Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

bradrx7

JOe,

Hi. I'm in Houston and use my '03 EXT LT V8 to tow my track car. This is my second TB after owning an '02 LTS. The EXT V8 is MUCH better. I installed a Hotchkis bar kit and dechromed the pig, but otherwise it is stock.

aldan93

To be honest, seems when I made the switch to 5w-30 Mobil 1 my gas mileage went lower? Not a ton but per tank 20Miles. OH WELL. I change the Mobil 1 every 5500 miles.

jlm

wondering if anyone has hardwired their radar to their car. looks like there are plenty of wires to tap in the overhead console. any advise? thank you.

hkjcrv

My boyfriend's neighbor came out of his house Sunday morning to discover that his Envoy was being balanced on cinder blocks... all four tires and rims missing!

This is a *nice* neighborhood in the suburbs and nobody heard a thing! The neighbors dogs usually bark at any little sound, and they did not make a peep...

I'm wondering (out of curiosity) if the GMC Envoy tires and rims are in high demand... ever heard of anything else like this with the Envoy? Made me wonder if the neighbor just ticked somebody off or if the theives had been searching out for that specific vehicle.

I guess the neighbor said that the theft will cost his insurance company approximately $5000... yikes. The theives left the car barely balancing on these two cinder blocks... pretty incredible.

01_hoe

Don't see why they would be in such high demand. These wheels will only fit the TrailBlazer, Envoy, Bravada, Rainier. I have seen them available as a new takeoff set on Ebay for way under $1000.00. That 5K estimate sounds way high to me, even for list price new.

ficuss

these thieves are pros. Try balancing a car on 2 blocks the first time. It won't work. They are probably part of an organized group. The tires and rims will show up on someone elses Envoy which had the tires and rims stolen. The cycle keeps on going round and round, and not just with tires and rims.

hkjcrv

Yeah, I haven't seen the car myself, so it's difficult for me to even fathom what that would look like and how that's possible. To make it even more unbelieveable, I was told that it was ONE cinder block that was "cut" in half, each half balancing a side. My boyfriend's dad said that if the wind blows in the wrong direction, that thing is likely to topple over. I know that the guy wanted to get it towed, but the towing company was going to make him sign this waiver form that said that they weren't responsible for any damage to anything underneath the car. I guess he opted not to do that and just wait to get the tires and rims to put on himself? So unbelieveable, I can't imagine having my car outside with no wheels on it!

cebteb

BRAVADA TALES: 2002 and newer Bravada's were sold with a 5 year/60K mile GM warranty. If you can get that either new or transferred, I think you are pretty well protected.

Besides the A/C switch, of which I've had 2 already on my '03, the "vibration at low speed in tight turns" is the crow hop I spoke of earlier. There is a TSB that calls for replacing the encoder motor sensor and reprogramming the TCCM. It fixes the problem, but I don't yet if the fix is permanent. All Bravada's need step rails and splash guards to keep from sandblasting the front of the fender flare just beyond the rear door.

Some '02s also have a piston slap issue and some were provided a 100K mile engine warranty because of suspect block porosity problems. The bottom line is I waited until the '03s were out before I bought to avoid a slew of potential '02 issues, which a given vehicle may or may not have. I love my 2003 Bravada.

STOLEN WHEELS: When I bought my '03 Bravada in October 2002, the dealer threw in a set of locking wheel nuts (not they would stop a real pro) because they were aware that the polished aluminum wheels and Michelin X-Terrain tires were already a hot theft item.

gmcman

It's pretty sad paying upwards of 40K and wheel locks are not included with the vehicle. I know GM is not the only one like this but why follow suit. The first time I rotated my tires I pulled off my centercap and could not believe there were no locking nuts. My 1990 grand am had wheel locks and was 11k new. While on subject, if you have your envoy serviced by whoever make sure the centercaps are re-installed the correct way, they only go on one way and will survive a few miles before falling off, 70 bones a piece and you won't make that mistake again. I'm referring to the polished caps and are nearly impossible to find aftermarket. Just a word to the wise.

blink3

Anyone know where I can download the PDF Service Manual for a 2002 GMC Envoy????

Thanks!

lawrencew1

Is anybody having a problem with the front fascia of the Envoy sagging? Especially under the headlights. I have a gap on the right side and it seems it is getting larger. I Know that the T-blazers had a fix but what about the Envoys.

Thanks!

jlm

saw your post re your radar hardwire in your Bravada. were you able to wire it? i'm looking to do the same thing in my trailblazer, any advise would be helpful, tks!

