Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    It could be the rubber bumpers that the hood comes down on. Try lubing those with silicon. I know this doesn't sound right, but it's often the cause.
  • jcat707jcat707 Member Posts: 169
    "I would have said "heated seats? Who in the world needs their seats heated?" Well guess what? This is one feature that is awesome."

     

    That sounds just like my mom and her nav system. When she first got her car, she said what do I need this for, but now she uses it all the time. I guess you never know how much you will like a car's features until you actually try it.
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    I guess you never know how much you will like a car's features until you actually try it.

     

    Yup, they keep adding features, but when will it stop? In 1000 years we'll be so pampered and dumbed down we'll all be like Beavis and Butthead.
  • aguerraaguerra Member Posts: 2
    I'll give it a try. I just took it back to the dealer today, and they sait that the noise was "normal" for the vehicle.
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    Haven't any experience with the JBA. I went with Borla instead. Several posters on different forums report the Jet chips are over ridden by the engine's computer after a period of time, making any gains disappear.
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    When I get the "normal" response, I ask to drive another vehicle of the same model to determine if they are "blowing smoke".
  • grdavgrdav Member Posts: 1
    Yes, I've had the exact same thing happen to me. At first, when my TB was under warranty, The Dealer said that it was normal for them to make that noise. After awhile the noise would go away. Now that it is out of warranty the dealer says that the clutch is out completely and that I need to pay to have it fixed.

     

    I don't have that much extra money now and am just taking it as easy as possible till I can afford to pay someone to fix it.

     

    No! I am not at all happy about it, but what can you do.
  • blink3blink3 Member Posts: 74
    Why don't you go on "up the food chain" and speak with a service manager at the shop and bring with you the receipt where you brought it to them with the same problem that they said was "normal". Any competent service manager will see they screwed up and try to fix the problem or at least meet you half way or something.
  • twinrottstwinrotts Member Posts: 161
    Volkwagon rquires a change out of brake fluid every 2 years to maintain top braking performance. I do not believe I have ever seen this recommendation from other manufacturers, but they say the brake fluid become contaminated with condensate and therefore loses efficency.

    Seems to me that this should be done on all braking systems??
  • wxman4wxman4 Member Posts: 53
    Anyone experienced this. On several occasions the rear HVAC (EXT) blower has started by itself and began to continuously change speeds. Each time, initially, the rear HVAC was switched off and the main system was in AUTO. Turning the rear switch on and off did not appear to affect it, nor did switching the main system completely off. Of course it goes away after just a couple minutes. Fear dealer will "problem not duplicated" if I don't have something more specific.

     

    Thanks

    Wxman
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    The debate rages on that one.

     

    Brake fluid absorbs moisture and the theory is that this could rust the lines and calipers from the inside.

     

    However, since it's a closed system, the question is where does the water come from?
  • larryjrlarryjr Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2005 Trailblazer LS last weekend. I didn't really want to pay for a lot of bells and whistles, trying to keep my payments low, so I stuck with a base model with cruise control and On Star which every TB I looked at seemed to have for '05 and a trailer hitch receiver.

    I got a GMS discount from a friend who works at the GM plant in Arlington, TX and got $2000 rebate for year end incentives. I paid just over $23,000 and got $1000 for my '96 Chevy Cavalier with 118200 miles on it so that knocked another grand off the total. So far I am enjoying it, and the only problem I have is the doors locking themselves sometimes while I am in the car with the key in the ignition. I saw that someone else posted the same problem. Not really a big deal, but kind of annoying. Other than that it's Great! I love all the cargo room !
  • lawrencew1lawrencew1 Member Posts: 15
    I have a question for the masses - When the button is pushed to open the rear glass, the light is activated. When my glass is lifted open the light fades. Is this the way it is supposed to work?
  • blink3blink3 Member Posts: 74
    Is the locking not the "anti-carjacking" feature that is supposed to be there? You may be able to turn auto locks off from your DIC, but if you do not have the DIC they probably set the locks to auto lock from the factory. I like the feature on mine. Enjoy your trailblazer!!!
  • blink3blink3 Member Posts: 74
    Hello all! I am soon to start a new job as an on road rep. will be putting tons of miles on the Envoy. I would like to hear from you as to your total mileage on your vehicles 100,000 or 200,000 etc. and if you have had any probs with that mileage. I am trying to determine if I can drive the wheels off this thing or if I should sell it now and get a 4runner or something that I KNOW will do the miles and keep on tickin'.

