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Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    richlavoie: Since this forum is not here to trade insults on, no insult was taken. We are here to share our experiences with our cars, good and bad. We all learn from the comments of others, and to that end this has been and will continue to be a very beneficial forum. I only wish all buyers of tripletts would have the opportunity to share their experiences here. Then GM would have to take notice.
     

    Frank
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    Momstruck - I sincerely hope your dealer solves your problem. If not, too bad you didn't buy vs. lease, then you could get rid of it earlier rather than having to live with it for another two years.

    Husky - I would not be concerned with the quality of the Envoy. Although I only have approximately 1,000 miles on my XL/SLT, I love it. Because I drive over 30,000 miles/yr., I got an extended warrantee. You can bargain with the dealer on one. Tell him to work with you on it and you will buy the truck from him. If you like the truck, get one. If for some reason you get one that does have some problems, trust the dealer to take care of it. It's only a machine that can be fixed. DON'T WORRY SO MUCH!!!

    giddens - What do you mean by DIC trickery?

    Consumer Reports - I am a long time subscriber that enjoys the magazine. However, I don't agree with their assessment of the Envoy. Specifically, I think the handling and braking are fine. I love the truck and am glad I got one.
  • st1100v4st1100v4 Member Posts: 96
    "giddens - What do you mean by DIC trickery?"

    I'm not John, but I'll answer anyway! A number of people, myself included, have reported that the DIC avg mpg readout is about 0.5 mpg optimistic. This is compared to calculating it yourself as miles/fuel added.
  • ylabylab Member Posts: 46
    I read through my issue of CR extensively and the funny part is that if you look at the reliability charts, the 2002 column is actually VERY good for the triplets! (All RED like the imports except for one or two average scores for Body Integrity and I think Electrical). The 2001 & prior models with the older body had lots of Black. Looks like CR may be including the reliability results from the prior body to obtain the reliability of the new triplets.

    I know there have been several firmware/electrical issues with the early triplets, but no wide spread major issues and mechanically they seem to be pretty sound. My 02 Envoy has basically been trouble free...except for those blasted auto adjusting mirros with a mind of their own. (Reminds me...need to call the dealer to have the actuators replaced again as the firmware didn't fix them).

    Ray
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    Thanks for the feedback, I was told these vehicles get around 22mpg on highway, but was also told that some people do get over 22-24 mpg, That is definitely a plus to travel in these vehicles!
  • giddens_johngiddens_john Member Posts: 77
    st1100v4 nailed it on the head as to what I meant.
  • bricklayertxbricklayertx Member Posts: 20
    I bought the LS 2w/drive in Feb, 02. Truck built in Feb also. Now have 6,000 miles in the first year (I'm retired). Only major problem was a split low pressure hose on the A/C last summer. Tech said he had never seen that happen. The only other glitch------on three occasions, the inst panel has gone dark. Once after about 2 months, then 6 months, and about a week ago.
    When I went to the dealer for an oil change, I asked about the 'fix'. He said it involves pulling and replacing the inst panel. Have to keep truck overnight to reset the new panel????

    When the glitch happens, so far all I've had to do was turn off the ignition for 10 minutes and it healed itself. I'll probably go for the real fix before the 36 months are up.

    Overall, I'm happy with the truck and would buy another. Couldn't speak to the 4wd problems which seem so prevalent.
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    2002SLT: Nothing that compares? Depends. Most Envoy SLT's list between $38-40,000 around here. At that price there are many vehicles, especially imports that flat leave GM in the dust.
    GM can't sell them for that price which is why you can get them for invoice minus another $3500. My '03 Envoy is both better and worse than my '02 Bravada. The drive train is much better on the '03 but it also has many more squeeks, rattles, and wind noise than the '02. Both have panel gaps where I can stick my fingers in to the knuckles. And don't get me started on how they cheapened up the '03's AND increased the price!

