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Re: the little grill by the driver's ear. I thought maybe that was the microphone that the Bose system uses to check the "ambient" sound in the driver's compartment. I looked in a TB the other day with the non-Bose stereo, and I did not see the little grill. Input anyone?
jim f
Also, folks with the 3:42 gear ratio, does the truck down shift or struggle around 50mph when going uphill? Do you wish you had the 3:73's or 4:10's?
Thanks, and I have learned alot on this board.
BTW...I think it's a great truck overall.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I finally found a use for OnStar...tape a little American flag to the antenna.
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/47050/article.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Of course your mileage will drop when you are sitting at a stoplight. Did you expect it to stay the same?
Has anybody done some 0-60 times in their triplet yet?
How is the low end torque. Does it have good passing power?
Yes, of course I expect the average mileage to drop at a stop light...just not as quickly as it does. I'm just trying to figure out why my city mileage is 12.5-13.5 MPG....when I'm easy on the accelerator. Everyone else and the EPA is stating better city gas mileage.
My gas mileage with the 3.73 rearend and 1100 miles has been an average of 15.2 computed the old fashioned way. That's with about 15% 55MPH highway miles. I have noticed that the DIC gets more accurate after every fill-up (4 so far, it's now 0.5 MPG off).
MPG should get better after about 3000 miles or so.
Also, for finally2, what do you mean by "slow to halt?" Mine seems to want to roll forever.
Overall MPG (4000 miles total)
DIC:19.2
actual: 18.58
average speed (overall): 36.5MPH
Best tank: 19.72 (averaged 44 mph, mostly HWY)
Worst tank: 17.25 (averaged 27mph, mixed driving)
Other:
MPG going up slightly, but consistently, since 2400 miles
15 total fill-ups, resetting DIC each time, about 12 tankfuls showed DIC 0.6-0.7 above actual
speed calculated by timer on DIC and miles driven on DIC. Halted timer when car was on, but not idling (washing/listening to music, etc.)
brh
Has anyone upgraded tires? I want to put on the 265/70/17 tires on the current rims, I am not sure if they will rub at the extremes.
Does anyone have any insight to offer?
Also, I waxed the Indigo Blue LTZ for the first time yesterday. Look BEAUTIFUL in the morning sun!
brh
www.epa.gov/otaq/cert
re: minn_tb...How'd you get the average speed?
I am sure that the average speed is not exact, but it gives me a good idea of my mix of driving.
brh
By the way, 4 days after getting my vehicle back with an apparent coolant sensor failure--it happened again. This time I was blocking traffic for 40 minutes waiting for the two truck to arrive. The car was running one minute and completely dead the next! The dealer says the whole computer system went down and they are installing a new one as I write this message. I love this car, but am now worried that I will continually have problems with it.
Any info on the seating situation would be appreciated. I don't know if this is only for Bravada and not TB or Envoy.
I'll look at my TB LTZ for the problem.
JPK23: I too had a 95 Orvis (V6) and bought an Envoy in May. The differences are amazing. I feel like I've jumped "light years" in performance and technology from the Jeep to the GMC. I know there are differences between the Envoy and TB, but my experience with the new suv has been very positive. The engine has a lot more power, the fit & finish is very good. The suv feels a lot more luxurious (...sound system, onboard DIC computer, OnStar, heated seats, etc.). I also prefer moving a switch to change from 2WD to 4WD. There are some problems that can crop up with first year models...just read through this message board...but they are usually minor. My problem was a loose rear center brake light molding, which was replaced. I did look at the new JGC's but was not impressed. I am happy with my choice.
jim f
In two years, all I've had on the PF are oil changes and tire rotations. And that's about as much as I want to get to know the dealer.
From what I'm reading here, my next SUV will be another Pathfinder ...
Gas mileage.. Hanging in at 15.1 now..Will c where it goes from here.. I still think it is gonna get better though..
Speed~ I don't know what happen but my "get up and go" seems to have left me for awhile..Got a great pick up on passing from 50-55..to pass.
But "she" is now dogging bad to get going..Feels like a struggle.. and heaven knows I am not wanting to push to hard on that gas pedal..:) laff.. Odd very odd..I am going to give this some time first..
