Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • archdukerizzoarchdukerizzo Member Posts: 35
    Not all lemonlaw cases take long.
    My 02 bravada lemon law took less than 90 days for a full buyback.

    I did have a good attorny though from the lemonlaw web site.
  • paulyjsobpaulyjsob Member Posts: 48
    Thanks a lot for your advice..
    I not here to bash the TB either. I love everything about it. I definitely wouldn't mind trading it in for an 03.
    Do you think it's worth seeing if there's something I could work out with the dealer before seeking legal action? I'm afraid that as soon as I mention I'm having problems with mine, they'll give me next to nothing for trade in.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    0% - 5 years.

    GM sweetens financing for mid-size SUVs (Yahoo news)

    Steve, Host
  • monstersincmonstersinc Member Posts: 13
    *A couple of things that I have noticed: 1. There *is no door ajar warning light on the dash. (One *door was half-ajar for a day before I noticed *it).

    I have a '03 TB EXT w/ Leather Plus package. The Driver Msg center tells you when any door or the rear gate is ajar. I don't know about vehicles without the "DIC". Also note there is a dash light for "gate ajar" If I forget to close the back window tightly, both the dash light and DIC indicate.

    *2. the 2nd row floor mats do not have the *coverage and they are moving around too. Can *anyone recommend a better floor mats?

    Checkout the GM accessories catalog. They have other mat options.

    * 3. reclining 2nd row seat please!

    My second row seats recline slightly. While sitting in the seat, click the seat folding lever forward and push back on the seat. It will recline slightly (about 15 degrees). I do think this could have been better. The 3rd row doesn't recline at all.
  • jwdsrbjwdsrb Member Posts: 2
    My 2002 LTZ with 25,000 miles consistently achieved 15-16 mpg in city driving, and 18-20 on the highway. Had the oil changed a month ago, and was talked into a synthetic oil (Mobil 1). Since the oil change, the mileage has dropped to 13-14 mpg in town, and 16-17 on the road. Does this make any sense? Can the reduced MPG be related to the oil change or the new oil? Any other thoughts? Thanks.
  • dshepherd3dshepherd3 Member Posts: 194
    The only thing I can think of to account for this is they grossly overfilled the crankcase or used heavier oil, maybe there was an extreme cold snap after the oill was changed?
  • sportbikenutsportbikenut Member Posts: 15
    #10302 - Theory does not seem likely. Splashguards do not vibrate at only one exact speed (58 to 62). It is RPM / load / speed related to the drivetrain. Also believe that it is not differential size related either. All 3 diff.(3.42 / 3.73 / 4.11) have reported.
    FYI - I've had the driveshaft and rear springs replaced and vibration was slightly reduced, but still exists. Still waiting for GM to come up with a real fix........

    #10310 - 0% 5 yr. financing has been avail. since Aug. 2002.

    #10312 - Use of Mobil 1, if anything, should result in better gas mileage. Ck. your air filter and tire air pressure. Have you changed brand of gas used?
  • 2yearleaseonly2yearleaseonly Member Posts: 107
    Does everyone with the vibration in the pedal also have splash guards installed?

    As a matter of fact I do. I had the OEM molded mud guards installed at delivery. Interesting theory. Did you report the vibration to the dealer under warranty? The more people report, the more action GMC will give towards resolving it.
  • axsysmanaxsysman Member Posts: 26
    I brought it to the dealer twice under warranty, first time, "could not reproduce", second time they said it was the transmission locking/unlocking (the torque convertor?). It has actually gotten less noticeable (or I have just become used to it). Oh well, I am not going to trade in a decent vehicle because of something so minor (at least to me). Good luck!
  • hillflahillfla Member Posts: 90
    I dropped off my Envoy this morning for the 3rd time in a month to get these three problems looked at (2 of them again!). This time the head technician took it for a drive with me. He felt the vibration in the gas pedal and was quite surprised. He said this is the first Envoy they have seen with this complaint. The steering wheel they think is a plastic o-ring or something like that - so they should be able to fix it easily. The wind noise he also heard and said that it it is called wind rush and there are a couple of things they can do. He said they most likely would bolster the weatherstriping to make it "puffier" (?) ie - bigger so that it makes a better seal with the door. Either that or they may realign the door. He was going to talk it over with the other service guys and see what they could come up with.

