Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

pcrisp

Has anyone found any replacement for the Bravada's fog lights. The factory lights suck big time. They need to project more in a straight pattern because they are recessed so far into the bumper they are being masked by the front of the bumper. Also even if they would shoot farther than 5 feet in front of the car, they aren't too bright either. Any suggestion would be great!

macman246

lbarter: I installed the PIAA super white bulbs in my Envoy. It took a few hours because they won't twist right into the headlight assembly. You have to loosen the retaining collars to get them to fit snuggly in there. Then you need to adjust the aim since it will be way off after re-tightening the retaining collars. The results are fantastic! I can see so much better at night and I'm not even blinding other drivers (well, at least no one has flashed me yet). To be safe, you could have the certifiable ASE grease monkeys adjust them for you. Funny note: the headlight assemblies are made in the UK.

Moving seat: this has happened for the first time in 3500 miles. I stopped for gas, and when I got back in, the seat was all the way back. I do NOT have that setting turned on for moving the seat for easy entry/exit. Strange.

So far after 3500 miles and 3.5 months I'm very happy with my 2WD Envoy SLT with 4.10 axle and air suspension. No rattles, wandering/dimming/double image mirrors, wind noise, squeeks, leaks, audio problems, Onstar problems, buzzing noises, paint chipping on rear, NOTHING (knock on simulated wood). My only minor complaints are some "fit" problems on close inspection, aged-looking exterior black rubber pieces (painted on some Armorall and they look fine now), bad cupholder design in front, only 16-17 mpg for mostly city driving, missing the 2nd latch on the rear passenger seat, and the pewter color is hard to keep looking clean after a storm. This truck drives like a dream compared to the '93 Exploder I traded in and my wife's '99 Expedition.

mgrcm

For those who are now noticing water leaks,I brought my Envoy in for it's first service and am now waiting for them to get in a new weather strip in to replace mine.I noticed mine was leaking when I washed it.Also shocked to find out GM no longer gives you the first oil change free anymore,so I told them to forget it I'll do it myself.Also my side mirror was messed up when I picked it up.The seat was wrong when I got in it so I hit my driver 1 button to reset my seat and the side mirror kept trying to go out all the way of it's adjustment,so it was binding because it kept trying to go past it's limit stop.So I go back in and get the service manager to show him and tell him about the problem of the mirrors everyone was having not going back to there original position.His answer was I've sold a lot of these things and never heard of the mirror problems and I'll have to research this.Aren't these guys great,They kept my Envoy overnite because of the engine knock I have when the engine is cold and his answer as always is there's nothing wrong with it.They also have to replace 2 wheel center caps,losing the paint finish and it's been over a week and the clowns still don't have everything in yet.I can't wait to see how my liftgate comes out after they replace the weather strip.

Rick

hmaximo

I'm just curious as to what made all of us choose how we did.I chose the Envoy because of my dislike of the Olds AWD and over the TB because it looks very plain inside and like a Geo tracker in the front.I have added several items to date such as a Billet grille and power Ant.
The Audio was lacking both in Bose and standard so I now have a very nice Alpine system which fits superb and sounds even better.As for performance a K&N airfilter and Borla dual exhaust are all I have done,but the result is a very mellow tone and lots of bottom end.The final project this year is a set of 18x8" polished wheels and tires.

lyndellw

Would you mind sending me an e-mail,reference your billet grill. Where did you get it, polished or black, and do you have to cut out the original grill to install? Would appreciate this very much as I have wanted to do this from day one.

Thank You,
L.Webb
lwebb@effingham.net

flyersrule

Where was it leaking? I had to have the rear quarter panel replaced because I hit a wall, and not sure if it is leaking because of the work the auto body shop did or if it was that way from the beginning. This is the first significant rain that we have had, so I never saw any leaking before.

Mark

quickdtoo

Here's a link to a TB billet grille. This has been here more than once, they go for $130 or so everytime I've bid on it, more than I'll pay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=599364550&r=0&t=0

spdmtr5

and replace with a straight pipe? how much louder,any increase in power?

tlauro

Well, I've just about had it. I talked with the service Mgr. today and should be hearing back from the GM District Mgr on Thursday.

Looks like they are going to try one last time to get the HVAC to warm properly and the mirrors to stay put.

According to the GM Mgr if it doesn't work, we'll begin the Buy Back Process.

