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Comments
Thanks, Ken
The only vibration I have is a very slight vibration in the pedal at around 55MPH. I wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't heard about it here. I could see that as "a characteristic of the powertrain."
What you're describing seems to be different. If they claim that's a characteristic of the powertrain, have them come with you on a test drive of one of their Trailblazers. If they're right, the shudder should be there too, eh?
I was very surprised to see the air suspension and side air bags were listed as options. They totaled over $700!!! These two items were standard on my 2002 Bravada.
--
Doug
We gotta pay for 0% somehow!
GAM
Proper Position and Installation of Roof Rack Cross Rails to Reduce Wind Noise
2002 Chevrolet and GMC S/T Utility Models (Trailblazer, Trailblazer EXT, Envoy, Envoy XL)
2002 Oldsmobile Bravada
Some of the above vehicles may exhibit wind noise related to the roof rack. In an effort to reduce wind noise, Engineering has identified a specific position and installation for the roof rack cross rails.
Beginning on September 6, 2001 the Trailblazer, Envoy, and Bravada were built with the roof rack cross rails installed in the reverse direction (arrows towards rear of vehicle).
Early calendar year 2002 the Trailblazer EXT and Envoy XL were built with the roof rack cross rails installed in the reverse direction (arrows towards rear of vehicle).
Early calendar year 2002 the directional arrows were removed from the cross rails on all models to eliminate any confusion as to which direction is correct.
It has been found that some dealers are changing the direction of the cross rails thinking they were installed incorrectly.
To obtain the optimum position and installation of the roof rack cross rails that produce the least wind noise, use the following procedure:
If the cross rails have directional arrows, they should be installed in the reverse direction (arrows toward rear of vehicle). Remove the cross rails and rotate as necessary.
If the directional arrows are not present, installation can be verified by checking the location of the cross rail eyelets. When installed in the reverse direction, the cross rail eyelets will face the rear of the vehicle. Remove the cross rails and rotate as necessary.
Once the specified direction has been established, adjust the position of the cross rails, so that one cross rail is positioned at the rear most end of the vehicle. The other cross rail should then be positioned at approximately midpoint of the rear door glass.
Interference with Center Console Rear Auxiliary Power Outlet Cover and Rear Seat Cushion (Replace Rear Auxiliary Power Outlet Retainer and Cover)
2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
2002 GMC Envoy
2002 Oldsmobile Bravada
Built Prior to May, 2002
Condition
Some customers may comment on an indentation mark or, in extreme cases, a puncture of the rear left seat cover. When the left rear seat bottom is raised and the seat back is folded down flat, the seat bottom rests against the back of the center console. The auxiliary power outlet cover, located on the back of the center console, contacts the seat bottom. If enough weight or pressure is applied to the seat bottom in this position, the auxiliary power outlet cover may leave an indentation or possibly damage the seat cover.
Cause
The auxiliary power outlet cover has a raised finger tab. This raised tab on the cover may cause the condition.
Correction
A new auxiliary power outlet retainer and cover assembly has been developed to correct this condition. The new cover has a smooth surface and no raised tab. Install a new auxiliary power outlet retainer and cover on the affected vehicles. Use the following procedure and the part number listed below.
Tools Required
J 42059 Cigarette Lighter Socket Remover
Remove the AUX PWR 1 Fuse 46 (20 amp) from the rear fuse block.
Open the auxiliary outlet cover. Insert the J 42059 into the outlet and position one side of the "T" portion of the tool into the square tab at the rear of the outlet. Then position the opposite end of the "T" into the opposing square tab.
Partially (about half way) pull the outlet straight out of the retaining ring. Use your fingers to aid in guiding out the outlet.
Using a flat-bladed tool, remove the rear auxiliary audio/heater controller unit above the outlet and let it rest. This will aid in gaining access to the connector at the back of the outlet.
Turn the outlet one turn counterclockwise to access the outlet connector locking tabs. Through the controller opening, use a small flat-bladed tool and disengage the locking tabs of the connector and disconnect the connector.
Disengage the retainer ring and cover from the mounting hole by turning the retainer ring/outlet assembly back and forth and lining up each of the three tabs on the retainer to the top slot in the mounting hole. Do not force the retainer ring out.
Pull out retainer ring and outlet as an assembly.
Using the tool, push down in the outlet to release the retainer from the outlet. Remove the retainer ring and cover from the outlet.
Remove the tool from the outlet.
Position the new retainer ring and cover to the mounting hole.
Index the retainer ring cover top notch to the slot in the mounting hole.
Install the retainer ring and cover by pressing the retainer ring into the mounting hole until fully seated
Position the outlet in the retainer ring and partially push the outlet in.
Through the controller unit opening, connect the electrical connector to the back of the outlet.
Press in the rest of the outlet until fully seated.
