Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

gmfan

How are you going to add 50 horses? I don't think there is enough room for 20 inch wheels on these vehicles from the factory. You will probably need to adjuster suspension components etc to make room.

blink3

I will check on the Buick, would the Ascender offer the V-8 in the short wheel base?

mebered

GM introduced a new v-8 engine for 2005 available on three models only...Trailblazer EXT, Envoy XUV and the Envoy XL

01_hoe

I have 20" wheels on my Envoy. Others have gone as high as 22". No rub on the 20" I have 265/50/20 tires. New tires and wheels weigh 25# more each than OEM. Extra HP would always be nice, so would extra brakes.

bobed2121

n7don

gmfan I routinely drain the pan and replace the transmission filter around 15k miles. In fact when I first changed the filter/oil in the Envoy I put a drain plug in the pan to make the process less messy. Never experienced any noticeable change in performance after the change. However the transmission shift "adapts" to how we drive our vehicles. I don't know the algorithm used but perhaps your transmission is still "learning" with the fluid/filter change. You did say it shifted smoother. I'd give it some time to see if it returns to what you expect.

mxer1

Sweet Envoy! To add 50 horses... I think the dealer can do it... but it'll void the warranty, but whatever. I'm gonna put 20" spinners on my Trailblazer hopefully... 01_hoe... have u noticed any difference in power with the rims on?

cgrant

Did the wiper recall August 2004. on 2002 TB. Last week at 46,000 miles wipers began jerking . Dealer says motor is bad and not related to recall. Contacted
GM Assistance but they accept dealers diagnosis . Has anyone been able to link later wiper problems to the recall and got GM to cover the repair?

01_hoe

"01_hoe... have u noticed any difference in power with the rims on? "

Decrease in power, as the tires are 1" taller than OEM, plus the additional weight.
To maintain about the same performance you need to purchase a forged wheel, and tire that is the same diameter as OEM.

stever

"Interiors are dramatically upgraded"

"high-performance TrailBlazer SS"

GM Prepares New Generation of Midsize SUVs (Inside Line)

Steve, Host

tblazed

The 2008 TrailBlazer and Envoy ...are a bit larger with room for an optional third row of seats"

Not a good thing IMO ...Any bigger and I would not have bought the 2002 I have. Already plenty large enough for a mid-size SUV.

A new five-speed automatic transmission is offered.

What the 2002s should have had from the get-go.

The Chevrolet SSR, the retro-looking truck-sports car that has sold poorly, has no replacement scheduled. The Buick Rainier, Saab 9-7X and Isuzu Ascender SUVs will be phased out

I can't help but wonder... What was GM's thinking in the first place? Rather than putting the 5.3 V8 in all 360s across the board from 2002 on, they waste time and million$ with these rebadged, gussied up attempts. arrrgggg...

And the SSR was kinda neat as a show concept truck, noticed it attracted lots of attention at the TX State Fair in 2002, but apparently few people really wanted to own an SSR. Another mis-cue in marketing.

pepper50

I am due for 30,000 mile service on 2002 Envoy, and have 2 questions. The dealer has a package deal for $379 that includes everything from tire rotation/balancing, to mutliple inspections, new air/fuel filter, brake inspection, etc.. I feel like I need to get most of this service done in case there are any warranty problems now or that develop on my extended warranty in the future. Two things that are listed and included in the price I wondered about however:

1) fuel injector service -- They disconnect the fuel pump and run some hi-powered cleaner I suspose thru the injectors and decarbon the intake, throttle body, etc.) Is this necessary? Is it even recommended? Can it cause any harm?

2) Inspect and lube drive shaft and CV joints. -- They told me they "drop" the drive shaft and lubricate it. I get paranoid anytime they start "dropping" things and reassembling. Does that sound like a normal thing to do on all Envoys at 30,000 miles?

Thanks for info.

n7don

I don't believe item 1 or 2 are listed as normal service items in your owner's manual. I'd suggest checking your manual to verify. Item 2 in particular is interesting since the drive line has no zerk fittings.
There's been some past discussion on brake performance and dealers giving the owner a hard time because their brakes had not been "inspected" for problems. I can't see item 1 will do harm but if you've been running a good grade of fuel as recommended by GM (see TopTierGas ) not sure it would be necessary.

stever

Check out the Edmunds Maintenance Guide too.

