Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

ddouglas1

I'm a new Envoy owner and have been very happy so far with one possible exception:the fold down back seats.The first time I put them down,I had to move both front seats up from their set positions to enable the back of the rear seats to fold flat all the way forward.Has anyone else had the same experience?

coolsly2

Well,

I'm buying next week a Trailblazer LT OR a Pathfinder Se and would like your comments on the TB and the Pathfinder... I guess some of you have look to both before buying... I've read a lot on the TB BUT does a lot of people are having problems with their TB since it's a new model? I've tried both, very similar for a lot of things... The Pathfinder is a model that is unchanged for 2 years and will soon be changed and the TB is new... ANY comments are welcomed good or bad here or by e-mail at coolsly@moncourrier.com.

Thank's to everybody,

Sylvain Deschamps

envoymike

I purchased my new SLT Envoy three weeks ago and so far I'm very happy with it; a few nits and picks; the windshield washer container leaks; it will only hold about a quart of fluid before it starts to leak out, the driver side mirror seems to have its own memory pattern, and after closing the passenger side door, I heard something fall off and its now rattling inside the door panel.
Other than that the vehicle is great; gas mileage has averaged 19 mpg (75% highway), and the ride is very good; inside appointments are great.
I purchased a rock/bug deflector and cargo mat from weathertech. The installation was easy and the fit was fantastic. I have 1500 miles on my SUV and plan on bringing it in for the minor warranty work this week. Good luck to all who have purchased a new Envoy/TB/Bravada.

sostrouble

Mine still squeals more in the the colder whether and now not just first thing in the morning. I'm going to try and set up another appointment next week. I'll let you know what I find out. Otherwise, I still love my Envoy.

allroy

Does anyone have this color and if so, do you like it???

dallasenvoy

Hey envoymike,
was the rock deflector easy to install. Did you have to use adhesive or could you just screw it on. I'm also looking for some vent shades. Does anyone know if GMC is making them yet or is there another company that has them. Thanks

allroy

What is the most recent base invoice on a 4x4 SLT Envoy? My dealer swears it is 32,580 (and said they will even fax it too me) but every website I see has 31,346...any clue what they could be up too?

deano7

Folks, Let me just start by saying my 2002 Envoy SLT so far has been the best truck I have owned. But as with any new model year this will be always issues to fix.

-The ever bothersome driver side mirror that has a mind of its own. Any fixes out there for this one? Looks like a memory/software bug?

-Rattling sunroof (dealer fixed) they noted it was a rod that was out of position.

-Sagging head liner (dealer fixed) Looked like the velcro had came unglued.

-Passenger seat belt locking up. Its driving my wife nuts, therefore I need a fix for this soon. (help)

-Front bumper flimsy, only really noticed when the fog lights are on at night and they bounce alot on bumps.

-Recall on the transfer case(dealer fixed) performed a re-program. haven't noticed any changes for the better or worse.

-I have recently noticed slop in the drive train from take off. anyone else noticed this?

-Loud Heater/AC fan roaring at high speed. (Dealer fixed) One guy said they replaced the fan and another said they found a label in the fan gage, who knows it works fine now.

Thats all for now...
Any help on the Mind of its own Driver Side Mirror would be appreciated.

envoymike

Hey dallasenvoy; WeatherTech deflector should install in about 15 minutes; it took me longer because I'm an engineer I have a tendency to over analyze things. Installation had two fittings/screws that fit into preexisting holes on the underside of the front hood; adhesive strips are used on the extreme "wings" that protect the top of the fenders; approximately two four inch strips (one on each side) that are preinstalled.
Deflector does not vibrate on the highway and it looks really good. I also back ordered vent shades from WeatherTech; they will arrive in about three weeks.

EnvoyMike

ddouglas1

allroy,
I have the Magnetic Red with Medium Pewter Leather interior and think it is great,as do others who stop by and make comments.

edl55347

Coolsly2,
I drove a Pathfinder this past summer when I was looking for a SUV. I was (un)fortunate enough to get one for a rental while travelling for business. I put several hundred miles on it over the course of a week and I was not impressed at all. It has a very truck-like ride, seats were uncomfortable, the radio reception was very poor.
All in all, I was disappointed with the Pathfinder since I had been hearing generally good things about them.
I have a TB and have had very good luck with it so far. I have 2500 miles on it now and not had any problems.

edl55347

Harrycohen,
Have you gotten the space in hte taillights repaired yet.
Was it just a new taillight or how was it fixed?

kjoo

After many hard months we have desided to final get rid of the the 2 volvo family one is enough and we really dont need to so were are narrowing it down to the Envoy XL and the Yunkno both full loaded any thoughts.

couimet

Could someone shed some light on the difference(s) between the Envoy's AutoTrac and the Bravada's SmartTrak?

