Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

trapjack4

We have a 2003 TB. Have a question about the daytime running lights. Are they supposed to be on all the time? Have noticed a few times that they haven't been on during the day. Wasn't sure if the sensor that switches on the headlights when it gets dark will turn off the running lights if it gets bright enough. I think they should be on all the time. Problem is, how do you have the dealer fix something electrical when it's so intermittent.
Also have noticed what appears to be rust on the tail pipe after the muffler. Isn't this supposed to be stainless steel. Love the truck even with these nit picky things.

smfran

My 2003 Envoy XL SLT was over $37,000.00 after freight, advertising, special grill, dealer markup, and doc. fee. I believe it was a fair value based on the market and competition. I've had excellent luck so far as I did with my previous ten GM vehicles; ranging from a '64 Buick Lesabre to a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi. I'm very picky and bring every issue to my dealer who takes care of it promptly and efficiently. If Momstruck had good luck at a previous dealer that had a fire, maybe she should try to find out where the mechanics and managers from that dealership went. Without knowing the situation, I think she may be a bit neurotic over this "Dumb Woman" thing. Maybe she is also distorting reality over the issues she is having with her truck.

momstruck1

thanks I am really looking forward to going to the dealership that had the fire they will be up and running by the end of the month early next month . I just hope that they can fix the truck . I really need to avoid the local dealership as all my problems seem to stem from them . I must say that someone said that this truck is not low end . i have to disagree it seems that GM is low end lately . the customer service is not always "THERE FOR YOU " as the TV ads say . I think the truck is built like a rock yeah like a rock that doesn't move. LOL !!! Well had to vent . I am leasing so it will all be over in 24 months and I can look into a mini-van again . I tried the truck and gave GM another chance but after two tries I am off and running to Honda!! It all seems so dumb as you say let's keep looking at the world and say thank god we are all safe and sound for now. Live in NYC and we know not to forget why we are where we are today.

ltz2003

I have a 03 tb. Running lights are on all the time unless you turn then off by turning the headlight swith to the left.They do turn off and headlamps come on auto at dark. If yours in not working like that you may have a problem. I would waite a while and see if it gets more serious. I work on cars and that my be hard to find if it doesnt do it all the time. My exhaust ist rusting so i cant help you there.

richlavoie

This may sound ridiculous, but I have to ask. When you look to see if the running lights are on, I would imagine that the vehicle is stopped? If your hand brake is activated, the daytime running lights will not be on. They only come on when you de-activate the hand brake. I do believe that this only happens when you first start the vehicle. If the vehicle was running and then you put the hand brake, the head lights stay on (this depands of the vehicle). Could this be it?

2002slt

At least on my '02, if I don't manually turn them off, they turn off when the vehicle is in "park". They come back on when I put it in "drive". I would think it's the same on the '03 model.
I know that for a while in the late '90's, some GM vehicles would deactivate the DRL's while the turn signal was on. I don't think it's the case any longer, though.

st1100v4

"I know that for a while in the late '90's, some GM vehicles would deactivate the DRL's while the turn signal was on. I don't think it's the case any longer, though."

The one page cardboard "getting to know your vehicle" flier that came with my '02 Bravada manual stated that the DRLs are turned off when the turn signal is on to allow drivers to see the signal better. Isn't true, though; they stay on.

gclefton

I installed a K&N Air Charger kit (KNN-63-1045) on my '02 Envoy SLT (build 02/02) a few of weeks ago at 26,000. After 3,500 miles I have seen a slight increase in gas mileage; however, that may be masked by the warmer weather. In regular driving, the biggest change is the throaty air intake sound that you hear on acceleration. The sound allows you to easily determine engine-load associated with throttle position. At upper rpms, the engine appears to have better throttle response. (Special order purchase from SummitRacing.com for $243.) The folks at Summit suggested that our model was not yet approved for on the street because it is so new; there appears to be no differences with the kits approved.

As far as warrantee, no problem. My dealer refurbished the transmission the week after I installed the K&N Air Charger, without comment.

tblazed

"tblazed: where have you been? Haven't heard from you in quite a while" Thanks for the greeting, ficuss! It has been a while. (I see Edmunds web people straightened out the tiny text problem with Netscape. It's the same now with IE or Netscape.)