     

    Thanks!!!
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Moisture gradually enters the system past the seals and through microscopic pores in hoses. It also gets in the system every time the top of the reservoir is removed to check the fluid, which a good reason not to open it unless you need to add fluid, and why they went to a translucent reservoir- so the level can be visually checked without opening it to air and moisture.
  • tmarkb2tmarkb2 Member Posts: 37
    All,

     

    tblazed nailed it. The term is hygroscopicity and brake fluid is very hygroscopic.

     

    There is little or no concern with brake system components rusting out. However, the more moisture that is introduced to the system, the lower the boiling point of the brake fluid. As temps rise during brake application, the fluid boils thus introducing air bubbles into the brake lines resulting in brake fade. If this goes unchecked, the pucker-factor can go way up if you need to stop from higher speeds in a hurry!

     

    In the road racing apps I'm most familiar with, we would usually change the fluid three or more times a season. Most auto manufacturers seem to be recommending every two years. That's my plan in May '05.

     

    One more thing, no need to go with high dollar silicone. It has a higher boiling point but is more hygroscopic than glycol, not compatible with glycol and harder to install and bleed. Seek out a quality DOT 3 or 4.
  • cbwilshacbwilsha Member Posts: 70
    I have the same vehicle. When rear glass is opened, all interior lights come on. I waited several minutes. The lights remain on until closing the rear glass and then go off immediately without fading.

     

    C.B.
  • lawrencew1lawrencew1 Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the response, I guess the electrical gremlins are acting up again. Are you having any problems with the front fascia starting to have a gap under the headlights?
  • cbwilshacbwilsha Member Posts: 70
    Car will be 2 years old in April with 16,000 miles and I have had no trouble at all or complaints of any kind except an A/C cycling switch replacement.

     

    C.B.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Anyone that's ever flushed 4 to 5 year old brake fluid out will likely keep doing it, and maybe even do it sooner. Stuff will look as brown as Hershey's syrup.

     

    The DOT-5 silicone brake fluid really isn't recommended for daily drivers anymore. It's not compatible with the others at all, but it is still used on some restoration projects when starting out with a rebuilt clean brake system, because it will lubricate and preserve seals and rubber parts. Stuff supposedly has a slightly "spongy" feel to it, and it doesn't absorb and disperse moisture like DOT-3 or 4.
  • peter_is_inpeter_is_in Member Posts: 1
    Well, my lease is up on my 2002 Envoy. Aside from the odd crunching sound (think it's the suspension, but dealer can't find) we loved our vehicle. It has 55,000 km on it. We can buy it out for approx $20k Canadian.

     

    Wondering if the new Envoys are new and improved? If so then maybe we will lease again. Or, are they about the same and should we buy?

     

    Just want your opinions.

     

    Peter
  • imadad2imadad2 Member Posts: 79
    Read your owners manual. There is a section on turning that feature off. I own a 2004 TB and love it. I paid in the same ball park you did for an EXT LS and have not regretted it. Best SUV for the money IMO.
  • wpkelleysrwpkelleysr Member Posts: 51
    97.5 K. No real problems. 02 LTZ.

