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Comments
Thanks
Resetting the tccm or pcm or dic to make it work is hardly the right way to repair something. Why has GM not found the problem(s) and a real fix for it (them). We should not accept this as a repair. It is only a band-aid fix at best. It appears Bill Gates did have something to do with the software design (ala windows 95) of these things. At least the computer manufacturers are decent enough to provide a reset switch or control alt delete to get you going again. Nothing spells confidence quite like a car that has intermittent unrepeatable malfunctons that cause engine flameouts, inoperable gauges, and loss of 4wd when needed. I can't wait to tell my wife to pull the tccm fuse and wait 30 seconds then reload the software before attempting to go to the mall in the snow.
What a crock.
Frank
At least with a real computer you could write a macro to automate the process! Perhaps keyboards should be standard equipment! ;-)
tidester, host
Anyway, that TSB looks exactly like what I need! You really need to keep current with these things....
dshepherd3 , did you have your dealer do the TSB (including reprogramming) or did you pull the fuse yourself? I pulled a bunch of fuses last night (as well as disconnecting the battery for a while) but didn't have much luck. Did I not get the right one or does it need a re-program?
Thanks again guys!
GAM
TSB 02-08-44-016 September, 2002
Subject:Whine, Buzz, Generator Whine, Whine Type Noise Heard on Acceleration (Repair Vehicle Sound System Wiring)
Models: 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
2003 GMC, Envoy
2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
Built Prior to December, 2001
Condition:
Some customers may comment on a buzzing or generator whine-type noise. that emanates from the vehicle speakers with the radio on or off and when the headlights are on. This sound may be altered by changing the IP backlighting intensity (Dimming Function). Or, a noise emanates from the All-Wheel Drive system (if equipped), of 1 to 2 seconds duration during initial acceleration, at 24 km/h (15 mph) or at 48 km/h (30 mph). The generator whine-type noise may be observed at any time, however it is more noticeable when the electrical load on the system is high.
Cause:
The cause of this condition may be EMI interference that is being transmitted to the radio system speakers from within the body wiring harness.
Correction:
To determine which parts to order, you will need to inspect the vehicle. There are four types of audio systems available and three specific service wiring harness assemblies.
1.Make Service Appointment
NOT a "do-It-yourselfer . They are written to Inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of vehicle. Property trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the Information.
Please forgive my whining today. I learn more each day by reading these posts. I do not enjoy reading of the G M fixes to the problems.
Frank
We pay that amount every 6 months here in AZ on a 2001 Ford F150 and similar amounts on a 2000 Silverado 1500. Clean driving records I might add. We are in the 45-54 age group.
When we moved to Gilbert from the city of Glendale, the change in zip code dropped our inurance rates $150.00 a year on the same vehicles/ coverage.
Tony
http://64.14.193.106/p111651_image_large.jpg
http://64.14.193.106/p112474_image_large.jpg
Steve, Host
It just started doing this. I wish it would hum a quieter tune.
GAM
On and off thing ... i have experienced on a NUMBER of occasions that my horn does not want to werk. this seems like when ever i NEED it the most it will NOT work. but of course evertime i bring it to the service center it werks beautifully. The horn issue as almost gotten me into 2 accidents both with people trying to veer into my lane while not paying attention. without the horn i had to break into the shoulder lane so they wouldnt sideswipe me. i think its dangerous for me to be driving around with a retarted horn. but i dunno what i can do to get it replaced.
I have also noticed that while im traveling at about 80mph that there is a sound of vibrating plastic around the windsheild. anyone know what im talking about. my friend drives a mustang GT and he says he hears a similar noise. Can this be due to the molding on the outside?
My position on hookin up ur ride? Do what you like to make your ride LOOK like YOUR ride. I like that fact that people take pride in indiviualizing their car/trucks. I like to think that that my Trailblazer is DIFFERENT from EVERYONE elses on this board and im proud of all the hard work i put into her. I DISLIKE luxo-SUV's. They deminish the rugged personna of an SUV. last winter i had to roll down my window and LAUGH out LOUD at a jack@$$ with 21" CHROME rims pullin a 180 spin and slithering away in the middle of a busy intersection, sure this was in Newark, NJ and i coulda been shot. But it was worth it to piss off a moron who dropped $60K+ on a "truck" that couldnt handle itself in a lil slush.
all in all ..... if ur gunna get rims for your truck, dont expect much more than a street car. Suggestion: Keep your stockers for a "rainy" day~!!
