Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

bertman48

wxman4...please let me know what the dealer does to resolve your fuel fill/spit problem. I do not have any problem filling the tank, but it always backflows right after the pump automatically shuts off.

Thanks,
Bert

ross1962

"It's Spring Break lots of places. Not to mention all the golf courses have opened around here!"

You mean they have to close the golf courses in the winter there? Wow!

Ross
San Diego
:-)

wxman4

Yes, that is exactly what mine does about a third of the time. There is a TSB that addresses both problems, #04-06-04-003 dated 1-12-2004. They replace the fuel fill pipe with one that is supposed to have a smoother flow and also replace the vent hose with one that has a check valve feature. I think the vent hose addresses our problem.

Wxman

cameramatt

Towing was one of the concerns, but I don't plan on towing anything but a bike rack with my Pilot.
   I do like the aggressive styling that GM has done with the Trailblazer lines. Their previous blazers were plain.
   Besides both my brothers own Trailblazers and we were strongly considering the Envoy XL.

bertman48

Is there a GM website that I can go view TSBs? If so, what is the website URL?

Thanks,
Bert

ross1962

I understand there is another piece that could be at fault here. It's a charcoal canister I believe. If it gets saturated, it could cause problems getting the gas into the tank. Gas fumes come up to the nozzle sensor and shut off the pump.
I had the filler tube replaced on mine, but it didn't help. I still have intermittent problems. I'm going to ask about the charcoal canister and see if what happens.

redline65

Besides both my brothers own Trailblazers and we were strongly considering the Envoy XL.

My wife and I went with the Envoy XL over the Pilot. The 3rd row in the Pilot was just too tiny. Plus when we were shopping the Pilot didn't offer a lot of the amenities the Envoy XL does - sunroof, heated seats, power passenger seat, Bose audio, rain-sensing wipers, two-driver memory seats/mirrors, etc.. I do like the Pilot though, it just didn't seem to fit our needs.

hillfla

There is a site called alldata.com that has the TSBs listed. (look for the "Recalls and Technical Bulletins" at the top of the page). On the free portion of the site you can search on a vehicle and see the title for all TSBs that pertain. You have to pay to be able to read all the TSB details.

But, rather than paying the subscription to be able to read all the TSB details, I have found that my local library has a subscription to alldata and I can access it for free when I am at the library terminals. Pay a nickel to print and there you go! Hope this helps.

ross1962

I think you got an excellent deal! Well below invoice. Congrats!

mharry

No I don't imagine anybody goes over to Accessories & Modifications, so I'm posting here too. Does anybody know anything about the replacement headlights at Matrix Racing, they have the halo rings and 2 round lamps. The reflectors don't have any fluting. Since I'm over 40 night blindness is becoming an issue and the last thing I need, is to be driving around with flashlights for headlights!

01_hoe

Not sure what you are looking for here. If it is brighter night time driving, I chose the Sylvania silver stars.

bobbies

To those of you with the problem, GM WILL add running boards with Dist. Rep approval. Just got the OK for mine. However, I did set up a Case Number way back when I first noticed the problem...about 2 weeks after I bought the truck. That was in March of 02. You can check the posts on this site for service documents. Just a note of warning, some dealers are more receptive than others. I had to go to dealer #2 before the Service Mgr. would bother to investigate.

pleng

I posted the following question #14175 hoping some of you experienced owners would help some one needing your ownership knowledge.

I have participated in Edmunds and other discussions for years, but this group has the distinction of being the first group to completely ignore a request for help.

"I am considering a 2002 Envoy, and wonder if you can help me make a decision.

1. What sort of mileage should I expect from a 2 wheel drive model around town and on the interstate at 75-80 mph?

2. Same question on mileage, but with 4WD?

3. Are there any particular maintenance or defect issues I need to look for?

Thanks in advance for your help."

quickdtoo

If you've been a participant here for years then you should be familiar with the search feature and be able to find all your answers. I don't respond to questions like yours for that reason. Don't expect much difference in 2wd vs 4wd mpg, differences in drivng habits can obscure the small difference.

tidester

Perhaps the fact that you didn't bother to acknowledge adamjeeps' friendly reply to your post #14175 with his post #14176 led people to believe that you weren't really interested in sticking around for help.

