By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
The note on software updates is: "Programing updates areto be performed only if a customer complaint relates to the calibration as per General Motors policies and regulations."
I guess next time in I'll have to complain about the 1-2 shift.
"Are you sure you're talking about the GM Supplier Discount, and not the GM Employee discount? "
It's called "GMS". Even though I'm not a GM employee, I think this is the same as the discount the employees get. The reason it goes on the W2 (actually goes on my paycheck and taxed as income) is that is considered a taxable benefit.
Also the hatch does not always unlock with vehicle put in park. It requires a touch of the arm rest button.
I think this is intermittent.
Anyone else experience any type of oddity with the hatch locks?
When you get it done please give us a review. Take note of the before and after shift points.
I too have used buypower.com. I liked it at first, but after a while, I realized that I could not trust it to be current. Of the ~6 vehicles I sent a *hold for test drive message*, only 1 was available. Later found out the 1 was not even available. I liked the online searching but buypower really needs to do a better job matching up options with available vehicles. Only lets you see 3 or 4 vehicles per page, have to guess based on price which ones may be what you are looking for. I did like the fact that the salesperson does contact you right away.
Anyway, I was really hoping to get lucky and find one last Saturday so I felt like driving (at least until I was on the road).
Jerry Haggerty seems to be taking care of me so far. They have found 3 that match my specifics, have been very prompt and courteous. We will see if they can close the deal.
Mine is very sporatic and sometimes goes for months but it still, on occassion, does not unlock when the vehicle is in park and I have to use the fob or lock switch. I haven't even bothered to ask the service tech as I doubt they could duplicate it.
By the way, my '02 TB with build date of 5/02 ran perfect until I brought it to the dealer for the "vibration" problem. While there, they ran the latest "improvements". It now has less low RPM power / torque but seems to be tuned to the upper RPM range where it screams. I prefer the way it was. Problem is that the dealer cannot go back to an older program. Anyone else experience this? Thanks.
Thanks!
Info - GM Oil Life System - Resetting #02-00-90-001
GM Oil Life System™ -- Resetting
2002 Chevrolet and GMC S/T Utility Models (TrailBlazer, Envoy),2002 Oldsmobile Bravada
These vehicles have an oil life monitor. The GM Oil Life System™ will show when to change the engine oil and oil filter. The GM Oil Life System™ must be reset after changing the engine oil and oil filter.
Resetting Procedure
The current Owner's Manual contains the following reset procedure:
Turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off.
Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds. If the CHANGE ENG OIL light flashes for five seconds, the system is reset. If the light does not flash, repeat the procedure.
However, it has been found that after completing the reset procedure, the CHANGE ENG OIL light does not flash as stated in the vehicle Owner's Manual.
If the CHANGE ENG OIL light goes out after the reset procedure and does not return after the next ignition cycle, then the system has been reset.
If the vehicle is equipped with a Driver Information Center (DIC), then reset confirmation can also be done by verifying that the Engine Oil Life percentage value has reset to 100%.
Use the above information to prevent the inadvertent replacement of the instrument cluster if there are comments that the oil life reset feature does not work.
Don't ask me how to interpret this data. Without a printout of the software versions your particular vehicle came with I don't know. They likely have a way to read the version at the dealer when they plug in their scan tool to your vehicles computer.
"...they ran the latest "improvements". It now has less low RPM power / torque but seems to be tuned to the upper RPM range where it screams. I prefer the way it was. Problem is that the dealer cannot go back to an older program."
IMO trucks (and truck-based SUVs) ought to be peaked out for low RPM torque. That's what I am afraid of- having this done and not liking the results. Sometimes the latest software "update" causes changes or differences that are not desired (kinda like upgrading Windows or your computer BIOS) Sounds like they retuned yours for less low-end power off the line in an effort to get better "city" gas mileage. All I want ( I think) is the 1-2 upshift update if I knew what they meant by "improve feel of 1-2 upshift". Maybe I will just wait 'til Hypertech comes out with their reprogrammer. With that device, I believe you can reload your original saved software version.
http://service.gm.com/gmtechlink/images/issues/cnt_mo/TLDec02e.html
Most of the torque produced by this motor is higher in the rpm range than a 5.3L v8.
To GM's credit their torque curve on the Vortech motors is relatively flat. having more torque available throughout the rpm range.