Been waiting for something to break on my Trailblazer so I would have a reason to complain!

." I hope you had the dealer replace the brake light socket too." What dealer? I replaced the bulb and refurbished the contacts myself. Until they do a redesign of the lamp holder contracts there is no reason to waste several hours at the dealer getting a 10 min job done. I have 1 1/2 years left of warranty so maybe they will come out with a bulletin and a real fix. Just wanted to make everyone here aware there is an inherent problem with the brake lights.

BTW the 3 bulbs per side are all 3157s. ( I think on the Envoy they use a 3057 bulb, slightly lower park brightness-current but the brake part is the same) The backup and middle turn sig only have 2 contracts in the lamp sockets. The "park" filaments are unused in these two positons. If you ever burn out a "park" filament (the normal running tail lights on top) you can swap bulbs for one of the others.

prijay

I HAVE A 2002 TRAILBLAZER EXT BUILD DATE MAY 2002 AND EVER SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE TRUCK THE A/C HAS NEVER OPERATED TO MY SATISFACTION. THE PROBLEM IT HAS IS THAT IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO COOL. THE COMPRESSOR WAS ALREADY CHANGED SINCE IT WAS BAD THAT WAS DONE LAST YEAR SOMETIME AND JUST LAST WEEK THEY DID THE SOFTWARE RE PROGRAM PER THE TSB WHICH WAS ISSUED. STILL I DO NOT FEEL THE DIFFERENCE AFTER ALL THIS. IT STILL TAKES A LONG TIME TO COOL ESPECIALLY WHEN I FIRST START IT UP IT WILL BLOW COLD FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN WARM AIR COMES OUT FOR A WHILE AND IT WILL TAKE ITS TIME TO COOL. MY QUESTION IS: ARE ALL TRAILBLAZERS THE SAME WAY? IF NOT ANY SUGGESTIONS HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE THE AUTOMATIC TEMPRATURE CONTROL ON THE A/C AND NOT MANUAL. ANY HELP WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED AS I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND SUMMER IS FAST APPROACHING.

smfran

Does anyone with a triplet experience the same periodic "rubbing" noise while playing CDs on the upgraded 6 CD changer as I do? I've posted this inquiry before but only got one reply.
Thanks for any input.

2002slt

I'm pretty sure all of us with the changer have the noise. It doesn't bother me since neither the sound, nor the disc is negatively impacted. Listen to your CD-ROM spin. Mine is MUCH louder than the changer in my Envoy.

cparise1

Happy to report that my Envoy runs good as and probably better than new. The exterior finish is still flawless and I am not tired of my color choice--Polo Green. The factory running boards and dealer installed mud-flaps have kept me from getting any chips in the paint. I've never had leather seating before and I was worried how it would hold up, but the drivers seat looks brand new. I treat the leather with those special wipes from Armor All.
Chris

2002slt

Maybe it's the color??? My Polo Green 2002 SLT (non-XL) with almost 14,000 miles has been the best built, most enjoyable vehicle I've ever owned.
Now, about the Armor All...Doesn't that make your seats extremely slippery? I know you aren't supposed to use it on vinyl seats, especially in boats, for that reason. I use Meguiar's "Gold Class". It works great and leaves the seats feeling like the day I drove it off the lot.

2002slt

Really? I had no idea they made those. I should get out more.

lockcityssr

Has anyone installed a cat-back exhaust from one of the major exhuast manufacturers? Last fall there were some posts on the Borla system that ran about $800, anyone install this? If so how does it sound? Does any other manufacturer offer a cat-back for these SUVs? TIA

blrmkr

Is sbindley still out there? I never heard if your Envoy appeared in "Truckin' SUV" magazine.

lockcityssr - There are pictures of sbindley's Borla cat-back on Tim's site.

2k_impala_ls

There was a court ruling back in the 70's called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act said that the dealer can't make you use a specific replacement part and aftermarket parts will not void the warranty. Read it here
http://www.mlmlaw.com/library/guides/ftc/warranties/undermag.htm

nuyorkah

"Does anyone with a triplet experience the same periodic "rubbing" noise while playing CDs on the upgraded 6 CD changer as I do?"