    On the subject of wind noise, I think I have cured most of mine near the tops of the doors. I added some 1/8" thick self adhesive foam to the seals at the top of the doors. I could see light between the doors and the seals even though the doors were aligned properly. Also, I noticed that I could pull the window door seal away from the door frame at the outside corners of the windows. I pull the seal out, filled the gap with black RTV, and pushed the seal back in, wiping away the excess. The difference is amazing. The wind noise from that area is almost gone. A definate improvement.

    Greg
  • st1100v4st1100v4 Member Posts: 96
    This has been batted around before, but the only legitimate way to compare the value of various vehicles is by what you actually pay for them. MSRP is immaterial. I think it's a poor strategy on GM's part to list high and offer large discounts; likewise it's a poor consumer strategy to buy a "$38K" vehicle for $30K and then complain that it doesn't match up with the neighbor's brand X for which he paid a true $40k.

    Using myself as an example, I purchased a new '02 Bravada 2wd for about the price of a V6 Accord and I couldn't be happier. And I don't compare it to a Lexus RX300 (although it was roughly the same list).
  • 2002slt2002slt Member Posts: 228
    You're correct; my comparison wasn't based on MSRP. Sticker was about $38K, but I paid just slightly more than $30K. It was based against vehicles like the pathfinder, Grand Cherokee LTD., Mountaineer and the Four Runner.
  • paulpropaulpro Member Posts: 56
    Gregg,
    Can you provide more details of where you added the 1/8" foam and where you placed the RTV sealant.

    Thanks

    Paul P
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    Paul,
    I put the foam on the outer rubber seal that the top of the door should contact. I cut a strip about 1/4" wide and attached it near the top of the seal facing in towards the body so it would not be seen when you open the door. The foam forces the seal to contact the door now. As the lower part of the door fit OK, GM said they actually bend the door frames in to make better contact. This is a little less severe.

    I put the RTV at the top rear of the drivers door and the top front of the passengers door on the outside window seal. This is the black rubber seal that attaches to the door frame. If you roll down the window a little, you can pull the seal away from the door, squirt some RTV in there and push the seal back in place. I left the window down a little for several hours so it would cure.
    Hope this helps (it did for me). I can try to borrow the camera at work and post some pictures if that would be of assitance.

    P.S. As far a values go, I think GM makes a mistake pricing the vehicle where they do. The Envoy finished last in the Car and Driver test because the list price was high enough to compare to some good imports, even though we know you can get them for less. People walk into the Honda dealer and see they can get a Pilot with leather for $5-6000 less (sticker)than an Envoy, and buy every one they can. True, you can get an Envoy for that price, but you have to haggle and use incentives, etc. Remember, many shoppers look on Sunday, and sticker price is all they have to compare. Just my 2 cents.

    Greg
  • ylabylab Member Posts: 46
    Just happen to see this month's Techlink issue has a specific mention for triplets suffering from a vibration and/or noise in the pedal or console. I don't have this problem, but this might help if you're having the problem.

    Ray

    Link: http://service.gm.com/gmtechlink/images/issues/cnt_mo/TLcme.html#- story13
  • seifordseiford Member Posts: 68
    Thanks GAM2 for the description on how you fixed the wind noise problem on your Envoy. I'd appreciate it if you did post some pictures. I am a little annoyed by the wind noise on our '03 and am interested in trying your solution.

    Has anyone installed a paint protection film to the hood? I installed the standard kit from Invinca-Shield (www.invinca-shield.com) last weekend. Installation was a bit tricky (not for a novice), but I think it will work great to protect the paint from chips. [We had this type of film put on our other car 6 years ago and it looks fantastic.]

    Now I'm looking for a recommendation for headlight protection film. Anyone with experience with any products? I did a little research and it looks like the paint protection film is 8mil thick and headlight films are 40mils. Are they so thick that it looks bad installed?