    So - I guess there may be light at the end of the tunnel! I'll let everyone know what they come up with when I pick it up tonight.
  • cmack4cmack4 Member Posts: 302
    It almost sounds like a bad joke... what squeaks, vibrates, and blows? Don't give up hope though, most of these fixes should be pretty easy. I know there is a TSB out for the squeaky wheel, so your dealer should be able to fix that relatively easily. If you need the specific TSB, let me know and I'll get you either the number or a copy of it when I get home.

    For the wind noise... does it only happen during heavy crosswinds or while you're driving over 65mph or is it something constant?

    Has anyone with the ECAS air suspension experienced the vibration? I know I have a Bravada with the ECAS and I don't get any sort of vibration in that speed range.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    #10310 - 0% 5 yr. financing has been avail. since Aug. 2002.

    For some reason the 0%/5 years went away for the SWB triplets in January. It was still available on the EXT/XL.

    He said this is the first Envoy they have seen with this complaint.

    The techs/service advisors always say "this is the first <insert car name here> that we have seen with this complaint". I think they are trained to do so.

    2 months with my '03 Envoy XL SLT and no defects so far. Have been very happy with the build quality and fit & finish. Gas mileage is surprisingly good too. I'm averaging around 17.5 mpg, and on the highway I get around 22 mpg.
  • momstruck1momstruck1 Member Posts: 206
    well we were without the truck for two days last week . It went in for a rubbing noise in the left front drivers side . It sounded like the wheel was always hitting a bump. So I pick it up get it home and not even the next day it is doing it worse. When they had it they said something about the hoses being routed wrong and they re-routed them but now it seems worse. I called and it goes back on Monday so we will see what it is . I just wanted to see if this was weird the dealership I usually go to had a fire in the service area so they are not doing any re-pairs so I took it to a dealer that is a little closer to me but I already leased another car there and wasn't totally happy there. To make a long story short when I took it there to be serviced the Tech. I knew asked me why I didn't go there to get the truck so I told him They weren't able to beat the other dealers price . But isn't that an odd question from the tech?? ALSO I did get the chip in the windsheild "repaired "it is hardly noticeable and worth the price. (65.00)
  • rgrossmanrgrossman Member Posts: 37
    I've owned my '02 Bravada for about 1 year and was averaging 16-17 mpg (hwy & city combined) for most of that time. During the last month or two my average has gone down to about 14 - 14.5 mpg. I know that gas formulations change for the winter months but this seems to have occurred from January on. Can it be the extreme cold that is taxing the engine? I live in the Boston suburbs and it has been the consistently coldest winter I can remember. Has anyone had any issues with clogged fuel filters, etc.?

    I noticed that I am due for a bunch of software revisions from the GM Calibration info web site. Some of them are for transmission shift points and the like. I wonder how big an impact these have on mileage? Anybody out there get there software flashed and notice an improvement?
  • previousamigopreviousamigo Member Posts: 130
    I had the vibrating gas pedal before and still after I installed my factory molded mud guards. I don't have the running boards. TB LS 4X4 3.73.

    Would love to know the wind noise and vibrating gas pedal fixes. I also have an on and off (every 2 seconds) vibration/rumble in the back end when I'm pulling my jetski trailer. They blame it on the trailer tires. I will try pulling someone elses trailer to see if I get the same rumble.
  • rgrossmanrgrossman Member Posts: 37
    I've owned my '02 Bravada for about 1 year and was averaging 16-17 mpg (hwy & city combined) for most of that time. During the last month or two my average has gone down to about 14 - 14.5 mpg. I know that gas formulations change for the winter months but this seems to have occurred from January on. Can it be the extreme cold that is taxing the engine? I live in the Boston suburbs and it has been the consistently coldest winter I can remember. Has anyone had any issues with clogged fuel filters, etc.?