Bobmn.. you have the 3.42 and posted the same thought? "Slow to get moving"..I would agree at this time.. "She is slow to get moving"
Do you experience unusual RPM's increases at any speeds? Where are your RPM's at like 60- 65 MPH steady?
PS: You have given me hope on the mileage Bobmn.. Thanks for the post.
BTW...4wd TB weighs 4600+, so yes, it is heavy.
jim f
My major issue right now is the paint job. On the hood, in enough light, you can see where it looks like they didn't quite spray completely, so there's a little feathered light patch. On the rear gate, there's a plastic piece that frames the license plate area and includes the lift release. Around the edge is a sharp crease where this painted plastic meets the sheet metal of that door. In this crease, it appears the paint on the sheet metal has chipped or been worn off just a little (a couple of millimeters wide, but definitely uneven and definitely primer underneath). I'm not sure if that's a bad tape job on the original paint, an issue where the movement of that plastic piece (which isn't much at all) is scraping it, or if some solvent used in that crease caused a weak bond between the paint and the surface. The dealer is going to look at it this week and point me to a body shop, but it was discomforting to find both less than a month after purchase.
The other problem I have is that sometimes, when I start the engine, it revs a little higher than at a normal startup, then slowly drops down to a normal idle speed. If I drive off though, the car has half the acceleration, almost like it's in second gear instead of first. If I floor it, it drops gear to get the acceleration I desire and then acceleration is normal, so it looks like the transmission isn't resetting properly perhaps, but it's not something that I can recreate regularly, so I'm not going to waste my time by handing it to the dealer. I'll talk to them when it goes in for the paint.
As for everything else, the power in the engine is fantastic as well as the ride and sound. It does have a little bit of wind noise (and sometimes, depending on the direction the outside wind is blowing, even a little howling) at speeds over 75, but I've come to expect that from SUVs.
"For years, consumers have said that they want more comfort in their SUV. Envoy and Envoy XL have been engineered to exceed this previously unmet need. Within the Envoy family, we have a best-in-class five-passenger and a best-in-class seven-passenger midsize SUV. Consumers consistently told us that they are not willing to make trade-offs in their SUV, so we gave them the best of all words...unprecedented levels of ride quality, interior amenities, and roominess," explained Tony DiSalle, GMC Envoy brand manager. "The most comfortable midsize SUV also delivers more horsepower than any competitor," he added. "Envoy offers the power of an eight cylinder engine with the fuel economy of a six cylinder."
The four-door five-passenger 2002 Envoy, introduced in spring 2001, and the 2002 Envoy XL are available in two- or four-wheel-drive with a choice of well-equipped SLE or uplevel SLT trims.
Roomier and more comfortable
Surprisingly roomy and comfortable, Envoy and Envoy XL provide more first- and second-row head, leg, shoulder and hip room than most competitors. And the Envoy XL’s superior third-row seat, with six inches more shoulder room than Ford Explorer, for example, isn’t just a child’s seat. Its two seating positions can comfortably accommodate two 6' 2', 190 lb adult males. All seats feature longer, wider and thicker cushions, providing comfort for a variety of individual heights – from 4'11" to 6'2". Envoy’s SLT trim provides premium soft leather seating surfaces.
Envoy’s rear seat and Envoy XL’s second- and third-row seats fold down for extra loading flexibility. With the convenient second- and third-row flip-fold seats folded down to provide a flat load floor, Envoy XL provides an astounding 100.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space – 18.9 cubic feet more than a seven-passenger Explorer, for example, and 12.3 cubic feet more than Dodge Durango.
Envoy XL also features a highly versatile rear cargo shelf with adjustable height levels. It can be used to extend the flat load floor in the rear when the seats are folded, raised up for privacy in concealing items stored beneath it or simply stowed or removed to maximize cargo space.
Accommodating comfort features
Envoy and Envoy XL’s standard heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system provides dual zone climate control with as much as a 25 degree F difference in temperature settings for the driver and front passenger. Envoy XL’s standard HVAC system also provides rear-seat passengers with independent temperature controls, conveniently accessible at the back of the front console. The five-passenger Envoy provides rear passengers with separate HVAC airflow direction controls.
Envoy and Envoy XL’s SLT trim provides individual memory and personalization features for two drivers. Each can tailor seat and side mirror positions, radio stations, HVAC controls and more to their individualized preferences.