I learned some things about running with the fan always on. First (as we all know!), it is loud. Second, others have commented about an extreme loss of power at times with the fan on (e.g. almost can't make it up a hill, etc. Much more loss of power than even a high CFM fan could suck up). I wonder if some of that isn't because people are just unwilling to accelerate as normal when it sounds like the engine is about to fly apart. I know I found it difficult to force myself to rev the engine like I normally do when starting up from stop. As a test I floored it and it revved to redline as normal and accelerated strongly. Lastly, since this happened Friday night and it would be several days before taking it in, I just unplugged the connector at the fan housing and the fan stayed off. (Maybe this would work for Northerners, who never want the fan to come on during the winter.)It's in the shop now.
A local dealer has an Envoy XL that is farily loaded out and a base model Yukon. After my GMS discount, they is basically a $500 difference in price.
I was wanting to hear from some folks who are satisfied with their Envoy XL and what kind of mileage are they getting (please post if you have 2wd/4wd and gear ratio). I am looking at a 2wd with the 3.42 gear ratio.
My wife is leaning towards the Envoy XL and I was leaning towards the Yukon because I thought it was bigger. Well after looking at the GMC website, the Yukon is only 8 inches longer in total length and has more room in the shoulder area, about 8 inches.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Gary
I encountered the same problem with what you see isn't necessarily what's available. After foolishly driving 40 miles to see a particular color of Bravada that a dealer had posted via Buypower, I was told they must have sold it recently. Nobody remembered it. Well, a month later it was still listed in their inventory on Buypower.
Oddly enough, I ended up buying my Bravada from the one dealer that was linked to Buypower. Their dealership name was listed, but not linked. They had what I was looking for and they were actually the closest to my home.
Another note about GM Buypower. The software isn't Apple Macintosh-friendly. Numerous attempts to e-mail dealers and Oldsmobile resulted in either frozen pages or e-mails returned as undeliverable.
GM Buypower is a nice concept, but it needs considerable work on execution. What the system should do is allow you to specify a vehicle at the GM site, provide a ZIP code, and get you linked to the vehicle closest to your specification in your geographic area. Instead, you have to work through slow responding links for all of the dealerships in your area and all of their inventory of the named vehicle, regardless of color or options.
While I'm at it, I'll take a shot at all of those internet car buying link sites. I tried them all. Several just emailed me that they didn't have an Oldsmobile link either nation-wide or in my area.
Others took all my specifications and selected dealer-partners in my area, and I never heard from any of the dealers. Yes, I provided that feedback to the home websites.
The last batch got me e-mails from local dealers, but as soon as I noted that I had provided specifications for color and options, they totally broke off contact with me. One even ignored two phone messages I left him after he indicated he could find the Bravada I wanted.
I suspect part of the problem is that I was looking for an Oldsmobile. I sense the Olds dealers are jumping ship rapidly and really don't want to invest much effort in sustaining normal sales activity for Olds. Just my impression.
I discovered a "sample defect" on my Bravada. I noticed that the front bumper side wrapping is apparently loose on the driver's side. I can push it in an it moves and bangs against something. Passenger side is solid. If I don't find a reason to see my dealer soon, I may just open the wheel well and tighten the connection myself.
Had a shock Monday night. I hit a bump and lights and gongs went off. I finally noticed that the DIC said that the rear window was a-jar. I stopped and checked it and it was a-jar. Apparently the lock slipped or disengaged when I hit the bump. Anyone ever experience this? I can't reproduce it, so I hesitate to mention it to dealer service.
The preceding are minor issues. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable and powerful vehicles I've ever driven. The ride is perfect, smooth and quiet. The power is really impressive (and I've owned muscle cars and turbo sports cars in my past). My wife isn't a truck person, but she finds ever excuse to drive the Bravada because of the ride and power. So far, a very satisfied buyer.
with a 3.42 rear end we are currently averaging 17.3Mpg over the life of the vehicle. Highway trips have been as good as 22Mpg. (73 MPH)
The published chart shows the torque is pretty much "flat" 275 lb-ft from about 1800 to 5000 RPM. Pretty broad range for a 6-banger.
Could some of you educate me on something. I keep hearing about this fan noise issue. Well, I have it to on colder mornings, it's about the same as the fan noise on the 4.3L Vortex V6. When I look at the fan it looks like a viscous clutch coupling to me. I don't see any electrical connection. The only way I can see that any reprogramming would have an effect on it would be to lower the shift rpm ranges, which would keep the fan speed lower thus producing less noise. If there's something I'm missing let me know.
Pulling my boat my 02 TB does great. But you have to get on the pipe to get up and go.
Compared to my 01 Silverado. The torque curves are noticeably different.
While the engine has the torque available at the low end. It is the rest of the drivetrain that has to get it to the ground. I feel that these vehicles have a little too high gear ratio in the 1st and second gear for the weight and engine.
