazer since February, and this is the first recall notice I've received (for a new design in it's first "year"). I believe Ford had to recall the Escape 5 times in the first six months, and had several recalls on the Explorer. They also held off delivering the new Thunderbird to make sure they got it right. My TB may not be perfect, but so far so good. . .
new dealer hasn't even seen car and is saying "can't duplicate, can't fix". What is one to do? Go sit there every day and hope "Christine" does her thing? and what if she does, what's stopping them from saying "can't duplicate". I guess I'm losing trust. She is now doing nasty transmission things, intermitent of course along with her many other problems.
Having the crossovers in the amplifier does make it difficult to modify. I had put in some nice 1" silk dome tweeters in the dash. They realy improved the the highs, but I have more of a hole in the midrange than I would like. Next step will be to replace the 1" domes with some 3.5" coaxials. They probably won't be as smooth on the high end, but I should get better midranges. Anything is better than the cheap 2.5" paper cone tweeters that come with the bose $500 option.... Does anyone know the crossover frequencies inside the amplifier? Thanks.
Unfortunately the service data doesn't get that specific. I referred to the wiring schematic diagram that shows the speakers connect directly to the amp - no passive xover components between.
Hey there, I did a complete overhaul of my audio system. Didn't have the bose system either, but didn't really want it. Crutchfield is good, but their prices are kinda high. Replacing the tb speakers was a piece of cake, so I suggest getting your speaks somewhere else that's less expensive. You could use the crutchfield guide for size and all, but thre's alot of room to play with, though I don't know about the rears though. I've bought stuff from www.thezeb.com and they are pretty good. Good prices and fast delivery. Hope that helps.
I replaced the rear speakers with some 5.25". Be carefull with the depth. There is an end of a bolt on the window frame that will hit when the window is lowered. I used a bolt cutter and clipped off a quarter of an inch of the end of the bolt and I no longer have any problems. To bad the factory mount didn't support a 6.5" speaker.
11/02 build date Envoy - fortunate with only minor issues (gasket, wandering mirrors). Sorry to anyone who is experiencing additional issues - I would not be happy either! Good luck. I did not purchase an extended warranty and am curious if most buyers did, or if anyone has recommendations. Can I even purchase it at this point? cost? I plan to keep the car at least 5 years, most likely longer. Air Conditioning question: For the 3rd time in about 3 months, I have turned on the car, run the a/c and all that comes from the vents is musty/outside air. When it happened this morning, I tried the "turn the car off then back on" fix that I read about here. It worked. I have read several posts on this - but don't recall if there is a fix available. Thanks for the help!
I put a pair of Kenwood Excelon 4" two ways in the dash and they sound a ton better. The Bose door speakers are hard to beat, as I tried Kenwood's best 6.5" mid-bass ($300/pair) and ended up putting the Bose back in. The rears are direct replacement 5.25 and I put Kenwood Excelons back there also. In the rear, I put a Kenwood Woox under the panel. On the factory had unit, I tune the Bass to -2, and let the Woox handle the lows, which removes a lot of the Bose boominess in the doors. It is much improved sound without messing with the head unit or the amps, and is not expensive.
Crutchfield had a listing of 6 3/4" for front and rear that are listed as a direct fit. Can anyone verify that the 6 3/4" will fit in the rear? Is depth the only constraint?
Regarding the Ext Warranty. You can purchase a GM extended warranty any time up until you reach the end of the existing 3/36 warranty. There are other warranties out there. I would suggest that if you go with other than GM, call your service department and ask about that company. There are a fw ext warranty companies out there that are slow to pay. When they are slow to pay, you are slow in being able to pick up your vehicle. Also some of them require used parts to be used in the repair.
Cost: With the GM warranty. There are several ways you can go. GM offers variations from 3 years (from date of purchase) to 7 years and from 48,000 miles until 100,000 miles. I had a truck that I paid $900.00 for a 3 Year (from Date of purchase) 100,00 mile Zero Deductable warranty. Yes I drove ALOT. But this warranty paid for itself 5 times over. I had a transmission go, two A/C control heads ($600.00 a piece) and the rear differential.
Also remember that the dealer can mark up the warranty extensively. I knew someone at the dealer and got a good price. I have never had a problem with the GM ext warranty and have heard of problems with others. Your local service advisor can tell you if the one you inquire about is a problem.
P.S. Service advisors most often make money when they refer a customer to purchase a car or other major expense like an Ext Warranty. This is usually called a spiff. Be wary if they try to sell you rather than answer your questions....