Steve, Host

goodstar

cgrant, my 2002 TB was recalled for the wiper problem. If I remember correctly the recall was to check for a possible electrical short with water entering the motor area or wiring connection area. The wipers on mine have almost always jerked when on the intermittent setting with little water on the windshield. I thought it was the wiper blades but when I changed them it did not solve the problem. I never asked the dealer about it and warranty has expired. Sure would be interested to hear what others have done for this problem.

gmfan

My wipers on my 02 TB are very loud and even after the wiper recall. I change the blades every 3 months thinking the rubber is bad, and they will continue to "screech" even when plenty of water is beading on the windsheild. What do mean by the wipers "jerked"? My wipers (it must the the motor) are so loud, it is embarrasing at times and I find myself avoiding even wanting to turn them on.

I wonder if we could spray some contact cleaner and/or lubricate on the motor that will not mess with electronics? I also wonder if the wiper arms can be adjusted? I bet Tblazed would know!!

-gmfan

gmfan

It turns out my fluid was overfilled a two pints, and I had Mr. Transmission extract the fluid with a pump for no charge. No harm was done since I drove it only for a few days when it was overfilled. It is shifting better and is launching better than before - It was probably drowning and too much fluid was probably the cause. I thought about having them install a drain plug, but I did not get around to asking them. Did you buy a drain plug adapter and how much did it cost you? I normally service my own cars, but I HATE dropping the pan on any vehicle. The Saturns have a drain plug and a transmission filter that looks like an oil filter on the outside, and servicing is a snap! I don't understand why Chevy does not copy?

tblazed

I wonder if we could spray some contact cleaner and/or lubricate on the motor that will not mess with electronics? I also wonder if the wiper arms can be adjusted? I bet Tblazed would know!!

I obtained a used one some time back before the recall, and took it apart.



It could be disassembled and the rotary arm position switch contacts cleaned and refurbished (which I suspect is what needs to be done if no water collected down in the bottom and damaged the circuit board) but is a messy job since the housing is sealed with a sticky tar-like sealant. Plus getting the wiper motor [non-permissible content removed]'y out of the vehicle to work on it requires removing the wiper arm plastic nut covers and nuts, pulling the wiper arms off and removing the air inlet grill. Depending how stuck the arms are are on the tapered splined shafts, may have to use a battery terminal puller to pop them loose. I doubt spraying contact cleaner in it would fix it, or that enough cleaner would would get to the parts that need it.

Wiper arms can be adjusted - loosened, moved a little, and retightened to align the position. To do that you would have to pull off the plastic nut covers, loosen or remove the nuts, and loosen the wiper arms from the shafts like described above.

n7don

I have a small Lincoln wire welder. What I've found works best (for me) is to tack-weld a 1/2" nut on a couple of the flats inside the pan. I drill a 1/8" hole as close to the bottom of the nut as possible before welding it to the inside of the pan. That way oil will drain to near the very bottom. I use a copper washer for the seal. I took a few photos of the plug. If I can find them I'll post a link. Drain plugs are available at most parts stores for $5-$6 but I've had problems with them coming loose.
Sounds like you're back in business.... and yes, no matter where you put the drain pan oil will go some place else!!

2k_impala_ls

Buy some redline SI-1 fuel injection cleaner. It is better than any dealer treatment and cleans the entire system, not just the injectors. 100% synthetic and does not break down during combustion like stp, gumout, techtron, etc. It is available at advance auto for about $5.99. I put a little in about once a month. read more
http://www.redlineoil.com/products_fueladditives.asp
http://www.redlineoil.com/whitePaper/15.pdf

pepper50

I had asked earlier about whether the driveshaft needed to be dropped and lubed on a 2002 Envoy 2WD at the 30,000 service like my dealer wanted to do. I had also asked that question in a GM trucks group and this is an answer I got, but not sure of its relevance to Envoy.:

I don't know about the Envoy, but late model GM trucks have a problem with
spline bind at the yoke. Pulling the shaft and lubing the spline/yoke
alleviates the problem(for a while).

