Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    RE:Dead Battery by allenr "...Delco batteries made a few years ago. They had a problem of leaking at the terminals and spilling battery acid all over the place."

    Interesting. I had a 2 year old Delco battery start leaking acid at the + terminal several years ago in '97 way before I had ever heard of a TrailBlazer. They blamed me for overtightening the bolt that attaches the cable to the + batt terminal and would not warranty it. I DID NOT overtighten it. Cost me $80 for a new battery.

    An observation.. looks like if we want to retain the fancy battery housing these triplets came with we are stuck using a Delco battery. Every other brand of replacement battery I know of also has top terminals that will be in the way of that battery housing "box". I had already considered replacing the factory Delco with an Interstate "Optima" battery but then I can't retain the stock battery housing. Seems like the battery manufacturers would have a restraint of trade issue with GM over that.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    ditch the stock battery housing.

    problem solved!

    :-)

    (why make things difficult?)
  • gator36gator36 Member Posts: 294
    The side post terminals on GM trucks pull out on most brand batteries. The issue has to do with design.
    The positive cables pull on the post when going over bumps and such. Most times the connection between the post on the side of the battery and it's internal connection to the lead plates gets severed and the vehicle will not start and in most cases will not jump start. Only enough juice gets through to light a couple lights....

    Walter
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    "ditch the stock battery housing. problem solved!"

    Well yeah but that's not what I said. " if we want to retain the fancy battery housing .." I figure I paid good money for that fancy ventillated battery housing and all the R&D that went into its design!
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Yes that's actually what I think happened. The "+" cable had absolutely no slack in it, was fixed tight with a cable clamp to the frame, and I figure the strain on the battery terminal cracked the case causing it to leak. I loosened the cable clamp to get a little slack and never had a failure after that. But definitely a weak point in the ACDelco battery design.
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    The design is to keep the battery cool... thus the intake hose on the battery... =oP besides... it keeps the battery pretty clean off road.. hehe
  • nuyorkahnuyorkah Member Posts: 100
    >I think GM decided the current method is best and that is why it is the only >way they are coming. True, I may be thinking to highly of GM.

    I remember about 8 months ago a 02 Yukon
    came into the dealer from the factory with a
    Yukon nameplate on one door and Tahoe on the other. Maybe the same guy is in charge of crossrails. ;)
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    Who knows why they're coming installed backwards? Rest assured, the laws of aerodynamics didn't suddenly change. Raindrops are still coming down plump side first.
  • d2000one1d2000one1 Member Posts: 47
    The service manager called me today and said that my Envoy should be ready tomorrow afternoon. They had to order a PCM seal overnight and that should solve my problem. I sure hope this solves my problem. I'll keep you all posted!!

    Thanks again for all your feedback!
  • babyshoesbabyshoes Member Posts: 23
    330 miles all highway. Cruze set at 74-76mph. Temp 58. Yes, I know this is Ideal. My Durango did this same route last year same time and got 15.9mp

    Gota say, I am shocked about all the b*chn about the triplets. I am so happy with this vehicle.

    Envoy XL
    3.42
  • missouri2missouri2 Member Posts: 41
    hold on they will get you. a good triplet is the wrong thing to have on this board. build date 06-01 and still happy.
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    tblazed: lets get this right, the battery terminal loosens and leaks because the battery cable has no slack and applies a constant pulling force on the terminal causing it to loosen and leak, and the problem is with the battery design? I don't think so. Any battery post will loosen if you pull on it with enough force. Many people will remove or carry a battery by grabbing a top post with a pair of channel locks or other similar tool. This will also ruin the battery post. If the battery cable is too short, that is the problem.

    Frank
  • penny14penny14 Member Posts: 17
    I hope replacing the pcm solves you problem, however, I believe they tried that at least once with my vehicle. The last fix (12/01) seems to have corrected the problem. It has to do with the air suspension system causing a short in the wiring harness. I truly believe the first two times my car stalled and they replaced stuff the dealer hadn't gotten to the REAL source of the problem. My car was acting just like yours--would just stall completely then restart 10-15 minutes later as though nothing had ever happened to it.

    The first two times I had it towed in, but the third time I waited for it is restart and drove directly to the dealer. They were then able to find numerous codes that On-star couldn't detect.

    To set your mind at ease, I would have your dealer check the above. I believe there might even be a TSB on this very problem.
  • pauleulpauleul Member Posts: 116
    I could be all wet here, but I don't think there are as many concerns with the triplets as it appears when reading all the posts here. I think we've been seeing a small number of very unhappy owners who have been VERY vocal about their problems over and over and over again.

    No, I don't blame them, I wouldn't be very happy if I had some of the problems being posted here either.