    I noticed that I am due for a bunch of software revisions from the GM Calibration info web site. Some of them are for transmission shift points and the like. I wonder how big an impact these have on mileage? Anybody out there get there software flashed and notice an improvement?
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    See article in USA TODAY. TB faired well but the honda driver is not likely to survive a head on. Glad I'm in the TB not the honda
    http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-02-25-crash-tests_x.htm
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    Yeah, I saw that article, too. But talk about your mixed emotions: I own both the Honda and the TB. Not sure if I should feel relieved or frightened. :-)
  • condoriolecondoriole Member Posts: 39
    Me too. I'm not sure if the glass is half full or empty. :-)
  • tjpushtjpush Member Posts: 9
    My EXT has 3.73 rear with the locking dif, 4WD, factory running board, no mud guards(yet). It's only 1 month old with now about 700 miles(with 450 patiently earned break-in miles) on it.

    To monstersinc RE- TBLZ EXT 2nd row floor mats and reclining 2nd row seat: I will try your trick and see if I can get that 15 degrees. I don't have the DIC so no warning lights for the side doors(ajar). There is a gate ajar icon on the dash though. Thanks!
  • st1100v4st1100v4 Member Posts: 96
    I read the usatoday article mentioned above. It included the quote "The problem with crash tests, says Augenstein, who studies crashes with NHTSA and automaker funding, is that they are designed see how people inside the vehicle being tested are protected." Must be nice to get someone to pay you to make that kind of inane comment.
  • previousamigopreviousamigo Member Posts: 130
    Anyone know how to get/order the TB northface cargo mat for a non northface trialblazer. This is the type of cargo mat that I am looking for but can't figure out how to get it. I don't feel like trading in my LS and paying $10,000 more for the northface version.
  • luxrideluxride Member Posts: 14
    Does anyone have the GM molded floor mats for the Envoy? How good is the quality of these mats, should I look elswhere? I'm particulary looking for a one piece mat for the second row...Thanks
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    The wind noise on my Envoy (my Bravada had it also) eminates from the top of the door/windows. It's worse at the top front of the rear window. I notice it at speeds above 40-45 mph and it get worse at higher speed. Not so sure it's the door or window seals. It could be the roof rack (not the crossbars as I have removed them).

    It's worse than almost any vehicle I have owned.
    My Outback was quiet as a tomb in comparison.

    GAM
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    Nothing is wrong with that statement. It just looks like they left off the sentence immediately after it. What he meant was that crash tests ONLY test the occupants of a vehicle, and not the occupants of the other vehicle in a crash, which is the whole point of this new test.


    I read the usatoday article mentioned above. It included the quote "The problem with crash tests, says Augenstein, who studies crashes with NHTSA and automaker funding, is that they are designed see how people inside the vehicle being tested are protected." Must be nice to get someone to pay you to make that kind of inane comment.
  • swheeler2swheeler2 Member Posts: 1
    We have had the ext version of the trailblazer for 6 months and have 12k miles on it.
    during that time we have had the following problems.I am curios if any other owners have had any similar problems.
    1. Blown engine coil(stranded us 500 miles from home for 4 days on our vacation)
    2. Mysterious suspension squeak when driven over pot holes. ( at 10k it just went away)
    3. Gas mileage which started out at 20mpg highway, 16 city when new and now is at 16 highway, 11-12 city.
    4. Loose shift handle (fixed after two attempts)
    5. Defective driver's power seat switch which sticks and just keeps going when you adjust it.(pushed me into the windshield when I was cruising @65mph)
    6. 4WD system that has a mind of its's own switching in and out of 2WD,AWD and 4WD. ( After two attempts and two parts changes , I think it may be fixed)I am glad because this almost caused me 2 accidents.
    7.The panels which hold the power window switches stick out from the door armrest causing it to "pop up" when it is rubbed against. (this has been filed down ,then replaced,during 2 dealer trips but still has very poor fit and finish and still has the same problem)
    8. 3 bolts were half screwed in, on the inside front fender wells. They actually stuck out over 1/2 an inch)
    9. The passenger seatbelt recoil unit has no give or play, IT just locks up. once you buckle up it is impossible to even reach for your sunglasses if they are on the dash.
    10.the hood is badly misaligned
    11.On my last trip while driving due west for 200 miles, my compass insisted I was going north or south, but never west. Seems like it works now?
    12. All the interior door handles had sharp mold marks which were pronounced enough to cut your hand. (the dealer sanded them down)
    13. The radio heats up after 2 -3 hours use to where the CD's are VERY HOT, almost burning to handle.THe face of the radio actually got to almost a skin burning temp.

