Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • adamjeepsadamjeeps Member Posts: 56
    I would have rather purchased a GM Warranty from my dealer but... they do not sell the GM Warranty, but they do honor the GM warranty. I double checked this fact before I bought from Black.
  • pepper50pepper50 Member Posts: 195
    Undercoating, if not properly applied, can also cause additional problems by blocking drainage holes, etc., leading to acceleration of rusting in some cases.
  • pepper50pepper50 Member Posts: 195
    hardhawk wrote:
    .(If you read the sample copy of the actual contract note that it requires you to call the dealer that sold you the warranty before getting the service done-what a hassle)

    Luckily an itemized phone bill will prove that you called the dealer. I'd call, get the name of the service manager, and say goodbye. You then have proof you phoned. It does seem like a joke, however, since the out-of-state dealer is in no position to tell you you can't get your vehicle fixed. As I recall the contract also says you can have your repairs done at non-GM facilities (which is the law I think), so you are not locked into GM with the contract as far as I know. I think that calling-the-dealer provision was put in there to give the dealer the first shot at the business of fixing your car and trying to intercept one from going to a non-GM mechanic. For an out-of-state dealer, however, it obviously doesn't make sense.
  • polarbear6polarbear6 Member Posts: 16
    I have not checked the discussion for some time now, but warranty is about to expire on my 2002 and I still have some issues not yet resolved. I am still having infrequent problems with the following: engine racing on start up, hesitation in shifting after cold start and problems with the drivers mirror. On the mirror, we do not have memory. When I reset the mirror and back around either right or left, it sometimes swings out.

    I had the trailblazer in twice in April and the problems could not be duplicated. Any input?

    Also has anyone had problems with the back hatch not unlocking when the key is pulled out of ignition. All other doors unlock. Thanks.
  • twinrottstwinrotts Member Posts: 161
    I have had several of the problems you describe with my 02.
    Occasional engine racing at startup is a programing issue that can be addressed. or You could chose to do nothing as it is not an issue that will ever cause you grief.
    My wandering mirror has been addressed 2X with an actuator replacement. Are you saying that a non memory mirror wanders as well?
    The delayed 1-2 shift was a TSB and is a simple reprogram.
    and Yes, I do have an occasional failure of the hatch, both liftgate and window not unlocking with vehicle in park.
    It is one of those 2 out of 10 times things that
    I simply have accepted as a annoying quirk.
    It has even impacted one of the rear doors but with much less frequency.
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    ...Also has anyone had problems with the back hatch not unlocking when the key is pulled out of ignition. All other doors unlock.

    Yes! Drives me nuts! I'm adding it to my laudry list of things to get fixed before the warranty expires.
  • mookie14mookie14 Member Posts: 252
    Thanks man i do apreciate you taking the time to help me out. Now im seeing alot of guys on edmunds modifying their tblazer's i've read that if you put like say i new exhaust system or muffler they said that the computer won't be able to read the code thats coming from the new system. And also gm said k&n stuff is bad for there products so what im asking is there anything you can do to make a trailblazer breathe better?? without buying all this aftermarket stuff for your suv it can be VERY CONFUSING SERIOUSLY. Other than that thats all im trying find. Um i am putting a new sound system in though i guess i'll take a risk on something that will not hurt or will it??? time will tell. I look forward to your post if you know of any other way i can do all this other stuff to my auto please do not hesitate to let me know thanks.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    And also gm said...

    Is that what GM said - or is it what the dealership said? Sometimes you have to distinguish between the two.

    tidester, host
  • gmcmangmcman Member Posts: 30
    After exhausting attempts with the tire rack to recognize the short wheelbase envoy can accept the 16" wheels found on the Trailblazer LS, I got to speak with the sales manager and he did listen to my request and now the tire rack has the 16" winter tire option for the envoy. You can mount the 225/75/16 Dueler DM-Z2 which is one of the best snow tires you can get for the envoy, same rollout as the stock cross-terrains. Many thanks to the manager. Owners of the XL, your front brakes are too big.
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    I put a Volant cool air intake and Borla cat back system on my Envoy. No trouble with codes.

    Saw on another forum that K&N filters if too excessively oiled will pulg up or restrict the MAF. GM put out a notice to dealers about this problem.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Fortunately, the 4.2 I6 has no MAF to contaminate. These use the Intake Air Temp (IAT)sensor to calculate the air density.