I also wonder about the urgency of your needs if it took you more than two weeks to realize that you believed no one replied to your original posting.

I recommend a more friendly tone as I know for a fact that the folks here are informed, helpful and friendly.

Just a thought. :-)

tidester, host

mharry

I just want them because they look cool, but i'm not willing to sacrifice lighting quality. I know about the Silverstars and have looked at true HID replacements, but my concern was that these lights will not project an efficient pattern, but rather a spot light effect.

kpp14

1. What sort of mileage should I expect from a 2 wheel drive model around town and on the interstate at 75-80 mph?

Yesterday I drove to Rochester and back ( 360 miles). I have a 2002 Envoy slt with 48,000 miles on it. The fuel mileage on the DIC was showing 345 miles on a full tank (rear wheel drive for that trip). In the city the range drops as much as 80 / 90 miles. There’s the ratio for you. My pig enjoys an occasional drink of super and runs really well. Not to many people driving 75 or 80 mph on I90 though. In Toronto the whole hiway does a minimum of 75 mph. Oh yes, a state cop had a few choice words for me when making a very nice right turn on a red light.

pleng

Sorry I over looked the following as it carried the header "Paint Chips".

"Pleng... if you can, go with a 2003. Many issues were cleaned up after 2002's first year. As far as mileage, expect 14-16 in city and 17-21 highway, not too bad..."

This is exactly the info I requested.

luxride

Had the Envoy at the dealer to fix the fuel spit issue and to also replace both tail light fixtures with the issue of burning out bulbs. The dealer replaced the fuel hose and vent pipe, so far so good. 2003 16,000mi very happy Envoy owner.

cparise1

Still checking in every now and then but I've been out of town a couple of weeks on business and otherwise just busy at work. Spring hasn't sprung here quite yet in the upper midwest although today it hit 60 but tomorrow the high will be 35.

Washed the '02 Envoy XL SLT by hand in the driveway for the first time since Jan 1 when it was unseasonably warm. 37K on it now and is still as quiet and good looking (Polo Green with the 'protector' paint package) as it was when it was brand new both outside and inside.

About paint chipping, I ordered the factory running boards so they have been there since day one and shortly after that I had the dealer install the non-logo mud flaps behind each wheel. No paint chipping, although there aren't too many gravel roads (except my 165' driveway) around here.

Chris

ann1

I purchased an Envoy SLE 2004, and it has a wind noise starting at 35 mph and gets worse as you increase speed on driver and passenger side. It is very annoying to say the least. What I don't understand is how the other Envoy owners don't experience this, and we who have the misfortune of purchasing one do. BE SURE TO DO A 24 HOUR TEST DRIVE IF YOU INTEND TO BUY ONE. If I would have done that, I would have never purchased this vehicle.

quickdtoo

A search of this board shows there are 10 pages of "wind noise" hits, not exactly a secret. But, the good news is there is a fix that helps eliminate part of the wind noise. See message #10826.

cparise1

Except when bucking high winds I don't have any appreciable wind noise. If I did, I would take it to the dealer with the expectation that they fix the problem which might include replacing the weather-stripping.

The driver side weather-stripping on my Envoy came loose and they replaced it without question.

My dealer has been great. My wife drove immediately to the dealer after discovering one of her wiper blades (on a '98 Transport) was falling apart and after she purchased them they offered to put them on for free right then and there.
Chris

envoy_xl_in_pa

Ann1 - With all of the electronic resources out there today, including this and other boards, the wind noise was no secret before you bought your truck. You just didn't read this board or others prior to purchasing. Before I took delivery of my '02 XL SLT 4X4, I was fully aware of the issues facing the '02 owners. I also knew that I was getting one of the first XL models, and I knew there would be plenty of kinks to work out. Were the first 6 months of ownership frustrating - absolutely. However, it is resources like this board that offer suggestions and solutions to the problems, as was done in your case with the wind noise, that made it easier. After the first 6 months or so, our truck settled down dramatically, and all I do now is routine maintenance. I love the truck, and in time, I bet you will too. Sure its frustrating, but, go look at other SUVs in the market. I challenge you to find the same features and styling for comparable $$$ to what you spent. Just look at the volume of posts on this board today, as compared to when these trucks first came out, and you will see that the things have finally settled down. Those with serious problems dumped their trucks, and the rest of us read, but rarely post. I read daily, haven't posted for a while, cause I have been trouble free for a while.