I may have found a way to get GM to flash my PCM... I don't know if it will help, but ya never know... Will let you all know how it turns out... supposedly supposed to help with cold start surge/hesitation, trans downshifting delays, improve 1-2 upshift, fan noise... hopefully they will have to flash the whole PCM and I will get better mileage out of it... (crossing fingers) will let you guys know how it turns out...
From what a dealer has tole me. In order to update any of the calibrations (as they call them) they download all available updates at once. They are supposedly unable to pick and choose. Based on VIN number you will be updated with the latest for all areas of calibration. This can be a mixed blessing.
The other day I let the windshield washer fluid in my TB go low enough that the rear washer stopped working. I added fluid and I am now trying to get the washer to work but when I press the button nothing happens. Has anyone had this issue before? If so , was it an electrical issue or does the pump need to be primed? How do I correct this?
Comments
Body pucks maybe $200
Larger tires: mute point since you'd put them on the wrangler anyway.
Skid Plates $300-$400max
Bumpers $1000 total (of which some of that you'd spend on putting a beefed up bumper on the wrangler anyway)
So we are looking at a max total of $2000 extra.
-mike
If anyone has luck in getting GM to fix this problem, please repost right away with info. Thanks.
Sure, manuals are fun to drive, but
an automatic is better for offroading and towing. No clutch to burn up and less stress to the engine when going over bumps and rocks because of the fluid coupling.
I bought mine because of horsepower and rear wheel drive. Also to carry my surfboards to the beach.
The Toyota 4-runner is a great offroad SUV, but it is gutless and sways badly in the wind (poor on-road manners). They're finally fixing most of that with the latest model.
also ATs are superior in offroad situations.
-mike
"why would I want this"
because no one can. A whole bunch of your "defects" are in fact positives in my opinion. Why waste the time of everyone on this forum with a debate about the virtues of an automatic versus a manual transmission or some other feature that is not an option on these vehicles?
Oops. I guess maybe. Really? How about a Camaro? I am trying to picture RWD, V8, and coming up blanks. Wow, what has happened? No wonder SUV's have gotten so popular. The choices have dried up.
"also ATs are superior in offroad situations."
That is a highly debatable subject, and a can of worms I don't want to open.
OK. So that's all we'll hear out of...whoops!
"...because no one can...."
I bet marketing departments would like to try.
" A whole bunch of your "defects" are in fact positives in my opinion."
Different tastes for different people.
"...Why waste the time of everyone on this forum with a debate about the virtues of an automatic versus a manual transmission or some other feature that is not an option on these vehicles?"
Because it is a somewhat attractive vehicle to me, and I've heard some good things (as well as bad) about them, and I am interested if it would be a good fit for me. I am unfamiliar with them, and trying to get some information. I thought that was kinda the purpose of these forums. No? Just because certain things are not available or optional or whatever does not mean everybody knows that. Thanks anyhow.
The only benefit to the manual off road is downhill breaking, but the auto's are hardly bad. Besides, try starting up hill in a manual off road without wheelspin.
Don't even try to compare reliability as the autos of today are great...especially when you add in the clutch.
Just my thoughts.
That is an easy one. Just don't use the clutch. Just turn it over in gear. That's an old old offroad trick. In fact, that might be considered an advantage to the manual.
Back to our regularly scheduled program.
Please convince me why or why not the Trailblazer might be good for me (or not).
FYI: my '94 Z-28 is rated for 1000 lbs towing. Ever see a pop-up tent do 120 mph? Ha ha!
Manual vs Auto? Pathfinders are also availible with a stick but are rare. Autos are just way more common. Off road? Think of all the places
jeeps and trucks went during WWII. All sticks. It all depends on how you drive them.
GAM
-mike
Can't answer your question, but I say buy what you want, and let your personal experience judge a vehicle, not someone elses... look back about 100 posts... many people have had good experiences with their Triplets...
-mike
I at least want to replace my rear speakers with 3-way replacements. I am considering something from Crutchfield (www.crutchfield.com). They seem to have a good selection and good information to help select the right speakers that fit.
Anyone have any comments on Crutchfield?
Thanks
John
on their customer. When they start saying you can't have a loaner, the BUMP, Klunk, like your hit in the rear, your experiencing is a can rolling in the back (insulting) one starts getting a little more stressed and turns to places as this for help to find some answers to their dream car nightmares. I wish I never found this site, that would mean we had no problems with our Bravada. It comes loaded with some of them!
When I was in college, we used to go test drive Jeeps on a Saturday. After beating it through the cornfields, streams, and mountains, we'd come back to the dealership with the frazzled sales guy, and say we didn't want it or it was too beat up or something.