01_hoe

Wheel locks don't prevent the professionals from stealing the wheels. I purchased aftermarket wheels and tires (20") and the tire store told me to save my money. Wheel locks don't work, they just slow the thieves down a few seconds.

The centercaps are available from time to time on Ebay.

previousamigo

I'm still trying to get XM into my '02 TB with a factory head unit. My factory radio has the am/fm button and not the BAND button. Is there any difference between a factory radio with the BAND button vs. a XM ready factory head unit. I do understand that I would still need a XM Direct reciever with a not-out-yet GM adaptor and XM antenna. I'm trying to figure out what makes the factory radio XM ready??? My dealer said they would do the fix to put another xm ready factory radio in my TB using the TECH2 scantool through the Class2 databus. The seller of the factory XM ready head unit that I'm looking to purchase is trying to tell me that the BAND button makes it XM ready???

polarbear6

Sorry I have been away for awhile. Taking the car into the dealer tomorrow. We always prepare a list of the problems and make sure that they are recorded on their sheet. Trying to create a paper trail.

On the mirror: we do not have memory. I adjust it after my husband drives it, back around in our driveway to turn around or back out into the street and when I look at the mirror again it has swung out away from the car. Does not matter if I back left or right, or if the the mirror adjustor is left on the position to adjust it or back to the middle.

We will make sure we get the reprogram. I also give them the information that I get from this site, but they blow it off saying that there is a lot of information out there that does not apply to the specific car.

Anyone have their radio change channels while driving? Did not touch the wheel buttons.

Need to get them to replace a rear bulb. I think this is the second time, but do not recall which bulb at the moment.

I will try to read more of the discussion to see if I can get more information to give them.

Thanks all.

allenr

TSB 02-08-62-001
 
02 triplets prior to vin 22375120 (last 8 of vin)
T/B - R/S 15184431 L/S 15184430
Envoy - R/S 15184433 L/S 15184432
Bravada - R/S 15184435 L/S 15184434

Allen

bobbies

Allenr, what is the details of loose front bumper fix on 02 Bravada. First I heard of this. Can you explain?

ross1962

Anyone have their radio change channels while driving? Did not touch the wheel buttons.

No, your radio is most certainly possessed. Does it change to heavy metal stations? Contact an Exorcist immediately! :-)

Need to get them to replace a rear bulb. I think this is the second time, but do not recall which bulb at the moment.

There's a recall on this one. It replaces a circuit board which is the culprit.

jd02

I hear every ones pain about the triplets. Wish I had found this site sooner as it may have saved me the pain. After a brief honeymoon,I have terrible lack of confidence in the 02 Enyoy both from what I have read here and a very simple thing. The weather strips are a mess on all four doors. They are loose, coming off and pretty bad for a two year old car. I still have some warranty left, but the dealer was already blaming the "car wash". I feel that the Envoy WILL NEVER MAKE IT 10 years or even the lenghth of the loan. If the rubber doesn't stay on , it leaves exposed gaping holes. this leads to noise and even worse rust. If "Professional Engineering" can't deal with weather strips after 2 years, what makes me trust that other things will hold up. I.E. The shifter lock issue(is a recall by the way, GM's not even supposed to make shifters with "overrides")The wiper recall is even stupider.
More so the seatbelts feel as though they would decapitate under the wrong scenarios. Since they have no height adjustment, and are attached to the seat itself, they ride somewhat uncomfortably on the body, very close to the neck in my case. BTW since they are also attached to the seat as opposed to the body, in big wreck I suspect the seat would detach (like the weather strip) and take me with it. I'd like to see the seat belt recall address this(but I doubt it). I wonder what NTSA knows about decapitation in the triplets.

Also splash gurds in the wheel wells have big gaps in them and seem to squeak. Purely SHODDY Construction. Crap.

I wish I had found this forum b4 buying my 02 used a few weeks back.

On the plus side I like the ride, style and the gas mileage has been pretty good for a US SUV.

I'm taking your guys word though and trading my Warranty from the credit union in for MajorGuard.

Once I get the rubber tight I plan to see how I would fare in a trade.

NO GMS for 18 years, now I remember why, They are SH_T.

JDroadie

jd02

Hit a driver 1, 2 button? radio prefs seem to exist on my envoy.

aldan93

5K not. maybe 1650 from dealer, yes they do get stolen. Mcguard wheel locks do work, use 2 locks on each rim!!! Thieves will not waist the time to get 2 locks off!

mrpnance

I am having trouble with my 2002 Trailblazer. When we turn off the ignition the key will not rotate far enough for us to remove it. When the driving lights turn off then we are able to rotate the key the rest of the way so we can remove it. I replaced the battery and that helped for a while but it has started again. The alternate shows its working fine and the car starts with no problems.
The dealer says this is impossible and did not fix it the first time we have had it in.

lawrencew1

Thanks for the TSB but my vin starts with 3(Last 8 digits)August build date. Any later fixes?
Does anybody have a schematic on how the fascia is attached/supported?

