Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

charms99

I have a 2002 Trailblazer EXT I got in July 2002. A week after purchase, on a trip to SC, the radio panel got EXTREMELY hot to the touch. The defroster was on at this time and when we tried to switch back to a/c it wouldn't come on. So, we stopped the vehicle, restarted it and the a/c started and the radio cooled down. They replaced the radio panel. I know that after it was replaced I remember saying that it was a little warm, but the service guys said that that was normal. However, lately, the radio seems like it it extremely hot again. My husband thinks it is hotter than normal, but not as hot as it was. I think it is the same as before we replaced it. I only really notice it when we are on long trips, but I don't remember any other vehicle we owned or rode in to do this.

We do have a non-factory installed DVD system with an FM modulator installed, but we didn't when we had this problem the first time.

The heat and a/c are working fine, I just don't think that the radio should be this hot. Anyone else experience this? I just can't believe this is normal. I don't want to take it in and be told we have to pay for labor if they find nothing wrong (not sure if they would).

TIA
Christine

ross1962

If you have a front-wheel drive Envoy, you are driving it backwards. Select the gear marked "D". ;-)

gam2

Here is the latest on my Bravada:
Had an arbitration hearing with the BBB on my Bravada regarding a repurchase. I am NOT happy at all with the proceedings. The BBB says my Bravada has been out of service for only 17 days
(including weekends). I said 30. Even GM admitted to 25. I can't figure out the math. I wonder how many cases actually favor the customer with the BBB. I documented every problem but was only allowed to discuss certain ones. The BBB wants me to try again to get the problems fixed. I'll get a lemon law lawyer if GM doesn't step up to the plate.

Fiscuss: as far as wind noise, mine has plenty of it. Then again, I've had 21 problems while others have had none. Go figure.

dshepherd3

How did you get the details on the drivetrain growl TSB? This is not published on any site in detail available to the public, as far as I knew.

smmiller

We had the radio get really hot to the touch one our first long drive with the heat on. No problems, but we do wonder if this will eventually cause some.

richardcoulson

The top of the plastic front bumper covering has buckled up in the middle just under the grill. Anyone else have this problem? If so, was gm able to fix it by loosening and re-tightening the bolts or did it require a new bumper covering and new paint?
thanks.

tblazed

"Only small quantity of parts are available. Please DO NOT order for stock only". So if GM runs out of springs before the vehicle goes put of warranty, are they going to replace the whole vehicle? What about spring availability for production? Are they going to stop making triplets when they run out of springs?

monstersinc

Just picked up a 2003 Trailblazer EXT 2WD L6 with leather plus package. I think I may have confused the DIC or the programmable door locks. I can't get the the vehicle to respond to the remotes with feedback (ie. lights and horn) even though I told the DIC to enable this (the doors do unlock/lock). Does anyone know if there is a way to reset the DIC and the programmable door locks to the factory settings? I did try the recommended items on page 2-9 regarding the programmed delayed locking. I definitely want to buy the service manual on this baby ($120), but Helm is still out of stock. GM always puts lots of secrets in the service manual.

tblazed

Yes these radios get hot with use. A so-called "200 Watt" CD-tape deck-radio-4-channel stereo amp all in one small box, packed into the dash with no ventillation. And yes it probably will NOT be good for the components in it especially the laser pick-up in the CD player, rubber parts in the cassette deck mechanism if so equipped, and the cheapo electrolytic capacitors no doubt used thoroughout the circuitry (a common problem with ALL consumer electronic devices as they age). Turn some of the Bass down and don't play it cranked so loud and it won't get as hot. But that's no fun!

darthkim

Yes!!!!