Don't get me wrong though. I wouldn't trade my TB in for anything else... Well maybe a Yukon or Suburban in about 7 months when the baby arrives, we will be needing the additional room.
Still keeping an eye out on the Traiblazer to see if they ever get past the Windows 3.1 level software problems.
We will be looking for the extra room that is in the full size.
Our view is if you need the third row, the ease of parking does not outweigh the room that is in the Yukon or Suburban.
The locking rear differential locks the rear axles together so that all the power doesn't end up going to one wheel in slippery conditions, like in an open differential. In an open differential, torque is split 50/50 between the wheels, but if one starts to slip, it ends up with all the torque.
A locker maintains a 50/50 split between the wheels. Since it's harder to spin 2 wheels than one, it gives you more traction. However, it doesn't double the traction, like many people erroneously think.
Reason I ask is it seems from the chatter on the Expedition board that they may be making better deals on these than the Envoy. Anyone done any real comparison and want to offer up their opinion?
GS
Check out the July 02 Techlink issue above about the electronically controlled viscous fan clutches our triplets are graced with. Mines been engaged 3 mornings in a row at first start, now that the weather is colder. After a minute or two the viscous stuff in the clutch finally redistributes itself and all is normal.
Reason I ask is it seems from the chatter on the Expedition board that they may be making better deals on these than the Envoy. Anyone done any real comparison and want to offer up their opinion?
GS
Reason I ask is it seems from the chatter on the Expedition board that they may be making better deals on these than the Envoy. Anyone done any real comparison and want to offer up their opinion?
GS
Hopefully I will be able to trade in her Accord for a crew cab pickup in '04....
But lately in these posts I've observed some weird expectations of these vehicles and some strange postings too. Some observations and thoughts:
1. These vehicles are trucks. If you wanted handling like a Viper or Vette you bought the wrong vehicle.
2. Trucks don't get great gas mileage so be prepared to pay extra at the pump.
3. Complaints about gas mileage. Two complete strangers in a beat-up Ford pick-up at the corner gas station smilingly asked me "Hey, what kind of mileage do you get with that bus?" Yuk, Yuk.
I replied "If you have to ask, then you can't afford it." (I think these guys were out of jail under Wisconsin's Huber law program-(must return to jail at night-no, I am not kidding)).
3a. DIC needs to be reset at fill-ups. And, your gas mileage calculation should be: miles traveled between fill-ups/gallons of gas.
4. 1-2 upshift complaints. This is called understanding your vehicle and knowing how to drive it. Yes, it can be stump puller getting from 1-3 but it doesn't have to be. Try finding the sweet spot on the throttle between just moving and WFO, it will work, mine does.
5. Cold spots on heated seats. My rear must be too numb or fat to feel this condition. The lowest setting is too hot for me, but I enjoy the feature anyway.
6. Education, education, education. This is just one of many examples I could cite: No, the Envoy can not be compared to the Expedition. If you don't know this you are not prepared to purchase. If you purchase with this level of ignorance, you will be one of the unhappy owners writing in.
7. Read the owners manual. I have read lots of posts where it appears the manual has not been consulted.
8. The dealer seems to make the difference. I've read posts from people who are getting their vehicles serviced by the same people servicing farm machinery. Not recommended. Even in Wisconsin we have some great dealers and service technicians. Find them and buy from them.
9. Some people can not be helped. I know so little but what shocks me is that so many writing in know even less.
10. I like GMC's slogan "We are professional grade." "Get used to it." I think this fits my life-style. My Envoy is not a pretentious imported SUV with a high price tag. I like the fact that it represents good value at its price point, plus I am buying American which still matters a lot to me.
Best wishes to all, and Merry Christmas!
By the way, you XL and EXT owners would get a chuckle out of the Honda Pilot's third row seat, I know I did.
This is not just some phantom imaginary complaint from drivers that can't drive an automatic transmission. GM has specifically addressed these complaints and has issued engine and transmission calibration updates as per the current Techlink article "Cold Upshift Delay" also they have issued a new calibration for 1-2 upshift. If these complaints were not valid GM would not be making fixes.
GM needs to do some real engineering to bring the interior, suspension, and overall quality up to world-class standards. Poor handling and brake dive have been complaints since GM introduced these SUVs. However, there is a problem here because to make an SUV ride well and handle well you need to do engineering, something that GM can no longer do. GM thinks the public won’t notice. Well, next time I am buying the Toyota or VW. I tried to give GM a second change and they blew it. GM still has not reached the bottom of the market share stakes.