Thanks!

allenr

The TSB adds some lower supports for the front fascia. In the 2002 case you could rock the fascia up and down 5 or 6 inches with your hand, the new supports fixed that.
Someone did post a front fascia fix awhile back, using bolts in place of the plastic fasteners for a more secure fit.

You just know they can make it fit better, look at any brochures the gaps look tight in the pictures

Allen

amom3

Has anyone had trouble with the rubber seal around the large rectangle area on the back of their car (around the license plate holder) coming off or perhaps moving inward?
I am!

01_hoe

A very common problem for some. Do a search on license plate gasket.

leopardmech

I have had mine replaced twice now. Last week when I went to get it fixed the 2nd time I walked around the dealers showroom and he had 2 03s brand new with this problem as well.
Later
Leopardmech

loomis1

I'm a 6 foot 5 individual, and found that I CAN'T fit in the envoy! My head slightly brushes against the headliner. Is there ANYTHING that can be done to alleviate this half inch discrepancy? I need the seat to be lowered about a half an inch to make my head not hit or brush against the headliner. Could the seat be reupholstered with less foam? Are there washers under the seat that raise it ever so slightly? Could I go in with a grinder and lower the floor a bit? :-)

ANY Ideas would be appreciated, and yes, I did have the seat as far back and as low as it goes.

Thanks!

tblazed

Be sure you are running it in Recirculate mode. My '02 cools just fine once it gets over the initial heat load with interior temp at 125° from sitting in the sun, as long as it's in recirculate mode.
 
Mine will be blowing 49-52° air out the center ducts within 3-4 min.

If it still doesn't cool to a comfortable temp, there's something wrong. Find another dealer to service it.

ann1

I bought my in February of 2004 and had to change it in March. The glue is leaking out already. I've noticed other Envoy owners have same problem. Some don't even have them at all.

ficuss

have you tried a shorter hair cut? I once decided against a 2 door Jaguar because my head touched the top side of the roof liner. It made me feel cramped. My suggestion, a bigger car.

ann1

I totally agree with you. I'm scared to take mine to the automatic car wash for fear of it messing up the rubber stripping around my windows. I regret buying this suv. I wish I would have known about this forum too. I have to deal with wind noise and brake noise. That alone drives you nuts. The brake clicking is normal compared to another vehicle the dealership says. But having to deal with wind noise and hearing click everytime you press your brake is just too much, especially knowing the price you paid for this vehicle. Does anybody else hear there brakes click everytime you press them? You know the saying be careful what you wish for.

loomis1

I've got a short haircut :-(

aldan93

I heard they can take a few vertebra out in CA for a decent price, not sure if you can get 0% for 60 months to finance the plastic surgery. But this should help clear another 2-3" of air space. Might have to update your driver license, and buy some new clothes, oh the 6-8 months of rehab might discourage this option.

2002slt

I'm 6'4" and have plenty of room in my sunroof equipped Envoy. If I tilt the seat up, I suppose I could hit the headliner, though. Have you tried tilting the seat back? I used to have an Eclipse and had to sell it for the reason you describe. I've since learned to thoroughly test drive everything before I buy.

aldan93

I the Hummer H3 is built on the gmt 360 platform, with the inline 6, do we include it in this discussion?

hardhawk

I am 6'4" and my head brushes the headliner in my sunroof equipped Envoy. If the headliner did not sag 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch where the velcro won't hold it up, it would be better. I have had the dealer try to fix the headliner velcro a number of times but it never seems to hold. But, it is a minor irritant and not worth losing sleep over. I like sitting upright and if I reclined the seatback way back for the pimp or gangster look it would not be as much of a problem. Frankly, I think people look ridiculous driving around leaned way back, but to each his own.

2002slt

If you're implying that I'm leaning that far back, you're mistaken. I'm way too old for that kind of look, or discomfort. Not sure about your sag problem, but I'd get it fixed if I were you. Mine is fine.

01_hoe

Sounds ok to me. BTW the Chevy SSR is also on the GMT 360 platform. The more bishing the merrier

01_hoe

I have had my front seats out. No washers under the seat. Grinder might work, or a 5# hammer to beat the holes down some where the seats bolt on.

elevatorguy

Does anyone here use any fuel injector cleaners? I am interested in Techron, BG 44K, and especially SeaFoam, which a lot of people I know swear by. Are these products worth the money or are they snake oil?

tidester

I'm 6'4" and have plenty of room in my sunroof equipped Envoy.