The SLT’s standard six-language driver information center also provides vital information on fluid levels, along with calculations for fuel data such as average fuel economy and range.
Envoy’s standard audio system features a CD player with Radio Data System (RDS) technology that permits searching for radio stations by type and receiving text-based messages. A 275-watt Bose premium sound system, available on the SLT, optimizes listening pleasure. The SLT’s secondary steering wheel controls also enable the driver to continue watching the road while adjusting the audio, climate control or driver message center.
Envoy and Envoy XL will also offer an industry-first, factory-installed DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment system. Envoy’s state-of-the-art DVD system includes a wide screen, flip-down, color liquid-crystal display and the capability of playing studio quality audio/video in both CD-audio and DVD formats. The optional DVD system will be available in September.
GM’s renowned OnStar system is standard, along with one year of OnStar’s safety and security service package. For more information about OnStar, see the "OnStar" section of the Corporate press kit.
Smooth, comfortable ride
Envoy provides responsive handling and unexpectedly smooth, stress-free riding comfort.
Its extremely stiff and rigid body, with a 23-Hertz rating comparable to that of world-class luxury sedans, minimizes noise and vibration. Advanced, full-length hydroformed side rails with eight cross-members on the five-passenger Envoy and 10 cross-members on Envoy XL provide the backbone for this amazing structural rigidity and stiffness.
Envoy’s new independent short- and long-arm front suspension and five-link solid axle rear suspension also enhance ride comfort. Standard Bilstein monotube shock absorbers provide excellent handling and tire-to-road action. An optional, electronically controlled air suspension adjusts the spring height at each rear wheel to maintain a smooth, level ride, regardless of load and road conditions.
The hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering system enhances maneuverability. Despite Envoy’s increased wheelbase and length, its 36.4-foot turning diameter is almost six feet shorter than its predecessor. Envoy XL, although 16 inches longer than the five-passenger Envoy, still provides an impressive 41.3-foot turning diameter.
Four-wheel vented disc brakes, with standard four-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), provide surer control during hard stops; the brakes also provide world-class pedal feel, wear life and quietness.
A wider track and larger standard 17-inch Michelin tires and aluminum wheels contribute to a more stable, comfortable ride and surer handling.
Unsurpassed power and performance
A totally new, all-aluminum Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine drives Envoy to the top of its class in power and performance.
The standard 4.2-liter, 24-valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine produces 270 peak horsepower — more than the V-8 engines of competitors like the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its impressive 275 lb-ft of torque also enables Envoy, equipped with a 4.10 axle ratio, to tow trailers weighing as much as 6400 pounds and up to 6000 pounds on Envoy XL.
The Vortec 4200 is so incredibly smooth and quiet at idle and during acceleration that a starter-interrupt feature, called "Intelli-start," has been added to prevent re-engaging the starter if the engine is running.
Refined, sophisticated styling
A bold, center-port grille, offset by GMC’s ruby red logo, highlights the distinctive front-end appearance of both the Envoy and Envoy XL. Large, vertically oriented headlamps, standard fog lamps and standard cornering lamps — a feature rarely found on competing SUVs — extend the bold, precise look.
Beveled tail lamps create an angular, precise appearance; their geometric shape extends to the body side moldings and wheel openings. The uplevel SLT trim adds body-colored exterior door handles and brushed nickel body side moldings.
The highly refined interior includes appointments such as the brushed nickel trim appearance on the instrument panel and front console; the SLT adds premium wood trim accents.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
For the Explorer, the 3rd seat is about a $1000 option, but on the dealer lots, the 3rd seat is only added as an option on the most expensive model. So in reality, in less you order an Explorer, you will end up paying about $3000 more to get the 3rd row seat.
hrunting-your howling noise you hear is from the front roof rack.I had this same noise at high speeds no matter where I put it even above the the rear door opening.My solution was to take two hard rubber strips fold them in half put them in the roof rack channel slide the back of the front roof rack over the rubber strips and clamp down the front roof rack.Apperently this prevents the rack from flexing and causing that awfull howling noise at high speeds on the interstate.Now I can put the front roof rack where ever I want.Hope this helps.
Rick
I have the problem with the chipped paint at the rear liftgate license assembly, too. At first, it looked like wax build-up in that groove. The dealer looked at mine and had their body shop look at it... they wanted to repaint the ENTIRE liftgate.