I have the same issue on my 03 TB LS. It is slighly higher on the right side (looking at the car from the front)

I took it to the dealer and they said they couldn't do anything... i may go again and complain as it does NOT look right at all...
I am kind of tired from GM telling me... "its not a defect.....its a feature!!!)

dshepherd3

tblazed, According to the SM at the Chevy dlrship I deal with, since the TSB is so new, the supply of springs is just starting to build, but you can believe they will need a bunch, I think just about every TB has this condition, although some owners don't notice or aren't concerned.

afdljd

My 02 Bravada also moves forward after applying the parking brake. I have a slight incline in my driveway and find this movement forward real annoying. Each time I park, I ease up on the brake pedal to see if the parking brake has taken effect, so that the truck doesn't slam against the parking pawl. Occasionally, the parking brake seems to hold. I didn't recall reading about applying the brake before placing the truck in park. I may have done so at times, which may have accounted for the the truck holding. I'll be aware of this next time. I was never concerned about this with previous cars. In any event, I gave the problem to the dealer twice. The first time, they said the brake was misadjusted and corrected it. It still happened. The second time, the dealer reported that the brake adjustment was good. I have put it on my list again for my next oil change.

monstersinc

I figured out the DIC problem. The issue was that the rear window was not fully latched. I didn't see the msg in DIC about the rear hatch being open because I was making changes without the vehicle being started. Everything is fine now.

FYI, my 2003 TB EXT was built in October at the Oklahoma plant. I ordered it on Oct. 15 and it arrived at the dealer on Nov. 12.

monstersinc

On my 03 TB EXT I noticed it only has LATCH system restraints on the middle row 3 seater. The 3rd row has NO "hooks", yet the manual shows them in the interior pictures of the TB EXT (pgs 2-45 thru 2-47). I have 3 kids under 5 (twins 4 1/2 and a 2 1/2 yr old) and live in a state (NJ) that is strict about child seats (8 yrs AND 80 lbs rule). For now I have installed 2 of the car seats in the third row WITHOUT LATCH and 1 on the leftmost side of the middle row. The middle of the second row is useless since the manual even tells you not to put a car seat there. Should I force my dealer to put LATCH compatible hooks in behind the third row seat? Isn't there some kind of gov't ruling that all passenger seats must have LATCH equipment now (that's what a Toys'RUS manager told me)

bravadajon

I had both symptoms with the 02 Bravada.

Post 8445 describes the rolling forward exactly. I think
this is a safety issue just waiting to happen.

yatesd

I used to own a home that had an incredibly steep driveway. On a hill, you should engage the parking brake, let the vehicle drift until it stops, and then place the selector into park.

Then when you get into the vehicle do the reverse. Start the vehicle, move the gear selector into drive, and then release the emergency brake.

I think you will find that this will work every time. The only reason I can think it would be worse on a truck is because of the heavier weight. Anyway, your problem is related to not using the proper technique, not the vehicle.

Give it a try....

--
Doug

bravadajon

When the parking brake is firmly applied, why should the vehicle move even an inch?

dust90

I just read about 100 of these posts & boy am I glad I didn't buy an Envoy. I had been shopping for an SUV for about 6 weeks and the Envoy ended up being my 2nd choice. That was close!

anonymous02

What DID you get? (And what made you decide?)

hardhawk

It's your loss. There are many of us who have had great experiences with our Envoys and would buy one again in a heartbeat. Keep in mind that these boards are primarily occupied by those who have complaints. Some have gotten real lemons. However, that can happen with any vehicle and those who are happy are far less likely to post than those who are upset.

warriorphan

It appears that relative to the total number of vehicles sold that the triplets have a much higher rate of problems (and more serious ones that would leave you in a lurch) than most of their competition. That is the impression that I get from reading posts from several brands. Long-term, I'll keep the Trailblazer on my list to see if GM improves the quality on a SUV that looks great on paper (and up close). My purchasing requirements are not long-term though so sometime in the next few months, I'll probably be driving one of its more traditional and reliable rivals.

jmw4

Having owned a TB for 22,000 miles and 1.6 years, I can say that I enjoyed driving the SUV but it was far from an ideal vehicle. My problems after the initial recall were thankfully minor but if you read this post relative to others, there are far too many people with major problems. Read other sites and you will not see that many looking to invoke a "lemon law". Generally speaking, the more issues revealed on these sites, the higher the probability of problems with the vehicles. These sites are NOT just for complainers but people who want to share very valuable information as consumers.