    No problems with my Borla system, been on for a year now, or my Green (oiled) filter.
  • cparise1cparise1 Member Posts: 109
    I purchased Major Guard for 100,000 miles or 6/1/2007 whichever comes first, back on May 31, 2002, when I took delivery on my new Envoy. Cost was $1865 (GM employee family discount).

    Have not been able to recover any of the monies I spent on the extended warranty yet, which is okay by me. I have 43,500 miles on the Envoy and haven't had any trouble post warranty and hope it stays that way. While under warranty the few things the dealer fixed have stayed fixed.

    I am more satisfied with this vehicle after 2+ years of ownership than any other one I have owned. No signs of deterioration in ride, handling, and no rattles.

    Chris
  • raleighraleigh Member Posts: 98
    Interesting post, Texaszeus. I, too, just bought an 04 SLT with BOSE, but without the NAV system. Like yours, mine says BOSE on the radio and on the window sticker ... and I certainly payed for a BOSE ... but, like you, my ears tell me this ain't a BOSE. Before I take it back to the dealer, is there any way to tell for sure if you have a BOSE? As I recall from looking at other vehicles, the door speakers had BOSE posted on them. Mine do not. Is that a clue? Thanks for any thoughts.
  • bradrx7bradrx7 Member Posts: 29
    Did a 2500 mile tow from Houston to Virginia International Raceway last weekend. My tow-er is an '03 TB EXT V8 and the tow-ee is my 2000# Kwik-Load trailer and my 2550# '93 Mazda RX7 track car. I take about 500# of crap with me, too. I ran at about 70-75 mph with cruise control on and averaged 12.9 mpg for the entire trip from the truck's computer. FWIW, I checked a few tanks manually and found the OBC to be very accurate. I'm very happy with that performance.
  • mookie14mookie14 Member Posts: 252
    What are the specs for the borla system for my trailblazer. Like part number what kind pipe exhaust pipe thats is. I want a muffler what is the specs on that. Lastly what should i be looking for when i let someone do it i want to make sure i choose the best tech to do it thats all so i'll wait for your response thanks.
  • texaszeustexaszeus Member Posts: 4
    I couldn't find anything on my vehicle that said Bose on it, except when the radio powers up. Bose is on the case now with my issues once it was confirmed in theory, I have a Bose system. This is a six speaker system with a 5 channel amp located in the right rear panel in the cargo area.

     The dealership did tell me when they tried swapping out the head unit, they also tried changing the amp. I was told GMC had a mid year production change, but not the nature of the change. Bose is thinking I might just need a software update, but don't know yet. Sounds like the only feature working on this amp however, is the amplifier.
  • smokiejoesmokiejoe Member Posts: 26
    Hello:

    My '04 Envoy SLT SD Package (Nov 2003 Build) has the BOSE system and the Door Speakers DO NOT say BOSE on them. Only the Dash unit says BOSE on it. (I don't have the NAV system).
    Also the sticker on the inside of the Glovebox will say the UQA, the Bose code on it. You will have to listen to a decent CD in a BOSE and non BOSE unit to hear the difference. The BOSE has much deeper bass and highs.
    Also if you look though the speaker openings in the doors, the BOSE speakers have a slighly different look to them than the base system.
    The BOSE systems I have seen do not have many EQ settings like the base system.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    ..if your window sticker said that it has a BOSE, it has a BOSE. Our new '04 Suburban has one, and while it sure doesn't sound anything like an upgrade system, that's what it is.

    Just a case of not being very good, that's all. In the case of the Suburban and other GM full-sizers, most people who had a previous model (pre-2003) seem to pretty much agree that the basic GM Delco stereo and speakers in those, sounds clearer and stronger.

    This is pretty common with GM though, as just about any car to date that they've put a factory BOSE stereo system in, really doesn't sound that great. You're just going to have to get used to it.
  • dlaredlare Member Posts: 43
    Last night, I noticed that my brake lights don't function. Well, the high light in the top of the tailgate works but the two taillight mounted lights don't. The fuses are good, the bulbs are good. Anyone else have this problem????

    Dean
  • wxman4wxman4 Member Posts: 53
    I would venture a guess it is the infamous tail lamp circuit boards. The following is from the GM Techlink "Fix it Right the First Time" instructions.