I love my Trailblazer, but the little things like this are what I really hate. I grew up in a GM Family and have seen my fair share of issues but now this one is on me.

Not sure what I will get, but I may just go back to a Sport Sedan. Will keep you posted.

tim

tlauro

"I chose the Envoy because of my dislike of the Olds AWD"

Unlike previous generations the Smart Track System in the 02 Bravada is the same as the Envoy and Trailblazer. The only difference is it comes standard with a limited slip rear diff.

The Viscous Clutch System is gone Now it's just A4WD full time which drives the rear wheels in 2WD mode until slip is detected. It then shifts power to the front...and utilizes it's LSD to control any wheel spin that may be present.

In the end, it's not what I would call true AWD.

tlauro

"As for performance a K&N airfilter and Borla dual exhaust are all I have done"

What Borla muffler did you use? Jump to their web site and reply with the part number. If I do keep my TB LTZ, I'd like to look into it.

thanks

calienvoy

I have posted before on the loud fan noise and increased RPM's with a loss of torque/power. I have had all of the recall's done and the computer reprogram done. The problem does not happen as often but it still occurs every 1-2wks. I have complained to the BBB autoline about a possible buy back but due to the difficulty of reproducing this problem they are very reluctant at this time. I have also had the problem with the 4WD lights coming on without changing the switch. The airbag lights have also come off and on for no apparent reason and are not triggering a code when checked out in the service department. I would suggest that anyone else that is having these problems contact GM customer service and comlain about the problem not getting fixed. Please respond if anyone else is having these problems.

tcd2

Has anybody checked the tranny fluid in their Trailblazer? I have had my TB for about 2 wks and have close to 700 miles is all. I did a routine fluid check because of an upcoming road trip. The tranny fluid seemed low, it was just at the bottom set of xxxx's. The temp gauge showed the temp just below 210. User's manual says between 180 - 210 for checking. The manual shows a picture of the dipstick with cold and hot written on it. My dipstick does not have those markings just xxx's. To me the fluid seems low. I don't want to damage anything by adding or not adding any fluid. Any suggestions?

agenteleven

YOWZA, tlauro! Buy Back?

gmdrone

Just wanted to relay my experience, had an '01 GMC Sonoma with the normal 4wd system, and there was a waterleak in the cowl which allowed the water into the connector for the ECM for the 4wd system. It would often switch into 4wd without the light even going on. It drove us nuts trying to figure out what was going on, and we drove the dealer nuts! They initially replaced the ECM, and "cleaned the connector, and caulked the leak. One month later it was worse than ever, and the truck was running crappy, and mileage had dropped from 17 to about 11. Took it back to dealer, they said there wasn't anything wrong! Spouse drove truck to dealer, screamed at write-up man, they took the truck in, gave her a loaner, and called me to apologize! Turns out that the original repair was made with the wrong ECM, this messed up the ECM for the engine, and carboned up the plenum with soot. Two days later, we had our truck back, good as new! Fortunately, we leased it, as two months before the lease was up, it started doing the same thing. I pity the poor S*B who bought that from GMAC! Hopefully, that is not the case with your triplet!

bryancos

Lbarter,
I replaced the stock bulbs with PIAA Superwhites, but it was a real P.I.T.A. because they manufactured them slightly different that U.S. OEM bulbs and therefore they would not simply screw in. I had to remove the outer ring of the retainer (three phillips screws) insert the new bulb and replace the ring and screws. These are not "over-wattage bulbs", but they do produce a much whiter beam with better distance and side lighting in my opinion. Someone had told me a while back on a JEEP forum (I'm a former GC owner) that Philips Ultravision bulbs are also worthy of of a look -- and they cost much less than the PIAAs. The PIAAs can be found on autosupermart.com. Check your local parts stores for the Philips bulbs...

minn_tb

Went in this morning for a routine oil change and the recall on the transmission. They said about an hour or so. An hour and 15 minutes later, I am wondering the status, so I go from the break room to the service dept, and my TB is sitting outside!

I go to the service window to pay, and yup, sure enough, it is mine. Who knows how long it was out there. I pay and go out to my car to see if there is any extra grease on the truck, like I have heard of others here on the list. A little on the door, none on the hood, though. Then I try to open the door. Nothing. Is this my blue LTZ? I check the license plate. Yup, mine. Key Fob doesnt work. So I open it with the key (yikes!) and it works. Truck starts fine, so I go back in and mention it to them.