Thanks ...

tlauro

This year in the new version of the Bravada, there is very little difference. The Bravada just comes standard with a locking rear differential and I don't believe has the options of anything but having the SmartTrac....that is no 2WD HI, 4WD LO settings.

In the previous versions, it was a viscous clutch and true All Wheel Drive....hated to see that go. I'd have seriously consider the Bravada more if it still had that system.

tim

2002 Trailblazer LTZ

http://www.timlauro.com

pkmk2

hi everyone/my 1 first post since my factory order of my 2002 envoy on nov.16 th.The only thing i saw at dealer/orderded SLT with SH pkg.+ extras/options/ was the bose stero.when in vech.with volume on 4/5 seems everyone OUTSIDE can hear just as good as inside vech.mainly from back doors.dealer said bose sys.was powerfull and any insulation in back doors would interfer with back power windows(we should know as I do by now car salespersons know NOTHING !!ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL...) I had to tell my dealer HOW to order the vech. I wanted.when at showroom had to give GM cust service phone # to get what i wanted ordered/ 1SH with 3.73 axle /said could not be done/back to bose!!!!anyone with bose stero,stand outside vech.for neighbors/etc/to listen to.how will I be able to fix problen at back doors!!!{cheep door panals or over active stero????? let me know for x mas delevry of vech!!! thanks/happy holidays/paulk0216@home.com

r22549

I have the 02 Bravada. At about 2500 miles the same thing happened to me. Stopped the car then when I restarted no gages. Started the car several times and the gages finally came back. I am now at 3k and knock wood so far so good...
I am really pleased with the ride and power of the Bravada. I had a 98 Bravada before and it is a different world. I wonder what type of changes they will make with new models as they are dealing with a limited amount of time...

tlauro

I have the Bose system and love it. Keep in mind, there are 8" speakers in the front doors...they are quite powerful.

I'd say it's normal, but if you have the volume on 4 of 5 in my house, let alone my Trailblazer, ...the whole neighborhood would hear it and I have a pretty insulated house.

Pretty normal in most cars I'd say. Again, the speakers are in the doors, where most cars they are in the back deck. Try poping the trunk of a sedan and crank the radio...same issue.

tim
2002 Trailblazer LTZ

"everyone/my 1 first post since my factory order when in vech.with volume on 4/5 seems everyone OUTSIDE can hear just as good as inside vech.mainly from back doors.....back to bose!!!!anyone with bose stero,stand outside vech.for neighbors/etc/to listen to.how will I be able to fix problen at back doors!!!{cheep door panals or over active stero?????"

allroy

How much in advertising costs did you all pay on your 2002 Envoy?

pcrisp

Saturday, I saw something that made me lose faith in GM again! A dealer lot actually had a 2002 Envoy Denali. We stopped by to look at it and I just felt that sick feeling that we all got when we first saw the Aztek. YUK! The grill was so freaking cheap it was disgusting. They just bolted on some swiss cheese sheet metal over the original grill. Inserted flat sheet metal into the door side moldings, and it had some very ugly rims. The interior wasn't too bad. It had the normal Denali two tone buckets with the "Envoy Denali" embroidery on the doors.

The link below is what I found when I did a search for it. The pics in this link show it with much better rims than I saw. If you go to the link, click the "Next Package Option" to see other pics on the interior and such.

http://www.egclassic.com/gmcdpack1.htm

I hope that this is totally an aftermarket "Pimp out" and maybe GM had nothing to do with it. When my wife and I saw it in person, we were both upset that GM would once again take a good thing and freak it up. My 2 cents.

allroy

I just saw one too!

d2000one1

From the looks of it, this is obviously an aftermarket "kit". I doubt that GM/GMC is behind this because the industry publications haven't mentioned it. If GM was behind it, there would be info avaiable about the added features.

axsysman

Has anyone replaced the stock AM/FM Stereo yet? From what I can see the power is always applied and the radio becomes alive from a command over a serial communications line. I have been looking for a power source that is only active when the ignition is in the Accessory or on positions with no luck.

Also, the on-star audio is fed into the radio as well, so an aftermarket radio without an audio input compatible with this would eliminate the on-star audio.

So far all I can figure is that you are stuck with the oem radio unless you want to give up on-star and also have power always applied to your radio (if you forget to turn it off, you could run down your battery).

You also can't just order one of the Bose radios since they are tied into the GM amplifier and also comminicate with each other over the serial data line. You would also have to have the dealer program the radio to work with your vehicle since the radio uses the VIN to identify the vehicle for security.