    All of this is too bad because it drives great. But I have to say my 97 subberban never had the issues this new trailblazer has and that the general quality control on my 99 Audi and 98VW agree light years ahead of GM.At $34,000 cost I was and still am expecting more. I am meeting with the District Chevy guy in 10 days and will post what they are willing to do for me.
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    Get the huskey liners, they are great especially in the Northeast winters.
    check them out on my site.
    http://www.trailblazer.homestead.com/
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    I found a company that sells the elcetochromatic rearview mirror with compass and outside temp for $179 with wiring harness.
    http://shop.store.yahoo.com/brandsmall/travel-auto---truck-access- ories-mirrors.html
    I am considering getting it.
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    "The radio heats up after 2 -3 hours use to where the CD's are VERY HOT, almost burning to handle.THe face of the radio actually got to almost a skin burning temp."

    That's funny, mine only does that when I'm playing James Brown. :-)
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    I have seen Northface TB items on EBAY, under both Trailblazer, then try Chevy Trailblazer, under search! People have been selling cargo covers, mats ect... Running boards, nice stuff.
  • rainersrainers Member Posts: 50
    I am ready to buy but wonder if i should wait for 2004 model. Any Ideas on when they are available?
  • cmack4cmack4 Member Posts: 302
    The biggest wind noise problems I've found in the triplets can be solved by doing 2 things.

    First, locate the baffles in the front quarter panels. They're black rubber/foam and can be seen if you look into the fender with the driver/passenger door open. The seal around them is loose. Either epoxy them or duct tape them or both from the inside of the fender. Looks won't be important, since you won't be able to see it at all anyway.

    Second, if you get the wind gusting noise in heavy crosswinds where air pierces into the cabin. Check your weatherstripping and make sure it's tight against the metal all the way around. If there's a good fit, and it still makes the noise, then this should solve your problem: Loosen the 2 bolts in the door striker with a T-30 Torx bit. Apply locktite (can be bought at any auto parts store) to the bolts, and with one hand move the striker toward the inside of the vehicle as far as it will go (it has about 2-3mm of play in it). Hold it in place while you tighten the bolts with the other hand. Torque specification is 18lbs/ft.
  • st1100v4st1100v4 Member Posts: 96
    Call me parochial (or something stronger), but my goal IS to protect myself and my family in a crash. The idea is to never cause an accident yourself (and that's really not that hard; obey traffic signals, drive within conditions, and pay attention) and if someone runs a light, crosses into my lane, etc. I want steel and lots of it.
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    look at the Hummer H2 yet? Or M1 abrams?
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    M1 tank doesn't haul enough people. How about an armored personnel carrier? Probably gets better gas mileage than the M1 also. And I bet a 4' X 8' sheet of plywood will fit better too.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    would fit in the I don't like SUVs, why do you? discussion very nicely.

    Steve, Host
  • cmack4cmack4 Member Posts: 302
    I'm partial to the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle myself... It has seating for 10 and better armor and acceleration than the M1 Abrams. In all seriousness though, steel isn't always the answer. If it's too ridgid and doesn't absorb the initial impact shock well, it's going to pass on added g's to the driver/passengers. I know with the military vehicles, they actually use special harnesses to help absorb some of that added shock, since the armor doesn't give at all! On the other hand, you're definitely not going to have to worry about cabin intrusion!
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    I have the GM rubber mats. They look and fit perfectly. I love them. They are two piece in the back seat but that has not been an issue for me as I only carry two kids in the back seat anyway. Perfect color match. Hold a lot of melting slush.
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    Had a bizarre event this week. The 4WD drive switch has twice this past week switched itself from Auto4WD to 4WD Hi. Has anyone else had this happen? The first time it happened I didn't realize it until the "Service 4WD" light came on and there was a strange smell when I got out of the vehicle. The "Service 4WD" light then went off and has not been on since. It switched itself again later in the week. I normally drive in 2WD but we have had a lot of snow this week. I am going to make an appointment to have the switch looked at as well as the entire 4WD system checked in case it was damaged the first time it went into 4WD Hi by itself. All comments appreciated!
  • hillflahillfla Member Posts: 90
    Thank you cmack4 - I am going to follow your advice and see if I can't get rid of some of the wind noise in my Envoy. I really appreciate that you took the time to write out specific instuctions on a couple of things that can be done to minimize noise.