I have a feeling he's referring to full-size GM trucks, and not these mid-size SUVs, but I don't know. Anyone ever hear of such applying to Envoys or TBs?? Is there a TSB on it or mention in the service manual?
Thanks.

burdawg

Well, maybe. I can see this level of service for something that is exposed to water or dirt often, such going off road often or living in a very wet climate where the universal joint needle bearings or spline shaft could be contaminated. For general purposes though it could be overkill. If you drive on bumpy dirt roads often, you may want to consider it since the spline shaft will get more movement in the transmission tail housing plus will get coated with more dirt/dust, in effect drying it out.

timkite

hi
I have similar proble with 03 trailblazer -- the heater when turned on above 2, the heater motor makes a rumbling noise and seems to shake the whole vehicle. Is the motor bad?

thanks

tblazed

Don't know.. that other situation was no power at all to the motor on speeds 1-3 . Probably have to take the blower-motor [non-permissible content removed]'y out to see what's going on inside. Maybe something fell in through a vent or duct and is rubbing or obstructing the blower.

raleigh

I guess everyone has his or her own experiences. I use nothing but Anco and I love 'em. I've tried Bosch, Trico, and others, but in my view, they don't compare to Anco.

malibu99

Hello everyone

I have a 2002 Trailblazer and the passenger side front door power window/power lock switch light is out. My question is...is this a simple bulb I can replace myself and if so how do I go about it? Does the plastic trim around the switch just pop out? Or is this one of those where the bulb is built in and the whole switch needs replacement? Please help.

Joe

b36

My 04 Envoy has manual heating and a/c controls. My a/c has done the same thing. Do you think I can reset it. It first done it on the hottest day so far here on the east coast. In a funeral convoy seemed like it took forever for a/c to kick in.

johnh123

Anyone know what kind of media the dvd player in the 03 trailblazer will play? Will it play dvd-r, dvd+r, svcd?

Any help would be appreciated.

gmfan

What I do is crack the windows to alleviate the interior temperatures while sitting in the sun on a hot day. I crank up the vehicle (my a/c is already turned on since I run it constantly here in the south), and then I press the rear defrost button and and hold down for about five seconds, and then release. The rear defrost button will still be lit up and it seems to help get the compressor going a little quicker. It does not work every time, but it seems to help get it cooling quicker. Once I get moving down the road and I can feel the air cooling, then I turn off the rear defrost button. I guess you could try the front defrost setting for a little and then switch back to a/c cycle...I may give that a try this afternoon. Once mine starts cooling, it cools great, but it should take only thirty seconds to cool like I want it do, not a minute +. One other thing I do is run outside air first when the vehicle has been sitting in the hot sun because if you start out on recirculate mode it will take longer since all it is doing is recirculating hot interior air. After it starts cooling, I switch to recirculate mode if outside is not doing enough.

tblazed has the same issue on his and he says there is no fix yet (he would know)

tblazed

One other thing I do is run outside air first when the vehicle has been sitting in the hot sun because if you start out on recirculate mode it will take longer since all it is doing is recirculating hot interior air.

I never run mine in outside air mode. I've tried running in outside air mode during the first min and, in my situation anyway, didn't work any better - actually seemed to slow the cooling process - so the results doing that probably has a lot to do with how humid the outside air is. I have found it cools down the hotter less humid interior air faster than the somewhat cooler but much more humid outside air. One thing I do at startup is reach behind and turn on the rear A/C vents on the back of the console to help get the overall interior cooler as soon as possible.

tblazed

Looking back over some notes I made experimenting the past three summers, from a hot (115° or higher interior temp, 95-100° outside ambient temp) and running it in outside air during cool down, the compressor would typically cut out btwn 85 and 90°, center vent air temp would rise about 5°, then resume cooling. It might cut off the compressor once or twice during the cool down. Running in Recirculate, compressor would usually still cut out, but not until it would get down to typically 70-80° range, rise maybe 5°, then resume cooling on down to 45-50°.

danec

Hello everyone, does anybody know where to find programming information for keyless remote entry for my 1998 Envoy ?

tidester

While you're waiting for a reply here you may also want to try keyless entry remote programming.

tidester, host

malibu99

Is there a way to search within this forum alone for a string of words? I am looking for info on my power window switch light but if I do a search it pulls all forums not just this one. Any help would be appreciated

Joe

tidester

Yes. Use the search tool at the TOP RIGHT of the posts on this page. That one will limit searches to this discussion while the one on the left searches all the boards.

tidester, host

tblazed

One other thing I do that seems to help - I set the mode switch a few clicks clockwise to get a little air blowing out the floor vents, which will get picked up by the cabin air intake and recirculate it back through, getting it cooled down quicker.

