Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

1323324326328329352

Comments

  • macatowamacatowa Member Posts: 69
    It looks just like mine, they tell me it should not happen and that they are arranging for warranty fix. My rear door are worse that fronts.
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    Will let you know how it turns out in a few days. Under the hood in front has the most bubbling. Its not all bad, I get to drive the 85 Monte SS for a few days.
    http://home.nycap.rr.com/luckyjdr/
  • cornellpinoycornellpinoy Member Posts: 196
    How is your experience so far with your Envoy Denali?

    A family member is looking at the SRX, but we recently drove an Envoy Denali and have added it to the "short list". We have yet to find one with the side curtain airbags though.

    I appreciate any feedback you can give on your ownership experience.
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    Have only had my Envoy Denali for two weeks, but really like it. No problems of any kind to report. Have you used gmbuypower.com to search dealer inventory and find one with the side airbags? Mine does have the side airbags, but I guess I would have bought one without them if I didn't find what I was looking for.
    Good luck in the search.
  • longdistancetblongdistancetb Member Posts: 10
    On the ignition problems: If you "hang" a lot of keys off off your ignition switch, you are increasing the odds of having ignition switch problems. GM's ignition switches weren't designed to support 6-10 keys, a few MVP cards, a remote entry fob and whatever else folks stick on their keyrings. The extra weight wears the switch housing prematurely, increasing play in the switch and causing switch failure.
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    My experience has been really bad with 2 of the triplets. Others have had good luck, although I would tend to agree with the published reports based on other woners I have talked to here at work(gee, I miss Fiscuss, ha!). I wouldn't worry about the extra upfront cost of the Toyota as you will get it back when you decide to sell it. Depreciation on the Triplets is horrible!

    Greg
  • aec1aec1 Member Posts: 21
    A friend of mine purchased the Denali XL and I took it for a short drive. It is very luxurious and drove very smoothly. I have driven the RX330, Acura MDX, Pilot and the B9 Tribeca. Loved the RX, but worried about my 6 1/2 yr old son abusing the interior. MDX and Pilot are too similar (too me) to justify the price differential and I am leaning toward an 06 Pilot. The B9 was very cool, but too small for my needs. I want to test drive the Denali (non-XL), but I am a subscriber to CR. I take their ratings w/a grain of salt. I also looked at IIHS and NHTSA on crash ratings and the Envoy/Denali did not fare as well as the Pilot (marginal on 40 mph frontal crash and 3 stars vs 5 stars on NHTSA). It's hard to turn away a beautiful interior/exterior w/all the bells and whistles at 7-8k below MSRP. Reading about problems w/a vehicle on these forums or even on CR is something of a judgment call we all make individually. But judging crash safety by the Insurance Institute or Nat'l Hwy Trans Safety Adm is something else altogether. I will do a good test drive on the Denali, but I am weighing concrete evidence (on safety) against consumer's opinions (on reliability). I am talking about my family and what I need, as opposed to what I want. I would love to hear what other Denali owners have to say about gas mileage as well. Thanks.
  • imadad2imadad2 Member Posts: 79
    I have an 04 TB Ext. Love it. The wind noise was a problem, but I solved that by adding window seal tape around the door frames. I would have had a dealer do it, but they wanted me to come back in a month. I also had to bring the truck in to have the turn signals repaired. Other than that, no problems what so ever.

    The TB has a unique look that I just love. I think it looks better than anything out there. I have to love the look of a vehicle in order to enjoy it. I looked at the Pilot, but the design just did not turn me on. So, ask yourself which vehicle do you like better?

    Resale. Are you going to drive your TB into the ground? Or are you going to buy a new vehicle in three or four years? If you are not going to drive the TB into the ground, the resale of the Toyota is better.

    Quality. I agree that Toyota's have better quality, but is it worth the extra $5,000? IMO, no. I was able to get my TB for a lot less than the competition. Ford could not even compete. I know the resale will be nothing, but I plan on having my kids drive the TB when they get older. If I had a choice between the Toyota and the Chevrolet and the price was identical, I'd have gone with the Toyota.

