Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • 2yearleaseonly2yearleaseonly Member Posts: 107
    It happens in all my vehicles actually, not just the Envoy. Worse in the winter, barely noticable in the summer, especially when its humid. The solution will cost 4 bucks and I guarantee it will work with no "side effects".

    Its called Static guard. Here is the link and its available at your local grocery store. http://www.mystaticguard.com/nav_wf.cfm

    I spray it on my driver seat and headrest every month or so, and good bye static. I know it will help and good luck
  • kpp14kpp14 Member Posts: 62
    Back in the spring I posted about carrying two hundred bricks in my 2002 Envoy. That’s about 900 lbs. The back sat down a bit and the steering was a little light. The disc brakes performed really well. I did not check out the acceleration though for safety reasons. Last Sunday up picked up my mother in law and 3 of her crony’s from church. That’s easily 900 lbs, more like 1000 lbs with all their plastic bags filled with... what ever. They all boarded from the right side which made me list to starboard momentarily. I had my doubts. That truck sat down a bit again but evenly this time. The performance was superb. The mid range torque felt no different. Gearing down at high speeds pissed them off good. Other than that there was a slight problem with the belts and the leather was easy to clean up after they had some type of lunch.
  • sildogsildog Member Posts: 50
    Thanks for the link regarding calibration updates. I went there and there is a huge list for my VIN. Does this list only show updates I have not had or all? I have never had it in for a recalibration specifically, but I have had it in for plenty of other things. Is there anyway to tell which updates I have? If I go to dealer, do I have to tell them which changes, or do they just give me latest version and I automatically get them? Can you really tell an improvement in the trucks manners after having these things done? Sorry for all the ? but I am kind of a novice to the computerized car!
  • medolarkmedolark Member Posts: 93
    I was a little skeptical of the calibration updates and subscribe to the "If it ain't broke don't fix it theory." However, I found a little hesitation creeping in from time to time and decide to go for it. On August 11, I had my 2002 Envoy, (about dec 01 build I think) updated to the "latest calibrations". The results are great. Although I haven't taken a long road trip since, city mileage according to the DIC seems better and responsiveness, definitely so. I have a 3.73 rear axle, and even though people with a 3.42 seem to be most enthusiastic about the upgrade I can say, I would not go back!
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    I kept the muffler. I cut the tailpipe a couple inches in from where the pipe bent downward. Actually helped off-road as it doesn't hang down like the bent pipe did.

    I doubt a small crease would affect performance that much. A big crease however......

    GAM
  • dlothesdlothes Member Posts: 3
    First post, been reading for a while. A few weeks ago bought my wife a 03 SLE Envoy, Indigo Blue, Light Pewter, I6, 3.42, sunroof, aluminum wheels, running boards. Added hood deflector, window visors and molded mud flaps from the dealer and a sunroof deflector from AutoZone. Replacing a 97 Grand Caravan for her to haul my brood of 4 little ones.

    She picked the color and options (fought her hard on a SLT, but she doesn't like leather, so I gave in, even though I really wanted steering wheel controls and memory seats.)I also debated hard on the V8, but with the money saved we added a 8" dvd in the roof with 4 wireless headphones. So the kids are happy too.

    To say it's the best thing I ever bought her would be a understatement! She's in love with the thing!

    Just turned over 1200 miles and only a couple of things. First is the seal around the license plate is coming loose on one side. I've seen it mentioned here, so I'll deal with that.

    Second, really lousy gas mileage. I finally took it on a 400 mile road trip, and I know it only has 1200 miles, but around town we are getting 12 mpg, and I just made 15 on my highway trip. On the highway, transmission seems to have some slop on the 3-4 cruising shifts. This thing was built in March of 03, sat on the lot for 6 months before we bought it. I know it doesn't have the current PCM. What else should I tell the dealer so he will updte my PCM without any hassle? Will lousy mileage and slop shifting (kind of hunts around during shifts at 60-65.) be enough to convince him?

    Paid 400 over cost, less rebate (4700), so got a great deal.

    Sorry for the long post. Loving the Envoy from WV.

    Dave
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    I use static guard all the time, especially in sweater weather!!! It works!!!! I keep a can in the glove box.
  • spdmtr5spdmtr5 Member Posts: 111
    My concern was reduced backpressure.Replacing the large rear muffler with an aftermarket"glasspack" would decrease the size but I wonder how it would affect the air/fuel mixture.Do you think the computer could adjust?
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    "If I go to dealer, do I have to tell them which changes, or do they just give me latest version and I automatically get them?"