I'm not letting them repaint because there's NO WAY they can match the factory "texture." Besides, I really think it can be adequately fixed with some skillfully applied touch-up paint.
Further, I think that GM should address this issue and manufacture a gasket or rubber molding to go around the plastic assembly that caused the chipping. When they disassemble to install the gasket, they can touch up whatever paint, and then the gasket could cover any touch-up imperfections.
I've heard from at LEAST two other people about this same problem. I have no idea how to get GM's attention about this, but I'm willing to give it a go.
Let us know if you find a solution or fix.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Just my experience.
Perhaps it's just me picking good vehicles, but again, it's fine.
Just my experiences.
tim
http://www.timlauro.com
(site move in process)
Fletch 45--- are you suggesting using a lower grade fuel? Please pardon my ignorance on the the Ethanol factors.. That is possible though cause I filled her up with the "good stuff" and noticed the difference not long after..(I didn't fill the first tank so I don't know what it was) I think this will be a test of just finding out what "works" best..and again.. giving her the opportunity to work in a little and me the chance to get a better feel for the truck....I have no doubt that I will hit the mileage that was provided for city of 16.. if not better in time...
Bobmn- Thanks for the RPM note.. I just had a couple of "odd" experiences ( two to be exact) when I pushed er to go and the freaking RPM's jumped way out of wack..(It made me nervous)Please pardon my description here without having any "auto" language..but there are definetly certain points (ranges, speeds) where the "get up and go" is right on the edge and the pick up is awesome.. at other speeds it seems as if it won't shift out to hit the next gear or something..
I just wanted to note for the "Wannabe a Trailblazer Owners" or "Considering being a Trailblazer Owners" reading out here that many of these posts, at least mine, are " New ( often under 1000 Miles)" mostly "Happy Owners" that are looking for input from others in the boat .. Not really complaining just trying to ensure that the "experiences" are within norm..though you can probably see that already and on your own~~ I just felt like noting it... I know I have received a lot of great information out here that had I not checked on it I might have then really wondered if something was wrong (ie. mileage, sluggish etc.)
Hambone.. What do you think about the Ethanol comment from Fletch..What are you using?
My opinion, the Trailblazer is a one of a kind.. best of breed for the midsize SUV market...It's got style,luxury yet is a little rugged~ as so it should be.. and it's got alot of pep too.. There is no doubt that Chevy/GM has made it's mark with this truck. I love mine.. Indigo Blue LT..3.42..sunroof, boards..leather.. I love this truck..
To the backseat info.. one thing I noticed the first day I got the truck.. ( I let my Dad drive) cause I wanted to ride in the backseat.. The backseat ride is awesome~~ smooth, quiet, roomy.. not to mention the toys..(stereo, air controls and all back there)..
Thanks..
What really irks me is that people were reporting this to dealerships back in the spring, well before mine was built. I would venture to say that this design flaw will result in the repainting of all TB tailgates. I've had the TB for almost 3 months and at first the chipping paint was barely noticable, but now the chipping paint is getting worse.
My fear is with others on this board...no body shop will be able to match the color and orange peel effect with a repainted panel.
Ethanol mix was really popular many years ago, and if it is such a great product then why don't I see it at any gas stations anymore? I would avoid it.
Maybe we have different definitions of orangepeel, but on your first page of pictures, 2nd row, 2nd picture, you can see the reflection of the house siding... The lines of the siding are broken up or rough in the reflection, not smooth and continuous as they would be in a true mirror. That's what I'm calling orangepeel... images reflected in the paint have a stippled effect because there are small ripples in the surface of the paint.
BUT DON'T KILL ME! Maybe I'm looking at compression artifacts from your digital photos. Maybe I have some kind of psyc disorder that makes me see car paint in a different way.
You've still got a great lookin' truck. Looks JUST LIKE mine, except I don't have those cool GM Accessories!
I've been posting about the 2 or 3 problems my truck has had just to see if there are others out there, and what their solutions have been. But my problems are FAR outweighed by the satisfaction I receive from the truck. I have a long list of items that I like about the truck that I guess I never post.
Maybe I should start throwing some love out there for my TB.
I'll start with the tires: BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A's! FIVE of them! These are relatively quiet for on/off road tires, and I understand from a buddy that they're long wearing, too!