    BTW - the dealer "supposedly" fixed the wind noise in my Enovy yesterday. They told me they realigned the door and fixed the weather striping - but only on the drivers side. To be honest - I don't notice a difference, its still loud!
  • paulyjsobpaulyjsob Member Posts: 48
    I had this happen also, mine would switch from 2HI to A4wd and 4HI at highway speeds. It turns out that there was some sort of short in the 4wd selector switch. They replaced that switch and it hasn't happened since... It's been about 5 months now without a problem... well, at least not that particular problem..
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    I, too, had the problem with the 4wd switch, about one month into ownership. Had it changed 12 months ago and no problems since. (About a 30 minute fix at the dealership.)
  • jw4gmjw4gm Member Posts: 27
    I hit several dead ends trying to get a quote on a GM extended warranty for my '02 Envoy. If you have a link that works, please post it. I need a quote to use when I try to bargain with my selling dealer. Thanks.
  • v8extv8ext Member Posts: 7
    Are they any V8 EXT/XL owners out there that hear a hissing or whistling noise coming from the engine when accelerating, or in particular when you are going 55-75mph holding a constant speed? This noise can be heard best between 55-75mph when just pressing pedal slightly then releasing, to hold a constant speed. Please let me know, or listen to your engine. Or if anyone has an idea of what could cause this type of noise. My dealer has been of no help so far. Thanks.
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    cmack: I assume you mean the striker plate on the body, not the mechanism in the door. I have tried moving the plate before but it will not move, even with the bolts almost all the way out. There seems to be a plate welded to the door that the nuts are attached to. The other problem is that the door is flush to the body now. Only the top edge of the door needs to be pushed in. The dealer says they actually bend in the door frame. Yikes!

    GAM
  • cmack4cmack4 Member Posts: 302
    Correct, I was refering to the striker plate... not the latching mechanism. Have you tried taking the bolts out altogether? The procedure I described is actually on the service gm site and is the same for all the triplets, so it shouldn't be welded. Maybe it's just stuck? The spacer I'm referring to looks like a plus and sits right underneath the striker plate, but is separate from the striker plate, and not attached to the door. Both the striker plate and spacer should move a little when the bolts are loosened, or worst case should come off if they're stuck and you have to take the bolts out and use a little force. All I know is that it was indeed enough to get a better seal at the top of the door. Oh, BTW, if you want the image let me know and I'll email it to you.
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Not sure about them, but you can try www.gmoutlet.com. They say all non-Pennsylvania residents pay 0% sales tax.
    Also found another one that might be able to do something:
    http://www.capperautocenter.com/
    This is in Iowa. I purchased a DC warranty for my wife's Jeep from chryslerwarranty.com which is also in Iowa...they have 'affiliates' GM Warranty Central, Ford Warranty Central and Toyotawarranty.com links on their page. I got my paperwork in about 2 weeks. Biggest savings was 8.5% Tenn sales tax...discounted price was maybe $150 less than that quoted as list on the DC site.
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    219.00 without lights, 249.00 with lights, check it out, they are identical to OEM http://bonesenterprises.com/
  • cebtebcebteb Member Posts: 138
    I much prefer the GM sidesteps (aluminum framing w/ ABS center) to those running boards and I think having them lighted is a bit garish.

    The crash test have just become the latest slant on getting rid of SUVs. The PC approach will be to modify the SUVs, as noted. When the added weight drops gas mileage lower still, they expect the conclusion to be obvious.

    They won't pursue to logical alternative to improve the crash survive ability of some of the "pop-cans" on the road because that will lower their gas mileage and there goes any chance of raising CAFE standards again. Like the space shuttle external tank foam, PC comes first, safety second.

    Oddly, none of the NHTSA coverage noted that the TrailBlazer scored only Marginal on the Insurance Institute test. So if GM was designing for that test, they didn't do very well. But, despite what CR says, that test may be representative of typical auto accidents, but it isn't representative of typical fatal auto accidents. Head-ons and broad-sides are where the fatalities come from. Good thing the triplets scored 5 Stars there.
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