    Thanks.
  • momstruck1momstruck1 Member Posts: 206
    I was told by a friend that is also a tech (NOT FOR GM) that there are a few people with laywers over this problem . It seems to be something with the bushings ?? I am un sure of how to spell it but this is what I was told not sure if he is even right but I figured if I heard anything I would tell everyone and see what you guys has to say .
  • richlavoierichlavoie Member Posts: 56
    This talks about the 02 TB/Envoy/Bravada. Has this problem been noticed on 03?
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    When you say you paid slightly more than $30,000.00 I assume it was for a standard Envoy; not an XL.
    To all posters on this board: I think whenever we post regarding our vehicles, we should be specific on the year, model, trim line, etc. if it would be relevant to the post.
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    Why wouldn't GMC put a pocket on the rear of the driver's seat in the 2003 Envoy XL like they do on the passenger side?
  • st1100v4st1100v4 Member Posts: 96
    "Why wouldn't GMC put a pocket on the rear of the driver's seat in the 2003 Envoy XL like they do on the passenger side?"

    $. That along with a number of other items was dropped in the '03s.
  • 2002slt2002slt Member Posts: 228
    Sorry, 2002 Envoy SLT 4WD (non-XL).
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    I'm a new member to this board since leasing my '03 Envoy XL/SLT in February. I've been participating in Edmunds.com Bonneville Owner's Club and Toyota Sienna boards since January '00. I'm very glad to see that this group is as active and has knowledgeable posters like the other boards I'm used to.

    st1100v4 - What else was dropped from '02?
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    Have you guys checked out the new XUV available in the near future? I'd miss the third row seating, but would really appreciate the flat cargo area. My "perfect" Envoy XL would have third row seats that folded into the floor.
  • 2yearleaseonly2yearleaseonly Member Posts: 107
    Those with 'Vibration' in gas pedal..... READ by ylab.

    Thanks for the link. I printed it and will take it to the dealer and maybe my problem will be over.

    Thanks again
  • flyersruleflyersrule Member Posts: 47
    Keep us up to date. I read the link but the rpms sound low. Mine usually happens between 1200-1500 rpms. I hope this is it! Fingers crossed!
  • giddens_johngiddens_john Member Posts: 77
    I'm not st1100v4, but I'll answer anyway!:')
    This list is by no means perfectly accurate as I'm just regurgitating what I've seen here.

    Dropped items from 2002's for 2003's.

    1. Diversity antenna. This is the radio antenna etched into the rear side windows like the rear defogger. Of all the things I like about the triplets, the diversity antenna is one feature I really liked. No burnt out motors for electric antennas, and no antenna mast to be stolen or broke off by vandals. And I like the looks of no antenna mast sticking up. For whatever reason this one really lights off my mad burners.
    2. Glove Box light.
    3. Driver's outside dimming mirror
    4. Under hood mounted light.
    5. Rubber dead pedal.
    6. Map pocket on back of driver's seat.

    Added items to 2003's from 2002's

    1. Changes to the Vortec 4200 engine. New engine components to fix various engine related stuff and added 5 HP. Tim's got the scoop at his site.
    2. DRL off button.

    Also somewhat related is many features that were standard are now optional for example power mirrors on specific trim levels.

    By no means is this list complete, I've probably forgot a few, and don't know about others.
  • elliot69elliot69 Member Posts: 9
    I have an 02 Envoy SLT 4x4, I also noticed for 03 they have dropped headlight washers, pretty petty!!!!!!! Elliot
  • rainersrainers Member Posts: 50
    #10377 of 10487 pauleul by rainers Mar 02, 2003 (3:45 pm)
    Paul can you email me what you did for the complete DVD installation. I am interested in installing one and would like to know what parts and how you mounted the dvd screen/player.

    Thank You
    Rainerschlesiger@hotmail.com
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    This morning when it was 4 degrees outside, with six inches of snow on the ground, I felt for the first time in a long time, the vibrations many have been writing about. My TB was being pushed to the side by a strong cross wind. The steering was vague. I thought it was because of the cross winds. After 75 miles of driving, I arrived at my destination to find that my left rear tire was half flat. Had the tire repaired and the vibration was gone.