    Those of us who aren't having any problems and are happy with our trucks only occasionally post.

    Someone will correct me, I'm sure, on the right ratios - but I have heard unhappy customers tell their story 12 times. Happy customers tell it 3 times.

    Add to that the likelihood that happy owners aren't spending their time reading this board - while unhappy ones are looking for every possible avenue to vent.

    Again, I'm not flaming those who got stuck with lemons. I'm sure I'd be guilty as charged too if I had one - or if mine turns in to one ;>(

    02/02 build Envoy SLT w/7,000 miles and still ticking (Timex joke)
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    "Raindrops are still coming down plump side first. "

    It's true, the laws of aerodynamics have not changed. And that would explain why Indy Cars slice through the air at 230 mph "plump side" last. So it would seem that the arrows printed on the cross bars should be correct, and the thin edge should face the front of the truck.

    If "plump side first" were the most aerodynamically efficient way to travel, we should all go out and strap a big sheet of plywood to the front of our vehicles.

    Incidentally, raindrops don't fall the way they do because of their shape. Instead, they are shaped the way they are because of the fall. In other words, it's the fall that dictates the shape, not the shape that dictates the fall. Laws of physics say a water drop "wants" to be perfectly round, and it's merely the fall to earth that's trying to tear the water drop apart.

    Sorry, but I just couldn't leave that one hanging there.
  • gator36gator36 Member Posts: 294
    From what I have seen it is not the battery or the cable "design" that is the problem.
    It has been the weight and lack of support for the battery cables. The actual weight of the cables in motion is what starts the failure. I have seen many a truck and suburbans with this battery failure....
    (I was also warned about it from a GM service writer)
  • pauleulpauleul Member Posts: 116
    But kgbkahnk, the last time I flew, the wings on the airplane were plump side first????????

    As one who frequently drives 300 MPH in my triplet, how else will I be able to take off?
    8)

    And it isn't even Friday yet.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    How about a quickie little poll?

    copy the list below, then paste into a new message with the Title of: "POLL", adding your name to the appropriate section. Optional 1-5 word description of problems. I started with a couple from today's post.

    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    ===================================
    missouri2

    UNHAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-( :-( :-(
    ===================================
    d2000one1 (Engine Stalling)
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    ahhh....you make a valid point, however when *I'm* travelling in excess of 300 mph in my triplet, i prefer to keep it glued to the ground, so i'll keep my cross bars facing "forward"

    If you prefer to get airborne and need that wing-like lift on your high-speed trips, then by all means run 'em plump side first. I've just always found that cornering at speed is a bit of a bear when I don't have rubber making contact with pavement. ;-)
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    "lets get this right, the battery terminal loosens and leaks because the battery cable has no slack"

    That's the way GM built the truck ('88 S-10 I still own). and affixed the battery cables to the frame with clamps , absolutely no "give" or slack whatsoever.

    "and applies a constant pulling force on the terminal causing it to loosen and leak, and the problem is with the battery design?"

    Yep, IMO. Seems not have enough reinforcement around the side terminals to hold up. If ACDelco-GM would go back to top terminals and not have the side terminals that are below the level of electrolyte that are apparently too weak in the design to withstand the rigors of being installed in a motor vehicle we wouldn't be discussing it. With continuing reports of battery terminal failure there appears to be a problem. Whether it is from no slack, or just the WEIGHT of the cable hanging on the terminal, that seems rather weak in the intended design to me. Any little stress crack in the battery casing around the terminals will cause a leak and failure of the battery because the terminal is below the electrolyte level. At least with top terminals, you don't have a leak issue. On my TB the batt cables are much more flexible than the ones my old S-10 came with so maybe there won't be a similar problem except with those that were cross-threaded or overtightened at the factory.
  • pauleulpauleul Member Posts: 116
    Trust me, at 300mph all you need to do is open your driver side door and you will make a very quick left turn. I admit, reaching across and opening the passenger door for a right hand turn is a little more tricky. ;-)

    And let's not forget, many triplet owners have that built in "jet engine" effect when first starting their trucks (gives added boost to take offs)

    POLL:
    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    ===================================
    missouri2
    pauleul (flies great!)
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Why would there be stress? Shouldn't GM have made them built in with some slack? That seems pretty bad IMHO. Either poor planning on the Engineers or Poor production by the assembly and QC. Ughh.

    -mike
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    (see next message)
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    copy this text, and the list below, then paste into a new message with the Title of: "POLL", adding your name to the appropriate section. Optional 1-5 word description of problems. I started with a couple from today's post.

    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    ===================================
    missouri2
    pauleul (flies great!)

    UNHAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-( :-( :-(
    ===================================
    d2000one1 (Engine Stalling)
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    I just wish there was allowance for using different battery brands with the fancy ram-air cooled and ventillated battery housing. I like the idea of keeping the battery isolated from direct engine heat and moving outside air around it. Keeping the battery cooler should help prolong is life. But to retain that, an ACDelco battery is the only choice, unless some major cutting and modifications are done to that housing.
  • stoney11stoney11 Member Posts: 10
    UNHAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-( :-( :-(
    17 ISSUES (YOU ARE LUCKY WITH 5)
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    copy this text, and the list below, then paste into a new message with the Title of: "POLL", adding your name to end of the list in the appropriate section. Optional 1-5 word description of problems. I started with a couple from today's post.

    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    ===================================
    missouri2
    pauleul (flies great!)

    UNHAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-( :-( :-(
    ===================================
    d2000one1 (Engine Stalling)
    stoney11 (17 ISSUES YOU'RE LUCKY WITH 5)
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Owned almost a year (Mfg 11-01) , only trip to the service dep't has been for the fuel filter clip recall, and that took 30 min to get done. I give my TB an "A". But I do admit there were a few rattles wind noises and minor issues, that I fixed myself. All simple stuff that to me is like fine-tuning a precision instrument!
  • sostroublesostrouble Member Posts: 65
    copy this text, and the list below, then paste into a new message with the Title of: "POLL", adding your name to end of the list in the appropriate section. Optional 1-5 word description of problems. I started with a couple from today's post.

    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    ===================================
    missouri2
    pauleul (flies great!)

    UNHAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-( :-( :-(
    ===================================
    d2000one1 (Engine Stalling)
    stoney11 (17 ISSUES YOU'RE LUCKY WITH 5)

    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    ===================================
    sostrouble 11,500 miles still happy so far
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    ===================================
    missouri2
    pauleul (flies great!)
    Hardhawk (6/01 build date, 18,000 miles)
    sostrouble 11,500 miles still happy so far

    UNHAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-( :-( :-(
    ===================================
    d2000one1 (Engine Stalling)
    stoney11 (17 ISSUES YOU'RE LUCKY WITH 5)
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    copy this text, and the list below, then paste into a new message with the Title of: "POLL", adding your name to end of the list in the appropriate section. Optional 1-5 word description of problems. I started with a couple from today's post.

    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    ===================================
    missouri2
    pauleul (flies great!)

    UNHAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-( :-( :-(
    ===================================
    d2000one1 (Engine Stalling)
    stoney11 (17 ISSUES YOU'RE LUCKY WITH 5)

    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    ===================================
    sostrouble 11,500 miles still happy so far
    ==========================================
    HAPPY WITH TRIPLETS :-) :-) :-)
    build date: 12/01, 5k miles, lovemytruck
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    I'm glad we're having this discussion. It's also obvious you've never seen an Indy car up close.


    A raindrop is shaped the way it is because that's the shape that disturbs the airflow the least. It has everything to do with aerodynamics. It's not really "plump side" first. The plump part is a third of the way back.


    Also, an Indy car has an upside down wing, whereas these crossbars aren't wings, so they're designed to be just aerodynamic and not generate downforce.


    http://www.geocities.com/mhsengineers/aerodynamics.htm


    Enough on the theory. I had a ski rack on my previous car. With just the round crossbars, there was a loud howling sound. I went and bought a Yakima Windjammer and it fixed it completeley.

    It was raindrop shaped.

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    UNHAPPY WITH GROWING LENGTH OF POLL POSTS :(:(:(
    ==================================================
    Tidester

    If you insist on doing a "poll" perhaps people could simply state whether they are happy or unhappy and the poll initiator could collate the results. I think this is preferable to seeing essentially the same posting over and over and I'd rather not see it extended over several days.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    I don't think this poll thing is going to work in this forum. However, I must point out that it's possible to have a few problems and still be satisified overall.

    I had the 4WD switch break on me twice, the cooling fan would come on on the highway sometimes, a bracket on my sunroof broke, and somehow the passenger power seat motor broke.

    Anway, I was very bitter about the 4WD switch for a while, but everything is working well now and I'm approaching the 30,000 mile mark. So overall, I'm quite satisfied.
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    Well, for starters, I've had my foot run over by Bobby Rahal's Miller Lite CART car, and I make an annual journey to Road America to watch the Champ Cars run. Is that close enough? An Indy Car *IS* (basically) an upside down wing, with every part of the car designed to provide/improve downforce rather than lift. And I've seen more of 'em up close than I can count.


    Secondly...this will point out how raindrops *really* fall.


    <http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/13646/91232>


    Finally, I stand corrected. You're absolutely right that most aerodynamically efficient design is the teardrop (butt-first). There. You made me admit it. I was wrong. (I just couldn't let the Indy car comment pass.)