Install the auxiliary audio/heater controller unit back into place.
Install the AUX PWR 1 Fuse 46 (20 amp) into the rear fuse block.
What a line of bull.
I am starting to feel bad for some of you who are stuck with dealers like this one. I wonder where they received their certification?
Frank
That not-withstanding, GM has a two pronged effort at increasing their margin on the 2003 Bravada. Besides the de-contenting effort already noted, the base MSRP has been raised at least twice (second increase was posted on their wed site on 10/19/02) for the 2003s. They have also started to raise the list price of some of the individual options (e.g., the polished wheels were increased $100 in mid-October). The sum total of these increases far exceeds the current rate of inflation in the economy, so I can only assume they are intended to recover some of the margin lost to Cash Back rebates and Zero Percent financing. The good news, at least with the Bravada, is that dealers seem willing to sell at invoice w/o much of a fight.
So they're fixing it.
And I think with that, I'm done. All the quirks are fixed.
Keep us updated. I also have the same issue with the vibration at 57-63mph, but on some days I now feel the vibration at all speeds. This seems to happen on colder days. Could all that new Hydroform framing (or whatever it is called)" be transmitting every little vibration? Did the dealer give a reason for the '03 changes in the steel driveshaft and insulated coatings on rear springs?
The steel driveshaft is probably a cost cutting measure. Bummer - with aluminum there will be less of a power loss in the drivetrain.
Also "Early calendar year 2002 the directional arrows were removed from the cross rails on all models to eliminate any confusion as to which direction is correct." Geez... once it was determined that the arrows pointed in the wrong direction why not print them the other way or replace FRONT with BACK, leaving a valid indicator of which way they should be instead of nothing. Now THAT would eliminate any confusion.
The just about spray over the roof.
<-->
along with the words, "you tell us, we can't figure it out"
"If the cross rails have directional arrows, they should be installed in the reverse direction (arrows toward rear of vehicle). Remove the cross rails and rotate as necessary.
If the directional arrows are not present, installation can be verified by checking the location of the cross rail eyelets. When installed in the reverse direction, the cross rail eyelets will face the rear of the vehicle. Remove the cross rails and rotate as necessary.
Once the specified direction has been established, adjust the position of the cross rails, so that one cross rail is positioned at the rear most end of the vehicle. The other cross rail should then be positioned at approximately midpoint of the rear door glass."
Could you please confirm whether the eyelets should face the front or the rear of the vehicle?
Front or Rear?
Thanks,
Doug
Eyelets should face rear.
If you have arrows - they should point to the rear and the eyelets will be to the rear.
However, if you don't like the wind noise with this configuration, feel free to turn them around.
My Envoy (02/02 build) came with what is currently considered the correct configuration. Based on what I had read here, I turned them around so they were the same as those who had arrows (I didn't). Now I officially know they are on backwards. I haven't been able to tell a difference in wind noise with either configuration.
But then I usually have the Bose loud enough that I can't hear the siren either.
I think maybe I'll set one facing rear and one facing forward - at least I will then know I got it half right. ;>)
8,000 miles and still no problems. Sure nice to be on this side of the fence!
Thanks, Ken
Today (day 12) the gauges went whacko once again.
I have less than 600 miles on this baby, it had 200 when delivered. The dealer will have the Envoy in the shop all weekend while they try to get a new gauge cluster. I'm ready to throw in the towel. After spending $35K+ for a new SUV, I'm driving a #@&%#* $17K rental van. (They wanted to put me in a Chevy Cavalier!)
Thank goodness for Maryland's lemon law. 3 repairs of the same item and I have the choice of a refund or a replacement. I leaning towards the refund and buying a Ford Expedition.
How could that make a check engine light come on?
Static is a big issue too; it's a good idea to "discharge" yourself after sliding out of that Wrangler before touching the pump. And don't refuel your gas cans with them on the tailgate. They have the No Smoking/Turn off your engine signs posted at the stations for a reason.
Besides, it's dangerous to check your oil and fluids with the belts and fan turning (you do check your oil every time you gas up don't you?).
Steve, Host
The service engine light will come on for many reasons, including wiring shorts. I had a 2001 TB that the SES light came on and stayed on for several days. When I got around to bringing it in for repair, they found the air cond. compressor power feed wire had chaffed and shorted to chassis ground. This is what caused the SES light to come on. Another wire short caused the park release selenoid to stop working. The car would start, but I couldn't shift out of park. My 2001 TB had 3 wiring shorts, and that caused me to trade it in before the 4th. I had hoped they would have improved the build quality. Some things never change. Perhaps "Built like a rock" refers to "Technology from the stone age". What good is trying to build high tech into your cars if you can't pull it off.
Also, that Bravada would also lunge forward after the tranny was in park.
You are not alone.
I drive a different vehicle now.