     

    - WPK
  • tb4metb4me Member Posts: 41
    118,300 and counting on an 02 TB LT. Most all highway from Ice Hockey travel up and down the east coast. Keep on knocking on wood!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • tb4metb4me Member Posts: 41
    Yep--02 TB. Fan went at 45,000. Dealer says $660 to replace. Bought a junk yard fan used--$185 for the part and my labor--pretty tough to change too. Need 2 sets of hands.
  • tb4metb4me Member Posts: 41
    I pulled the headlight out of both sides from the front--very easy. Then everything is right in front of you--15 minutes to do this tops to change both sides. What U have to know is that the face plate of the grille comes off with prying very lightly behind it and then all is exposed. 2 slides are to be pried up softly on each side of the light holder and the light comes right into your hands. Oh, I think that there is 1 parking light wire connection that requires disconnecting too.
  • trailblazer02trailblazer02 Member Posts: 11
    Add me to the list of owners with an ignition switch problem on my 2002 with 27K miles. Lights, but no cranking.

     

    Managed to get it started a number of time by disconnecting the battery to do a reset but finally got tired of that work around in the cold. Had it towed to the dealer.

     

    $31.72 Ignition Switch, $315.00 Labor, $94.00 for the tow.

     

              

     

    Where is the ignition switch? Is that the lock on the steering column or is the switch downstream a bit.

     

    They also said there was a poor connection to the starter and it was sparking. At least nothing caught fire.
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    bad ignition switches do not cause wires at the starter to loosen and spark. Either the switch was bad or the starter wire was loose, I doubt it was both. It sounds like you paid for your dealer mechanic to learn how to trouble shoot a problem.

     I can't blame the mechanic for all of this though. People read this and other forums and go to the dealer with print-outs of TSB's and other's complaints and tell the mechanic what to do. When you said that reseting the computer would temporarily repair the problem, it should have told you that the ignition switch was probably not the problem. I would go to the dealer and ask for a refund of the labor charges. Maybe they will apply the labor charges to an extended warranty if you buy it from them.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    The labor time I show to replace the ignition switch on a Trailblazer is .9 hour (54 min). It is located "downstream" from the lock. Your mechanic must have a really nice summer home and yacht, charging amost $360/hr.
  • imadad2imadad2 Member Posts: 79
    Just curious; We are just starting 2005, but I am wondering if anyone has had problems with their DOD system on their V-8 engine on extended versions of the Envoy or TB? If they had that on 2004 models, I would have been hesitant to get that engine.
  • trailblazer02trailblazer02 Member Posts: 11
    ficuss: They said on the invoice that they found no crank volts from the ignition switch. My guess from reading many of the similar posts here, that it was a pass-lock problem. That's why disconnecting & reconnecting the battery enabled it to start again after the reset. I should note that it took anywhere from a few minutes to 20 minutes to get it started after the reset.

     

    I should have gone to my local shop rather than the dealer. Thanks for the info.
  • trailblazer02trailblazer02 Member Posts: 11
    tblazed: My experience with dealers is they always charge an hour just to look at something. Figure another hour to replace the switch and another hour to tighten the starter cable and charge the battery (why, I don't know). Yeah, I know it doesn't take an hour to do either, but maybe he took a long lunch. Thanks for the info. Gives me a good idea what went on.

     

    I just hope it's fixed.
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    I think you missed my point. Either the switch was bad or the starter cable was loose, I doubt it was both. Many mechanics will take a shotgun approach to trouble shooting a problem. They will charge you for all of the parts they replace until they happen upon the correct part. Older TV repairmen used to do that when TV's had tubes. Anybody reading this forum can ultimately find a bad part by using this method. I don't think any of us would pay for that type of work. A mechanic once wanted to charge me for changing the following parts due to a "won't start after car went through car wash" problem. Ignition wires, ignition coil, spark plugs, distributor cap, distributor rotor. I believe there was something else too. I told him I would be willing to pay for any one of the parts, not for all of them. they charged me for wires and nothing more.

     People throw out all kinds of words here and everybody reading the post thinks wow, I've never heard of that but it sounds right. What exactly is a pass-lock problem? Does it normally cost $400.00 to fix? Does the warranty cover it? How many times have we been told " that is normal for this car" and accepted it? G.M has completely pulled the wool over our eyes on so many of these problems that we have no one but ourselves to blame for the shoddy treatment they give us. We really do need to demand more from the dealers.

