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Comments
Tommorow I will have the second "plugged" converter replaced! Have any of you had this problem? The engine will rev high but can't exhale at the high end which results in nothing happening when you need the power (not to be mistaken for a transmission problem). I also have a dual (beat that) "clunk" problem which is the "U" joint as well as the upper control arm bracket... I have 8,000 km left on the warranty (hold on to your wallet and shirt). Actually in hind sight I've been very happy with the truck and have not seen other trucks i'd rather have. I don't think we are a bunch of complainers but some happy motoring storys would be good to see in this forum
Mileage started out at around 14.5mpg for the first couple tanks. But since then I've averaged between 16.5 and 17.8 per tank (mixed driving, lots of stop and go with 35, 45, and a mile or two of 55mph speed limits). This is per manually calculating the old fashioned way- note trip miles, fill tank letting the pump cut off the fillup, use calculator to figure the average, since I don't have the DIC in my truck.
I DID get an DVD setup dealer installed, but I picked the dual headrest display option. I really wanted the sunroof (love that!), and since the factory DVD and sunroof are mutually exclusive, I had no other choice. From the reading here, I'm even happier at the decision, since the factory setup relies only on the wireless headsets. The one I have included a nice switch on the dash to the right of the steering column to turn the FM Modulator on / off. With it on, I tune the radio to 89.1 FM and the kids can listen to whatever's on the player through the car speakers. Flip the switch off, and they can use the infrared headphones instead. Because one of my children is only 21 months old, I obviously get the most use out of the FM Modulator. The only downside I see (not sure if it is the same for other dealer-installed units or the factory player) is that any time the ignition is turned off the player loses its place and MUST restart the DVD from the beginning (or else we spend time searching for the last position for the kids before driving off). Not too bad a situation though, since we mainly use it for longer trips.
My truck came with the factory installed running boards too- the black plastic / ABS covered versions. I've since installed the moulded mudflaps too. Mainly after reading here about the muck / rocks thrown by the front tires onto the sides of the vehicle. I paid attention to mine, and agree that while the running boards seem to reduce what gets on the car, the mudflaps eliminated most of it. Just in case, I also purchased the paint protection stuff from JC Whitney and cut two pieces to size / shape for the flared areas of the rear doors, as well as buying some clear door edge guard that fits the lower areas of the doors around the wheels themselves (to protect against the dings from stuff thrown up by the rear tires).
Other stuff- I've also installed a BugShield II Bug / Rock deflector (great installation, with NO taping. Instead of putting the rubber spacers on the hood, I've mounted them to the upper rear edges of the deflector that seem most likely to contact the hood under especially windy days on the highway). I also bought and installed the Windvisor window visors. I considered the in-window versions of the visors, but given the price difference and a few reports of problems with windows / seals caused by them, I figured the stick-on variety look good enough and definitely perform well enough.
Future stuff to do. I'm going to buy the rear air deflector and have the dealer install it. I also want to get the Borla catback exhaust system (mainly for the appearance and the long-life of the stainless steel, not to mention the slightly more agressive sound). Other possible mods (not nearly as certain as these first two) include painted Summit White grill (LTZ / 2004 LT style, vs my current chrome) and Summit White door handles (might be harder to get done, so the most iffy of the bunch). I'm leaving most of the accessories in black or smoke colors (ie. NOT painting the rear air deflector, smoke-colored bug shield, black mud flaps with Chevy logo) because I think they provide great contrast and accent the white of the truck itself very well.
I personally would probably have bought an LTZ if my dealer had had one on the lot (I took advantage of the rebates / incentives available before July 4 and had to go with stock) to get my truck for around $27k (w/DVD installed). MSRP was $35k.
http://www.trailblazer.homestead.com/
FYI, installation was May 2002. I just tried to activate the remote start by pressing lock and unlock at the same time and it doesn't work in that way and I am glad it doesn't because its darn awkward requiring two hands to accomplish this feat. Maybe I've misunderstood your description of the "advantage" of being able to leverage the original key fob or perhaps the Silverado and Tahoe key fob's are designed in such a way that pressing the two buttons simultaneously does not require both hands, but the Envoy key fob layout does not lend itself to this application anyway.
Since I am usually carrying something in one arm or hand (business portfolio/groceries/golf clubs) I think pressing one button twice within 5 seconds is about as nice a setup as anyone could ask for.
Am I missing something? There is no reason to carry the factory key fob any more, the key fob with the remote start button is almost a duplicate of the factory key fob but with an additional button for the remote starter.
Chris
I currently have 4,200 miles on my Envoy XL and wanted to do an oil change this weekend. After reading the manual I found out that a light will appear on my dash display that will notify me when my oil needs to be changed. Now I have always been one to change my oil at 3K miles. Should I do the oil change or wait for the light to appear?
