Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

ees1996

Remember those trucks? I wish GM would redo a version on the current platform. The 4.2 Im sure can be supercharged or be "tuned" for more performance. Plus it could serve as direct competition to the Dodge Dakota/Durango R/T. What do yall think? Happy TrailBlazin

lurker01

In the manual, there is a mention that some units have tilting headrests. I could have sworn that the first Envoy I sat in had this feature. My new one does not. Does anyone out there have this? What package does it come with? Can I get the dealer to add this??

What is with the sun visors?? On my old Jimmy, the visor had an extender, a second sub-visor for when you had it on the side and a elastic strap for holding things. The Enovy has not of this. What gives?? Why downgrade?

thanks.

-John.

mgrcm

Are you saying your Envoy didn't come with a rear cargo mat and your dealer say's it's not supposed to.My Envoy came with one unless there is a difference between the SLE and SLT,I didn't catch which model you had.

hardhawk

Our Envoy has the tilt forward front headrests. They are pretty stiff, but they do tilt, which I really like. We got no rear cargo mat either. I agree with the remark about the sun visors. My Dodge pickup had the extenders and I miss them. For $38,000, they ought to be there!

lurker01

I have an SLT with the 1SH package. Basically everything but the DVD player.
But no cargo mat. Any idea how to prove that it is a standard item? Are you sure your dealer didn't 'throw it in' as a bonus to you?

I will go try to tilt them again, but I don't think they do on mine. They do extend upwards, however.

Overall, the truck is great. I cannot belive how quiet it is inside. Zero road noise. Zero engine noise. And the BOSE is great.

-John.

acl1966

First of all I want to add my congratulations for Envoy SUV of the year. I feel that the GM team worked very hard to produce a great vehicle. It's nice to know the hard work paid off. I've had my SLT for a month now with no problems. It has the 1SK package with the DVD player. It came with the rear cargo mat. It's not part of the 1SK package but standard on all Envoys - listed on the window sticker as "no charge" right above the GVW Rating line item on the sticker. The mat is a carpet with a rubber backing shaped to the contour of the rear cargo area.

hardhawk

I have an SLT with the 1SH package too. No cargo mat. I bought a Weathertech rubber mat from MacNeil Automotive.

mgrcm

As I said earlier I have the SLT 1SF with a few extra's and it came with a cargo mat described by acl1966 and it is also stated on my window sticker as a no charge item.Also thanks for the imfo. hardhawk on the tilting head rest,I didn't know I had that feature.Yes they are a little stiff for obvious reasons and require some pressure to push forward.

Rick

agenteleven

My TB LTZ headrests were tilted forward when I bought the truck. It takes a LOT of pressure to tilt them back. Can't do it with one hand while you're driving.

I'm jealous of the Envoy with the "free" cargo mat... hardhawk, how is the one from Weathertech? Is it form fitting? How did they ship it to you? Does it fold up?

vaguy

I have a SLT and it did not come with a cargo mat, however when I took mine in for service I see that the ones on the lot had the cargo mat listed as "no charge". Maybe I can fuss and get one for free!

Also interested in rubber floor mats as winter is coming and I want something that will stand up to slush and salt. Anyone out there have some from GM or others? Any info would be appreciated.

lurker01

Well, after checking GM BuyPower, it shows that the 'Rear Reversable Cargo Mat' is only included in the 1SK package for the 4WD versions and the 1SD and 1SJ packages for the 2WD versions.
I also checked my window sticker and there is no mention of it. I have the 1SH package.
So, I doubt I can get one out of the dealer for free. I think they sell them for only $50 though.

I did manage to get the head rests to tilt. They are a bit stiff, but at least they do it. I am a happy Envoyer now!

-John.

hambone7

Well, I think we've sufficiently beaten to death the "cargo mat" and "shifter location" subjects. What else can we talk about?

lurker01

Well, I have an issue I would like to raise on behalf of my Mom. She just bought an SLE Envoy and is concerned about the rear seats not folding flat. The reason this is an issue is because she often carries 2 dog crates in the truck and the one towards the front is on an angle becasue of this. The result is the dog slides to one end of the cage. I know it sounds silly, but that's a Mom for you.
Does anyone have any ideas on this one?

