Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • littlegiant99littlegiant99 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the comments.

    The reponsiveness of the 3:42 is what I was hoping to hear.

    What I didn't share was that the 2002 I'm thinking of trading in is my wife's.

    I drive a 2002 Envoy XL which I traded for after having driven a 2000 Denali and then having the opportunity to compare it to her 2002 Envoy (some 24 months ago).

    I'll drive hers (the new 2004) on the road and use mine for any towing.

    Thanks again.
  • sildogsildog Member Posts: 50
    My 02 TB LS has gone through head and tail light bulbs like crazy. I replace them myself because the dealers require an appointment and leave it all day. I have 45K miles, so I am out of warranty.

    A TB owner at work told me hers same problem and her dealer told me that there is a known problem with the lighting "modules" and fixed hers. Does anybody know of a TSB for this? And would I be covered past warranty?
  • tjpushtjpush Member Posts: 9
    My new TB-EXT 4WD-3.73(with locker) bought in Feb. now has 9,000+ miles on it. Everything seems fine except the following:

    o 14-15mpg around town with gas+alcohol; The best hiway was 18mpg. Never seen anything close to 20mpg.

    o The front bumper cover got a bulge above the license plate after a few hours of parking in the hot sun in July. The black plastic/rubber insert around the tail license frame had signs of melting.

    o The windshield wipers sometimes misbehaves during heavy rain. No problem in light/short rain.

    o The seat belt was killing me(too tight), I now use a clip to mimic the old style belt (Remember this? put the belt on, pull it out a little more, then release it. It won't go back all in so that the belt is kind of loose.)

    o the weather striping on the windows is getting dull. Someone here suggested applying a kind of silicon grease. Can I use the silicon lube spray instead?

    Thanks!
  • sildogsildog Member Posts: 50
    I have one other question. Does anyone know what the biggest tire size that will fit on a 2wd TB LS with no running boards? 16 inch wheels. I will be buying in the next 6 months and I want the biggest that will fit without a bunch of rubbing, etc.
  • meyervillameyervilla Member Posts: 40
    Are there any callbacks? I don't use my seatbelt because of this. Otherwise the Envoy is a trouble-free vehicle unlike my Mercedes ML320.
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    I also have a 2003 TB, yes it did have initial problems, but I have not one problem since the AC low pressure switch was replaced in JULY!!!

    Knock on wood!

    Hey what do you expect for the 3 2nd year of production? and 25K LOL!!!
  • discofeverdiscofever Member Posts: 34
    Indeed GM is aware of the problem with the taillights burning out. They are replacing the taillight housing/fixture under warranty at no charge. If you have it documented on any previous work orders you should be able to have them replaced, due to recourse. Or simply since it is a common problem you may have a chance that they would replace them even though you have 45k. It's a safety issue. I couldn't find out much on your headlight issue its not that common.
  • twizardtwizard Member Posts: 2
    I was wondering if there is a 6CD changer for the 2004 TB with the Navigation system? Can one be hooked up? Hate to take out the navi DVD to listen to a audio cd. So far this is my only complaint of the 2004 TB.
  • aciampiaciampi Member Posts: 66
    From what I was lead to believe when I test drove one with the nav system there is a in dash 6 cd changer and you can have the nav disc in at the same time. The only thing I don't know is if you can use the nav disc and listen to a CD at the same time.
  • cparise1cparise1 Member Posts: 109
    Anyone seen a Ranier? I have seen a couple at the dealer and they look better than I expected them to. Was told that you can get the V-8 in it. Is it true that only the EXT and XL can get the V-8?

    Also, its supposed to be a tad longer and more interior space than the standard triplets. The two I saw on the lot both stickered for over $39K. Thought that was pricey but my XL SLT was just over $38K. Gauges had the brushed metal look which was great and is a focal point but the center and to the right of the dash lacked same the pizzazz Minor complaint anyway, I could get excited real fast if it drives and handles nice, I wonder how the Ranier sales are doing?

    Chris
  • dshepherd3dshepherd3 Member Posts: 194
    Anybody know the transfer case capacity, not in the owners manual, local dealer doesn't know! I don't want to buy more Autotrack fluid than necessary, thanks.
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    Chris,

    The Ranier is a restyled Bravada. It's almost identical to the Olds from the front doors back. It's also the only shorty with an available V-8.
    The wheelbase etc. is the same as the other triplets, so there is no additional room inside. It does have some extra sound deadening and thick front glass, something the dopes at GM should have done on ALL triplets. Like the Ascender, it's another variation on a theme. Contrary to what Buick wants you to believe, Harley Earl had little to do with it.