    Maybe I'll just take the flippin' roof rack cross bars off altogether...then I won't have to think about the *best* way to run 'em and be forced to eat any more crow. :)

  • pauleulpauleul Member Posts: 116
    Hey, why don't we just do a poll (follow directions above)on which way our flippin' roof rack cross bars face.

    On second thought, that might cause more than just tears falling on us from our HOST!

    Let's just all send the things back to GM along with a note that we heard they were being recalled for instructions on proper installation.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "If you insist on doing a "poll" perhaps people could simply state whether they are happy or unhappy and the poll initiator could collate the results."

    That doesn't change the number of messages, though. Besides, electrons are recyclable!

    "...I think this is preferable to seeing essentially the same posting over and over and I'd rather not see it extended over several days."

    Several days? I was thinking it could go on for several months!
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    "Maybe I'll just take the flippin' roof rack cross bars off altogether..."

    That's how I resolved this nagging problem! Makes it a lot easier to wash and dry off the roof too! I would also take off the side rails, if I could find suitable plugs for the holes. I don't ski or surf or carry so much luggage there isn't room for it inside, so I will probably never use the roof rack.
  • medolarkmedolark Member Posts: 93
    I agree with Scottc454 - it ain't gonna work on this forum.

    I too had some problems initially, but after a hard trip of about 5500 miles, I am very happy with my triplet. The few things I didn't like seemed to have worked themselves out.
  • alaskabearalaskabear Member Posts: 1
    I'm new to this forum and have enjoyed reading all 8000 posts. Thanks everybody.

    Just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents for the poll. I'm very happy with my triplet. Other than a few problems (wondering mirrors, turn signal problem and the engine fan noise), my TB has performed great. Drove from Alaska to NC - 5230 mile trip and the TB didn't even skip a beat.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Welcome to Town Hall and a special nod to you for plowing through all the posts!

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Besides, electrons are recyclable!

    Don't press your luck - I was being polite!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • ron_mron_m Member Posts: 186
    Does GM offer more than one type of running
    board for the TrailBlazers? Just curious.

    Ron M.
  • biggie4852biggie4852 Member Posts: 34
    I purchase on 3/02 and not a problem. Only spent thirty minute in shop for fuel filter and nothing else. I commute 80 miles round trip in LA TRAFFIC and it's looking good so far. I do wish it had a larger fuel tank for extend driving on trips. But I am one please camper for a $24000 SUV with the styling of the TB. Plus my street look like a ford dealer lot it is nice to be different that the rest of the crowd.
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    Does anyone have a explanation for this one?:

    Last night while out running an errand, the radio contols on my TB started doing different things. I've got the Bose w/ 6-disk.

    Here's what happened: Usually (everytime except last night) pressing the Auto Vol button gives only 2 choices: ON/OFF. Last night I was presented with High, Med, Low, Off when pressing this button.

    Usually, pressing the Auto Eq button would give choices like: Driver, Spatial, Talk, etc. Last night I was presented with Eq 1, Eq 2, Eq3,4,5,6, and Custom.

    After stopping and shutting off the truck and restarting my errands, the buttons went back to acting as they always had, and I cannot get these other options to appear, no matter what sequence/series of buttons I push. Weird

    Has anyone else had this or a similiar kind of experience with their radio controls? I know if take it in to have it looked at, I will get an "unable to duplicate" answer and be sent on my merry way.

    Thanks in advance for any help.
  • tfiretfire Member Posts: 3
    I've got an Envoy XL with the DVD player and I'm curious to hear if anyone has yet been successful in hard wiring their audio output through their Bose sound system. Currently I'm using a FM transmitter to play the audio through an unused FM station but it's a less than perfect solution. The radio face has an auxiliary button on it that doesn't seem to do anything, and I'm curious to know if there is and unused input jack at the back of the radio. I hope this hasn't be discussed ad nasuem yet but I'm new to this board.

    Thanks
  • cmack4cmack4 Member Posts: 302
    Add me to the Happy owners category. The only services I've had performed were the common TSB stuff that everyone has. In fact, I compiled a list of things and had it all done at once. My dealer has been helpful every step of the way! This forum is a very valuable tool, and I continue to read it regularly, but I too am guilty of not posting as often when I'm happy.
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    As a happy owner... all I need now is a lim slip on the rear, and a 5-6speed MT... aaahhh... that would be great!! Then we could see how fast it really is...(darn slushomatics..)
  • 2002slt2002slt Member Posts: 228
    8,800 miles and 8 months. Still the best vehicle I've ever owned. Never been back to the dealer yet.

    My '98 Bravada was kind of a nightmare, so I do know the feeling.
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