-John.

boat10

you didn't mention which side of the vehicle it slides too. I have a TB and my back seats fold all the way down, but you have to move the front seats up just a little for the rears to clear the front seats!!! Otherwise strap the cages down with the tie-down hooks that are located in the rear.

lurker01

Actually, the cage does not slide, the dog does. Becasue the cage is at an angle due to the seats not folding flat. So, the TB seat fold completely flat? Hmmm. My Envoy folds to about 10 degrees from flat. Even with the front seats all the way forward. Maybe the rear seats in the Envoy are thicker for some reason...

-John.

hardhawk

The Weathertech cargo mat is a perfect fit. It comes rolled in a long rectangular box. It unrolls and then will lie flat after a few hours. It fits around every contour, including the fuel filler pipe. Has a nonskid rough surface and a nice high lip all the way around to keep any spills off the carpet. As far as I am concerned, a carpeted cargo mat is as useless as carpeted floor mats. I have had my GM rubber floor mats ordered since I ordered the Envoy in May. They are still on production hold due to a "quality issue" according to my dealer. Weathertech had all rubber mats for the Envoy as well as cargo mats, bug deflectors, luggage carriers (soft), and all kinds of other items. Go to www.mats.com to check it out.

robsuts

I test drove a Bravada and an Envoy. The Bravada's back seats go down flush and the Envoy's didn't. The salesperson said that the front seats were too far back to allow for it to drop all the way. I didn't try moving the seat... I believed her. Can you confirm -- two dogs sliding? Sounds like "dances with wolves".

saloveku

Well, just got our 1 mo. old Envoy back from the dealer where it has been twice since we picked up in September. The issue:
Went dead the first time. The dealer replaced the computer. 10 days later it stalled and wouldn't start for ten minutes. Took a while to diagnose, and help from GM needed to diagnose (I hear a recall notice coming if others asre having this problenm!!) and it turns out that the rear adjustable air suspension was sparking the voltage up to 18v. and blowing the computer. They replaced the computer again and worked a fix for the suspension to prevent it so I hope they have it right this time. At least the dealer has been great with us.

texasjello

I just brought home my new Envoy SLE last week. I've noticed that after ~20 minutes, the single CD/cassette radio gets very warm. It's not scorching hot / but you can feel the heat radiating from it. The CD's come out hot. This happens when I play the radio or play a CD. Has anybody experienced this? I plan on taking it back to the dealer next week and I would like to know if this is a common problem. Or at least, I'd like to know if everyone's radio face stays cool - even after being on for a length of time.

Thanks

pbshann

Just got back from a 1300 mile road trip to the Outer Banks of NC. The new TB ran great on road and on the beach. Gas mileage averaged out to be 20mpg with about 50% highway, 30% local, and 20% beach driving in 4hi. I really only have three issues with the truck and two of them were predelivery items that will be fixed as soon as the parts come in. 1) There was a tear in the dash and instead of trying to fix the tear the dealer is going to replace the entire top piece of the dash, 2) A pixel in the DVD screen doesn't light up and the screen will be replaced, 3) Mushy brakes. The brakes I really noticed at highway speeds, but I could easily compensate for the mushy effect by leaving more space and braking harder and earlier, but will have them checked ASAP. Other than that, I think this is one of the best purchases I have ever made and am very happy with my truck. When my wife took the truck to be inspected in our home state, the guys at the shop couldn't stop talking about how much they love it and how lucky we are to have it!

pbshann

I bought my top of the line Lund Interceptor bug deflector from accessconnect.com for only $54 plus $7 UPS shipping. It did not get here before my road trip, but it is very easy to install with no drilling required and looks great!

ficuss

My 2002 TB LTZ with 2166 miles started making a very faint ticking sound. Several miles later after driving very slow during rush hour traffic, the engine "reduced power" indicator came on and the engine died. After restarting, the ticking sound became louder and sounded like the engine was falling apart inside. I had to have it towed in. The dealer said the engine would have to be replaced due to a loose cylinder sleeve. Chevy customer service denies ever hearing of any other such problems. The dealer has heard of a problem with the engine. They will replace the engine but will not consider a buyback with a new TB for me. This was a great vehicle until now. I notice from several previous postings others having problems with engine noises that stopped the vehicle and required towing or pushing. Have any of your mechanics diagnosed a similar problem? Have you been offered a new vehicle. Is this problem more widespread than we're being told?