scottc454

The wind noise is fixable, at least.

I saw on TV another method of fixing wind noise problems. I haven't tried it, but I plan to.
You roll down the window, and take a dollar bill and shut the door on it. Then you run the dollar along the door frame seal and you can feel the loose spots. To fix, you put rope caulk underneath the weatherstrip to tighten up the seal.

This is the same principle as the previous gam2 method, but it seems to be a bit easier.

01_hoe

GM says that the Rainier has a quiet cabin. Anyone know what they did to accomplish this? Maybe some of the techniques could be applied the the Envoy and TB's.

scottc454

The Rainier has more sound deadening material all over the place.
The triplets have weatherstrip flaws, but that is something different. Otherwise they're fine as far as noise is concerned.
They made the Rainier quiet for the luxury folks who don't want to know that there's an engine under the hood.

cwalker29

I dont like the look of running boards, plus I'm 6'3 and dont need them. Will adding mud flaps protect the paint? You guys are talking about the chips on the flairs, on the bottom in front of the rear wheels, right?

I havent noticed that much wind noise, except when it is extremly windy, but the fixes mentioned on this board i will have to check out and see if that helps. thx

kpp14

I'd have to agree with "envoy_xl_in_pa" my 2002 Envoy slt had all kinds of things replaced or repaired initially. Now with 48,000 miles on it it runs just fine thankyou.
I keep my truck clean everywhere including inside the door edges and the frame. I was able to locate where the weatherstrip was not sealing properly by seeing where the fine dust (road crap)was coming past the stripping. I put a compressable "ethafoam" rope / cord behind the weatherstrip. This foam cord is commonly used by brick layers and window installer to fill voids to large for mortar or caulking. It also retains its shape after being compressed.

rureddy

After reading what seems like thousands of posts I am wondering is there anyone happy with there purchase of an Envoy, especially those that have had there's for a while? I am currently deciding between an Envoy SLT and the 4Runner Limited and am a little concerned about all the negative postings I have seen on this site. With every dealer offering the GM supplier pricing and another $3,750 off in rebates this seems like a great deal. But then again if my vehicles in the shop every month that doesn't help me much. Spending over $30,000 seems like a big investment to me and I would appreciate anyone's honest opinions. Thanks!

cwalker29

I have noticed the same thing. I cross-shopped the envoy sle and 4runner sport. I went with the envoy for other reasons. The 4runner was just a little too small for driver space, very nice truck though, quite $$$. The 4runner seats were too narrow and the envoy sold me on a little more legroom, headroom, and hip room. IMO, Plus the 4.2 engine was a compromise between the toyo v6 & v8. I could def feel the lack of torque in the toyo v6. I have had my envoy for nearly two months, no problems. Quite satisfied. Looking at aftermarket now. You have to drive them to decide. I was dead stuck on 4runner until i drove both.

quickdtoo

29k miles in 30 months driving, 3 trips to the dealer, none overnight, all is well. I've had worse vehicle repair history in over 40 yrs of driving but none better than the tb! Enough said as far as I'm concerned.

n7don

"Will adding mud flaps protect the paint?"
Didn't protect the rear flare area on my 03 Envoy. The front mud flaps did prevent chipping on the front.