Anyone figure out how to replace the stock radio yet?

tlauro

Typical suburban dealer charges will be 1-1.5% of MSRP. Most people don't even realize they paid it as it's factored into the net dealer invoice from which deals are worked. It's a cost charged to dealers and passed onto consumers to subsidise the costs of national ads you seen and hear on TV and Radio. i.e. if you paid $500 over invoice...that invoice included Advertising.

tim
former dealer

zeen

Took delivery of my SLE in May and have been quite pleased. All the little bugs have been fixed including the most recent recalls for transmission and center console latch. One problem that is driving me crazy is a rattle coming from above the headliner. I have no sunroof and the noise seems to coming from above the eyeglass holder. I have brought it in 3 times to have it fixed but the service manager claims he cannot hear the noise. They think I'm nuts. This evening, I drove it out of the service garage and heard the noise immediately. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am at the stage where I will try to fix the problem myself. My suspicion is that it's a wire knocking against the roof. The headliner seems pretty tightly secured and to gain access, I have to remove the eyeglass holder which also houses the remote garage door buttons. Any advice?

coolsly2

For the TrailBlazer owners...

If you would have the choice... Would you buy again a Trailblazer or you would go with another truck since it seems there is a lot of issues and problems with the TB? I know people talk a lot more about the "bad things" of vehicules instead of the "good things" but I want your comments!

Thank you,

Sylvain

tpellow

I'm still in love with my TB LTZ (already admitted the affair to my wife & kids).

Is there anyway to set the Driving/Fog lights to come on automatically when the lights come on? Up til now I have to remember to turn them on everytime.

tlauro - still haven't had a chance to get a good digital picture to post of the 2-tone Magestic Red / Lt Pewter, its been cloudy and rainy for the last week, hope to take one soon

Thanks, Tim

chipperrrrr

sostrouble, thanks for the reply. I still like my TB but the annoying squeal will drive me crazy if I can*t get it fixed. I have an appointment this Thursday for the tranny recall and they are to look for the elusive squeal. I will notify you of the outcome. I would have to believe that GM is going to hear more about this problem as more TB*s hit the road. It can*t be indigenous to just a few vehicles. After all, they are only machines. I hope they can find the problem. I am not a happy camper after spending the kind of money we spent on these vehicles to have to play my CD on auto-high to drown out the sound. Maybe its GM*s built in version of DEER Repellant. (you do remember the whistlers that used to be mounted on the front bumpers that emitted a squeal to repell Deer). Thanks.

tlauro

Yes, I would. There really aren't that many serious problems. I personally am experiencing yet another annoying one...my gas pedal makes a sticking or clicking sound when released....no big deal, they'll replace it and it will be fine I'm sure.

I seriously even today consider the Overland Jeep but only because I'm a performance nut and love the 260hp V8, but with their issues...no way! and heck, everyone has a Jeep GC.

I do wish we had AWD vs A4WD, but I can live with that.

tim
2000 LTZ

flyguy7

If I had to do it over again, I'd have waited a year and then really looked at what I was buying. I am having a lot of issues. This weekend the rubber strip over my windshield started flapping going down the highway. Had to take it off. Also the howl in the right front drive train is getting worse (louder) and actually is starting to scallop the right outside edge of the right front tire. I still have the issue with the steering making a noise when the vehicle is not moving. The fluid change didn't help. My doors still flap on a washboard road. Hammering the pins in (dealers words) didn't solve anything. Has anyone else had this problem...when I take the vehicle in they say we'll have to call GM to see what to do. If it isn't something real somple they have to call GM. This delays any fix by up to a week.
The tranny reprogram seems to cause harder shifts and also seems to have given 1st to 2nd a higher shift point, anyone else notice this?

tlauro

"This weekend the rubber strip over my windshield started flapping going down the highway."
--Bummer. Haven't heard that problem yet.

"Also the howl in the right front drive train is getting worse (louder) and actually is starting to scallop the right outside edge of the right front tire."
--What? they haven't addressed such a problem? If something is rubbing the tire...get them to fix it right away. Sounds pretty dangerous.

"My doors still flap on a washboard road. Hammering the pins in (dealers words) didn't solve anything."
--Not sure what they did to my rear driver side door, but it was fixed in 10 minutes..no rattles anymore.