edl55347

I have noticed that the face on Bose system in my TB also gets warm, but not hot. I have seen this on other GM cars that I have rented when travelling. This seems to be pretty normal. I have not pulled out a CD to see if it hot, though.
The buttons on the steering wheel will be a bit warmer than the wheel itself, so unless your faceplace gets very hot, it is probably normal.

c2h6o

I'm planning on picking up a 2002 TrailBlazer very soon, possibly by the end of this week. I've read pretty much every message on this board, along with other reviews and comments elsewhere. I've test driven both the TB and the Envoy and love the look of both, but am leaning toward the TrailBlazer a little more.
What I'd like to know is if there's anything I should be looking for when I pick up my new ride and anything I should look and listen for in the first few hundred miles.
There was a great post a little while back (2540/2451 by lurker01) that ran down the list of everything that's been mentioned so far - but I'm under the impression that that list was specific to the Envoy. Am I wrong? Have all of these issues been reported with the TB as well? Not a problem if they have, I just want a laundry list when I head into the dealer. The fewer times I have to go back for repairs the better!

Thanks in advance!

PS: I've also noticed that my radio faceplate in my current '98 Blazer gets pretty warm. 3 years and no problems with it make me think this is normal and is most likely caused by residual heat from the backlighting on the radio.

agenteleven

The rear seats in my TB LTZ do not fold flat.

You do have to scoot the front seats forward to get them down as far as they'll go, which is around 10 degrees from flat as mentioned earlier.

lurker01

I have only owned/driven GM cars my entire life. (When you grow up in Michigan and your Dad works for the General, that's how it goes)
I can tell you that Delco radios are famous for also being space heaters. On every one I have had, from my '88 S-10 blazer's tape deck to my '96 Jimmy's CD, after a long ride, the tapes and CDs are always hot. This used to kill some tapes over time and I have had the CD player fail to work after a 10 hour haul. But, I don't have enough time with the new BOSE system to confirm if it is the same. It would not suprise me, however.

As to the issues list, I included everything anyone said about any of the models. I did not mention the model with each item because I am a bit lazy I guess. Some issues apply to all. I'm sure I missed something too. I recommend giving the truck a good once over and then keep an eye on things. Keep in mind, there are many people out there with no issues at all. It's just the unlucky who post their problems. That is what this forum is for. So we don't feel all alone with our problems. I think it is a great resource.

-John.

racoonlodge

Picked up my 2002 LTZ TB (Black with pewter two/tone) at the dealer today. I took advantage of the 0% "Keep America Rolling" program (was going to order one anyway). I must say, the sales rep was a total fool (what else is new), he was telling me about the 4 or 5 CD player (which my 13 year old sun corrected him). But, having to bear this knuckle head, I drove off into the wild blue yonder. Just a couple of initial finds with the LTZ:
1) craftmenship of the vehicle was very good (had a chance to look it over good prior to purchasing). The only flaw was when I did pick it up, a mark was on the wheel-well. The shop tried to buff it out, but to not avail. They'll have to replace that piece (probably easier than painting).
2) Does the red light on the dashboard (security alarm) suppose to blink when activated? I see many vehicles that have that on the dash and they blink.
3) Have not had time to go through all the toys making sure they work yet, but will report on any problems.
4) BIG difference compared to my '89 Blazer in ride, handling (does seem to float a little in steering, but will wait till break-in).
5) Also haven't read all the doc, but I'll have to test the on-star. read many stories in this forum about those problems.
6) Must be lucky, because the paint job does not resemble "orange peel" texture.
7) may sound funny, but did anyone get (or find) an orange plastic piece in their TB when they picked it up? I found mine in the glove compartment and it's used for unscrewing/tightning the radio antenna.