    Yes you get them all, whatever GM loads back into the Tech2 tool to reflash your PCM. The last part number shown in each column includes all the previous "fixes" plus the most recent.

    I went in and told them I wanted the PCM updates to address several issues- cold upshift delay, cold power surge, poor feel to 1-2 upshift, occasional fan noise in the morning, etc. to get something on paper. The service adviser did warn me that sometimes people come in and want that done for no specific reasons, and he advised against it if everything was OK otherwise. I had several specific reasons to get it done.

     "Can you really tell an improvement in the trucks manners after having these things done?"

    I sure could. Night-and-day difference. Now I don't want to go back for anything (have not even taken it in for the safety recall regarding the inst cluster), for fear they will mess with the PCM software to run up their labor-hours on the warranty claim, and possibly degrade the performance it now has. I am now avoiding any more updates. They will sometimes look for updates to do, just to add more labor time to the claim.
  • jay_24jay_24 Member Posts: 536
    "Replacing a 97 Grand Caravan for her to haul my brood of 4 little ones."

    how do you take 4 kids in an Envoy? Or is the oldest over 12yrs? Maybe a little over safety concerned but 12 and under should be in the back seat away from the air bags.

    We just up graded our 98 Grand Voyager to a Tahoe to haul 3 kids.

    --jay
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Glad to know the Static Guard (see #12939) works on car seats. Now I will get some! Usually isn't a problem around these parts until Jan-Feb when it's really cold and dry outside and the humidity is low.
  • dshepherd3dshepherd3 Member Posts: 194
    Installed HD sway bar and urethane bushings this week, old bushings were starting to wear oval at 30k. This mod. just about eliminated body roll on curves, nice improvement, without any real change in ride quality.
  • nuyorkahnuyorkah Member Posts: 100
    This may help some of you, check with your dealer.

    TSB #03-06-04-057 10/01/2003

    Intermittent Hesitation, Stumble or Idle Stall after Soak, Harsh 1-2 Shift, Slipping 1-2 Shift Followed by a Harsh Engagement (Reprogram PCM)

    2002-2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
    2002-2003 GMC Envoy
    2002-2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
    with 4.2L Engine (VIN S - RPO LL8)

    Condition:
    Some customers may comment on an intermittent hesitation/stumble or idle stall within minutes of starting after the vehicle has been sitting for several hours. Additionally, some customers with a 2003 model year vehicle may comment on a harsh 1-2 shift or 1-2 slip shift that has a bump feeling when 2nd gear engages.

    Cause:
    This condition may be caused by the EVAP diagnostic test as it opens the purge valve for a few seconds and then closes it to verify proper emission sensor operation. If the purge canister is saturated, the EVAP system on-board diagnostic test may cause the vehicle to correct for a rich condition from the canister. The vehicle would then become lean when the purge valve closes at the completion of the test. This condition occurs primarily with high RVP fuel and after the vehicle sits for several hours in a warm ambient, above 21°C (70°F). A customer who takes short trips is more likely to experience this condition, as they don't have the drive cycle that would allow the purge canister to fully re-circulate the fuel vapor.
  • dlothesdlothes Member Posts: 3
    how do you take 4 kids in an Envoy? Or is the oldest over 12yrs? Maybe a little over safety concerned but 12 and under should be in the back seat away from the air bags.

    We just up graded our 98 Grand Voyager to a Tahoe to haul 3 kids.

    --jay

    Gues I left out a small important part....

    XL..

    :)

    Dave
  • dlothesdlothes Member Posts: 3
    I read in Motor Trend or R/T recently that for 04 GM changed to a larger front anti roll bar which helped with the wandering feel at highway speeds.

    Anyone know if that's all they changed, or wonder if they changed the bushings too. Before we bought the 03 I drove a 04 and it felt better to me at highway speeds.

    I'm going to get a price quote to see how much.

    Think it would be a easy swap?
    Dave
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    I think New Envoy has an extended version. He was talking about getting the V-8........

    I'm sure the computer will compensate for a new muffler. I doubt you'd reduce backpressure too much however, you'd probably just make it louder. Todays factory exhaust are pretty decent to get maximum performance and efficiency (the tailpipe is 2.75" in dia). Many tests have shown that aftermarket exhaust add very little to modern engines. But if you're after a more agressive sound, go for it.