To make a long story short, 5 service guys and 35 minutes later, they ask me if I can leave it for the day. I had to use it, so I will bring it back this evening, and they will hopefully finish it tonight. FYI, power mirrors work, stereo works, seat WILL NOT MOVE (power) at all, not with the "driver 1" program, or with using the controls on the side of the seat. Luckily, it is near what I normally drive with.

More later...

bryancos

Okay1,
Several of us have experienced the problem of the vehicle going into 4WD automatically, in spite of the switch being physically in another mode. GM has come out w/ a new replacement switch that should address this issue. Your servicing dealer should be able to get a new one and replace it for you... Mine was replaced twice before they got it right...

agenteleven

What did they DO to it?

I'm beginning to wonder if maybe these trucks are too advanced for the average auto technician... Maybe the dealerships need to get electrical engineers on staff to handle our problems.

OR, envision this: Maybe GM needs to actually TRAIN their technicians.

bryancos

The Mudguards shown in my prior post came from GM, and yes they can be installed with factory running boards according to a post by hmakimo. You can see if your dealer's part dept. will give you a deal, or you can order them from gmpartsdirect.com I don't have the Envoy part numbers handy, but they're listed here in the forum somewhere, or perhaps someone remembers what they are for the Envoy and will repost them. (there's diff part numbers for TB/Envoy/Bravada)

bryancos

I recall some of us were moaning that this forum software didn't provide threads or searches a while back. I sent feedback to Edmunds, and this is their response. There apparently was "...overwhelming member feedback to use flat unthreaded discussions..."??? Interesting...

================
Thank you very much for your feedback regarding Edmunds.com's Town Hall.

The Town Hall team is aware of other message board/discussion forum software --
please know that the company chose our current software based upon overwhelming
member feedback to use "flat" unthreaded discussions. We will be improving our
software's search functionality in the next few months.

Thanks again for your comments.

- Edmunds.com Customer Service

stever

Town Hall has been a "conversation" based message forum for years now and it seems to have worked out well for Edmunds.com - different strokes....

Steve
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mgrcm

My liftgate window is leaking in the center of the liftgate window.I was out washing it again today and saw the water streaking down the inside,still waitng on the replacement weather strip to come in.

Rick

bryancos

Sokulit, I found the info on the GMC Logo mudguards for the Envoy... Thanks again to Lyndellw for posting the original msg in August!
=======
#18 of 28 Moulded Splash Guards by lyndellw Aug 19, 2001 (03:45 pm)
Here are the GM p/n's for moulded splash guards.

GM list / GMPartsDirect.com price
12497606 $29.00 / $20.30
12497607 $29.00 / $20.30
They have the "GMC logo"

tlauro

yep.....Buy Back.

I tt. the GM Regional Rep again today and here's the scoop.

MIRRORS: Evidently they have completed the reprogram of the two computers that control the mirrors. Here they will actually replace the control modules, not just flash the memory with an upgrade.

HVAC: I'm not alone. They do know of an issue and really believe they have a fix. I hope so, as otherwise I will miss my LTZ.

The parts for the mirrors and the upgrade program for the HVAC should be at the dealer in Columbus just after the first of the year. They will call me or I am to call if I haven't heard anything by the first Friday. It will take one full day and perhaps one night to test and insure all is good.

If it works, I'll be tickled and keep my TB. If it doesn't, I will have the paperwork for a buy back started by their Customer Relations Mgr ready to be signed off on.

Not sure what I will do, but as of tonight, I'll probably try for another TL Type S Sedan, but pay anywhere near sticker as in Columbus they feel they can continue to get. It'll actually be an experience that's for sure. Who knows though, I could by anything from an SUV to a sports car. Depends on my mood at that point.

tim

candlbuff

I had the same problem occur last week. I just got my TB back from the Dealer. They fixed the problem, or at this point, it seems fixed. They told me that I had a short in my fan blower motor, which they replaced.

The TB seems to shift the way it should (better than at any time I've had it -2000 miles). Contact your dealer's service department and let them know that this is what you think the problem might be.

Happy Holidays!

minn_tb

I posted message #3034 above about taking my TB in for oil change and recall.