"The tranny reprogram seems to cause harder shifts and also seems to have given 1st to 2nd a higher shift point, anyone else notice this?"
--no help here...I didn't notice any change whatsoever.

sorry it's not been the most pleasant ride

okay1

To anyone considering the TB/Envoy I would heartily endorse them even if they have been plagued with some minor "growing pains". I have an Indigo Blue TB with 7000 miles on it and while I thought the paint job looked very good, I must admit after putting a coat of wax on it this weekend, the finish looks even that much better. It now has that "wet" paint look to it. I have also ordered some stainless steel step bars from Westin, and am anxiously waiting for them to arrive.... I think they will dress it up nicely.
I do have two problems that I would like the readers to address:

1. About two weeks ago I got a safety recall notice from Chevy for a replacement of the transfer case control module which presently could let the car roll when in the "park" position. Has anyone else received this recall and/or had this work done? I hate taking the car to be fixed when there is no apparent problem.

2. Yesterday after slowing down to go around a corner, I noticed that the car "jumped" into 4-wheel Hi mode, even though the lever was still on 2-wheel Hi. After manually shifting the lever into 4-wheel Hi, and then back to 2-wheel Lo, it seemed to reset itself without further problem. If this is only going to happen once every 7000 miles, I hate to even mention it to Chevy, since they will not be able to isolate when I come in for service anyway. Anybody have any thoughts or similar experiences?

As to whether or not I would buy another Trailblazer.... I definitely would. With the power, and ride quality, I dont think that there is a comparable vehicle on the road.

alfred11

envoy problem /zeen message no #2790 the eyeglass holder rattle is due to door hinges/gear rattling. i solved the problem by stuffing the eye glass holder with polyester fiber fill from my wife's craft stuff , rattle gone. i never use the holder anyway. alf

unclemoose

My Trailblazer "PINGS" under moderate and/or light load. Since there is no distributor to set timing does anyone know of a fix. The book says some pinging is normal, but other ones I drove do not ping like mine. Dealer says all they can do is look for TSB's

flyguy7

Try gas from a different station (Brand Name). That may help. If you have lots of $$ try 89 octane for a couple of tanks and see what that does. I don't remember seeing any posts for pinging. Valve noise yes/sleeves coming out but not what you describe.

fletch45

Trailblazer LTZ...yes, I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. I have had some minor issues, but what vehicle doesn't. Some have had worse luck than me, and I do wish them better luck in the future.

I checked out several suvs out before, and even since I bought the Trailblazer, but I still think this was the best one for my taste.

NOTE: the Bose upgrade is (or should be, LOL) required for your listening pleasure!
jim f

fletch45

I recall several months back that someone had something strange go on with their 4wd control. Seems like the dealer found a loose wire in the control that they soldered or at least re-attached to fix the problem. Maybe it will be an easy fix. Good luck
jim f

allenr

Any one have the GM part # for the Bravada rear mat? Putting a GM parts direct order togetter and wanted to add a rear mat.

Thanks

Allen

isutherland

Yes...twice this week my TB jumped from 2HI to 4HI while the switch remained in 2HI. On one occasion the dash illuminated the "service 4WD" indicator. In both cases switching to A4WD and back to 2HI reset the condition. I contacted On-star when the dash indicator was on and they ran remote diagnostics but no fault was indicated. They suggested I take the vehicle for service but I need to wait until the condition occurrs again so I can show them the problem....otherwisw I'm likely whistling in the wind. Maybe if enough problems are reported GM will address the problem....Let me know if you get a fix.

njtblzr

I had the problem a few months ago on my TB LT with the 4wd selector lights jumping and the service 4wd light coming on. The dealer first said (after talking to Chevy) it was a lose wire and said they fixed it. A couple of weeks later it happened again. The dealer talked to Chevy again and was told there was a new re-designed switch for the problem. They replaced the switch and it has been fine ever since (3500 miles since the fix).

Both times the problem happened and I took it in the dealer did find a diagnostic code was saved from the Service 4WD light being lit.

Hope this helps, I will look at home for the paperwork to find the part number if you want.

lurker01

I was wondering if anyone knows why there is no red zone on the tach. I have an Envoy and I remember reading in the manual that the redline was 6500 rpm. But the gauge in my truck goes to 7000 with no 'in the red' zone visable. I have not pushed it that far, but I have noticed it getting into the 5000's when I punch it at slow speeds. Any ideas?

-John.

bryancos

I've taken my Envoy in THREE times to have this addressed. Switch would be in 2HI, but the LED would be in 4HI, AAWD or sometimes all the LEDs
would be lit. They found that the switch assembly was defective and it had a high resistance. They ended up replacing the switch. (the 3rd time I made them test the replacement BEFORE they installed it) I have not had a problem since...

sostrouble

I was suppost to take my Envoy in today for the squealing, but due to snow, sleet, and rain, I cancelled the appointment. It doesn't squeal when wet, and since we are suppost to have rain through Friday, I don't want to leave it over the weekend.