     Most of the previous posts concerning the vibration mentioned speeds between 50 and 65 mph. The GM Tech link article mentioned rpm's of 800-900 rpm. They may be referring to a different vibration problem .

    Frank
  • 2yearleaseonly2yearleaseonly Member Posts: 107
    The GM Tech link article mentioned rpm's of 800-900 rpm. They may be referring to a different vibration problem .

    A vibrating gas pedal is a vibrating gas pedal. The parameters might be different, but at least the dealer cant recommend psychological counseling to me as if I am a hypocondriac. I have a 2003 Envoy and this bulletin only mentions 2002. I don't care, at least this gives me more credibility than I had before. The dealer told me the GMC service help desk never heard of this problem. I found that hard to believe, but now with the GM web site stating its a known problem, they will have to address it if this cure doesn't work. rorodad had his drive shaft replaced as well, I may push for that to.
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    for a drive shaft to be replaced, and the problem is still there afterwards, will you pay for the parts and labor. Mechanics do not particularly like to be told what to do or what parts need replacing. Let them decide, if they cannot find the problem, find a new mechanic. You are correct, there are many reasons for vibrations. The faint vibration mentioned here occurs at about 50-65 mph and about 1700-2000 rpms. I doubt that it is the same as the 800-900 rpm vibration mentioned in the Tech link. An out of balance drive shaft will shake the whole car, I have experienced that with a Jeep Wrangler. The gas pedal vibration is so faint it doesn't compare.

    Frank
  • st1100v4st1100v4 Member Posts: 96
    Is it noticable only if you think about it, always there (at the "correct" RPM), tingles the foot, puts the foot to sleep, or ????

    If I concentrate I can just barely detect something at about 55mph. But I don't want to make the mistake of assuming that that's the intensity on other vehicles.
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    st11004v: yes,in my case, that is why it is no biggy for ME.

    Frank
  • paulyjsobpaulyjsob Member Posts: 48
    I drove my me 03 Envoy from CT down to Phili over the weekend. On the way down I kept the car at 55-60 mph because of the initial breakin. Anyway, I did notice a slight vibration, nothing that would cause any alarm or discomfort though. And if only occured within a 2 mph range. It definitely wasn't too the point of tickling my feet. Also, I must say I was very surprised with the mpg... On the way down, keeping speeds between 55-65 and varying them, I got a little over 21 mpg... The was almost all highway with a little stop and go traffic. On the way home after breaking, traveling 75 and 30 minutes worth of stop and go, I got an almost even 20 mpg. If the rumors are true that fuel efficiency increases after 5000 miles, I'll be a really happy camper.. BTW..I have the 3.73 ratio.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    This talks about the 02 TB/Envoy/Bravada. Has this problem been noticed on 03?

    I haven't noticed it in my '03 Envoy XL. My wife hasn't said anything about it either. All gas pedals are going to have some vibration. But I think what people are experiencing here is more severe. I think the triplets use different tires, and maybe that could be contributing to the problem. Mine has Michelin tires. What kind of tires do you guys with the vibrations have?
  • luxrideluxride Member Posts: 14
    I have an 03' Envoy and of course one of the things removed by GM is the plastic dead pedal. Does anyone know where I can purchase some type of cover it? I don't want to stain the carpet with my shoes....
  • jwinkyjwinky Member Posts: 59
    I have an '02 (Build 04/02) Envoy SLT, and there is no dead pedal, just carpet for my left foot. I guess this may not just be an '03 deletion.

    I wonder if I need to make a big stink at the dealer about this? I guess it is no big deal since I was not aware I was missing it.

    JAW
  • previousamigopreviousamigo Member Posts: 130
    While driving 02 TB LS 3.73 and having the floor heater on, my right foot feels the heat but the left foot gets cold. I don't know if this is because of air leakage through the bottom of the door, if there are two floor vents on the driverside and the left side is not working, or my left leg is too short? I'm 5'8" and it looks like my legs are the same length.