     

    My 2 cents
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    A correction about the actual switch location- took a look in the service manual tonight when I had more time, it's inside the plastic shell of the steering column around and beneath the lock cylinder, and the lock cylinder has to be removed which isn't as hard as it sounds. Tool used to do that is an awl.
  • trailblazer02trailblazer02 Member Posts: 11
    I doubt that the car was not starting because of a loose start cable because the reset working for me 4 or 5 times and because they said there was zero volts at the switch going to the starter.

     

    I really would even doubt that it was actually loose except they went so far as to say it was sparking. Maybe it was that way from day one, who knows? Maybe that caught a problem that would have stranded the TB 6 months from now.

     

    I read in the manual that came with the car about pass-lock system that if you try to start the car and it won't crank, you may need to wait 10 minutes before you try it again. It said something about also disabling your fuel pump at the same time.

     

    I do know when I disconnected the battery and reconnected, there were a lot of noises once I turned the key on for the first time, about 15-20 seconds worth of noise, like things are resetting. It usually didn't start right after that. After a number of attempts there was usually one longer, louder noise and then I knew the TB would start. This noise is much louder than the fuel pump buzzing.

     

    I'm just posting here so that if someone has a similar problem stuck on the road, they may consider resetting their computer.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    You mention maybe a Passlock security problem. Was the "SECURITY" light flashing when it wouldn't start? It says in my OM that if the security light is flashing, that indicates the Passlock was activated, disabled the fuel system and to wait "about 10 min" to restart. The way I read it, it will crank in that condition, but won't run. Mine's never done that so I know for sure what exactly happens. Service and Operator's Manuals aren't always 100% correct.
  • previousamigopreviousamigo Member Posts: 130
    Just got back from Sam's Club. I have an '02 LS TB but am putting on LTZ 17" rims (only for looks). Tires are Michelin CrossTerain 245/65/17 which is the factory size. Both LS and LTZ are 29&1/2 inch tires. Sams was wigging out about installing different rims and was not about to do it. fThank goodness a Sams installer owned a TB and said it "should" be fine. Is there any problem whatsoever that Sam's will have putting the LTZ 17" rims on my LS? I'm afraid they will call me and say it can't be done this afternoon.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    By now you should already have them mounted and know the answer.. yes they will go right on, same outer diameter and width, just a lower profile tire. I had been "kind of" wanting to do the same thing, if I could have found a set locally, but the 16" BFGs it came with are so smooth and vibration free at any speed, I decided not to.
  • previousamigopreviousamigo Member Posts: 130
    Thanks for putting my mind at ease. I have read good and bad about these Cross Terrains but I have had such good luck with 2 prior sets of Michelins. Consumer reports gave them good marks for rolling resistance, ride, and quietness but not so good for braking. All depends on what you are looking for in a tire. On my '92 Isuzu Amigo I got 87,000 miles out of the Michelins. These Open Trails only have 3/32nd left with 42,000 miles. I don't do as much 4 wheeling these days but the Open Trails did get me through the sandy white beaches of Lake McCaunahay by Ogallala Nebraska while pulling 2 jetskis. I do understand that Sam's is very worried about liability with non-factory wheels Sam's closes in 2 hours and they still have not called to say they are finished. Thanks again tblazed!
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Sam's must be busy being a Saturday. The stock BFGs seem to be good for up to about 50k miles. A TB owner friend wore his BFGs out at about 50k, and he just went through a Sam's ordeal when he special-ordered a set of the BFGs with raised white letters. Sam's could not get two of them to balance without a huge anount of weight like 7-8 oz. on two of the wheels, and they didn't have any more to try because they were special ordered. So he wound up with Michelins since they had those in stock. Took him a couple trips to get that mostly straightened out, but last I checked he was still dealing with a slight vibration at about 67 mph with the Michelins that wasn't there before. Check them out thoroughly after you get them. Good luck with your deal!
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    Vibration at 67 mph? Sounds like the tires need to be road-force balanced, using a Hunter GSP 9700 machine (a list of shops, and an explanation of the process can be found at http://www.gsp9700.com

     

    I personally avoid places like Sam's Club for tires for two reasons:

     

    1) They usually don't have the specialized equipment (i.e. the Hunter machine) needed to completely balance modern tires on vehicles with stiff chassis (like my Aurora's GM G platform)

    2) The tires they usually get are lower-spec than what the tire shops get (or so the story goes - and I've heard enough stories like your friend's which make me think there's some truth to this).