    GM has been getting a bad rep lately, but I feel they have the kinks worked out of the TB. I have always been told to never buy a Chevy in it's first two years of production. I read this board daily, and I see 2002 & 2003 model year complaints more than anything. Even though Chevy took out some nice features in the 2005 model, I still feel it is a good truck for the money. If $26K is the employee discount price, I would even try to get that lower.

    Don't let the "Employee Price" fool you. GM still makes money. Try to get more. Oil changes, free tires, etc.

    I hope this helps.
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    If you "hang" a lot of keys off off your ignition switch, you are increasing the odds of having ignition switch problems

    I'll second that one - it's happened to me.
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    Funny thing about Employee Pricing, in many cases you were able to get a better deal before this program started as the rebates were bigger. As long as you could get close to invoice, which wasn't hard in most cases. I guess this is the no haggle way!

    Greg
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    The GMS pricing (Employee) and the Invoice price are not the same thing. In my case, the GMS price was about $1000 less than invoice. GMS is what it costs the dealership to get the car on their lot. This can include shipping and any advertising costs incurred.
  • gam2gam2 Member Posts: 316
    Thing is, cash rebates were higher before this offer. A friend bought a Trailblazer
    before the Employee pricing and saved $700. I think rebates were $1500 more at that time.

    Hey, no doubt it's working for GM. It's just going to make it that much more difficult to sell a car at list price in the future.

    Greg
  • 60hzpush60hzpush Member Posts: 30
    I have posted here before about a 2003 Ascender with a vibration @65mph. After 2 new reaerends, 2 new driveshafts and 2 new transfer cases the vibration is still there. The vehicle has been at the dealers a total of 38 days. Isuzu wont cover loaner cars. What a nightmare this thing has been. Please dont buy Izusu products. They dont stand behind their product. i've filled for Lemon law, I want my money back.
  • gmfangmfan Member Posts: 188
    I think the gap in quality b/w GM and Toyota and Honda has been significantly reduced within the past ten years. GM trucks and SUV's are second to none in my opinion. I have an 02 TB with 70K miles and really enjoy it, but I am a perfectionist, and my wife tells me I pick apart every vehicle I have ever owned. Oh well, that is my personality. The more I drive the vehicle, the more I continue to like it and be impressed. I think the TB is one of the best riding SUV's out there and I am very confident with the drivetrain. If I were to purchase a 4-runner, I would buy the model with the V-8, but for that kind of money, I would just purchase a Tahoe, a proven winner. I think the 4-runner is femine-looking, in fact, I think all Japense SUV's look femine and soft, which is why I do not purchase them. I would also say the TB has the superior engine and drivetrain, which is what I really factor in choosing a vehicle. The TB engine is a top ten engine in the world according to several reviews.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Please repost your message in the Isuzu Ascender discussion. I have reopened it for you since it had auto-archived.

