Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

vplaza

One thing that I really like about the OE stereo is that it is integrated with Onstar. When you use Onstar to make a call, it shuts off the stereo and switches to Phone mode. You can control the volume through the stereo.

Really cool. I'm sure you can get aftermarket units that can do the same thing, but it comes from the factory like that.

Vince
02 Black Envoy SLT
96 Black Impala SS

vplaza

I mentioned a while back that our black Envoy SLT also suffered from the paint problem around the plastic on the rear door.

Even though the dealer had it repainted twice and after they said they had beveled the plastic piece a little more to give it room to expand and not strip the paint, it looks like it's starting to strip paint again.

To top it off, they did not re-connect the rear wiper properly when they last repainted it! The car is going in tomorrow for lube/oil/rotation as well as an alignment check, so they'll re-connect it for us. (Have 10,000 miles on it and it's starting to wander ever so slightly to the right a little on the freeway.)

I'll also show the service manager the paint problem and maybe, just maybe, they'll get tired of repainting it and come up with a real solution.

I also think I'm suffering from the wandering sideview mirror problem. I can set the mirrors to how I want them, but whenever I go into reverse and the mirrors tilt down, when they go back to normal when I put it in gear, the mirrors seem to be slightly higher than how I set them. Horizontally, they seem to return properly, but vertically, they're just high enough that I have to manually adjust them lower to get the view that I wanted. I'm wondering if I should bring this up tomorrow as well.

Vince
02 Black Envoy SLT
96 Black Impala SS

jpnmass

GM just announced today (at least in my local paper (the NY Daily News)) that ALL 2002 GM cars & trucks (excl. the usual Saturn and Saab) will have a $2002 rebate through 2/28/02. I wish I was in the market right now. I am looking at the triplets but can't afford one until spring/summer time. Hopefully they will have some good incentives left by then!

I would doubt you can get a factory ordered car fom the General in 7 weeks. I love GM and have never bought any other make, but my experience has been that 8-10 weeks is the norm (sometimes 12) for a factory order. Anyone get a car in less than 7 weeks from GM?

icojones

My local dealer told me this (and also said I would have no problem getting the car by 2/28). If you were planning on 5-yr. financing, this deal is much better than the 0% deals.

rcmiller

Came across this last night while searching for service bulletins.

http://service.gm.com/gmtechlink/January2001/articles/NewEngine.html

spdmtr5

Took the TB from Colo. Spgs. to Vegas and Laughlin Nev.Mileage at 75-80,2300-2500 rpm was 19 to20 mpg.3.73 ratio.Have the drivers side whistle at 55-60 mph.Mid trip a popping noise developed in the front suspension.Heard it at low speed over rough stuff.Wish I had that low elevation power here.I have found that you must use the full range of the throttle travel; the first half seems as if nothing is happening,beyond that-hang on.I just need to remember that it is not a big block V8.Something has to be done about the rear resonence muffler.It really does not look good there;almost an afterthought.A great trip in an awesome car.

pepper50

I think it would cost me about $350 to order factory-installed running boards on a new Envoy. Are the quality and looks as good as the aftermarket ones? Are they chrome or painted or what? ARe they actually installed at the factory, or does the dealer put them on after the vehicle arrives at destination? I'm thinking about getting them mainly because of comments I've read on here about paint chipping from stones.
Thanks.

baitisj

Hey there:

I bought the Envoy and was disappointed to find that I can't install my nice MP3 deck without buying additional components to work with the OnStar system.

However, it looks like some pretty drastic things can occur if you swap radios. Check out this link:

http://service.gm.com/gmtechlink/Sept2001/articles/radioswap.html

(Yuck!)

After reading that article, I'm now very interested in the Envoy's Class 2 serial network. Wouldn't it be cool if you could hack the network to scroll messages across the console in the front?

Or how about figuring out a way of interfacing with that cool OnStar GPS unit... I bet it uses NMEA

Here's some components to look at:

Soundgate's STARMOD1 and STARMOD2

SoundGate GMSW1 (for retaining steering wheel controls)

PAC SWI-X (also for retaining steering wheel controls)

http://eclipse-car.freeyellow.com/OnStar.htm

spdmtr5

On the long 3 lane uphill into Albuquerque NM from the west I was on the cruse control at about 80 mph..A new Explorer that had been ahead since Gallup began to slow.He gave way about halfway up, the TB dropped out of overdrive (3700 rpm) and at the top the TB had the Explorer by 500 yds.My lovely wife gave me the look and said "You just had to do that,didnt you"

vplaza

I hate to beat a dead horse, but maybe if more owners spoke up to GM, they'd come out with a permanent fix for the paint problem around the plastic molding on the rear hatch.

I just dropped of our 02 SLT at the GMC dealer for routine maintenance, and I pointed out to my service writer that the paint had started to peel again where the plastic met the paint on the rear hatch. He sounded surprised because he thought that their "fix" during the second repainting of the area would be a permanent fix. Nope, it wasn't.

So, I walked through the lot to look at all the other Envoys there. Guess what, ALL OF THE ENVOYS ON THE LOT HAD THE PAINT PEELING PROBLEM! It was more difficult to see on the white ones, but on the dark colored ones, you can't miss it.

If anyone is planning on buying one of the triplets or if you already have yours on order, I seriously suggest that you take a good look at that area on the rear hatch and point it out to your salesman. Maybe if the sales managers bring it up to GM and not just the service guys, GM will come out with a permanent fix for this small but irritating problem.