"You guys are talking about the chips on the flairs, on the bottom in front of the rear wheels, right?"
Right.......... the TSB does mention front chipping too.

tmac8

2002 SLE, 22k with no problems and no complaints. I've read the posts here for quite some time now. I feel bad for those who have problems because I think this is a great vehicle. Comparisons with other makes and models will always have pro's and cons. I looked at the 275 HP, full frame, 3.73 rear end, towing package, built in hitch, gas mileage, and interior size. I also like the 17" wheels. Last but not least...American name. I pull a boat, and ice fish in the winter, and it's the right size for both. This is not a Soccer moms vehicle. It's built to do the job that "SUV'S" were intended to do. Anyway, that's my opinion, and I'm sure it differs with others.

cparise1

I always test drive with the radio off and drive my everyday route which includes a good mix of highway, rural, and city driving. I try the fan, radio, window operation, virtually everything I can think of to evaluate how it works and how I like it. Nothing scientific mind you but if you're going to plunk down all that money you owe it to yourself to try these things. The sound system is important to me too-I went with the Bose-for superior sound. Even before the 24 Hour test drive there were dealers that let you take vehicles home overnight or for the weekend with a little good faith.
To each his/her own but for someone to say they wish they never bought the truck - and that's what it is a truck - because of the wind noise sounds a little harsh to me. I'd be kicking myself on the purchase if it was a lemon but wind noise? Come on.

I am happy with my purchase - '02 Envoy XL SLT, with 37K - and will buy again when this one is paid off.

Chris

ann1

When the wind noise is louder than your radio, you can't stand it when you're driving on the highways, I always feel like I have a door open when I drive it, you think I'm being harsh. Come on. I have never been in a vehicle where the wind noise was even slightly irritating, and my last vehicle was a GMC truck. I test drove the TB 2 times, the Envoy 7 times, 2 of the times I took the Envoy for a day to decide between the 2 and never experienced any wind noise. So, I didn't think I'd have that kind of problem with my purchase. The dealer gave me 2 options, put some kind of sealant behind my mirrors which would look like a patch job or pull my mirrors off and put more sealant. Other than that, sorry. They call it a "wind rush". What I don't understand is why some Envoy and TB owners don't experience this and others do. So, good luck on your next Envoy purchase.

elvis23

I have a 2003 Envoy, and was experiencing a lot of wind noise on the highway as well. I took it back to the dealer twice, and they couldn't fix it - in fact, they said it was common with the vehicle, and nothing could be done.

So, I put some in-channel ventvisors on the windows. Problem solved. Plus, I like the look on the Envoy. These ventvisors are not glued on - they are in the window channel, and can be removed easily.

Solved my wind noise problem.

hardhawk

One of the first wind noise fixes was to move the front bar on the roof rack back behind the B pillar. That reduced the roof rack generated noise for many.

I have had my Envoy SLT 4WD since July of 2001. Now have 33,000 miles. Have had some minor irritants, but overall still am very happy with the truck. Pull a 5000# boat with it with no problem. The towing issue eliminated most of the other mid-sized SUV's and all of the car based models. I have the 4.10 rear axle, which reduces mileage slightly, but it certainly tows very well. I love all the creature comforts and the styling is still #1 in my book. Although the truck has been de-contented since I bought, I would buy another if something happened to this one tomorrow.

01_hoe

You mentioned you drove several Envoys before buying. Did you drive the Envoy you now have before you bought it?

I have had my door panels off. The mirror fix sounds like it would take place behind the sail panels (the piece that looks like a triangle on the interior of the car). If so, you would not see the repair. I can see where some air might seep in in this area.

BTW, I'm an '03 Envoy SLT owner that is very satisfied. I also looked at the 4Runner. Interior did not seem as large as an Envoy, and way more initial cost. I also own a Toyota Camry wagon and it has been a very trouble free vehicle.