I've been a part of this forum since the begining and plan to contribute as much as I can.
Thanks to all

flyguy7

I've had my TB LS since Jul and have 4500 miles on it. I had to replace my computer and didn't have my password so I am now flyguy7 vice flyguy5...anyway. Since the problems early on, engine module, gauges pegged, rattling door on a washboard road and shake in the steering at 70 mph, all of which were in the first 1000 miles, the TB has been trouble free. The only other thing that is a problem is a loose center console and the ability that it has to get sand in every crevice at the rear tailgate. Since it doesn't rain much here and I do some off road, in sand, it takes 2-3 washes to get rid of the very fine NM sand. I opened my tailgate glass for the first time and was there ever a lot of dirt up at the top of it. Those of you in wet climates may want to make sure water doesn't pool in that area or freeze. The only real complaint is my gas mileage. The best I've seen is about 18 on the highway and in town it gets 14-15. I guess this isn't so bad considering I am at 5-6K in altitude and regular gas is 85 octane. It would be interesting to see the power difference at sea level. Has anyone taken their's to the track and clock the 1/4 mile? Does anyone know how to get hardwater spots off of the windows? I am still enjoying the TB and have had no problem with the drivetrain. BTW this thing will cruise all day doing 85-90 mph and still has plenty of passing power, doesn't overheat even in 100+ temperatures. The AC warms up a bit during real hot temps when idling, but if you use recirc it stays real cold. My local dealer has only 1 TB in stock as of last week. Guess the 0% thing is moving cars:-)

djmurf

Did you really mean to complain about only getting 18 mpg on the highway in the same post in which you noted that your TB will cruise all day at 85-90 mph while still having plenty of passing power?

robsuts

I looked at all the Envoy's on the dealers lot. The hood seems to be high towards the windshield and low by the head lamps.
Has anyone had the body shop adjust this fit-and-finish problem? Has anyone else noticed?

labrecque

I have had my Envoy for about 1 month and have had no problems, 1600 miles so far. The only concern I have is with the load leveling suspension. The question I have is as follows: Is it supposed to pump up everytime you start the truck? Also, how often should it run while driving the truck with no one in the back seat or nothing in the cargo area? Mine runs at each start up and also a few times during a "trip" around town.

fltrsei2

My exwife has an Envoy that had a similar problem. When we were still living together a few months ago, I would notice the back end of the vehicle noticably lower after sitting for an extended period of time. The difference was at least 4 to 5 inches. We took it to the dealer and they found a small leak in one of the shocks. Was replaced and it has been fine ever since. Try to take a measurement of the difference in heights if it is going to sit over night. Good luck.

penny14

Saloveku: I have had similar problems with my Bravada to your problems. The car would not start for l0 minutes. Was towed in and they replaced a coolant sensor. Five days later, the car was running and just stalled completely and wouldn't start. Was towed in again and they replaced the entire computer. Have had it back for 2 weeks, but worry every time I get in the car that it will stall again. I am working big-time on the lemon law.

So far since I got it back the second time, there have been two occasions when the engine seemed to be revving quite high (not reflected in RPM's), or not downshifting. This sound was the start of the total engine failure--so it is a matter of time.

My back seats also do not fold completely flat. Part of the problem are the rear audio controls on the back of the console. They prevent the seat from dropping flat.

I love the ride of this car, but shouldn't have to worry everytime I get into it whether it will start or stall. Good thing for the 60k warranty!

zecgeotz

I have a Bravada with air suspension and about every 5 minutes or so, it expels air with a "whoosh" sound. This is not normal. I don't notice any leaning of the truck in the morning but I think that the air pump is running continuously and the expulsion of air is the system relieving itself after a build up of excessive pressure. The dealer has ordered a new part, he din't tell me what, and it will be installed tomorrow. They had received a bulletin about it from HQ and I have read many postings on this board about this, so it is a common problem. If you have these symptoms, get it repaired, otherwise the air pump will have a short life.

labrecque

In regards to how much my air pump is running. It only runs at start up (is this normal) and then maybe once or twice during a trip, usually at a light is when I hear it go on. Does that sound normal?

scott158

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE SAID GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE NEW gmt360 AKA BRAVADA,ENVOY AND TRAILBLAZER, I AM AN EMPLOYEE OF MORAINE ASSEMBLY WHERE THEY ARE BUILT AND PERSONALLY LOVE THE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING OF THE VEHICLE. BUILDING THEM FOR A LIVING IS FUN AND I CANT WAIT TIL JANUARY WHEN WE START BUILDING THE 370

edl55347

I notice that when I the key fob marked as 2, the DIC will display Driver 1. It does the same if I use key fob 1. Both will unlock/lock the doors.
Does anyone know how to configure the DIC to recognize both key fobs?

njtblzr

What model TB to you have?