They took out the #6 fuse and forgot to replace it. It took them 2 hours after I took it in again in the evening. I kick myself, for I should have checked that myself, although, I think that rule #1 in the GM handbook should be "If you take something out, put it back when you are done". Isn't that one of the kindergarten rules, too?

If you experience similar problems (no key fob, power seat doesn't work), check the #6 fuse. It may save you several hours of hassle...

brh

noller2g

Hello everyone.....

I just took delivery of a 2002 Red Bravada 2WD with Sunroof and Heated Seats and Bose. Great car (truck).

I traded in a 2000 Lincoln LS V8 so I had high expectations about the new Bravada. We test drove a TB LTZ for a weekend and over 200 miles and really liked the ride and power (though no match for the power of the LS V8). The TB was nice, but the Bravada ended up only costing us about $1200 more than the best deal we could work on the TB LTZ and the Bravada has more in it (Bose, sunroof, heated seats). The LS also has a real taught sporty suspension, so the Bravada is a change from that.

All in all we like the hell out of it so far. We have noticed very good build quality, fit and finish inside and out compared to my last three new Ford products, and even the foreign premium makes. Olds has gotten their quality up.

We do have the paint problem in the rear plastic license plate housing, very noticeable in the red. Will wait for a long term fix on that one.

Only other nit is the right front bumper cover is misaligned with the fender, so will need adjusting.

I am unaware of any recall status on the steering and/or transmission, but the build date is 08/01.

Mirrors seem to work fine, as does the heat and Bose system (which puts the Alpine system in the Lincoln to shame).

I've read many of the posts here, but there are three thousand of them, and no search engine that I could find.

Could someone sumarize the general hints, warnings, and "things you got to know now" for me?

Thanks, and Merry Christmas.

Greg Noller
Wichita
02 Bravada 125 miles
85 S10 Blazer w/161,000 miles
00 Honda Valkyrie Interstate 10,200 miles
92 Tempo w/129,000 miles

tidester

noller2g,

Welcome to the Town Hall! We look forward to hearing a lot more from you!

There's a board search tool which you should see at the top left of this page though it's not great. Edmund's is working on improving it.

tidester
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agenteleven

Hey noller2g,

Check out post 2450 & 2451... lurker01 did a pretty good job of summarizing or listing a lot of older posts.

agenteleven

Just curious, but what did they remove that fuse for?

sokulit

Bryancos, Thanks for the information about the mudguards for the Envoy! I appreciate your help.

medolark

Hello everyone, I'm new to the boards here.
I've read a lot of the postings and hope this hasn't been covered previously - I just ordered a new Envoy with locking rear differential. Can anyone tell me how it works and if there is manual control?

quickdtoo

I've got a TB with the locking diff, works well although it takes a couple revolutions of slip to lock up, but then it's locked, no limited slip after that. I just received my factory service manual, it doesn't say who the manufacturer is but it looks like an Eaton Govlock from the appearance and description of how it works.n I purposely put the TB in a bind to lift a rear wheel and it still made way after a couple turns in the air. There is no manual control, it's totally automatic and transparent, no funny characteristics on the road..Tim

ralfo

I brought my Envoy in for the squeal and they ended up ordering the new seal for the front. It's about 4 weeks later and they called to make an appt, but the squeal stopped about a week after taking it and hasn't happened since.

Has anyone had the seal replaced? What's involved? I would rather not have them take the front axle apart if not really needed. Please advise.

Also, I ordered the rubber mats all around and was just curious how long the wait is to receive them?

hmaximo

Please check the area of the roof in front of the Moonroof opening.All of the Tb,Envoys and Bravadas I have looked at locally have a small ding or 2 in this area.Nothing major but for 35k+
not ideal

tidester

Welcome to the Town Hall and congrats on your new Envoy, medolark! Keep us posted!

tidester
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medolark

Thanks for the input. Where can I get my hands on shop manuals? I have them for my Lincoln LSC and would like to get a set for the Envoy.

quickdtoo

In the back of your owners manual there is a page with instructions for ordering the $120 FSM....Tim

hiker1

Check out the Eaton website, Truck Division, for more information on the G80 locking differential. I sent them an e-mail a few months ago regarding my confusion over interchangeable use of the terms "limited slip differential" and "automatic locking differential." I was specifically interested in the G80 unit which is used by GM on their light trucks and SUV's. I received a helpful response. Also, they sent me a nice video that shows exploded views of the G80 and how it works, plus live shots of Chevy trucks in the field with and without the G80. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name or address of the person at Eaton who sent me the information.