    GAM
  • seifordseiford Member Posts: 68
    dshepherd3:

    This is what the service manual has for capacities:

     4L60-E after filter/pan removal: 5 quarts
     After complete overhaul 4L60-E: 11 quarts

    Hope that helps.
  • quickdtooquickdtoo Member Posts: 266
    Seiford: Transfer case and transmission are two different drive train components. Transfer case uses 2 quarts Dexron III per page 4-252 of the factory service manual, no need to buy the $$ autotrack fluid. tim
  • twizardtwizard Member Posts: 2
    The Navigation unit that comes in the 2004 TB, Envoy,Bravada, and Rainier is only a single CD/DVD unit. You can only load either a audio CD or the DVD map disc, but not both at the same time.
    So I was wondering if there is a plug (or another way) to hook up a cd changer unit to the audio system. I had a cd changer in the middle console unit in my 1999 Jimmy. BTW there seems to be a lot of mis-information going around on the Navi units, as the salesman told me that the unit is automaticaly updated via the onstar system. You have to buy/order a new DVD map software to get the up to date info.
  • rubicon1rubicon1 Member Posts: 6
    I just traded in a LTZ TB that had the 3.42 gears. I always thought it felt sluggish taking off and at slower speeds. Never knew any better. I now have a 04 Envoy with 3.73 gears and it feels much more snappier taking off from stop signs and lights. I only have about 500 miles on it right now and can't tell you much more about it, like mileage, etc.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Curious if you ever had the PCM reprogrammed after Feb '03, in the '02 you traded. About that time GM released some new calibrations that made a night-and-day difference in the throttle response and torque from a stop in mine with 3.42 gears. Before that, it left a lot to be desired.

    IMO- Best thing to do is drive both 3.42 and 3.73 and pay extra attention to acceleration and response from a stop, and decide based whether you are going to drive highway miles a lot (3.42) or drive in the city mostly or pull a medium trailer (3.73), or if you are going to be pulling a really heavy load go with 4.10. Each one will add about 200 RPM at highway speeds to the engine, and driven accessories like the water pump, generator, power steering pump, idler pulleys, belt, etc. will all be spinning faster too, with each step up in a higher numerical ratio, so it's all a compromise.
  • ees1996ees1996 Member Posts: 31
    Just got my truck basically overhauled in July due to a broken main bolt. The engine started ticking again. I change my own oil but the engine has been burning oil like crazy. (a quart every 2-3 weeks.) The dealer that fixed the car before refuses to fix the car now because the oil level was a little low and they are saying I have never changed the oil. Reciepts from the store did not work. I need some suggestions Help please.
  • gator36gator36 Member Posts: 294
    Be careful,
    There are several Transfer cases used by GM.
    The transfer cases that have the auto 4wd DO NOT use Dexron III trans fluid.
    They use the Auto Trak II transfer case fluid and hold approximately 2 qts.
  • gator36gator36 Member Posts: 294
    Look at the color of what you drain. If it is Blue, it is the Auto Trak II fluid.
  • watchdog2watchdog2 Member Posts: 21
    Greetings,
    This may be a silly question but I must ask.
    Does anyone experince a "static charge" upon exiting their vehicle on moderately cold days? Once I touch my doors theres the shock "ouch".
    If so, does anyone know how to rid their vehicle of this problem? In case you are wondering. No, I am not dragging my bottom on the seat when exiting either to cause the shock. Please advise

    Thank you,
    Watchdog2
  • ross1962_99ross1962_99 Member Posts: 48
    "o 14-15mpg around town with gas+alcohol; The best hiway was 18mpg. Never seen anything close to 20mpg."

    Others have posted reduced milage when using gasohol.