Yes I do also and it is normal.

momstruck1

my kids always say they are cold in the back of the TB EXT so the other day I went to the back seat and played with the buttons and just realized there is NO Heat in the rear of the car only cold air comes out. I looked in the owners manual and there is no place that suggest that there should be heat back there but the rear controls do have a blue side for cold and I am assuming a red side for heat .I am very confused i played with all the buttons re guarding heat and only cold air . I tried to use the front controls and then only the rear controls etc. but I really want to know is there no heat back there or is something wrong?? Thanks for the help guys . I also went to the Edmunds page on recalls and I am now going to recheck my build date there are a few up there the notices haven't come out on and i would like to check out if it includes my build date . I would suggest that we should all look some of this stuff could be dangerous to all of us and our families.

smfran

2002slt and nyorkah, thanks for the replies.

2002slt, What do you mean that: "Listen to your CD-ROM spin. Mine is MUCH louder than the changer in my Envoy."?

nyorkah, I can't believe this is normal. It is very annoying to be listening to music and every 10-20 seconds hear background rubbing noise. I don't think that the player should make any noise besides the constant sound of spinning while playing. The single CD changers I had in my Bonnevilles certainly didn't.

theeldergod

I've got the 6 disk, and don't have the scraping sound your are referring to, at least on my current version. However, They have ordered my 4th stereo.

1st - all so far, does not store the equalizer setting for the CD. So if I'm listing to talk radio with the talk setting, and switch to CD, it keeps the talk settings. Does nothing for my music. If I hit the EQ button, it tell me I'm on spacious. I hit it 4 more times, coming back around to spacious, its fine. But, I don't think I should have to do that. It stores different settings for all of the radio stations, but not the CD even though it says so in the manual, and the way it works now is just wrong.

2nd - once the CD got to the 3rd track or so, it would grind to a halt. Terrible noise that scares the crap out of you when you realize you pay like $15 for a CD.

3rd - seems to work pretty well, but when they rebuilt it, they used the am/fm-cd/aux button twice. So in place of EQ and Auto Vol, I have a second am/fm-cd/aux button.

I'm waiting on the 4th. I've also got a number for Bose to find out if these radios are functioning as normal. I'm pretty much prepared to keep making them replace the radio until they tell me that yes, you have what amounts to a $1500 dollar stereo that has a design serious (in my opinion) design flaw. My dealer has been great, and I sometime feel bad that I keep making them change it, but I'm sure that if I had tried to pay with monopoly money, they wouldn't except that so I don't think I should have to accept a crappy radio. Anyone else seeing this BTW?

Thats my rant. Other than that, I'm pretty happy.

theeldergod

I thought I had a similar heating problem. Turns out it just seems to take forever for the heat to come out. I've not played with it alot more, but the deal told me functions as normal. Seems to work better tied to the front controls than using the back. I've also found that if you turn off the front, the back still blows air even when its "slaved" to the front. I thought this strange.

nuyorkah

"nyorkah, I can't believe this is normal. It is very annoying to be listening to music and every 10-20 seconds hear background rubbing noise. I don't think that the player should make any noise besides the constant sound of spinning while playing. The single CD changers I had in my Bonnevilles certainly didn't."

I say "normal" because I have had the chance to listen to 3 other 6-cd radios. Also others here on this board have also said they have a similar type noise. If this noise really bothers you take it to your Dealer and have them swap out the radio, just know that you will not be getting a Brand New Radio but a remanufactured one from a Authorized Delco Repair Center.

smfran

but can't be right. Even if all the other 6 CD changers do it, like I found in checking others at the dealer, it is certainly a design flaw. A periodic rubbing/grinding noise while a CD is spinning is unacceptable.

smfran

I have no complaint in the way the rear heat/a/c functions. I experience no delay in getting conditioned air to the rear. Keep in mind that if you have dual front controls, while controlling the rear from the front, the rear is consistent with the front passenger temp setting.

lockcityssr

Can anyone describe the sound? Rumble?? Too loud/quiet?? For 8 bills I'd like some idea of what I'd be getting.

tommck1

A dealer has found the envoy I want, only one within 400 miles, I have the dealer number but can not find a way to match it to the dealer. Would like to know where it is and see if the dealer who has it can give me a better price. Can anyone help?