Just drove it home, started out 113° inside (95° outside) did all the above, noticed when air blowing out got down to about 70°, went back up to 72-73°, and then proceeded on down, was blowing 50° by the time my 10 min trip home was over.

wxman4

Can't give you all the details, but I have had no problems with my home recorded DVD-R discs. It is also an '03

Wxman

malibu99

Thanks much! Nothing comes up and I guess no one in the forum has encountered it. If anyone has and knows how to replace the light behind the power lock and power window switch please let me know, I want to try to save the money I would pay the dealership to do it.

Joe

tblazed

The bulb looks like this:

This is called a "Neo Wedge" bulb. It screws into the circuit board. Switch panel held in with clips, snaps down into the arm rest. Finding the exact bulb for the door switch panel will be the challenge. Someone else tried to track that bulb down a while back. Dealer had said only way they could fix it was replace the whole switch board [non-permissible content removed]'y -for a burned out bulb! The bulb itself was not shown seperately as per the dealer and has no part number from GM.

malibu99

Thanks tblazed. I called today and they said I have to buy the whole switch which THEY have to install because it has to be programmed in!!!! All for a bulb I dont get it Guess I better pay up

tblazed

Sounds outrageous to me!

Check out "fig. F" Neo-Wedge lamps on this page from Mouser Electronics -

http://www.mouser.com/catalog/622/47.pdf

There are several sizes. If you could take yours out and measure the base diameter, maybe one of these would do it. Also read on a Cadillac forum someone took the old bulb apart from the plastic base and replaced it with a RadioShack miniature bulb that comes with wire leads.

2k_impala_ls

I am going to be taking mine in soon. The waranty is up end of July and need to get it done by then. Just wondering how they will fix it

2k_impala_ls

Has anyone bought one from Black Pontiac Cadillac's GMOutlet.
I am still leaning on getting one. I have 17,000 miles after 35 months.
I only work 3 miles from home now.
I am looking at the 60month / 40k for $900, zero deductible.
I would be covered for 5 more years worry free. Cheaper than buying a new one.

http://www.gmoutlet.com/quote/emailserver/majorguard/05mg3.htm

n7don

The traction control lamp burnt out in the Pont. Montana. The base was a quarter-turn arrangement with the bulb leads wrapped around a couple tabs. This, in turn, went into the switch assembly to illuminate the traction control switch. Kind of looked like your pix. I bought a couple "micro lamps" #7219 Radio Shack 272-1092C. They were 12v 60ma bulbs with wire-terminal bases. I was able to unwrap the old bulb and rewrap the new bulb onto the base. Unfortunately I just checked RS's online catalog. 272-1092 comes up as a 3 bulb pack of red, green and yellow bulbs. No clear is shown. Maybe some carefully applied solvent would yield a clear bulb..... if they would work.

01_hoe

I replaced both switches (upgraded to Denali style) in my wife's '01 Tahoe. No programming, it was plug and play. I have had all the door panels off of my '03 Envoy and back on with no problems. I think they are feeding you bad information. Get the part from gmpartsdirect and swap it out. JMHO

johntr

malibu99 - I requested info on this some time ago. I too have a 2002 which had the driver side switch panel lights out. It's ~$150 (i think) switch replacement. I don't recall any programming. I still had some time left on the ext. warranty which I waited because of my deductible. When I had something else to get fixed, I told them to fix the switch. I did find a maker of the bulb from a link someone sent when I first requested info. You may still find the link here somewhere. It was just hard to figure out which bulb as I could not measure it because of it's size. Taking out and taking apart the switch is not hard, almost tool-less, but you do need something to carefully pry the plastic ears which hold the switch together.

Good luck!
johnr

Edit:
I found the post with the link - the info was from tblazed (tnx again, tblazed!):
#14975 of 16862 14974 Window Switch Illumination Bulb by johntr by tblazed Jul 27, 2004 (12:15 pm)

cwalker29

2008 Trailblazer, Envoy & Rainer

Ok, now that we have a better idea of the new 900’s from GM, what’s in store for the next-gen 360? 370?

I hope they refine the I6. This truly is a world class engine, I found it to be a near compromise between other V6 & V8’s on the market. Smooth, powerful, quiet.