It all depends on how that height is distributed. There is considerable variation from person to person.

tidester, host

navymatt

I have an early 2002 model that the sleeve problem applies to, and my dealer has had by TB for a few days, and I'll have a new engine by next week, if all goes well.

I just wonder what kind of warranty the *new* engine will have. Since the sleeve problem won't apply, and I'm over 36K, I guess there has to be some kind of warranty on the work and the new motor, I just don't know what it is, and I haven't even started talking to them about that yet.

Anyone know?

--Matt

stever

I'm pretty leery of most additives (heck, I don't even believe in synthetic oil). But Techron is supposed to do a good job of keeping the injectors clean. I don't buy it off the shelf, but I run Chevron more often than not, and Chevron puts a little bit in their gas.

Steve, Host

smokiejoe

The Hummer H3 is built on the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon platform. It will have the I5 engine just like those vehicles. It will be built at the GM Shreveport Assembly plant, not at GM Moraine or Oklahoma City like the GMT360/370.

The GMT355 (Colorado/Canyon) was originally designed in Japan for GM by the Isuzu design group. (GM owns 49% of Isuzu).

tblazed

From what I've read and seen the H3 will be based on the Colorado pickup and will have the I-5 engine, to be followed up later with an I-5 that's supercharged. If this platform was designed Isuzu, maybe the Isuzu I-6 Diesel will find its way into these trucks. Sure wish they would put that Isuzu Diesel in the Trailblazer. If Volkswagen can build a clean Diesel, why not Isuzu with GM?

Last summer when I was still buying the cheapest gas I could get anywhere ( QuikTrip, Sams, Albertson's grocery store, RaceTrac, etc) my TB developed a definite intermittent stumble in the idle. I added a bottle of the STP that comes in the black bottle with the next fillup at a Shell station. The stumble went away, and never returned. Since then I have used only Shell gas because it 1) has at least twice the EPA required cleaner detergent additive and 2) they offer a 5% rebate when you use their card which adds up when gas is 1.80+ a gallon. Gets the Shell down to the price of cheap stuff or even a few cents lower. Chevron puts their additive in the pump gas they sell. Not as many Chevron stations around these parts, and they don't have a rebate deal either. I concluded with these high tech engines and the injectors they use, a gas with extra cleaning additive already in it is worthwhile.

BTW 2 1/2 years ownership, none of the problems like described over and over here, all my weatherseals are fine, very minimal wind noise only noticeable when doing 65-75 and driving into a strong cross-wind, very quiet and tight, no drivetrain vibration, A/C works good in Texas heat, would rate it excellent if it would cool down faster when the interior is hot, but it does get there within a few minutes, nothing with the A/C has been replaced or reprogrammed related to the A/C since new. Would buy my TB again, no regrets.

ficuss

Call the Chevy customer service number 1-800-630-2438 for the most recent information available. I doubt you received a "new" engine if yours had 36 k miles. None the less, you should be covered for 7 yrs. or 100 k miles from the original in service date. Make sure you ask for and receive a letter granting you the extended coverage.
 I would also give the car a fine tooth inspection of the engine compartment after the replacement. Make sure all wire looms are attached to something, nuts and bolts are not stripped etc. and it generally does NOT look like the engine has been replaced.

Good luck

cwalker29

Ok, me and my bud were racing last night.

Mine:
04 Envoy SLE 4X2
4.2 inline 6
275 horse - max 6000 rpm
275 torque - max 3600 rpm
weight 4432 lbs.

His:
03 Mitsu Endeavor FWD
3.8 V6
225 horse - max 5000 rpm
250 torque - max 3750 rpm
weight 3935 lbs.

So... we were pretty even most of the way, it wasnt a straight line race, we were just playing back and forth. But we were pretty close.

I've driven his SUV, my torque is the biggest difference IMO. But I also got +500 lbs more than him. The Mitsu engine is rockin. RWD vs. FWD.

I cant find 0-60 times anywhere online. Not even on this website. Thoughts? 0-60? 1/4 Mile? THX!

hardhawk

If you really want a good 0-60 time order a new 2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD with the 340 HP Hemi engine! That sport wagon will rock!!!!!

cwalker29

gee, guy thanks for the imformative reply & insight. haha

well, im quite happy with my Envoy, do wish it had a 5 speed auto trans though.

heres what i found out

0-60

Mitsu 9.0-9.5 (est)
GMC 8.0 (est)

source : motortrend.com