2k_impala_ls

I just hit 2500 miles on my 02 TB with 3.42's and have yet to see 15mpg. I am doing 90% suburb driving and 10% highway. Is this as good as it gets.
http://www.trailblazer.homestead.com/

anonymous02

That doesn't leave any %age for trail or offroad.

What gives?

envoyd1

I have been reading the posts on this site, and until I read yours, was a silent content Envoy XL SLT owner. Now I feel I need to respond. My Envoy has 5000 miles, and we love this vehicle. I also looked at other SUVs but we didn't think the price difference and decreased gas mileage was worth it (and we had terrible luck with a foreign car: Honda Accord with seats which disintegrated in the Arizona sun, and the dashboard which cracked in the heat, along with an airlock which prevented acceleration when trying to pull out into traffic.) I have looked at other boards, including the Sequoia, and while it seems like a great SUV, it is not trouble-free: brakes failing at less than 20,000 miles, air conditioning problems, problems accelerating and making a turn, noise which sounds like "metal on metal", ammonia smell coming out of the vents. We're getting 17 mpg in the city and about 22 on the highway, and other than the wind noise @75 mph, couldn't be happier.

afdljd

My sentiments exactly.

tblazed

As a 3.42 gear-equipped TB 2WD owner I can relate to the mileage. I have seen a range from 13.1 all city less than 45 mph stop-start type driving up to 21 mpg on a 70-75 mph 200 mile trip. I did improve my city mileage by driving about 3 miles on the freeway each morning on my 6.1 mile "commute" to work whereas before I stayed off the freeway completely. I still use the back streets to get home so out of about 12.2 miles, 3 are freeway miles, and my avg. mileage has gone up to 15.1 last tank. Not too shabby for a 4500 lb 270 hp behemoth.

90% "suburb" and 10% "highway"? by anonymous02 .... Only time mine ever goes off road is if someone runs me off it! Like most SUV owners I bought mine for the UTILITY part, and that it is built body-on-frame based on a truck chassis, has very good to excellent car-like ride quality, can haul 5 200+ lb people if necessary with a load of stuff in the back, theoretically mechanically heavier-duty than a car, and because they don't build 1966 Pontiac Catalina station wagons anymore! Suggest you look at a H2 Hummer if off-road is your obsession.

minus

Air bag service light keep coming on even though I,ve had it in twice before.I have an 02 Envoy with 11000 miles.Is anybody else having this trouble?

anonymous02

Why would I want one of those? They get stuck between the trees.

gbv

Well here it is....the first big snowstorm and I have 1 month old Envoy XL. To conserve fuel, I am always in 2Hi but today was a great day to try out 4WD. (I have never had 4wd so forgive me...) When I corner slightly, I hear a noise as if something is rubbing. Worse though, I tried to do a tight, slow turn and it felt like the wheels were caught on something! No forward movement was possible (I didn't push it). Switched to 2Hi and it was gone.

Any ideas on what's up? I would like to be a bit more educated before talking with my dealer.

Thanks!

anonymous02

It is called "binding" or something similar, and means your drivetrain is bound up. Your car is telling you it should not be in 4wd on a firm surface.

pete2002

My last tank produced 14 mpg overall with 80% typical city driving, that is 215 miles on a 15.3 gal fill up. My overall mpg is 13.85 mpg with +3,800 miles and I have noticed a gradual climb. I started out with 12-12.5 mpg after delivery for overall mpg, mostly city driving. This has been calculated the traditional way. The high rev from 1st to 2nd does appear to be excessive at times. I reach +2500 rpms at times and that's just trying to move with traffic. My built date is 06/2002 (3.73 gear ratio 2WD)with no changes to the original PCM program.

ross1962

Not necessarily. You may start to see better milage after the engine is fully broken in - about 6000 miles or more. Then again, if you drive it hard (like I do) maybe not.

yatesd

You'll move forward slightly with an emergency brake because it's a completely separate and mechanical system. That's why it is called an emergency brake. If you apply your emergency brake and it won't stay on an incline you have a problem.