I've since grown up (a little).
:-)
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
pat "Lost in the Town Hall? Ask the Sedans Host for directions!" Nov 13, 2001 4:49pm
Steve
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Keep up the good work!
john
thanks.
Seat at Highway Speeds on Smooth Roads
(Diagnose/Balance Tires/Wheels); specified
cars 1997-2002 I asked the dealer when the car was in to have the rear HVAC control replaced to check on it and see if it applied to the trailblazer but that advisor forgot. We will use another advisor the next time, have not been at all happy with this one. I hope it get them to check the tire balance. We also just experienced a rubbing noise in the drivers window that I will have too check out. I still love our TB. Our other is a 2000 suburban. Previous ones were an 83,87 and 90 suburbans. After only buying suburbans for the 19 years, we tried all sorts of SUV's before deciding that we liked the TB the best. Just wish we did not have these hassles.
As a precaution I inquired about the license gasket (I had no scraping or noise - White Truck which probably helps reflect the heat), and the dealer tossed on a gasket while performing the fuel filter recall and my first complimentary oil/filter change.
Otherwise a very uneventful 10 months...and I am so far very pleased with the truck. (So far the nicest vehicle I've owned). I did however buy an extended warranty at a discount, after getting the truck at dealer invoice. (She's a first year model and I tend to keep my vehicles for 5-6 years).
Ray
For those of you complaining about reliability, I've had my Trailblazer since February, and this is the first recall notice I've received (for a new design in it's first "year"). I believe Ford had to recall the Escape 5 times in the first six months, and had several recalls on the Explorer. They also held off delivering the new Thunderbird to make sure they got it right. My TB may not be perfect, but so far so good. . .
http://www.trailblazer.homestead.com/
Does anyone know the crossover frequencies inside the amplifier?
Thanks.
Unfortunately the service data doesn't get that specific. I referred to the wiring schematic diagram that shows the speakers connect directly to the amp - no passive xover components between.
Hey there,
I did a complete overhaul of my audio system. Didn't have the bose system either, but didn't really want it. Crutchfield is good, but their prices are kinda high. Replacing the tb speakers was a piece of cake, so I suggest getting your speaks somewhere else that's less expensive. You could use the crutchfield guide for size and all, but thre's alot of room to play with, though I don't know about the rears though. I've bought stuff from www.thezeb.com and they are pretty good. Good prices and fast delivery. Hope that helps.
Saw your posts on speaker replacement. Pls. explain how you removed the door panels to access the speakers. Thanks.
I did not purchase an extended warranty and am curious if most buyers did, or if anyone has recommendations. Can I even purchase it at this point? cost? I plan to keep the car at least 5 years, most likely longer.
Air Conditioning question: For the 3rd time in about 3 months, I have turned on the car, run the a/c and all that comes from the vents is musty/outside air. When it happened this morning, I tried the "turn the car off then back on" fix that I read about here. It worked. I have read several posts on this - but don't recall if there is a fix available.
Thanks for the help!
Regarding the Ext Warranty.
You can purchase a GM extended warranty any time up until you reach the end of the existing 3/36 warranty. There are other warranties out there. I would suggest that if you go with other than GM, call your service department and ask about that company.
There are a fw ext warranty companies out there that are slow to pay. When they are slow to pay, you are slow in being able to pick up your vehicle.
Also some of them require used parts to be used in the repair.
Cost:
With the GM warranty. There are several ways you can go. GM offers variations from 3 years (from date of purchase) to 7 years and from 48,000 miles until 100,000 miles. I had a truck that I paid $900.00 for a 3 Year (from Date of purchase) 100,00 mile Zero Deductable warranty. Yes I drove ALOT. But this warranty paid for itself 5 times over. I had a transmission go, two A/C control heads ($600.00 a piece) and the rear differential.
Also remember that the dealer can mark up the warranty extensively. I knew someone at the dealer and got a good price.
I have never had a problem with the GM ext warranty and have heard of problems with others. Your local service advisor can tell you if the one you inquire about is a problem.
P.S. Service advisors most often make money when they refer a customer to purchase a car or other major expense like an Ext Warranty. This is usually called a spiff. Be wary if they try to sell you rather than answer your questions....
Walter
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_offrd/m1185/n6_v31/19308341/p1/article.jhtml
http://www.epinions.com/auto-Topics-3/pp_~1/pa_~1
http://www.vintagebronco.com/colobronco/tech/writeups/au_vs_ma.htm
Walter
Thanks