I have to call them on Monday to reschedule. Will let you know what I find out. If you get yours in first, please let me know.

Thanks
Debbie

muzicman

I have a 2002 TB LT and I have absolutely loved driving this thing. POWER to spare!! I have 11k miles and I have never enjoyed a vehicle this much.

HOWEVER....

This morning was the coldest morning so far (39 degrees F) and I have this "WHINE" coming from the transmission/engine that is very LOUD. As the vehicle heated up, it got better but it is still there. I have commented many times about how quiet...smooth...and powerful the TB is..but now all I hear is this "whine". I have noticed others on this board complaining of the "whine".

Everyhing else works just fine. I drive on a washboardy ole road every day and the TB never squeaks or rattles. VERY WELL BUILT TRUCK! I am averaging 19.5 mpg and I burn regular 87 octane. I'm on my way to the dealership about this "whine"...it's not right, and after 11k miles of smooth driving, I'll never get used to it. Something is wrong here. I'll let you all know!

muzicman

I just got back from the Chevy Dealership where I bought my 2002 TB LT. As it turns out, my power steering fluid was low...so low that it wouldn't even show up on the dipstick. No signs of any leaks so I have no idea where all the fluid went??

As I pulled out of the dealership I could still hear the "whine" and thought to myself that I may have to turn around and come right back. After a couple of miles the "whine" completely disaapeared and I am back to my normal TB!!

I will be keeping a closer eye on this fluid level. I am actually due for an oil change in the next 200 miles. Just thought I would come back and let everyone know my "whine" is gone so I'll stop whining now!!!

fletch45

My Silverado was designed so the computer would in no way allow you to exceed "redline". I never tried it, but I read messages on a forum indicating that if you had the selector in "1", for example, the transmission would upshift anyway at 5600 rpm, thus making it impossible to overrev the engine. There was also a software "rev limiter" designed in, I believe at the same 5600 rpm. With an aftermarket Hypertech (HPPIII) programmer, you could raise the rev limiter, along with other performance modifications, if you so desired. With this in mind, the "redline" of the past would be for looks only. Still seems like something is missing on a tach without the redline though.
jim f

thedad

Hello everyone, I was just reading through the listings and saw that people are using WD40 as a lubricant. I think you ought to know that WD40 is a SOLVENT, Meaning that it desolves lubricants and other petroleum based products. It is not safe to use WD40 on your car. It will desolve all lubricants and wash them away leaving the friction surface open to abrasive grit that will damage moving parts. It will also attack most rubber and some plastic parts and cause them to deteriorate at a faster rate. Try an aerosol can of silcone lube or a product called Lubraplate if you need to lube a moving part. WD40 was designed to help remove rusted and stuck nuts and bolts. It is basically Kerosine with a surface tention reducer added to it. DO NOT USE ON YOUR CAR.

chipperrrrr

muzicman, thanks for the post. I have been experiencing the whine that you have also heard. I had an appointment for mine to have the tranny recall fixed today. I was also going to have the whine examined. However, wouldn*t you know it, after driving the thing with the whine(sounds like a high speed dentists drill), it disappeared today and I couln*t replicate it. The temp today around here was 65 degrees though. It seems like it is a low temp thing. I will definitely though check my power steering fluid level. I thought though that power steering sounds only focused when the steering was being used. My whine occurs when cruising or turning. I can only hope that this is a possible fix. The Gm man at the dealership had no techinical bulletins reported regarding the whine. Imagine that. Thanks again. Chipperrrrrrrr

tlauro

very good point.....and I should note that in my post regarding the gas pedal sticking and my lubricating it......I used it only the pedal, not the switch....there is a spring on the pedal with springs that hold it all together.

regardless, in my situation, they were replacing the entire assembly anyway so I didn't care.

tlauro

Well, the dealer once again came through and gave me a rental car...to insure the Trailblazer owners are happy I'm assuming. They are great anyway.

They replaced the whole switch and gas pedal assembly. That should cure the problem, but since they still have my vehicle, I'm not sure what the problem was yet.

The HVAC issue...they said the techs worked on it all day long just to figure it all out! They went through training on the vehicle but not to that degree and evidently, the auto climate system has some new and different parts/setups that they are not used to. That scares me. Again, no resolution or fix yet.

Lastly, they are researching the mirror issue we've all talked about. Not sure what will happen, but they indicated that they will be replacing both mirrors and the controls?

We'll see. Since they still have my truck, I'll enjoy the Green LTZ they gave me. This thing has 11,000 miles on it already too! Still tight inside and out.

tim