Great truck, decent mileage. 04 Envoy SLE, 22000 miles

Best (straight hwy) 22 MPG
Average (city & hwy) 17 MPG
Worst (all city) 14 MPG

In my opinion, GM really could have differentiated the 360 even more by offering extreme packages that suit each unique to each model. My past suggestions:

Trailblazer - offroad - Z71
Envoy - technology - XUV & DOD, etc
Bravada/Rainer - luxury - sound deading/quiet
9-7x - sport/turbo
Ascender - I dunno, I hate this truck.

GM can fix this in July 2007.

So, now the new gen are going to bow in July 2007 as 2008 models. What’s in store? We know that there will most likely be no Rainer, 9-7X, and please no Izuzu or Saturn version. Saab should have never had a truck-based SUV to begin with. X-over yes, but no truck. I have no idea why the Saab SRX didn’t proceed. Saab is foreign lux, Caddy is domestic lux. But I do think there should be a luxury version, whether it be Buick or Cadillac. There is still a market for mid-size truck-based luxury SUV. I think Buick needs it, therefore not competing head-to-head with the SRX in the same showroom. Some people don’t care if it’s a car or truck. The Rainer sells very well here in TX. But hey, rumors of a Cadillac Theta makes me want to laugh my [non-permissible content removed] off.

If GM builds this, it WILL be my next truck. -

I’m thinking that now that the 900 will have a hybrid option, the new Envoy will too. How does a I6 hybrid with 315-320 HP & 20/25 mpg sound? If not, GM could easily adapt a hybrid to the 5.3 V8, depending on what engine the 900 hybrid will have. From what I have heard the V8 is a very solid engine.

Major upgrade in the cloth seats. My biggest complaint about this truck are the cheaply made standard GM/American seats. I find that the leather seats do provide much better support, but I like cloth. I live, in TX, too HOT for leather, I have a large dog, and I constantly grill, swim, bike, kayak, bbq, camp, fish, hike, ski, canoe, mountain climb, wakeboard, roadtrip, etc. No leather, please.

I’m ok with the dash design, the industry complains of cheap parts and pieces, oh well, you get what you pay for. The Envoy interior is very Hummerish, because it was pre-H2, H3, H4, HX, whatever. Very rugged & classy. I swear I could drive it & float the river during the day, then take it to 6th Street at night. But the dash lighting puts me to sleep. Very dull, dim, pale green. Typical GM. Take some cues from Honda or VW! I love the way the Accord’s dash is bright, and easy to read.

Better stereo options, even the Bose is pathetic, imo. I passed on the Bose and did everything myself, much better, and much cheaper. And the buttons on the radio are rubbing off, I have to look at replacing the head-unit. How about a no-CD required GPS?

More sound deading, please. There is noticeable wind-noise on the open highway.

20 inch wheels, as an option! Yes, some big fat DUBZ. Why is it so hard to find good looking 20’s for the 360? I have looked everywhere. Can’t even get 20’s on an Envoy Denali. The SS rims are sweet though.

There are HUGE gaps in the front fascia & rear bumpers. GM finally did it right with the 9-7X.

That’s not too much to ask, now is it?

And yes, overall I love my truck, I buy Honda cars, and GM trucks, but a few upgrades would make me the first in line in July 2007.

wxman4

Desperate to hear other's experiences. I live in Tucson where temps are often 100+. My '03 EXT w/ 5.3 runs hot anytime the temp is above about 98. Usually stays steady at the 195 mark, however, when outside temps rise so does the running temp. Not unusual at all to see 230 or even 235 when in slow moving traffic and 100+ outside temps. (I am talking about 3 or 3.5 marks above the 210 center mark.) This is with no load and not towing.

Anyone else see anything close to this? Dealer has reprogrammed PCM and replaced fan clutch, twice. No change. Any ideas appreciated. I can't imagine it is supposed to run this hot and I am only 1500 miles from warranty expiration. Wifes' Malibu doesn't do this. The Silverado rental I just had stayed pegged at 195 as well.

Also, the ignition switch has been replaced three times (and this one needs adjusted). Left me stranded twice with no start due to switch. Junky switches or is something causing to go bad?

Thanks
Wxman

dmathews3

I wonder if he hooked up a known good temp gauge to see if yours is working acurately? :confuse:

wxman4

That's a thought, but I pretty much figured the gauge was OK as it reads at the expected 195 most of the time. It is only when outside temps get near 100 that gauge begins to read high. Worse in slow or stop-and-go traffic.

Thanks
Wxman