    2002-2004 All TrailBlazers, Envoy, Envoy XL, Bravada, Rainier; – Tail Lamp Socket Circuit Board; Replace both tail lamp circuit boards; Don’t replace complete tail lamp assembly; Service VME, 9/22/03
    03-08-42-006A

    The 03-08-42-006A should be the TSB number for the fix.

    Good luck
    Wxman
  • chootschoots Member Posts: 21
    Can you give me the TSB number that will re program my delayed 1-2 up shift?
    Thank you.
  • polespoles Member Posts: 23
    hi guys im new to this site but so far i think its great
    i have a rattle in the dash of my 02 trailblazer, its coming from the drivers side, i was wondering if anyone else has had this problem
    and i was wondering how the trailblazer handles in sand
  • joefoxjoefox Member Posts: 5
    I test drove a 04 TB with 19 miles on it for my wife last week. Between 20-60 mi/hr there was a constant vibration, subtle yet distinct, and not road induced. Took that one back and said "not acceptable". The dealer bent over backwards, got in an identicle model for us (4 mi on the odometer), and gave it to my wife as a test drive for the weekend. I test drove it to work this morning and the same vibration is there at approx. the same speeds. It smooths out over 70, and best I can tell its not engine related.

    We had driven another 04 with 6,500 mi on it and I didn't specifically feel the same vibration but I could have been lying to myself.

    Is this a common experience? Has anyone experienced this? Should I keep turning these things back in and getting new ones until I get one that doesn't do this? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

    Joe
    San Antonio, TX
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    i have a rattle in the dash of my 02 trailblazer, its coming from the drivers side, i was wondering if anyone else has had this problem

    It sounds like the tachometer rattle. Very common. The only fix I have heard of is to replace the instrument cluster. I personally wouldn't bother unless it was covered by warranty.
  • dlaredlare Member Posts: 43
    I brought the TB to the dealer for my 2pm repair appt today. By 2:15pm I was out the door, after they had replaced both of the rear bulb socket boards.

    Lights work fine now.

    Dean
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    Some members have had their driveshafts rebalanced and vibration fixed. Could also be tires wheels.
  • dpacasladpacasla Member Posts: 8
    I have a 2002 TrailBlazer LS. I am looking to install an overhead console (has travelnote and homelink, no sunroof switch) I got from a 2002 LT. I also have the harness that connects these components together within the console, as well as the retainer unit.

    I am concerned as to whether there is a factory harness connector above the liner that I can plug into for the console. Has anyone taken off their liner in their LS? If so, was there a console harness connection up there somewhere? I hate to go through the whole liner removal only to be disappointed. Any input would be SO appreciated!
  • marspecmarspec Member Posts: 6
    2002 ENVOY with 40K miles. Looking to drain and refill antifreeze but cannot find radiator drain plug. Is there a hidden location or must I remove lower radiator hose?

    Thanx
  • bobfishbobfish Member Posts: 48
    Does anyone know the diameter of the rear sway bar on a 2004 envoy?
  • cbwilshacbwilsha Member Posts: 70
    Believe it or not, there is no radiator drain plug. You have to drain the radiator by removing the lower radiator hose connection at the radiator.

    I have the factory manual and just reviewed the drain and refill procedure.

    C.B.
  • joefoxjoefox Member Posts: 5
    Howdy,

    I'm a new 04 TB owner from San Antonio and just wanted to say HI. I'll be lurking on this board, hopefully learning a lot about my (actually my wife's) new vehicle.

    I'm moving over from the Roadfly.org BMW message board which we traded in for this TB. The 528i we had had 77K on it, and our extended warranty company went belly up (Warranty Gold). After dropping $1000 for an ABS controller, we decided to cut our losses and get into something that made more financial sense!

    A couple of tidbits for the group:

    1. My TB has the seemingly common vibration for which I've done some searches. The sales mgr for the dealer dragged the Regional Service Mgr (GM employee) out to drive in the car. While he noticed the vibration, he more or less said that its a function of how "tight" the vehicles are made. This may be true from an explanation standpoint, but that doesn't mean that it should be happening. Needless to say, I'll probably be lucky to get any real help from GM on solving it (800 rep said basically the same thing). My first step is going to be to get the tires road force balanced on a GSP 9700 that they have at the dealer, then I'll take it to a drive shaft shop in town. The dealer said they'd compensate me for the drive shaft repair if it cures the problem.