    tidester, host
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    I find the greatest thing about employee pricing is if you have a trade. Just take it to all the GM dealers and who ever gives you the most for your trade get the business as the vehicle is the same price no matter what. I also shop after hours so I can find the vehicle I want and then write down the vin as the dealers can do a dealer trade for the one you want as long as the dealer with it don't know you are interested.
  • jstall08jstall08 Member Posts: 1
    I just recently bought an 04 TB with 21K miles and while driving it home I had it on the highway and when I got up to speed, there was a loud whistling noise. I have driven SUV's before and this did not at all sound like the normal wind noise. Every time that I have taken the truck on the highway, the same noise comes back. I have shut off the air flow going through the truck but it did not stop the noise, so I am assuming that it is not the AC. The sound seems to be coming from the front, right side of the truck. Has anyone else had this problem or heard of something similar? I would appreciate any help.
  • imadad2imadad2 Member Posts: 79
    Do a search on wind noise. It is addressed all over this forum. GM is aware of this problem and should fix it under warranty. My wind noise came from the seals on my door frame. Mirrors, roof racks, and assembly gaps in the metal have been other complaints. It is fixable or possible to decrease the sound.
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    Like other posters said, there are fixes to wind noise. The previous owner didn't happen to install a throttle body spacer on the engine did they? This will cause a whistle type of sound.
  • gmcmangmcman Member Posts: 30
    This forum covers the trailblazer, envoy and bravada, I don't see why it was moved considering the ascender is the exact same as the other three. If it is moved I will go over there but I figure you may still be looking here. What kind of vibration is it and what speeds does it occur at. Only 65 or other speeds. Does it go in and out or is it constant. Does your vehicle come with the Michelin cross-terrains? If it is a constant vibration and does not pulsate I will bet you anything it is in one or more of your tires. Driveshafts have pulsating vibrations, rear ends moan, transfer cases wont make much difference. Have them put a set of brand new balanced cross-terrains from a new vehicle and drive it. Hopefully this wont get moved but if it does I will look for it.
  • lawrencew1lawrencew1 Member Posts: 15
    I have a '03 Envoy SLT and have had all the sway bar links (front & rear) replaced, but when I take a right hand turn I get a clunking sound. Does anyone have any ideas on what it could be? Emptied all storage compartments to eliminate those.
    Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    Did the dealership road force balance your tires.? This eliminates any bad wheels and or tires.
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    Did they also replace the front sway bar bushings? These are different than the end links.
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    I concur. That's why I bought mine. Could not see myself spending more money for a smaller vehicle with less horsepower.
  • aldanaldan Member Posts: 19
    This might sound nuts but it could be the locker/side gear in the rear end, if it is stuck it with clunk when unlocking. The side gears only rotate against the case when making a right turn , I assume you have a limited slip rear end
    ? or trailer towing package? Or it might be caliper binding?
  • lawrencew1lawrencew1 Member Posts: 15
    The bushings have been replaced, and I don't have a limited-slip rear. I will look at the calipers for binding though.
  • 60hzpush60hzpush Member Posts: 30
    The dealer rotated, high speed balanced, and took them off. put the truck on the lift without whells. He ran it up to 65mph--- Still a vibration.

    Looking for a good laywer...
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    ...when I got up to speed, there was a loud whistling noise..

    And all along I though that was the young women whistling at me! Must be mid-life crisis kicking in! ;)
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    The dealer fixed the rust on the doors and under the hood. It looks like a factory job.
    I did notice that they removed those black rubber baffles in the bottom of the door near the rust. Maybe they were not letting the water out., now the slots for drainage are wide open.
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    Clunking noise Fixed, it was a bad rear swaybar link.
    they fixed the rear pinion leak and found no problem with the A/C
    They also turned all 4 rotors
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    You mention they didn't find anything wrong with your A/C. Have they replaced the fan clutch with the latest version? As per TSB #04-01-38-019A issued Jun 7, 2005 "Intermittent Slow to Cool HVAC Performance Concerns in High Ambient Temperatures and/or High Humidity Conditions After Start Up, Especially at Low Engine Speeds (Install New Engine Cooling Fan Clutch)"