If that's your first oil change, I'd do it immediately. I like to do the first oil change very early. I did one at 1200 miles even though the manual doesn't mention it. Since the oil capacity is 7 quarts on my (non-XL) Envoy, people can probably go somewhat longer than 3,000 miles on regular oil, but I don't want to go by the indicator or "at least once a year" stated in the manual for my 2002 Envoy. Another poster here didn't reset his oil light just to see when it would turn on, and it came on after more than 10,000 miles, so I wouldn't fell comfortable going by that. So what I personally have opted to do is change it about every 4000-4500 miles. It doesn't hurt to change it every 3000, but may be overkill with this large oil capacity which should stay cleaner and intact longer....hopefully
But the reason for having the factory key fob is that they are programed to your settings in the Driver Information Center. The beauty of the DIC is the programable fob which keeps your seat, mirrors, and climate controls exactly how you like them each time you start your vehicle. Granted you could just push the 1 or 2 button on the drivers door panel but I much rather not deal with the seat moving forward crushing me into the steering wheel and then hitting a button to move it all the way back and down because at 6'5" I have a hard enough time fitting in anyways. This way pop the key in with the attached factory fob, seat goes where I like it no matter who was driving last, and I am all set to go.
What a vehicle! No problem yet but it is early (4000 miles). I am pulling a 3500 lbs trailer, no problem. The truck is very comfortable, but it is not a minivan or a car; it IS a truck. Which brings me to the joke of the Murano being the SUV of the year in some magazine! What is a SUV? A minivan that looks like a truck or a truck? The Murano is a nice vehicle but the dealer himself recommended against me buying it to tow anything! He wanted me to buy the Xterra instead...
Anyway, I am extremely happy with the TB. Gaz mileage is a little high, but not unexpected for a TRUCK! Ride is outstanding, turns better then my Grand Am, and looks extremely good! If reliability can be improved, this will be a winner. BTW, there are quite a few in the street this year. Can't wait to see the sales figures.
My wife also loves this truck. She always wanted a CuteUV (one of these little 4x4 that is really a minivan with less space), but she loves this truck. She feels secure, comfortable, and was able to tow my trailer no problem.
So far, strongly recommended!
Dean
I also heard that the OBII in the truck would begin to reprogram to bring it back to factory specs thereby minimizing the advantage of the chip.
I'm not sure I believe that, but someone seemed to think that.
Anyone install this chip yet??
Any truth that the truck would try to cancel the impact of the chip?
GAM
1)Has anyone been able to find a way to tie the factory DVD sound into the vehicles sound system?
I am told, one option is to utilize an FM Modulator and tuning into a station 88-89 on FM.
2)Is there another option like a direct plug or harness?
I spoke to PAC (Pacific Accessory Co.) they are several months out on releasing an adaptor so that the Favtory DVD will tie in directly into the radio.
3)But is there anything else available that someone may know of?
4)Why is it that the 2004's will be able to play the factory DVD through the vehicles sound system?
5)what is the upgrade? GMC/ Chevorlet customer service does not seem to know..
1)Has anyone been able to find a way to tie the factory DVD sound into the vehicles sound system?
I am told, one option is to utilize an FM Modulator and tuning into a station 88-89 on FM.
2)Is there another option like a direct plug or harness?
I spoke to PAC (Pacific Accessory Co.) they are several months out on releasing an adaptor so that the Favtory DVD will tie in directly into the radio.
3)But is there anything else available that someone may know of?
4)Why is it that the 2004's will be able to play the factory DVD through the vehicles sound system?
5)what is the upgrade? GMC/ Chevorlet customer service does not seem to know..
I like the idea of a portable setup, but since there are standalone players everywhere I'm likely to be that I'll want to watch something (ie. here at home and at my relatives'), I'm gonna put the VCP / DVD stuff on e-bay.
Now I see where we have a difference of understanding. You will be pleased to hear that the DIC knows I am Driver 1 when the unlock button is pressed on the remote starter key fob so the configuration programmed for Driver 1 are invoked, so I don't have to squeeze in or be crushed if I don't want to be.
Honestly, I don't know if I could get a second remote starter programmed for Driver 2 DIC settings, but in my house we rarely switch vehicles, so I never looked into it. But, I have to tell you this particular remote starter is very sweet.
Model: Pursuit Series 4 channel Model PRO-9175FT4
Special features:
Anti-Code Grabbing Feature
Keyless Entry
Remote Start (of course)
Automatic Start Up Timer Mode (automatically starts vehicle every 2 or 4 hours-might be handy in Wisconsin but I've never used it)
I paid $499.99 for it last year at the dealer during delivery. The unit does not violate the GM warranty.
Chris
Actually, I think I might leave it alone, since it will make a better selling point when it comes time to move on to another vehicle. But, now I don't think I can put much faith in the 'range' value reported by the DIC, since it uses the avg MPG to calculate that...