    2. As a reference point for everyone, Black Pontiac quoted me $1675 for a 72 mo/100K mi, $100 ded new GM protection plan (GMPP) warranty. My local dealer said to go with it cause they couldn't match it. I'll be doing that within the next month or so. I've still got to figure out just how long I could possibly wait until the prices jump up to another level.

    Anyways, good to be here. I look forward to when Edmunds gets a thread-based system going (they said they're working on it), as the conversation style is a bit tough for my tastes, but I'm getting a little more used to it!

    If anyone's in the South Texas area, let me know and we can back each other up if needed. Repairs, advice, local recommendations, etc....

    Joe
  • wxman4wxman4 Member Posts: 53
    I just got my '03 EXT back from the dealer. This was the second time it had to be towed in 21000 miles. This time, again, it was a faulty ignition switch.

    Two ignition switches in 21000 miles isn't a good track record. Any others having this kind of problem? Maybe I need to start carrying one around with me.

    Curious if others had repeat problems and if their was some other underlying issue causing the switches to go bad.

    Thanks
    Wxman
  • bobfishbobfish Member Posts: 48
    Was it difficult changing the rear springs
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    is your dealer putting bad ignition switches back in stock? If not, I would look for something drawing too much current through the switch, or possibly a bad connection at the wire connection(s) to the switch. Disconnecting the switch moves the wires connected to the switch. The wires may be at fault, not the switch.
  • amom3amom3 Member Posts: 4
    I have had multiple problems with my outside air temp sensor reading the incorrect temp. as well as air conditioner fan problems. Please tell me how many times you have dealt with this and is it finally fixed. If so, what was the final fix? Thank you!
  • dave327dave327 Member Posts: 3
    I love my 03 TB EXT LT, but the radio is lame and my wife is always getting lost. I have noticed a number of GM Nav system radio heads for sale. they were mainly made for the Cad Escalade or the Yukon or Tahoe. the face on all of these is identical and it seems to be the same Nav system that goes into any of these GM products. My question is would there be much modification in regards to wiring the antenna, etc? The unit itself would undoubtedly fit as it is shown in identical dash layouts of other GM vehicles. I have onstar but just the basic package and really dont want to spend $60 a month when Id prefer a DVD Nav unit with screen. has anyone tried this as these DVD Nav system heads can be gotten for usually the price of a good protable and often less than a built in unit whioch would require a fair amount of cosmetic surgery to make it fit well. Any thoughts are appreciated. The only thing I have heard from those who sell these heads is that its an easier install if the unit that is currently in the vehicle is a Bose grade radio. what are the differences as I don't believe mine has the Bose. Will the Bose wire harness just differ from the standard radio harness, in which case a modification would need to happen to make all the internal wiring work?
    I guess the overall question should be is if it fits sizewise is there anything really prohibiting such a unit to work? thanks~
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    Just had the external temp/AC fan problem fixed (for the first time) two weeks ago, along with wandering mirrors (second time), and stereo not working (dealer could not duplicate, even though it was not working when I brought it in and point-blank showed it to them).

    Service dept. had to replace the AC control unit. No problems since.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Pretty easy to do. Had to get the rear end up on jack stands supported from the frame, remove the tires, undo the shocks, and lower the differential on down. I decided to undo the stabilizer links at the frame to get them out of the way of the lower control arms to get the rear end down enough to remove the stock springs. Dif wouldn't go down quite far enough to easily get the stock springs out. A friend that did the same to his TB just used a big screwdriver to pry the old springs out without detaching the links. New springs went in very easily. No degradation in ride quality. Lowered the rear end just enough to make a noticeable difference in center of gravity and handling in corners.
  • polespoles Member Posts: 23
    hey
    does anyone know how an 02 TB handles sand dunes or just sand in general
    if anyone has had any first hand experience that would be great thanks
  • bobfishbobfish Member Posts: 48
    Definetly going to replace rear sway bar with a Hotchkis bar,but still undecided what springs to go with.I am trying to decide between the Eibach`s and the Ground Force,anyone out there have any input?
  • pete2002pete2002 Member Posts: 36
    I too had a rattle coming from inside the dash, driver side. Dealer was unable to duplicate problem. I did some investigation on my own and discovered the dash access cover which is located on the dash end that butts up against the door when closed... open the driver's door and you will see a cutout on the dash facing you. I pried the cover off to see if I could see anything lose in there and behold, there are a couple of screws with washers that fasten the interior of the cluster to the firewall. To my surprise, one of the screws was partially unfastened and the washer was free to wiggle and tap against the metal bracket that supports the interior cluster. I drove the vehicle around my neighborhood with the door partially open and was able to duplicate the noise and could hear it clearly. I then tightened the screw with a ratchet and the noise is finally gone. You may want to check that out since it is pretty easy to verify. If you cannot find, I would then suspect the cluster rattling inside somewhere. Good luck.
  • oc_driveroc_driver Member Posts: 1
    I had a very similar problem with squeaking in the front while driving over bumps and such. After applying white lithium grease in the front hood latch mechanism, seemed to solve the noise problem from my front end. What seems to be the culprit is that the hood latch is lacking of lubrication, which causes the squeaking. Hope this helps out....
  • tmarkb2tmarkb2 Member Posts: 37
    bobfish,