I have the same problem with my TB LT. I took it to the dealer to have them fix it and was told that a TB LTZ will be able to identify Driver 1 and Driver 2, but the LT can not. They claim that it is tied to the power seats memory feature only available with the LTZ. I don't think they are correct with this, but I have not been able to find any other information about this.

minn_tb

My driver 1 and 2 settings work fine, changes all of the redio presets as well as the mirrors and seating. I do have the LTZ, though

Also, has anyone used the heated seats? The back part works fine, but I don't feel anything from the "butt" area. Thanks in advance.

brh

lurker01

Not sure if this is your problem, but if you use the button for heated seats to set the temp and then press the other button for the back, what it does is turn off the bottom part of the seat and leave only the back on. So, you can either have the whole seat or just the back, but not just the bottom on.
Hope that helps.

-John.

flgirl

Hello -- I've been reading everyone's comments for weeks now and must say it's helped us decide the TB LT is perfect for us. We plan to finalize our purchase this Saturday.

Seat Belt question -- is anyone over 6 foot tall having problems with the seat belt applying pressure on your shoulder during long drives? My husband is 6' 2" and is concerned about this as he could feel the seat belt during the test drive.

jrivera2

I am deciding between 3.42 axle ratio for fuel economy or 3.73 for power. How big is the difference in economy and power between the two ???

lurker01

I have the 4.1 and the power is good. The torque converter seems a bit lossy, but I think that is because it is new. Once it locks in, the thing really takes off. My first tank got 15mpg on mixed freeway and city with lots of hills. The Jimmy I just traded in was getting 17mpg on the same route. I figure mileage will improve over time. Don't belive the OBC, mine reads low. Perhaps I should reset it and see how it does after that.

-John.

hardhawk

I am 6'4" and my wife is 6'. We have had no discomfort problems with the front seatbelts in our new Envoy. Frankly, we like being able to feel that the belt is there. We can feel it, but in no way is it too tight or uncomfortable in any way. Frankly, it makes us feel safer in the event of an accident compared to some loose belt that does not seem tight enough to protect you. We can move, lean forward, twist around to look in the back seat, etc. without any binding or discomfort at all. Another bonus over the pillar mounted loose belts is that it is always right there close to grab when you enter the vehicle. The pickup we replaced with the Envoy had the front belts built into the seats too, so I guess we are just used to it.

robz3

I too was worried about the belts and I am 6'3". After a minute I forgot that it was there. I wouldn't worry too much, but be sure to take a long enough test drive to find out.

edl55347

I am 6'1" and when I first drove my TB, I noticed it because it was different than I had. But, now I don't even notice it. It is not too tight and you can still move around easily.

robsuts

I just purchased an Envoy. Seems that I can turn on the bottom heater to any setting with or without the back heater, but I cannot turn off the bottom heater and have just the back. This contradicts message #2504.
Seems that my 1999 MY Bravada seats heated up faster than the Envoy. Maybe the leather is thicker now? Just a thought.

zman3

Is the 370 the longer, 3 row version of the Envoy? That is what I am waiting for but my dealer hasn't gotten a lot of info on them yet. If that is what the 370 is, can you tease me with some info?

Thanks.

anjin_nav

If you look at the switches for the heated seats, robsuts, you'll see both a vertical switch and a horizontal switch. These are designed to look like your seat. If you want heat in both your back and butt, press the horizontal switch ("butt switch"). Pressing the switch multiple times toggles you through less heat until you turn it back off, as indicated by the lights. You can also toggle through the "back switch" the same way. Just keep in mind that the moment you hit this switch, you turn off the butt heat. The instructions for this are on page 1-4 of your Owner's Manual.

mfullmer

Has anyone noticed strange transmission noises in their Bravada? I have noticed very abrupt shiftings all along but it has developed some other interesting things.

Twice now, after coming to a stop there are four strange, I'm not sure what to call them. It sort of resembles a down shift but they are 5 seconds apart or so and also feel like someone is sort of nudging me from behind. Very strange feeling.

I also notice, after stopping for a short time (less than 30 seconds or so), there is a 1 second or so lag before the transmission "catches". I say "catches" because the vehicle moves a bit and then a load "thud" is heard before it actually gets moving.

Anyone else had these experiences?