    Even though my right foot stays warm on the gas pedal, it still feels the vibration. Maybe if it was cold and numb like the left foot I may not feel the vibration in the gas pedal. I notice the vibration about 50% of the time and now it happens at any speed. Before it was just 50mph and up. I don't have the Michelin tires.
  • 2yearleaseonly2yearleaseonly Member Posts: 107
    I have Michelin tires that have been balanced 3 times now and still with the vibration. My dealer has ordered the part mentioned on the GM techline to cure the vibrating pedal. I will let the group know the result.
  • bryancosbryancos Member Posts: 282
    #10461 of 10500 LED lights & WD-40 for wiper by mrau Mar 08, 2003 (9:35 am)
    I think the Line of Fire LED light looks pretty cool on the back of a truck. Not sure how it would install on a Triplet. I did not see any response when asked if anyone had it on their Envoy/TB. I hope someone will post a review if they use it.

    http://www.jpcustoms.com/Productpages/Line-of-Fire.html

    Mrau,
    The LOF light bar would install under the liftgate on the rear bumper, so it's just visible in the opening.

    I dropped a note to the folks at JPCustoms and they were clueless... merely responding with a one line reply that read: "Some of our customers have been selling our 49" bar to Trailblazer, Envoy and Bravada" Sheesh... Just because they were selling them didn't mean they fit, and they provided no help.

    So I wrote to another vendor, Premier Motoring Accessories who show that the LOF can be installed on 2000-2003 "NEW BODY STYLE" SUBURBAN, TAHOE, YUKON, YUKON XL, YUKON DENALI, YUKON DENALI XL & CADILLAC ESCALADE as well as the 49" version for TB/Envoy/Bravada, (per their site) but in looking at the write-up, it's necessary to use bolts to anchor and "bend" the light bar slightly to conform with the slight curvature of the rear bumper and liftgate. For details, go to the following URL... I assume the 49" model could be made to fit our SUVs as stated. Heads up tho... JPcustoms price was $10 cheaper than PMA. Price you pay for a knowledgable sales staff I guess. If anyone gets one and installs it, please post pics.

    http://www.premiermotoring.net/cgi-bin/2/webc.cgi/suv_line_of_fir- - - - - e.html?sid=2cGKfU0lN0KiERg-10103260561.8a
  • calucykcalucyk Member Posts: 35
    Sorry for the lengthy post, but I need help from owners on this board. I’m trying to diagnose a wandering OSRV mirror problem on my 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada.

    Background: I initially experienced the OSRV mirror problem with my truck about 4 months into ownership. The service department fixed the problem as per TSB 020864008. About 3 months later, the problem reappeared. Again, the service department fixed the problem as per TSB 020864008. About 1 month later, the problem reoccurred for the 3rd time. A few weeks ago, I took the truck in for service and they installed a new software update to address this concern. I know the service department did something, as upon pickup, I found some of my memory presets off (saved mirror position, clock, etc.). I took a few minutes to reset the clock and set my OSRV mirrors. I then saved the settings by holding down #1 memory button and waited for the two beeps.

    As I backed the vehicle into the driveway (when I got home), I was startled to find the mirrors pointing down. I quickly realized that curbside assistance was on. I guess that as part of the software upgrade, it automatically enabled this feature. When I moved the gear selector out of reverse, the mirrors moved back into position, sort of. The passenger mirror moved back into the exact saved position, whereas the drivers mirror moved into the right horizontal position, but the vertical position was slightly facing down by about 10-15 degrees (estimating). I’m not sure whether this is the way its suppose to work or not, so I need your help. Please perform the following steps if your vehicle has memory:

    1. Enable curbside assistance via the DIC.
    2. Place the vehicle into reverse and allow enough time for the mirrors to move into position.
    3. Move the gear selector out of reverse. Note whether both OSRV mirrors moved back into the exact saved position.
    4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until you’re confident with your results.
    5. Disable curbside assistance via the DIC if that’s your preference.