What a disappointment. This type of issue can't be a surprize to the folks at Jet. Is there no way then using aftermarket bolt on firmware to get more from the engine??
I think I came across information on some chips where they actually reprogram the vehicle PCM.
I guess if you do that, it no longer tries to revert.
Only problem is what else are you going to impact if you take this route?
Went back to press the connector on a little tighter, which isn't easy, and their 'bake-a-lite' extender broke off in the ECM as I snugged it up. (NOTE: I was using a palm handle and not a full ratchet to avoid just that from occurring). An hour later after removing the ECM from the vehicle, using a drill press and bolt/screw extractor to get the broken off bolt out of the ECM, my Envoy again is driveable. - Guess I'll be calling Jet Tuesday morning to see about a replacement and have this one checked. (And yes, its NOT possible to re-connect the factor harness with the broken off bolt in the retention mechanism! - A real heart pounding moment).
Ray
Previous automobiles that were under the 5,000-mile interval, I had the following experiences:
-They started using oil after about 80,000 miles
-They burned oil at an increased rate the longer the oil stayed in the engine.
-A couple of them had sludging problems
At 3,000-mile intervals, I never have to add oil, and the cars are always on the full mark at oil changes.
The one vehicle I have kept substantially longer than 100,000 miles, a 92 Ford Explorer, has 143,000 on it and it sits in my drive right now. It uses zero oil and continues to run flawlessly. Every oil change has been at 3,000 mile intervals, give or take a couple hundred miles.
One other note, I used to note that the gas mileage dropped off in the 3,000 to 5,000 window between oil changes. More friction I suspect.
By the way, I use Castrol and the manufacturer's filter (Motorcraft, AC, Mopar).
Oil changes are cheap. Engines are expensive.
The last few posts describing install problems, even if follow up service was good did it for me.
Then to read that results are not very evident... Why bother!!!
Anyone have any experience with a turbo install?
Happy labor day to all fellow workers.
Frank
Now that's spin control. . .
The Service Engine light is on so other than finding a way to shut the light out is there really a computer that senses the fan? And if there is what in gods name does it sense?
I have never had the dealer check anything and likely will not. It just isn't worth my time.
Anyway my simple solution is to simply tap the volume control on the wheel if I need more or less.
If indeed you do persevere and find a satisfactory solution, please share
Is there a way to reply to a response without posting a new message?
Thanks, Marc
Technically, you could if you replied within 30 minutes of your earlier posting by editing that post. But then your reply would appear before the post to which you are responding! Why wouldn't you just post a new message? I assure you we can handle the bandwidth!
tidester, host
I believe that the BOSE auto vol systems are manufactured to keep the listening level as close to your set volume as possible, without really noticing a BIG change in compensation at higher speeds. As with my other GM vehicles (without BOSE) equipped with Speed Compensated Volume, I found these systems to be quite disturbing hence the increase in volume would be noticeable enough to make me reach over to my head unit and turn it down. On my 02 Impala LS, I found that using SCV on the lowest setting mirrored that of the BOSE auto volume setup on the Envoy.
One way that I do know the Bose Auto Volume works is during my touchless car wash dryer cycles. Once the fan starts drying off the vehicle, I can notice a almost instant/rapid change in the radio's set volume given the noise that the dryer creates. I appreciated this at first because I did not think that my unit's auto vol worked correctly as well.
So.. in a nut shell, your auto vol is doing it's job, but sometimes not noticeably enough to make you aware that the volume has increased. I guess in a sense, the system is intended to work this way? Another quick test.. while on the freeway, turn off the auto vol, then switch it back on. It immediately lowers the volume back to its preset level while the system is OFF. I've even tried this from a dead stop and cannot physically hear the difference in sound, therefore highway speeds will quickly demonstrate that the system is working correctly.
Hope this helps!
IExplore2000
I am in the market for a new SUV to replace my 1996 Blazer 4x4.
I almost purchased a Trailblazer but Chevy could not locate the vehicle I wanted. I was looking at the LTZ, Black, 4x4, axle 3.73, w/ LSD & underbody shield. This was the most offroad capable design available on the TB and unlike 99% of SUV owners, I actually go offroad.
3 Chevy dealers did a locate and couldn't find one in the US. I put in a build order but cancelled it. The TB is too low for any real offroad use (it's actually LOWER then my already too low Blazer). I was investigating getting it raised but there were no good lift kits available, but there were kits to lower the vehicle. Obviously TB owners are not the offroad type.
The only other vehicle that have good offroad performance in my price range are the 4Runner, Jeep Grand Jerokee,and Dodge Durango.
Is there any chance Chevy will come out with a ZR1 offroad type package for the TB? They never made one for the 4 door Blazer, just the 2 door model. Something like that would be great IMHO.