    "o The front bumper cover got a bulge above the license plate after a few hours of parking in the hot sun in July. The black plastic/rubber insert around the tail license frame had signs of melting"

    There are fixes for both of these. The license plate frame gasket has been replaced by one with a different material.
  • quickdtooquickdtoo Member Posts: 266
    Not according to the factory service manual, there are only two transfer cases used in the triplets, the NVG-126-NP4 in the Bavada (no low range), and the NVG-226-NP8 two speed, in the Envoy/Tb. They both use "Dexron III GM part #12346143", looking at my fsm right now on page 4-195 & 4-252. GM can put any color dye they choose in their product, but it's still Dexron III. tim **Edit: The new part number for the GM fluid is 12378508 @ $3.51 qt + $7.95 shipping @ gmpartsdirect.com, you need 2 quarts.
  • druschdrusch Member Posts: 1
    own a 2004 TrailBlazer LT with 2500 miles on it. Recently while driving at night, my headlights and dash lights surge brighter/dimmer intermittently even to the point that oncoming vehicles flash their lights back. THe AMP meter also indicates a change in voltage. I have checked the battery connection and they are secure. I have read that GM has been having some problems with light modules and was wondering if anyone else has experienced this particular symptom
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    Take the truck to another dealer to determine why it was losing/ burning so much oil after the first attempted repair. If it is determined that the low oil level was due to the last dealers work, you may have a case. It sounds like you have to prove only that the remaining oil is new and not worn out. Have the remaining oil tested to determine if it is still good. Old oil will test out as old. New but low oil will test out as new. The second dealer will find the reason for the leak. Case closed. BTW, a dealer oil change is only $29.00. This includes 7 qts. and a new filter. Some dealers, mine included also wash the car. And, they keep excellent records of work done. Why do it yourself?

    Frank
  • rubicon1rubicon1 Member Posts: 6
    Ref PCM reprogrammed. No, I never had it reprogrammed for that. I guess I didn't know about it till now. Oh well it's gone now.
  • hillflahillfla Member Posts: 90
    "BTW, a dealer oil change is only $29.00. This includes 7 qts. and a new filter. Some dealers, mine included also wash the car. And, they keep excellent records of work done."

    Maybe where you live a dealer oil change is only $29, but not for me here in St Louis! I took my 2003 Envoy into the dealer for its first oil change. Walked out of there $40 poorer and without it being washed. And I had to leave it at the dealership all day.

    Next oil change I took it to Valvoline, paid $30 and got a synthetic blend oil to boot. (for 7 quarts) I did not have to leave it all day like I do at the dealers, they were finished in about 10 minutes. And they keep great records as well. They give you a card with your unique customer number on it, you can go onto their website and look up your maintenance records. Oh yea, and they usually have coupons you can print from their website. All in all, a much better deal than the dealer!

    No, I don't work for Valvoline, I am just making note what I have observed and lending my two cents worth! :-)
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    You might try a $4 ( or less) can of "Static Guard" sprayed on the cloth seating surfaces.
  • eaziereazier Member Posts: 5
    Did anyone put an aftermarket exhaust tip on? If so, what kind? What are the sizes? Thanks!
  • allenrallenr Member Posts: 89
    Receipts for oil are all you need to prove that it was changed. Changing oil is one of the few things you can still do yourself. I wouldn't say its fun but I like to get under my cars once and awhile, see a lot of problem early that way!

    Of course the oil is low, it’s burning oil all the time you silly service person. I would drive it down the street to another dealer. If they question why you are using them, tell them you haven't been getting good service from the one closer to you.

    Allen
  • ees1996ees1996 Member Posts: 31
    They stated that a oil reciept was not good enough. They said that they will void my warranty and they have contacted chevrolet and stated that they cannot do anything. any suggestions.
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    If you end up in court, I can testify. I have no receipts for any oil. Therefore, I must have never changed the oil. My engine runs fine, so that must not be the problem.

    I'd got to another dealer, right away.
    With all the bureaucracy in GM, I doubt you are somehow "blacklisted" in terms of warranty.
    Oh yeah, and top off that oil beforehand.
  • sildogsildog Member Posts: 50
    DRUSCH:
    I had the exact problem you describe. It started slow, then got worse. I also seemed to burn out a lot of headlights. The dealer changed the alternator under warranty. No problems since.

    ALL:
    I hear lots of talk about PCM reprogramming. What problems are to be solved by this? Will this take care of the slow idle and stumble off idle? Do I have to pay for this if I am out of warranty? Can any dealer do it? More info please!
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    "The dealer that fixed the car before refuses to fix the car now because the oil level was a little low"

    How low is a "little low"? And if it's loosing a qt. every 2-3 weeks yes it probably would be.

    All this after they supposedly fixed it 3 months ago? How many miles on it now and before the bolt broke in July? Sounds to me like that dealer doesn't want to work on it again for free under warranty if they have to stand behind their work with GM as I would think they have to do. If everything is in order and all repairs were done in warranty I would insist on a new replacement engine or a buy-back at this point.