Thanks

nuyorkah

If you can wait I know some sales people, post the # and I'll ask them next week. But I'm not guaranteeing anything.

ficuss

Use one dealer to do the leg work for you and then bypass them to go directly to the other dealer for the sale. Which one will you go to for service?

richlavoie

Too many dealers are just trying to make the max on you. If I was tommck1, I would do the same just to make sure I wasn't the victim of a vicious dealer. Sure, for a couple of 100$, you shouldn't bother. But while dealing for my TB, I found prices with up to $1,500 difference. I am buying mine at 600 Km away just because I had the best price and the most accurate answers.

Work? What work? All the dealer does takes only one or two hours IF you buy from him, and minutes if you don't. I wouldn't call this work. The person who will sell me the TB talked to me for 30 minutes on the phone and now only has to process the paper work. What exactly does the sales person do for you once you have problems with your vehicle??? Nothing. They are trying to make more $ with a new fish.

If the first dealer has been honest and really tried to give the best price to tommck1, then the verification will confirm this and tommck1 will know he is getting a good deal and feel good with his new truck. Otherwise, well the first dealer will lose a sell for being too greedy!

Want to stop the games? The dealers should stop this negotiation BS and put the real price of the car on the sticker instead of trying to make easy $ on those who have poor negotiation skills or little patience. You want to play this game, well some of us will play it and use all the rules to make sure THEY get their vehicle for the right price! I don't know any dealer who has ever lost money on a sale!

ficuss

from any dealer who will take your money. My point was that if you want the best deal, do the leg work yourself. Use the internet, make long distance phone calls, waste your own time on leads that don't work out to your benefit. Salespeople in any field don't get paid unless they sell. Wasting time with someone who has no intention of buying from them doesn't get them a dime. If you don't have the resources or bargaining skills, pay someone who does to do it for you.

 I see a business opportunity here.

ltz2003

I went to four dealers for a price. I told each of them to give me there best price. Where i got the best price i would come back and buy it. The place i got the best price i told them to give me the paper with numbers. He said i will be back with a copy. He was but the funny thing is the numbers changed.So i went to the dealer nearest to me and told then what i wanted. They did a search and the only one out there was the one where they changed the numbers.So they did a dealer trade for it. My point is do what you have to and STICK IT TO THE SALESMAN they will do it to you.

momstruck1

If I have the EXT TB and I have the heat on high in the front both sides with the duel heat . the controls for the rear heat controlled by me in the front shouldn't after at least a half hour I get a little hot air toward the rear?? The kids don't know how to control the buttons in the back so I have the controls always run from the front override button . Just wanted to know my dealership re-opens in early may and I am making a list of things for him to check.

smfran

I have the Envoy XL. If you have the mode set to floor and the temp set to where heat is coming into the front floor area, the third seat rear floor will also get heat if the front rear controller is on 1,2, or 3. Put it on 3 and plenty of heat should be fed to the third seat rear with no delay. The second row heat is the same as the front regardless. If you want heat to come from the roof vents in both the second and third row area, put the mode on vent with the front rear controller on 1,2, or 3.

momstruck1

i am going to try it and see how it works I will let you know if i am still having a problem

ndmike88

Several times I have almost "bumped" the gear shift level from D to N. Is it supposted to lock while the vehicle is moving?

ficuss

No.
If the gear shift locked while the car was moving, you wouldn't be able to manually shift out of overdrive while moving. You also could not shift out of drive in an emergency (such as the accelerator sticking). I have not seen a car that locked the gear lever except in the park position with the key removed.