    My two cents...

    Go with Eibach. I've never heard of the other ones. I spent 10+ years racing sports cars including sports racing cars and can tell you that the Eibach folks know their stuff. They've made springs for all types of racing applications up to and including Champ (Indy) cars over many years. Top quality from a known quantity.

    Also, do it right and replace all four and do the Hotchkis kit. If you want to get really ambitious, replace the stock Bilsteins with their upgrade. That's next on my list and I'll let everyone know how much of an improvement they net.

    These bits will make your TB/Envoy better than you ever thought possible. Huge improvement in handling but also much better drivability and highway tracking. You won't be sorry for spending any extra $.
  • baredoggbaredogg Member Posts: 32
    Just sold our 02 Bravada great vehicle despite the small startup problems of a new model just under 78000 miles and still a strong performer great dealership to work with but moving on.. New unit is a 2004 sierra 2500hd diesel with auto and loaded quite a switch but nice unit wish you all luck and mostly just enjoy your triplets and this forum
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    It depends how much you want to do to lower or modify the suspension. Groundforce is a big company that's been around a while. They were the first I knew of to sell rear-only springs specifically to level the TB. Cost of those was $80. Rear bar and bushing kit was about $175. The combination yielded excellent bang for the buck and a fairly simple install. Hotchkis told me they also sell a similar rear set of springs. Like I said before this made a huge improvement in handling, and retained almost all of the stock clearance.
  • dlaredlare Member Posts: 43
    When you level the truck with shorter springs, how much does the rear sag when you load the cargo area or hitch up a trailer?

    Or do the spring installing owners not carry loads?

    Dean
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    The new springs are progressive rate, with closer-together coils at the top, and wider spacing btwn the coils at the bottom. They get stiffer the more they get compressed down compared to springs that have equally spaced coils like the stock springs, and retain the stock ride quality. Loading it with 3 passengers with the driver and a load of stuff in the back, doesn't sit too low. Haven't felt it hit the bump-stops. If I were to put a heavy trailer on it might have to add Airlift bags to the springs to adjust as needed. Worth that possibility to me for the handling improvement.
  • joefoxjoefox Member Posts: 5
    Anyone know anything about the availability of a Technical Information System (TIS), Electronic Parts Catalog, or other CD-ROM based detailed information on maintaining these cars?

    I only ask b/c anyone with a BMW can buy the exact same software that the dealers use for repairs and parts identification which is immensely helpful when working on your vehicle.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Seeme to me GM does about everything it can to discourage just that. They do have available still (I think) service manuals from Helm, Inc. Or, you could search a familiar auction site we all know for "GM Service CD" check that out and see if that will do it for you. Wish GM was more customer friendly with bulletins that pertain to the specific vehicle owned, and decent service info on CD. They should set up a way for customers to register and get service bulletins, without having to pay Alldata a fee for that info, but I suppose they figure that would send a lot of people to the service departments with bulletin(s) in hand wanting service.
  • wxman4wxman4 Member Posts: 53
    Sounds like www.acdelcotechconnect.com may be what you are looking for. The service information link makes available electronic service manuals, parts catalogs, full text TSBs, etc. One can buy subscriptions by the day, week, or year.

    Hope this helps
    Wxman
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