    Please post your results to this board. Include make, model and year and any service history related to the OSRV mirror-wandering problem.

    Thanks Tony
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    Has anyone had the starter stay engaged when the temperature is cold (below 10 dg.)and the car is started? Mine stays engaged for about 30 to 60 seconds after the car has started and the key is released.

    Frank
  • tjcishere1tjcishere1 Member Posts: 42
    I have a 5/02 build Envoy XL SLT with no dead pedal, i never saw an SLT XL that had one. The truck in the car show didn't even have one. So don't feel bad. Maybe they put it in just the regular Envoy for 2002?
  • 2yearleaseonly2yearleaseonly Member Posts: 107
    Ficuss writes - Mine (his starter motor) stays engaged for about 30 to 60 seconds after the car has started and the key is released.

    I am shocked frankly at such horrible quality control. A 35 thousand dollar vehicle with a bad starter, how pathetic.
    My 2003 Envoy makes a blood curdling screech when started on 0 degree mornings for 10 seconds. The dealer logged it in case of reprocussions out of warranty. I wonder if these problems are related? The only reason I haven't mentioned it here is so I don't sound like a whiner. The wife has a 2001 Toyota Camry which is back and forth to the dealer every other month, for an oil change that is. None of this mickey mouse stuff like bad starters, vibrating gas pedals, lazy mirrors, etc... But back to ficuss's problem, Im speechless!
  • mookie14mookie14 Member Posts: 252
    is it a good idea to get a bra for a 03 tblazer door locks etc. im trying hook my tblazer up since i will have for over 9or 10 yrs any ideas will be appreciated thanks.
  • 2002slt2002slt Member Posts: 228
    Ficuss,
    That's a serious problem. I hope you took it in immediately.
    I can't engage my starter once it's already started, which is a good thing. I've tried it, by mistake, a couple of times. I think it's a great feature.
  • giddens_johngiddens_john Member Posts: 77
    See this post giddens_john Feb 1, 2003 3:34pm for my thought on the missing dead pedal.
  • giddens_johngiddens_john Member Posts: 77
    See this post giddens_john Feb 8, 2003 5:04am concerning TSB#01-01-38-014 Heater - Insufficient Heat To Driver's Feet. Check out the pic on my site, and see if your vents under the dash on the drivers side look the same as mine in the picture. If they don't match up then getting the TSB applied would probably help.
  • giddens_johngiddens_john Member Posts: 77
    I don't see why you couldn't get a bra for the front of your Trailblazer if that's what you want, but I could see a disadvantage or two to the bra. With long term exposure a bra will fade the paint under it at a different rate than the exposed paint. My second and biggest issue with front end bra's is the friction between them and the paint. At a minimum the paint will get scuffed, and at the worst, the bra could rub completely through the paint. So IMHO front end bra's can cause more damage than decrease it.

    My solution would be two fold if protection is what your aiming for. First I would consider a product like what Tim has on his Trailblazer called stone gard. You can read more about it at Tim's site. The other protection I would consider is a bug deflector. Oddly enough they seem to protect against rocks better than they do against bugs. GM makes a bug deflector as well as many aftermarket vendors. You can even get a color matching bug deflector from Vent Shade.

    Unfortunately I'm unable to understand your reference to the door locks. Could you please clarify.
  • giddens_johngiddens_john Member Posts: 77
    I was reading your previous post in Edmunds and thought you should know how you can reset your oil life monitor, if you haven't found out by now. Turn your ignition key to the on position, not start, and with the engine off depress your gas pedal 3 times quickly. You do not have to disconnect the battery as was suggested to you.

    In fact disconnecting the battery for no good reason can be a bad thing on the triplets, as I seem to remember reading somewhere that doing so can lock up a theft lock factory radio and you would have to pay a dealership to reactivate it.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    if what you're referencing is a bra or protectant for the door handle area, then it does sound like you've seen a product like the StonGard I have installed.

    I have it just about everywhere. Takes a beating and still looks awesome.

    tim
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