2002envoy

COULD SOMEONE TELL ME IF THE MORNING FAN NOISE PROBLEM ON THE 2002 ENVOY WAS FINALLY RESOLVED?I HAVEN'T READ THE MESSAGES IN A WHILE.I ONLY REMEMBER THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.PLEASE POST THE CORRECTIONS WITH ANSWER.THANKS

biggie4852

Never use it before so I NEED A QUICK TUTORIAL. How do you hook up lights on trailer. U-haul charges $60 hour with half hour minimum. it cant be that hard. lol Simple hitch just need to tow my kids car home.

hardhawk

My Envoy came from the factory with an equalizing hitch receiver and pre-wired for trailer lights. Below the bumper just to the left of the hitch receiver you should find a round 7 pin trailer light socket with a flip top cover on it. All you need to do is determine what your U-Haul trailer wiring harness is. Most that control only lights use a 4 wire harness. If so, all you need is a 7 pin to 4 wire harness adaptor plug to plug into the wiring socket. The plug the 4 wire harness from the trailer and you are good to go. If you need electric brake connections, then there is more involved. Trailer probably has surge brakes. If so, then no electrical connection is needed. My Envoy tows my 5000# boat with no problem. Good luck!

cparise1

Give the leather wipes a try they work great. They make the seats slippery but it aides in sliding in and out!
By the way, good taste in color.
Chris

envoy_xl_in_pa

I would not worry about the morning fan noise. I have had experience with 4 of these vortec engines in different vehicles, from different model years, and they have all done it. Two of the engines were the 4.3L from the old Blazers, one in a 95 Blazer, and one in a 96 Jimmy. They both did it. I have the 5.7L vortec in my 2000 Tahoe Z71, and it does it. And of course, the 4.2L I-6 in my wife's 2002 XL does it too. It comes and goes at different times (usually when colder) and it goes away after 15-20 seconds. My service guy also admits that most of the vortec engines do it, across the different engine sizes, model years, and vehicle types. Doesn't seem to be hurting anything, just mildly annoying. But, why monkey with the computer settings - just inviting other problems, that could be worse.

icojones

My TB LTZ ran up against a column in a parking garage and needs some work on the rear driver's side door and the read driver's side quarter panel. Dealer wanted $700 to remove and repaint both pieces -- I was hoping someone could touch it up less expensively. Some of the scratches are more like chips -- no paint left on the surface.

Is a touchup a viable option?

Anyone know a good body shop in Westchester, NY?

Thanks!

2k_impala_ls

Go to http://www.INFOSPACE.com and do a reverse lookup. If you put in the # it will give you the info. you need
Then go to http://www.gmbuypower.com and find the truck by dealer

scottc454

"My TB LTZ ran up against a column in a parking garage..."

And just how'd it do that? All by itself? Intersting.

perkolater

I wonder if anyone else has heard this. Every morning when driving to work (and some afternoons) I hear a squeal that sounds a lot like a belt squeal, but it doesn't change in pitch or speed with engine RPM. It also will usually stop after a few minutes of driving. It only stops when I come to a complete stop, and then goes away until the next morning.

Any ideas? This is strange, the belt is tight and in good shape and since the sound never changes, I really don't feel it is a belt problem.

Thoughts?

Thanks in Advance!

ficuss

souds like you may have the front axle seal squeal rather than a belt squeal. It would make more sense because the engine doesn't stop when you come to a stop, but the wheels do. Do a search on this forum for the sound you describe and you should find quite a few posts regarding axle seal squeal noises. Depending on your mileage, you might want to have the brakes checked. The pad wear indicator may be making the sound.

sostrouble

I had the same problem with fan noise. Didn't worry about it until I went out of town. The fan stuck in the high speed position and I lost power to the engine. The dealer I went to in Springfield, reprogram the computer to give me back some power. They didn't have a fan clutch in stock. Drove it back to St. Louis to my dealer and they replaced the fan clutch. Haven't had any problems since. Don't know if it was cause by the same problem your having, but mine hasn't had the morning noise since replacing it. But it's only been driven for about 3 weeks since. Hoping it doesn't come back.

Debbie

dpacasla

It's been a while since I posted, but I wanted to give an update my 2002 TB LS. Over the past two months, my vehicle has had all three of its back brake lights and one of its reverse lights burn out prematurely. My dealer has replaced both the left and right circuit boards in an attempt to solve the problem.

Has anyone else experienced this same problem, and, if so, what has your dealer done to resolve the issue? Is this a common problem?