     "and they are saying I have never changed the oil. Reciepts from the store did not work."

    Should be proof enough. Did you go by the oil life light, or change it at other intervals? Did you reset the light each time?

    Find another dealer, and contact Chevrolet yourself if you haven't already, get a file started, get your side on record, and insist on talking to a local GM Chev field service rep. That's what I'd do. And if that didn't work I would have a lawyer write them a letter.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    There have been some recent updates for unstable idle. And also "new calibration to correct cold idle fluctuation at altitude and/or warm hesitation on acceleration" as per the VIN cal info web site pertaining to my vehicle anyway. Enter in your VIN and see what comes up. If you have never had any done since new most will probably apply.

    http://calid.gm.com/vci/

    Only the dealer can read and tell exactly what you have now. Has to be done with the Tech2 scan tool. But I do know the most recent updates for poor idle did not appear until August '03. I check every so often after getting the updates done in Feb '03, and keeping a copy of what was current then. Mine seems to idle fine so I have no desire to have them mess with it. And it runs great after what was done in Feb.

     They shouldn't charge you more than 1/2 hr labor to do it since it can be done in 20 min or less.
  • twinrottstwinrotts Member Posts: 161
    I've been able to use my Mr clean 2X so far and I do not think I like it.
    It is a bit cumbersome to hold and use. I am not happy that the wetting and rinsing spray is a rather focused jet of water vs a wider spray pattern. I am most disappointed in the suds or lack there of of the detergent.
    I am struggling with not having a bucket nearby to frequently dip and rinse my sponge in.
    Just seems more natural to me to frequently renew the sponge with fresh heaps of suds.
    Would love to hear from more folks that have used this product
  • sildogsildog Member Posts: 50
    Hasn't been that long since July. It is possible, depending on how many miles you drive, that you weren't due for an oil change (going by the light) since the July engine work. If you know the miles since the engine work, you might argue that it hasn't been long enough. Then you would not have to prove you did it. I use the odometer to determine my oil changes, because that light comes on way later than I am comfortable waiting. I have 45K and I know I have only reset that light 4 times. You probably can't lie about if the light went on or not, because the dealer can probably hook up the car and tell when the light went on. If the light went on really soon after the engine work, then you could argue that they didn't reset it when they did the engine work (I am assuming the engine work they did would have required oil to be drained).

    And another idea: I have a friend that had an Audi that was using tons of oil. The dealer did not believe him. Then they tried to tell him that his usage was "normal". He pushed, and finally the dealer changed the oil and installed tamper proof plug and cap so he couldn't let any out! Then he had to go in to the dealer every other day for them to check it. It only took about two weeks for them to acknowledge there must be a problem. They took it apart and found it had been assembled without the oil ring in one of the 5 cylinders.
  • wpkelleysrwpkelleysr Member Posts: 51
    To Meyervilla:

    I had the same problem with the passenger-side seatbelt. I own a 02 TB - my wife an 02 - Envoy. Both had the problem.

    If you go to the dealer and complain, they have a process where they will replace it with a longer belt - for free. They cannot do anything unless it is characterized as a "customer complaint". But, once the complaint exists - they get reimbursed from GM.

    I've had the passenger belts replaced for free on both vehicles - for free - problem solved.

    - WPK
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    I had a '94 Honda Accord that built up so much static charge while driving the expressway, that when I would stop to manually pay a toll, a spark would jump from my hand to the toll collectors hand. This happened every time I drove the expressway. It was no joke to the toll collector. Honda insisted there was nothing they could do about the static. I was told the tires were probably the problem. Not enough of the charge would dissipate through the tires. The problem was never fixed. I would be somewhat concerned with a triplet generating so much static charge. With 7 onboard computers, something will happen sooner or later. Have G M look at it before it becomes a bigger problem. At least install one of those old static discharge straps you used to see on older cars.

    Frank
  • previousamigopreviousamigo Member Posts: 130
    I have the same zap on the door most of the time when I get out of my trailblazer when I park it in my garage. I also had this problem with my '92 Isuzu Amigo. It is quite a jolt and an impressive light show. I have no idea what causes this or what the fix is. Your not alone.
  • pepper50pepper50 Member Posts: 195
    Does anyone experince a "static charge" upon exiting their vehicle on moderately cold days? Once I touch my doors theres the shock "ouch".
    If so, does anyone know how to rid their vehicle of this problem? In case you are wondering. No, I am not dragging my bottom on the seat when exiting either to cause the shock.