When you have the steepest driveway in town, you learn how to use an emergency brake. I've did this with many vehicles and makes, they all move forward slightly.

Gas mileage...The gas mileage on our SUV's is best in class. I can't think of a full frame unit with the same horsepower that does better.

Remember that the BMW X5, Lexus RX300, Acura MDX, and the new Toyota 4runner all recommend premium gas which on average runs 20% more expensive.

So to compare apples to apples you can take the Toyota 4runner which is rated at 19 hwy with less horsepower minus 20% and I would need to be at 15mpg hwy for similar fuel costs.

Saying that, I now have about 13K on my tank and I have definately noticed steady improvement as the engine is breaking in. My build date is 8/01 with an AWD Bravada, 3.73 rear. I drive 70% highway. My DIC which I reset at my last oil change reads 18.5 average mpg. Not bad considering I was driving my truck between 80-90 mph yesterday thinking how well it was doing.

So I don't baby it, but I do try to stay reasonable with the throttle most of the time. I noticed that both people that were complaining of poor mpg had low miles and seemed to baby their vehicles. That's not a problem, it will just take you longer to break it in. Remember our truck revs over 6K, don't be afraid to enjoy the power every once in a while. At 2500 RPM's it's barely awake.

--
Doug

crestonave

heard groaning, felt bumping and loss of power while making sharp turns at low speed - car would hesitate - dealer fixed as per tsb # 020421008 - install transfer case encoder sensor - problem gone! have approx 8700 mi on the car, in general very pleased. have had some minor probs such as with mirrors, and now the bun warmer portion of my heated seats is out of order - but in general very pleased with the car.

tblazed

"That's why it is called an emergency brake" Actually there is no reference whatsoever in the manual about it being an "emergency" brake. "Parking" brake only. Pull up that brake handle sometime while moving and you will get a lot of rear tire screech when the wheels lock, but little stopping power.

.

anonymous02

http://4x4abc.com/4WD101/ABS_offroad.html

lp1976

Three months ago I purchased my first brand new vehicle - the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS. Three months ago I couldn't have been happier.

Two thousand miles and two car payments later, I am terrified of what to expect in the coming months as this morning marked the third time the truck has been towed back to the dealership.

Problem #1: 10/3 Service Engine Soon light illuminates - faulty fuel pump. The dealership completes replacement within 48 hours.

Problem #2: 10/7 (car not driven over weekend). Drive to and from work. Find gasoline spilling everywhere from underneath vehicle. Truck finally towed after 2 previous drivers refuse to assume responsibility of vehicle (extreme safety/fire hazard that required 2 calls to the fire department). The dealership completes repairs within 24 hours.

Problem #3: 11/16-18 ABS light AND brake lights illuminate after depressing brake pedal. Lights remain on indicating problem with entire brake system. Still waiting on analysis and repairs.

I have plans to double the miles on the car this holiday season and am worried that the car is not safe to drive. Am I overreacting? Is this what is expected being that it was the product's inaugural year?

I've been laughed at and advised by the towing service, fire department and rental car agency to do whatever I can to return/exchange this vehicle. However I would like to hear from other owners: Are these problems one-of-a-kind? Are these the glitches that I should expect from a new car? Or is this what I can expect throughout this vehicle's life?

Thank you for any info/advice you can give me.

zapcat

zapcat

Thanks for the post. I have had my eye on the TB for over a year now. I have a big rebate on my GM credit card just waiting to be used. I even get a GM supplier discount. After reading your post, I will just have to wait for the Equinox.

ross1962

"After reading your post, I will just have to wait for the Equinox."
What makes you think another "first year" vehicle will be any better? I would suggest checking out some of the other SUV boards here. You'll find people with horror stories for every vehicle produced. People generally don't post messages about the lovely, trouble-free drive they had over the weekend - even in the Lexus LX470 board.

tsd98

Sorry to hear about your experiences, but please don't feel like you're alone. I would list all the problems with my mom's but there's not enough time today. Please keep us posted about the fix for the brake and ABS warning lights because our dealer hasn't been able to fix this yet. In response to an earlier post, we have also had an intermittent airbag warning light with no solution found at the dealer. Thanks and good luck!

jht

The breakpoint on vehicles, I believe, is September 1st. But that doesn't mean that LATCH must be in all vehicles _sold_ after that date - it means they must be in all vehicles and seats _made_ after that date.