    GAM
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    when incentives will start to show up on the 2004 Triplets? I actually want to know specifically about the Isuzu Ascender, but I assume they would be roughly the same, correct?

    Jim
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    What funny is the Isuzu is made on the same assembly line as Trailblazer!!! by UAW workers. I would think they would be the same if not better for the isuzu!
  • spdmtr5spdmtr5 Member Posts: 111
    will improve pavement handling but may decrease off road compliance.Rutted and bumpy fire roads are a pleasure in the TB when compared to the ride in my Dodge pickup.
  • mskaymskay Member Posts: 4
    and after reading through some of these posts I think I mad a bad decision, and thoughts and opinions? Is anyone happy with their vechicle or should I trade the vechicle while I'm stil within my 5 day grace period??
  • quickdtooquickdtoo Member Posts: 266
    Two thoughts here.....I'm real happy with mine, very few problems, love it. Some have had lots of problems and got rid of their tb, hopefully you don't have one of those! Seems to me that a lot of the problems with the triplets have been with the more advanced features such as climate control and auto mirrors, things my '02 LS doesn't have, less to go wrong, I guess. my .02...tim
  • sildogsildog Member Posts: 50
    I assume you bought used? Don't be discouraged by what you read here! By nature, the most vocal are the folks who have the most trouble. I have had my 02 for over two years and 46K. While my experience has not been trouble free, I really like the machine. Remember the silent majority! I know three other people with triplets and they have had no trouble at all and totally love their rides. One guy I know loved his so much but wanted the long, so he traded one in for another and both of his were trouble free. You could always pay $20 for a CARFAX report to see if yours has been back to the dealer a lot or not. (I assume CARFAX gets dealer reports?) Then what do you do? If it has been back a lot, then maybe it is good-the previous owner got all the stuff fixed for you! So far, all I have gotten fixed were one timers that seemed to be fixed for good.
  • spdmtr5spdmtr5 Member Posts: 111
    Keep it!Ours is the daily driver for my wife,she loves it in the snow.Off road it gets us to where we camp, hike and fish.I just need to do something with the huge rear muffler.
  • mskaymskay Member Posts: 4
    thanks for the info! I brought mines used.. with only 30k miles, I actually did pull a carfax report and I don't see anything regarding going back to the dealer etc, but I do see all the recalls :(
    I see where in sept it was registerd at the auto auction and listed as a dealer vechicle, but the report showed that nothing was wrong with the truck.. so I'm kinda unsure on what to do...
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The dealer vehicle could just mean that it was a trade for a Honda or Nissan, and the dealer only puts imports on the used car lot, so it got sent to auction.

    Besides, what would you trade it for in the grace period?

    Maybe have it checked over by an independent mechanic or another dealer for peace of mind.

    Steve, Host
  • mskaymskay Member Posts: 4
    I would trade it in for a nissan pathfinder with almost all the same options. I guess my concern here is that this if my first time purchasing a domestic car, I have had 2 hondas in the past. The reason why I have always been so cautious about buying domestic is because of all the stories that I'm reading today...
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    I would absolutely buy mine again. Bought my well equipped "LS" in Jan '02 (fewer things to go wrong- I agree) None of the numerous problems mentioned here because mine doesn't have most of the failure-prone gadgetry. One thing to keep in mind- in a little over 3 years GM has sold over 700,000 triplets, so with those numbers even if 1% fail, that would still be 7,000 people complaining! Can't please everybody.
  • iexplore2000iexplore2000 Member Posts: 237
    MSKAY:
    Yes.. I was a previous owner of a 2002 Envoy SLT and it was definitely plagued with lots o' problems to say the least. After ridding myself of the troublesome beast, 8 months later I ended up purchasing another Envoy. This time I went with a 2003 Envoy XL V-8 and thus far, I have 10K on the odometer with virtually NO problems to report.

    IF it were me, use whatever methods you can to find out what work has been completed on your 02. Since 02 was the first year for the triplets, GM spent well over a year ironing out all of the bugs so to speak. Also, I would definitely consider looking for an 03 model just to be on the safe side. Thus far, the ONLY real issue that I have with my 03 deals with the driver's side memory mirror.

    EVERYONE: I noticed that there is a lot of discussion on this board concerning engine related trouble with the 4.2L 6 cylinder. Just curious to know if anyone has had any trouble with the 5.3L V-8 engine? I have the 8 cylinder and to date, it seems very smooth and refined. Never any hesitations and always a good performer! Oh.. and lets not forget MPG.. It does very well in this category too! I'd definitely say to anyone who's interested in purchasing the XL models, V-8 all the way!