quickdtoo

Here's the link:

http://www.traction.eaton.com/prod2.htm

jbassoc

I would like to get more info in the G80. Eatons truck site is defective.
Test drove a TB w/ G80. While accelerating up my snowy driveway in the auto 4x4 mode the rears started to slip. The system put the vehicle in 4wd and the rear diff locked up causing the rear to slide out. A very dangerous situation. Perhaps this is why there are so many 4 wheel drive spinouts in the Sierra's.. My wife's
Jimmy has no locking diff and it never spins one rear wheel over the other and remains very stable in all kinds of snow. I assume the transfer case is the same as the TB's. I'm
trying to find a TB without the G80 but they seem to be rare. Any comments about the G80 for snow applications??? No off road is planned. Any Eaton comments are welcome.

quickdtoo

Side slip on an off camber surface is one of the big drawbacks for a locker, a limited slip would be a bit safer in that situation. Also being aware of this characteristic is helpful to prevent this from happening. A light throttle and using the second gear "snow" feature will help too. Applying to much throttle in any slippery situation will cause trouble. So many 4x4 spinouts are usually caused by driver overconfidence and inexperience, a 4x4 can go great on ice/snow, they just can't stop any better! I've had my TB with locker in 8" of snow on single track mountain logging roads(read primitive)and it worked great. BTW, the Eaton site works fine for me with Netscape. Tim

pvtkirby

Just got my new Bravada back from first oil change. The oil life monitor still reads 48%. Owner's manual not much help on reset procedure. What should I do. Thanks.

mgrcm

If it is like the Envoy you just bring up your oil life monitor on your display then press and hold your reset button(bottom right on your steering wheel)until it changes back to 100%.

Rick

coolsly2

I just got my new Trailblazer 2002 LT (100 miles now...) I finally hooked up with the TB instead of the Pathfinder and I think I made a good choice...

So far, I have two problems:
1st: The gauges are going nuts... Sometimes I start the truck and the RPM starts at 3000 and the speed at 20mph and the fuel/oil/battery indicators are to the right... If I check with the posts it seems it's a computer issue (related to the post with all the issues found on the board). Any other people had this fixed yet and could confirm it's a computer issue?

2nd: I also have a squeal in the front right wheel... I've seen in the last posts that somebody have the exact same but problem but also, does anybody had this addressed and what was the problem?

I also have a bizarre question... Anybody have done a 0-60mph by themself to check what are the "real" numbers not the "book" numbers?

I plan to modify my TB next summer when parts will become available here in CAN.

Thank's a lot,

Sylvain

coolsly2

I also have a wind noise when going about 50-60mph coming from the left mirror. Any suggestions? Should I *not* tell the dealer about it or there's a solution?

Sylvain

tlauro

"I also have a bizarre question... Anybody have done a 0-60mph by themself to check what are the "real" numbers not the "book" numbers?"

I've had mine to the track for S&G's as I often run both my other cars as a side hobby.

1/4 avg's 15.7's bone stock. Best of 15.675 Based on that I would assume 0-60 is about mid 7's but then I've not had an offical test done or used a GTECH but will this spring. Key is 3000rpm launch and shift out of first and into second at about 4k rpm which causes the Tranny to shift at a firm 6k rpm. Hold second the whole way through. Unlike my GTP, the speeds bone stock don't reach the limiter in 2nd.

tim
1999 GTP @ 13.689
2000 Alero "GT" @ 15.591
2002 Trailblazer LTZ @ 15.675

noller2g

I've never had any car with heated seats. Our new Bravada (480 miles) has them and they sure do get hot!

We have to shut them off about the time the cabin air temp warms up as we can't sit on them. They are two hot.

Also, when set for just the lower seat, We still feel the heat on the seat back.

No other bromlems except a misaligned front bumper and the peeling paint on the rear license area.

Power is great, got 20.9 MPG all highway today with a strong tailwind.

Wichita Greg

fletch45

Your heated seats have 3 temp settings...push once, lights 3 leds, high heat. push again, 2 leds remain lit, medium heat. push 3 times, 1 led remains lit, low heat.

There is no "bottom of seat" heater setting. The upright button turns on the back only. The horizontal button turns on the bottom and the back.
hope this helps
jim f