So if you buy a holdover '02 vehicle or perhaps an early '03 it may not necessarily have LATCH. I know my early '02 Bravada doesn't have it. And, more directly related, a vehicle is only required to have two LATCH-compatible seating positions, and they can be anywhere in the car.

A good source for info is at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/LATCH/QandA.html

ficuss

No not all Trailblazers have the problems yours has had. Then again, it sounds like you had one problem with the trailblazer fuel delivery system, and one problem with the dealer mechanic who tried to repair it.
If the brakes feel right, perhaps you have a minor brake system sensor fault.

Frank

anonymous02

What's next, mandatory helmets?

(Wondering what they'd think of the Wrangler with the kid sitting on a milk crate.) ;-)

gsxr1216

First time on this particulair thread, I'm usually on the 2500HD boards. My wife is looking for a new vehicle, she needs a 4 door SUV thats 4wd. Her sister has a Escape an she likes that, my buddy works at Toyota and suggests the Rav4. I am a Chevy man and love my '02 2500HD so i have thrown the TB and the older body style s-10 Blazer into the mix since i can get GM supplier pricing on GM vehicles. Yes i know I'm comparing apples to oranges on vehicles here, but the TB with my discount ends up about the same price as the other vehicles with decent options or maybe a thousand more. My thought is the Rav4 and Escape would be too small. The s-10 probably about the right size, but it seems dated. The TB is a bit bigger than needed (not neccesarily bad) and i think its a very nice looking vehicle. My biggest concern is the mileage I'm seeing from some people here the TB, 14-15MPG???? My 2500HD 6.0 4x4 ext cab gets 12.5-13 in mixed city/highway driving, and a worst on 9mpg pulling a 8500lb enclosed car trailer. Is the TB really that bad on gas??? She commutes 40 miles daily and is getting 28-32mpg with her current car in 70% highway driving ('98 neon R/T). Obviously any of the vehicles I'm looking at will not get that kind of mileage, but 14-15 will not be acceptable for her. Are their many common problems on the TB? How about the S-10 Blazers? too outdated compard to the TB for the money? Unfortunately i do not know anyone with a TB so i can not borrow one for weekend to see if we like it, or to get real world mileage numbers or feedback on how they like it. Give me your thoughts, thanks in advance for any advice on the subject.

ficuss

gsxr1216: if your wife travels 40 miles to work in a trailblazer, she will get to know the gas station attendant very well. She'll go about 215 miles between fillups of 15 to 16 gals. The remaining 2 gals. won't get her home. At 80 miles round trip, that's every 2.5 days. Otherwise the TB is not a bad vehicle. It has had it's share of new car problems as have most new cars. But the 18 gal. gas tank is too small for the cars appetite for gas.

Frank

pete2002

If you get the 2003 regular TB, you may get a 22 gal tank. I think they increased the size for 2003 because of the many complaints. The EXT has a 25 gal tank I believe. If the wife is doing 70% hiway, she might do better than most around here. True hiway that is, will get you around 20-21mpg. When you mix it up a bit with city, you might get 17-18mpg. In city traffic commute is where you will see the worst; these things don't like to idle too much.

gsxr1216

I guess i will clarify my 70% highway a little better. I called it 70% highway because she is not doing real highway driving on a interstate, but not city driving either. Mostly her way to work is 45-55mph back roads, no traffic really but a few stops signs and traffic lights going through small towns. Any input on how it would be on fuel for that type of driving? Thanks again!

dshepherd3

Exactly the type of driving my wife does, gets 17.5-18 mpg in moderate weather. 2002 TB, 3.42 gearing 4wd.