    I don't have the problem. But not too many months ago I read a recommendation that people who are filling their gas tanks not re-enter their vehicle (of any make) and sit in the driver's seat while the tank is filling--that a spark from static build-up due to entering and exiting the vehicle could cause a gasoline fume fire. I just looked on the Web, and here is the official recommendation of the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) and other refueling guidelines at:
    Safe Refueling Guidelines-Avoiding Static
  • ees1996ees1996 Member Posts: 31
    I went and retrieved my vehicle. They said that the engine was 2 - 3 quarts low. Even though i got the recipt from pep boys with the Filter. (which is AC Delco PF59) They then said since you have 8 quarts that does not mean that they put 8 quarts in there. I want to take it to another dealer. That dealer said that they talked to the GM rep and that they said that I could not get it fixed due to neglect. (cause the oil was low.) I know this engine burns oil. you can look here to see it. If anyone can send me any documentation it will be a great help. Darn shame my first car that I purchased out of college and this trouble. I am a General guy but now this is swaying me.
    If I hit a dead end I might trade it but I know my value will take a hit. I like the car but I dont want to be on the interstate in the middle of nowhere with my baby boy and be stuck.
  • paulpropaulpro Member Posts: 56
    I didn't like the look on my Envoy. and didn't want to spend the big bucks necessary for a Borla system.

    The pipe coming out of the muffler is 2 3/4" dia. AutoZone has a chrome tip with resonator guts that is about 3 1/2" dia. Says it is designed for a 2 1/2" pipe but it fits just fine.

    I just took a hacksaw to the pipe and cut off the angle part and screwed the new tip on. Looks a little like an Acura MDX except single rather than dual tip. but what the hey, I only spent $24.95 for the tip

    Paul P
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    I got the same tip. Looks great, especially with polished wheels. And it's no louder than stock!

    GAM
  • offroad57offroad57 Member Posts: 11
    wonder if this is due to different trans.prog.my 02 trailblazer got 13.7 mpg.during the 500 mile break in period,then on a 300 mi.round trip driving 65-75 on I-75 got 16.8 with 550 mi.on it. the 04 tb.driving virtually the same route 500 mi. got 17.1,the same trip on I-75 with 575 mi.on it got 21.6 both had the 3.73 rear end.can't seem to tell any difference in the shifting,seems to shift at the same rpm to me.took the 02 7500 mi.to get 20 mpg.highway.
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    I installed a Corsa chrome dual exhaust tip on my Envoy. Same install as the others, just cut off the bent part of the tailpipe and then attach the new tip. Looks really cool having the chrome twin exhaust look coming out the back of the car. Really sets off the polished wheels on the Indigo blue Envoy. One word of warning, however, it does get hot and it does protrude past the back bumper, so be careful. My mother-in-law burned her leg on it once getting things out of the back of the car. I have had a lot of complements on the tip since I installed it two years ago. No change in exhaust sound.
  • spdmtr5spdmtr5 Member Posts: 111
    Did you leave the rear muffler on?Mine has a crease from some off road use.I'm not sure how the computer would react to a decrease in backpressure.
  • envoyenvyenvoyenvy Member Posts: 24
    Hmmm, I may get one just to burn the mother-in-law...
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    Did I ever tell you guys about dragging my Mother-in-law outside the passenger rear door of the Trooper? True story. We stopped to change a diaper on our youngest, and I was on the phone with a client during the whole process. The wife hopped into the front passenger seat and I took off. Moments later, I heard the sound of someone trying to yell, but having a hard time because she was hanging on to the grab handle and hopping along in the roadside gravel. I've heard plenty about it since, believe me. The exhaust tip idea is much more 'stealth'. Hmmmm.

    Jim
  • sildogsildog Member Posts: 50
    I think an entire strand dedicated to things we did or would like to do to our mother-in-laws (or ex mother-in-laws) would be a "Top Discussion" every day. We would just have to make sure there was some reference to a car somewhere in each post to keep "on topic". Here goes:

    I once told my M-I-L that she was negligent for not tatooing a warning label on her daughter before sending her out in the world! She is now my X-M-I-L. At the time, the Trailblazer was most likely on the drawing board as a concept.*

    *obligatory triplet reference to keep the post on topic.
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