GM is selling way more of the TB, Envoy, Bravada, and Rainier than Toyota is selling the 4Runner. Hence there are more people to comment on the GM cars.

jac27

I have a 2002 Bravada with 60k miles in 30 months. Normal highway driving, including 85mph through the western states, is very quiet. However, when there are very strong crosswinds, maybe 30 mph or so, the noise is deafening! One almost needs earplugs to avoid injury. This is my only complaint about the vehicle, and if I can find a solution for this, I would call this the best vehicle I have ever owned.

ross1962

"...but wind noise? Come on"

No, there really is more wind noise than there should be in these, truck or not. My last vehicle was a '93 S-10 Blazer, which was a lot less refined and it had no such noise. I think it has something to do with wind coming into the rain gutter channels and past poorly designed seals and/or doors. I suspect it's not in all tripletts, but enough to be fairly common.

This is not the roof rack thing. That's a seperate issue.

allenr

I have a very early 02 Bravada and it’s had the usual problems, but the one the bug me the most was the wandering mirrors Even thought I’ve had some problems, the dealer experience has been great.

Every time I have been in for service, the service writer always offers a rental car on the dealership! The inconvenience of getting all the little problems fixed has been very minor. I have been treated very well by everyone at the dealership, I think more than anything else the dealer has made by Bravada ownership great.

My truck is almost 3 years old (April 01) with 42,000 miles. It runs great, engine stronger than the day I purchased it. Still even today every time I drive it, I can’t get over how nice it drives and operates.

Allen

kpp14

My 02 Bravada by allenr “the dealer has made by Bravada ownership great”
This is what defines a huge problem from a minor inconvenience. There is a lot of people on this board who have two problems. The first is with the truck and the second is with the dealer. My dealer is great. I have had some major things repaired and other items that were questionable at best. I feel sorry for those of you who have to battle the dealer as well as your truck. I have no problems with 49k on my 02 Envoy. I also have no more warranty. Last time in was for an oil change which cost me $0 because they felt an hour and half was to long a wait (and their right). They have a large board on the wall where you can “rate” your service experience! These guys even have a kitchen that serve the best omelets around. You have to have a problem with an Envoy to find the place though.

adamjeeps

My dealer has the TB scheduled for the paint fix and running boards install April 12. No hassle whatsoever! I have 20,000 miles - only trouble was a/c switch replaced and door seal and rear license housing gasket issues taken care of today. Thanks again to all who make this a great and informative forum.

By the way... where can I get some of this "ethafoam"?

gam2

I did a lot of things to make my Envoy quieter. It still can get noisy in heavy crosswinds. My wife's el-cheapo Cavalier has more road noise but less wind noise. There's very little you can do to adjust the doors except to bend the frames inward (yikes!). They should make the Buick improvements standard on all Triplets. It's total B.S. that only the Buick gets these improvements when an Envoy can easily top $40K!

Oh yeah, my brake pedal still makes noise at times, especially when warm. The dealer fix didn't work.

GAM

01_hoe

Totally agree that the Buick improvements should be standard in all the triplets. It would be one way of showing that GM is serious in building great vehicles.

Heard of rumors of a Denali package on the Envoy for '05. It probably will have the quiet appointments, and be close to 50K MSRP.

ann1

Besides #10826, what were the other things you tried to help your wind noise problems. I've been having my Envoy for 7 weeks now, and I'm starting to notice a noise in my brakes. My gasket around my license plate will need changing too. I'm starting to wonder what's going to happen next. I'm starting to think my husband was right when he said I should have bought a Yukon. But I like the way the Envoy looks and the size of it.

tamted

My Envoy is coming in march 30, the $3000 rebate is good for march 31,does anyone know what the rebate will be for april,if the rebate is going to be more i'll pick it up on april 1.

hardhawk

I saw the 2005 Envoy Denali at the Chicago Auto Show. Has the Denali Grille, color matched running boards, different wheels, different front & rear fascias, and a different interior. It also has the V-8 in the short wheelbase as well as the Rainier sound deadening upgrades. They had no info on the price at that time.
It looked nice.

azbound

Am moving to AZ soon. Am considering a 2004 or 2003 Chevy TrailBlazer 4x4 (LS or LT). Would like feedback on TB performance on mountain grades; while towing (such as a Kawasaki mule and trailer, or medium size travel trailer); and on AZ's "scenic" high-clearance-only back roads. How does TB compare to Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (6-cyl) in these performance areas?