It probably doesn't matter much anyhow when in the Jetta, since the gas tank has a drip when over 2/3 full (why I don't fill it past that!).
Of course no smoking. But static? Are we supposed to not wear sweaters to the gas station also?
link
and
Sparks Fly At Gas Stations, But Why?
Steve, Host
I'm coming up on 4 weeks with my new Bravada and I haven't noticed this wind noise problem. Of course, we've had some rather windy weather the past few weeks. So, maybe I can't hear the wind noise from the Bravada because of the howling gusts all around me.
Working through a 3M regional distributor, I got hooked up with a local applicator that did a very good job. Got the full frontal Bravada wrap (3 pieces w/ 18" hood piece) for $400 and they threw in some patches over the lower back door/rocker panel/wheel well section that was already getting the clear coat sanded. That night I installed a GM Bravada hood deflector and a set of splash guards. I'd be really set for winter here if I could add the side-rails, but the wife says I have to slow down the cash outflow. Maybe by Xmas.
How did get one with front wheel drive? Mine is rear wheel until I put it in AWD, or 4WD. You may have a collector's item there.
Here is my retype....
Intermittent Boom, Rumbling Noise and/or Distrubance Heard in Passenger Compartment While Driving at Highway Speeds (Replace Rear Coil Springs) #02-03-09-002A - (09/16/2002)
Intermittent Boom, Rumbling Noise and/or Disturbance Heard in Passenger Compartment While Driving at Highway Speeds (Replace Rear Coil Springs)
2002-2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
2002-2003 GMC Envoy
with Rear Coil Springs (Refer to Parts Information table below for applicable RPO Code usage)
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2003 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-03-09-002 (Section 03 -- Suspension).
Condition
Some customers may comment on an intermittent booming, rumbling noise and/or disturbance heard in the passenger compartment while driving the vehicle at highway speeds. This condition occurs while driving at steady speeds between 1550-1700 engine RPM in 4th gear (NOT during acceleration). This equates to 64-80 km/h (48-50 mph) for vehicles with a 4.10 axle ratio (RPO GT5), 83-86 km/h (52-54 mph) with a 3.73 axle ratio (RPO GT4) and 93-96 km/h (58-60 mph) with a 3.42 axle ratio (RPO GU6).
Cause
The noise/disturbance occurs when the torque converter momentarily goes to a full lock-up state, resulting in zero slip of the torque converter. When the torque converter returns to normal ECCC mode with 30 RPM of slip, the noise will go away. The disturbance generated by the zero slip condition is amplified and transferred into the passenger compartment by the rear coil springs.
Correction
Replace the rear coil springs using the following service procedure.
Notice
Use care when handling the coil springs in order to avoid chipping or scratching the coating. Damage to the coating will result in premature failure of the coil springs.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information in the Service Manual (SI Document ID #744862).
Support the front frame rail of the vehicle with a suitable adjustable jack stand.
Support the rear axle with a suitable adjustable jackstand.
Remove the two shock absorber lower mounting bolts.
Lower the rear axle enough to remove the tension on the rear coil springs.
Remove the rear coil springs.
Important
It is critical that the correct coil springs are installed in the correct location.
The LH and RH springs are not necessarily the same part numbers.
Each vehicle may have a different build combination.
Use the RPO label located in the glove box to determine what part number springs to replace.
Only small quantity of parts are available. Please DO NOT order for stock only.
Select the correct new rear coil spring part numbers. Refer to the Parts Information below.
Install the upper bushing seats on the new rear coil springs and install the springs into the vehicle.
Raise the rear axle with the adjustable jack stand.
Install the two shock absorber lower mounting bolts. Tighten
Tighten the two shock absorber lower mounting bolts to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).
Remove both of the adjustable jack stands from under the vehicle.
Lower the vehicle.
Walter (gator)
I assume that once I locate a buyer, we would need to go to the leasing dealership together to payoff the vehicle, at which time the title would then be transferred to the buyer, correct?
I've obtained my payoff from the leasing dealership in Denver (GMAC doesn't retain this info!) and I'd like to get a bit more than the payoff to use as a downpayment on a different vehicle. I won't gripe about my Envoy here, but let's just say the local service advisors and I are on a first name basis now!
I've researched used pricing here on Edmunds as well as Kelly and others, but I honestly don't think I'll get anywhere close to what the site quotes say it's worth. (I loaded up on accessories such as cargo mat, vent visors, rear deflector, hitch light, bug shield, tail light covers -- and although they add cosmetic appeal, how much will they really help in resale?)
Any advice from the frequent car hopper crowd?
They are an Edmunds partner and can be found by going to the Used PowerShopper and then select "sell your car" and look for the link.
I suggest you browse the Finance, Warranty & Insurance Board lease discussions too - there's one about getting out of a lease.
Steve, Host