    Part # for new design clutch - 15293048

    GM owes every one of us that have had to tolerate this problem for the past 3 or 4 summers a new updated clutch. They should issue a recall. I had it "fixed" twice under warranty, which of course did not correct the problem. Now, 6 months later after my last HVAC controller reprogramming and with the warranty now expired, GM finally comes up with the correct fix.
  • gmcmangmcman Member Posts: 30
    What engine do you have and does it vibrate in 2nd & 3rd as well?
  • king36king36 Member Posts: 9
    I think I recall this happening to someone a while ago -a couple days ago, I went out to my 2002 Bravada (with the rear air suspension), in the morning, and overnight, the air in the rear suspension had all leaked out, and the rear of the car was almost on the ground. Now today, although not all the way down, the vehicle is still lower than normal. Starting the vehicle brings it back up to normal, but it seems like there is something that needs to be fixed here. Has anyone encountered this and had it repaired, possibly know a tsb or part#? Thanks for your help.
  • steveapcsteveapc Member Posts: 1
    I have had my 2004 Envoy in the dealers 3 times for the A/C. The first 2 times at one dealer where they patronized me saying it takes time for the A/C to cool the vehicle during the summer. When it takes a minute plus at best to start to feel any inkling of cool air at the vent with your hand, that is way too long in 100 degree plus weather. The 2nd dealer said the ignition switch was bad and not providing voltage to the computer so the A/C would continue to cycle. They replaced the ignition switch and it was considerably better when I got it back, but still took a long time for duct temperature to feel cool, but really cooled well after driving down the road a bit.

    Lately it's been real bad again and I opened the hood to check the compressor and as soon as you start the A/C, the compressor starts cycling. The suction side hose starts to cool then the compressor stops again. Suction side warms up and compressor kicks in again. This continues until eventually it starts to cool ok.

    I have had GM vehicles all my life. My Astro van blows cold air in 10 seconds pretty much like every GM vehicle I have had on a 115 degree day. My Envoy takes one to two minutes at best to just start to blow "cooler" air at the duct and it can take 15 to 20 minutes to cool the inside of the vehicle to where your not sweating your brains out.

    Outside air versus recirculate controls has nothing to do with this situation. The compressor should not be cycling as soon as the A/C is turned on... and it would be nice to get this problem resolved once and for all...
  • wxman4wxman4 Member Posts: 53
    Have they replaced the fan clutch with the latest version? As per TSB #04-01-38-019A issued Jun 7, 2005 "Intermittent Slow to Cool HVAC Performance Concerns in High Ambient Temperatures and/or High Humidity Conditions After Start Up, Especially at Low Engine Speeds (Install New Engine Cooling Fan Clutch)"

    Part # for new design clutch - 15293048

    There is also another TSB, 02-01-39-006A about overcharged systems causing too much cycling and compressor shutting down due to high pressure, applies only to EXT/XL models. Your underhood sticker should read 2.65, not 3.00 lbs freon for the EXT/XL models.

    Another TSB, 04-04-38-019 addresses poor AC performance at high temps and or high humidities, especially at slow speeds. This TSB references an engine running hot TSB and suggests a PCM reprogram to demand more fan engagement.

    Now, I have had all these done and would say the AC is acceptable. Really cools well once I get moving beyond parking lot speeds (Tucson).

    Now, if they could just get the engine to run cooler than 235. Been in the shop for over two weeks and they can't figure it out. Three fan clutches, a PCM reprogram, ignition switch, ...

    Good luck
    Wxman
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    Typical deal "Customer problem could not be duplicated". It works great when the car is cold but once it is hot and in the sun, that is the problem. i'll bet they didn't try that
  • pepper50pepper50 Member Posts: 195
    I'm confused :) Which is the most likely cause of slow-cooling by 2002 Envoy A/C
    1) the low pressure A/C switch or
    2) the fan clutch.

    should both be replaced? one first and see? Thanks

    Tblazed, since your problem has been well-documented and the problem persisting, I would think they should replace your fan clutch under the TSB even though your warranty has expired. I had read somewhere some time ago that coverage under a TSB can last longer than a warranty. Worth dI'm emanding anyway.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Secret Warranty

    Steve, Host
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    I'm confused Which is the most likely cause of slow-cooling by 2002 Envoy A/C
    1) the low pressure A/C switch or
    2) the fan clutch.


    These are two different problems.

    A bad low pressure cycling switch will cause A/C to intermittently stop cooling after it has been cooling fine and performing OK. Switch will stick open and A/C will stop blowing cold at any random time during a drive. Mine has never done this.