    Thanks!

    IExplore2000
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    You can count me among those who would do all over again if I had to. Bought an '02 LTZ new in January '02. Have had a couple of minor little issues, along with the handful of recalls. All of the issues/recalls have been handled quickly and painlessly, and my TB has never left me stranded. After nearly two years of ownership, it's still smooth riding, quiet, solid with no sqeaks or rattles.

    As someone before me noted: Sure there are some problematic triplets out there, and if you've got one, I sympathize. But by and large, and certainly from my experience, this is a pretty nice vehicle. $.02

    Good luck with your purchase and let us know what you decide to do.
  • discofeverdiscofever Member Posts: 34
    Keep the TBZ ... Or take advantage of the remaining rebates on the 2003 TB, Envoy, Bravada, Izusu. Up to $10K off MSRP (in some cases)

    I would buy mine all over again... What a fabulous machine..
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    It is possible to have problems and complain and still be overall satisfied. I had a few problems and was quite angry at times, but overall it was just a few trips to the dealer in 2.5 years. So far I've racked up 52,000 miles and plan on going over 200,000. I've taken it offroad, in the mountains, in the snow, on the beach. It's been fun.

    If I had to do it all over again, I'd buy a Trailblazer, but I'd wait a year for them to work out some of the bugs.
  • twinrottstwinrotts Member Posts: 161
    I have almost 20K on my absolutely loaded 02 EXT.
    It is versatile, capable and comfortable.
    Occasional quirks, but nothing significant. I sort of think of it as having a personality.
    I would buy again. Dealer customer care is actually most important
  • kpp14kpp14 Member Posts: 62
    2002 Blk Envoy SLT w 36,000 miles, been up and down mountains, in the valleys, through the rivers, mud up to the axel, snow coming over the hood, pulled the dock out of the lake and a couple stumps to boot, rain, hail, sleet and snow and I would get another tomorrow and still probably have the same minimal problems.

    I agree with tblazed and the rest of you do it again people. Your only reading about a small percentage of the owners in this forum. There is probably lots of other owners who do have problems and don’t know about this forum. I’ll also bet there is a huge number of very happy owners out there as well. Its natural to make postings about challenges with our vehicles. What else would we talk about….mother in laws? I don’t think that were a bunch of whiners and I do see some happy motoring stories as well. How much does your house cost? ¼ million….. ½ a mill maybe. How many times have you been to Home Depot to fix something? How about that.

    My 2 cents.
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    Did someone pass around the happy weed while I looked the other way? I guess we can all be happy with lower expectations. It's been 3 years since the triplets were introduced. I have enjoyed driving my TB when all was well. Many of the early problems may have been ironed out, but the memories will linger for a while. It's hard to say if I will buy another triplet or any NEW model G M car after having a TB engine replaced at 2 k miles. Perhaps G M has learned a lesson and will beta test cars before selling them to the public, maybe not. Who is willing to do the beta testing for GM? Not me.
     

    Frank
  • brunopuntzjonebrunopuntzjone Member Posts: 22
    Replaced at 2k is nothing...

    My pop's bidness had to have a new tranmission put in a F350 the second time they started it. Had under 100 miles on it. It can happen, but don't think that's too common.

    I have an 03 LTZ I bought new a few months ago. Just over 4000 miles and haven't had a single problem yet. Perhaps I should knock on wood. I lub it.
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    Problems in the first few months of ownership, everything on the board, but now nothing, 19-20 MPG, tires look like new, no rounding on the front tire edges, paint is OK, mud guards highly recommended due to design, smoothest shifting vehicle I have ever owned.
  • 2002slt2002slt Member Posts: 228
    My almost 2 year old Envoy SLT with over 20K miles has had no problems besides the wiper motor. This has been, by far, the most enjoyable vehicle I've ever owned. I would purchase another again in a heartbeat.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    GM issued every owner of an '02 triplet built in '01 a transferable warranty for 7 years-100,000 mi to cover any block-sleeve issues. They could have done nothing, or kept that quiet as a "silent warranty" but they went public with it and sent out letters. Yes there were some failures with a few of the first ones, and GM is standing behind those. I am prowd to own it, and it is a real pleasure to drive.
  • rwisemrwisem Member Posts: 96
    Put me down as having 9,000 miles on my '03 TB LT with NO problems at all. This is a fantastic vehicle.
  • richardcoulsonrichardcoulson Member Posts: 88
    I installed the Hotchkiss sway bar upgrade. The majority of the side to side sway is gone and handling is greatly improved, which makes it feel safer and more fun to drive. I do feel/hear more of the smaller bumps, but it is a minor issue. The vague steering is still there.
  • richardcoulsonrichardcoulson Member Posts: 88
    a couple more notes...
    Installation was easy and can be done in about an hour. Just make sure you have an 18mm deep socket and a torque wrench. I didn't have the 18mm deep socket, but found a standard size 6 point deep socket that worked.
  • quickdtooquickdtoo Member Posts: 266
    I did the hotchkis upgrade and love it, also had an alignment done, instructed the alignment guy to set the toe in to within spec but on the toe out side. Spec is -.10 to .30, desired is .10. He set it at .28 and it drives perfect, no vague feeling at all, wish it was done earlier. He said it will cause some shoulder wear on the tires, but not enough to be concerned about. tim
  • cparise1cparise1 Member Posts: 109
    Seems like everyone who's installed this kit is really pleased with handling and improvements in sway.