=P
Will
Gentleman? Are you sure you didn't mean "pimp"?
tidester, host
My Trailblazer EXT seems to be running pretty good, though I do get the fan clutch roar every once in a while.
On thing I noticed since day one is a variable hissing-type noise coming from under the dash area or possibly just on the other side of the firewall. It comes and goes and changes frequncy; and it doesn't seem to be affected by heater/AC settings. It can happen when standing still or moving.
Anyone else experience this?
Thanks,
Dean
02 Trailblazer EXT
have to make a trip to the dealer? On the dash, to the left of the steering wheel, there's a dimmer knob that controls the brightness of the dash lamps. It's the one that goes in and out. Does this knob illuminate with the other switches at night? It seems to be the only switch on whole dash that doesn't on mine. Just wondering if it's something I need to get repaired. Thanks for your time.
The one knob you would want to see in the dark, so that you could turn on the interior lights does not light up!
ficuss asks.. "When did GM start using generators again?" Never knew they stopped. How else would they power and charge the electrical system?
Not worth arguing about.
-mike
Steve, Host
Can someone post a link?
Jeff
I think I have the same noise. It seems to happen mainly during deceleration only. If I hit the gas it seems to go away. Have you gone to the dealer yet?
Frank
03 Trailblazer EXT
A generator is a mechanical device which transforms ENERGY from one form to another.
An alternator is an electro mechanical device which produces ELECTRICITY. Both are defined in the S. Gernsback's Radio Encyclopedia printed in 1931.
I posed the tounge in cheek question of GM now using generators only after someone made reference to the "fine print" in a GM TSB that mentioned generator whine as a problem.
There are many false impressions left on this board. People often repeat what they hear and read. It was just an attempt to keep the conversation accurate. This way, mechanics can't get away with telling us the kanutton valve needs to be replaced.
Frank
Most times I notice the hissing noise at idle in the driveway. Sounds like maybe an AC thing, but it does this even if the AC isn't on.
Weird.
Dean
Frank, in automotive terms a generator and an alternator refer to specific things that are different. The alternator replaced the generator. I thought this is what you were talking about but I guess not. Refer to this page:
http://www.mgcars.org.uk/electrical/body_charging.html
Steve, Host
Changing the cluster intensity of turning the light off has no effect on the hum. Any other ideas?
GAM
Thanks for the reference article. I appreciate the feedback. Again, I hope you did not think I was arguing the point, just clarifying the point. Arguments are what 1 last beer in the cooler during the 3rd period of a football game are made of.
Frank
and the Rear One:
tim
Go back and read the post again and you'll find that the TSB does NOT "mention the generator whine as the problem". The only place it mentions "generator" is in the reported complaints area.
And the TSB is ABSOLUTELY correct. The noise that I hear is very much like a "generator whine". That is, most likely, the general description when one is at the dealership. It matters not if there is an alternator or generator in the vehicle - when describing a noise you describe the noise. (I've described one of the squeaks as sounding like a bird chirping but I doubt anyone would think there is an actual bird chirping in the vehicle.)
I know this is a quite confrontational post but I just thought it ironic that one would talk about accuracy when they did not even read the TSB correctly. There is no place in there where they (GM) diagnose the problem as being a "whine from the generator".
Ok, I know I'll get blasted for this but hey, I'm right.
Gee all this time I thought a MOTOR converted one form of energy into another... another profound revelation to ponder...
Yup. A motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. A generator does the reverse. Both convert forms of energy to different forms.
The things in cars are engines, but in NASCAR land they are constantly calling them motors, much to my dismay.
You rig looks great & I see why, it's in a garage. I unfortunately have to resort to on-street parking...
I'll keep washing mine and guarding it from the leaves & kids!
Keep it shiny!! You really have a good looking vehicle!
John
Happy Holidays
Frank