     

    If you're looking for a particular tire, I'd suggest researching at Tire Rack, and finding out who their authorized installers are locally. Then, call them up and get pricing on your own - 9 times out of 10 they end up beating the Tire Rack price (including shipping). Make sure you find a shop with the Hunter machine, if you need it, and find out how much $$$ it is to RFB and match your tires.

     

    Hope this helps,

     

    --Robert
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    We have a resident from the Tire Rack right here. Connor might be able to help: Ask Connor at The Tire Rack

     

    tidester, host
  • novapullernovapuller Member Posts: 9
    i just bought a 2002 trailblazer LT with the 4.2l in line 6 and hope to pull my car on a trailer. i was hope to hear some success stories
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    I second the use of a shop with the Hunter GSP 9700 machine. This machine will tell if the wheel or tire is not true. (out of round) Many a tire/wheel combo "seems" to be balanced using other machines, but the seat of the pants tells that something is wrong. The Hunter GSP 9700 will tell if it is a bad wheel or tire.
  • rainier2004v8rainier2004v8 Member Posts: 1
    There is a TSB on this problem. I took the rainier to dealer with TSB. Dealer says no fix as of yet and engineers are working on it. I find it annoying on a Vehicle I spent $30000 to have a problem that manufacturer is aware of but has no fix!!!! Anyone else with the V8s have the air clunk noise. Brother has Yukon with same engine and AC but no noise. It happens when AC cycles on you hear a low pitch "thump" from passenger side floor board. sound like a rubber ball bounced against the passenger side floor. Only fix I have now is to turn AC off. Like to know how prevalent this is?? TO ME it seems like the AC cycles to much also? Is there a norm to the cycling?? It is winter and in auto the AC still cycles on and off frequently, wouldn't think this is needed!!! Thanks
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    I have had my 2002 Envoy with the same engine since July of 2001. I have a 22' Cobalt boat that combined with its trailer weighs about 5000 pounds. The Envoy pulls it just fine, including over to the ozark hill country around Table Rock lake in southern Missouri. No problems what so ever. I do have the factory trailering package with self leveling rear suspension and the 4.10 rear axle.
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    I installed the FF50's on my 02 LS last weekend.

    They are very bright. I made sure to point the down somewhat so I don't blind oncoming traffic.

    They pickup road signs and reflectors atleast twice as far away as the headlights do. It took me about 8 hours to install using the prewired relay and connections. I placed the switch in the factory location, took half of the dash & the box that the headlight switch is located apart and ran all of the wires like a factory job. I made my own "L" brackets and bolted them to the bumper frame under the light. I cut the driving light grill out using a sheetrock knife. I placed the relay in front of the battery and ran the wires using the black corrugated wire loom. I bought grommets at NAPA to run the wires through what I think is the factory wiring hole. I have pictures but no access to post them.
  • jeffwittjeffwitt Member Posts: 2
    I own a 2004 TB LT EXT with 6,000 miles. Recently, I have been noticing that I have a leak on the front passenger side just under the glove compartment. Everytime it rains whether the truck is being driven or just sitting in the driveway that side gets soaked. I have brought the truck to two different dealerships and was told that their water testing procedures showed no signs of leaking.

     

    Anybody have any suggestions or a similar problem?

     

    Jeff
  • lawrencew1lawrencew1 Member Posts: 15
    New noise from my 2003 SLT Envoy with 21000 miles,Tight turns left or right cause a clunk or turning either way going over an uneven surface.

     

    Anybody have any suggestions or a similar problem?
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