    But I've always been very pleased with the handling and haven't experienced what I would call sway with my '02 Envoy XL SLT. I've got the air bladder (ECAS) suspension though. The Envoy goes where I aim it and the steering is not vague either. I have a rather long commute and I don't make any steering corrections. It tracks around curves and turns better than my last vehicle which was a '97 Monte Carlo. Considering the increase in size and weight I think the Envoy handles better.

    When Motor Trend named the Envoy SUV of the year in '02 here is what they had to say about ride and handling,

    "Our Envoy boasted an exceptionally smooth ride and high degree of road isolation. Much of the credit goes to its optional air-spring rear suspension. Coils are standard, but the SLT has electronically controlled air bladders. Ride-height sensors, a compressor, and body-control computer ensure proper headlight air and body height-even when loaded or towing, and body motions are nicely damped by premium Bilstien shocks. This suspension systems ability to tame evil washboard roads is truly outstanding."

    Just wondering if any of you folks that put on the sway bars have ECAS too.

    Chris
  • iceprizmiceprizm Member Posts: 2
    I installed the kit on my 02 Envoy that also has the air suspension. The truck always handled tight, imo much better than the coil suspension. After installation I really didn't notice much difference, maybe less body roll in turns but not by much. The front suspension needs some work though, it has too much bounce.
  • kudronkudron Member Posts: 32
    Where can we buy and how much is the kit?
  • quickdtooquickdtoo Member Posts: 266
    See message #12577. Click the Hotchkis link and then their online catalog, look near the bottom of the catalog page for the triplets. tim
  • snaabsnaab Member Posts: 74
    Hi all. Well it’s that time again. Lease is over on my 2dr Jimmy in January and I need to order a car ASAP so that my father can drive it as a PEP vehicle for 2 months. I had a lease on a 2wd Envoy SLE (PEP III) with options figured out to $202 per month w/tax, 0 down, 15k per year for 24 months. Sounds like quite a deal. However I have a few questions regarding the need for traction control and a locking rear differential. Basically im debating on the need for those features? I live in the Detroit area and do no off reading and drive mostly on the highway. Will TC and locking rear diff. really help me when the weather turns sour? Does anyone have experience with a 2wd triplet in the snow? Do they drive safe enough without the TC and locking read diff. or are they good options to check off? My father has had each of the triplets as 3 month company cars but they were all 4wd and drove fine in snow. The dealer is suggesting I should go for the options but I have no way of testing the features out. Any insight would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.
  • quickdtooquickdtoo Member Posts: 266
    Having driven lots of 2wd rigs in snow, I would opt for one of the two, tc or locker, at least. A 2wd quickly becomes a 1wd with an open differential. The locker will at least provide power to both rear wheels after ~2 rotations or the spinning wheel or tc will allow power to the wheel with traction. tim
  • richardcoulsonrichardcoulson Member Posts: 88
    My install was done on a trailblazer. It sounds like those with the air suspension are happy with the factory setup.
  • wdogwdog Member Posts: 21
    Liked Rainier until I read that AWD gave up to 15% of power to front wheels. Unlike new Buick, TB and Tahoe 4x4 have 4W Hi, Low, and 2WD. Caddy 4x4 only AWD, goes about 50-50 if needed. Like to know corresponding info on TB and Tahoe. Tahoe not offering nav, but may later in 04 model year.
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