    The clutch problem will cause the compressor to cycle off while A/C is initially cooling down a hot interior. For the first few minutes after startup, there is not enough air moving across the A/C condenser because the clutch is not engaged enough and the fan turning is too slow at near stall speed, causing a high pressure cut out. This is what mine has done since 2002.

    It can take several minutes for the old type clutch to respond to commands from the PCM and get more air moving. The "New" clutch is designed to not disengage as much when stopped, and respond much faster to commands from the PCM.
  • ralportralport Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem with my 2004 Envoy. It only takes place at low speeds (15-20mph). Taking it into the dealer next week. It didn't do it when I had the car for the first 6 months or so.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Finally... the answer.

    Replacement lamps are available from Mouser Electronics. Mouser part number 560-DNW1DW10; manufacturer's part number DNW1-DW10.
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    I decided to get the 5yr/40k MajorGard warranty with zero deductible for my 02TB which will be 3yrs old on Wednesday. This will bring me to a total of 8yrs/58.5k miles. I got my home dealership to match Black pontiacs price of $915. I figure it is cheap insurance and piece of mind at about $200 a year. I don't have to worry about any big repair bills for awhile.
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    Mine was just fixed, it was the rear swaybar link, the fronts were junk a year ago.
  • pepper50pepper50 Member Posts: 195
    The clutch problem will cause the compressor to cycle off while A/C is initially cooling down a hot interior. For the first few minutes after startup, there is not enough air moving across the A/C condenser because the clutch is not engaged enough and the fan turning is too slow at near stall speed, causing a high pressure cut out. This is what mine has done since 2002. It can take several minutes for the old type clutch to respond to commands from the PCM and get more air moving. The "New" clutch is designed to not disengage as much when stopped, and respond much faster to commands from the PCM.

    How involved is replacing the fan clutch. Is this a major task requiring the vehicle to be left for a period of time? Thanks.
  • coryanncoryann Member Posts: 1
    We have a 02 trailblazer lt and it will not start all the lights work and the battery is reading full. The radioand horn will not work nor will the windows go down, and shifter is locked. What do you think this could be?
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    How involved is replacing the fan clutch. Is this a major task requiring the vehicle to be left for a period of time? Thanks.

    A little involved, but not too bad. The front radiator support has to be loosened and moved forward enough to get the clutch with the fan out since GM didn't make the fan shrowd in two pieces. The shop manual says the radiator has to be drained and the top hose disconnected, but I was assured by someone that's done several just loosening and moving the radiator forward and loosening the 4 bolts that attach the fan to the clutch, there is enough slack in the hoses to allow room to work without any draining or disconnecting. Shouldn't take more than 1.5 hours.
  • malibu99malibu99 Member Posts: 305
    Hats off to tblazed for his help, I now have working switch lights, but have to buy more to keep for spares and to replace the light switch bulb, I have to learn to lower the intensity of these lights :(
  • bobed2121bobed2121 Member Posts: 70
    ??? Standard is 3/36k right? Add a 5/40k to that and shouldnt it be 8/76k? If you only got 58.5k you should just about be there with an 02 shouldn't you?
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    ??? Standard is 3/36k right? Add a 5/40k to that and shouldnt it be 8/76k? If you only got 58.5k you should just about be there with an 02 shouldn't you?

    I wondered the same thing. Lets hope he just miss spoke. :blush:
  • gmfangmfan Member Posts: 188
    GM owes every one of us that have had to tolerate this problem for the past 3 or 4 summers a new updated clutch. They should issue a recall.

    Tblazed, you are absolutely correct and I hope GM will recall. As I mentioned earlier, I drove an 05 LT TB, and the A/C was still poor. We have been suffering for 3 solid seasons and it is getting old. Don't get me wrong, once the A/C starts cooling, it gets very cold. But the delay is weighing on my nerves. GM, do the right thing and fix the obvious problem...it is a consistant problem on ALL of the triplets.

    -gmfan
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.