I apologize if it seems that I'm making a big deal about something small, but $30k is a lot of money and to have an obviously defective design go unfixed on it is unacceptable to me.

Vince
02 Envoy SLT
96 Impala SS

bryancos

Pretty cool toy... uhltronics makes a "triad" adapter that allows you to integrate a Nokia handsfree car kit with the factory OnStar system... (since OnStar's calling plans are so danged expensive, this is tempting since it'll allow me to use my current phone and plan) It was designed for use w/ SAABs, but will work with ANY OnStar equipped vehicle... (read the FAQ)

See the following URL for details:

http://www.uhltronics.com/

robsuts

A month back, I read a few notes about the "wandering" outside mirrors. Well.. I have it now. Even while not selected to move when put in reverse (menu option), my mirrors move on startup. The move to extremes and start "clicking" when they reach their travel limits. Ugh. Anyone know of a SIB (service info bulletin) on this?
Additionally, my Bose radio (Envoy) goes out sometimes -- I think it is the AMP as the radio head unit appears to be working and the OnStar voice doesn't work when pushed. A key cycle (long enough for the reserve power to go out) resolves the problem. Anyone else have this issue? Thanks in advance - Rob
PS Still glad I didN'T get the ML320 versus the Envoy.

hambone7

Can anyone out there confirm that the recirculate button does not shut off automatically after 8 minutes? Mine shuts off automatically after 8 minutes. I posted this before and one person stated that they have the problem too. I would like to know if it's a problem for all the triplets.

vplaza

Our 02 SLT also shuts off recirculate after some time. We haven't timed it yet, but it's probably close to 8 minutes. Annoying, to say the least.

Maybe it's a feature, not a bug.

Vince

jpnmass

I don't have one of the triplets, but am looking at this board for info. Anyway, most newer cars have a feature that automatically shuts off the re-circulate feature after a specified period of time. The logic is that if it stays on for hours, the air in the car loses it's oxygen level and people are more prone to fall asleep. 8 minutes sounds a bit quick, though.

vplaza

Got a call back from the service writer at the dealer. They are going to have me deal with the GMC Product Manager (whatever that is). The service writer said that it is an obvious factory defect that they won't be able to fix permanently in the service department, so I will need to deal with this other person to get it resolved.

I can't wait to hear from him or her.

Vince

flyguy7

I brought my TB in for a noise in the steering, when you turn it all the way it will make a rubbing sound. Dealer and GM say it is the rack and that they had this problem on early production models???? Mine was built in May. They are ordering a complete rack for it. Also all of my window weather stripping seems to have shrunk in size. You can see a gap between the stripping and the door. They have ordered a complete set for all of the windows. Also if any of you up north hit any snow or plow through it with a TB you will loose some of the retainers that hold the spoiler on the bumper. They have had to replace 3 on mine. Looks like another area to be concerned about.

icojones

I didn't want a sunroof, but it looks like I'll end up getting one on a new TB. Has anyone had any sunroof problems?

Any headroom issues? I'm only 5'10" but my Honda Civic sunroof leaves me with little headroom.

vplaza

Our Envoy has the sunroof. No problems with the sunroof itself, but you should check that the headliner isn't sagging just below the area where the sunroof is. Ours was and they fixed it under warranty.

BTW, my mistake. It wasn't the GMC Product Manager that my service writer was going to have me meet about the paint problem. I'm meeting with the GM Representative (his name is on my invoice somewhere). Not sure what that means, though, but if he's not going to get me a permanent fix to this paint problem, there's going to be trouble.

Vince

icojones

Vince -- What exactly is the headliner?

Thanks,

Dave

vplaza

Dave, it's what you see when you look up at the ceiling of the vehicle. It should be snugly adhered to the roof of the vehicle. Ours was actually sagging down from the roof and had to be reattached/reglued.

Vince

mihobu

I picked up my Black Envoy SLT on New Year's Eve (I just couldn't resist 0%) and I just love it. The fit and finish on mine are excellent, IMO, and everything seems to be in order except for the occasionally wandering mirrors...

I know that someone posted information about the wandering mirrors problem, but I can't find it (and the search "features" are not so great...) Anyway, if someone can repost or e-mail the info to me, I would really appreciate it.

Also, There was something about missing fasteners in the wheel wells. Are there supposed to be rivets or something there? And how can I tell if the front fascia is attached properly?

Thanks in advance for the info!

-mhb
'02 Envoy SLT Onyx Black

hardhawk

I am 6'4" and have the sunroof in my Envoy. I have enough headroom. Wish that the DVD had been available with the sunroof, but understand why it's not.

ajethva

I had problems with a wandering driver's mirror and had the dealer replace the mirror and mirror module. It now works perfectly. Now, if I can only figure out where the wind noise is coming from...

chipperrrrr

RC, I hesitate to send you this posting due to the fact that my tb has stopped squealing. I had the problem with a high pitched squeal that seemed to modulate with the RPM*s. It happened each day after I made a sharp right turn in driving which would activate the squeal which would not stop until the wheels stopped moving. The squeal seemed to also appear after the temp had dropped below 32 degrees or so, and it further seemed to appear when the pavement was wet. After making an appointment with the service department, I took her in on a morning when the temp was 55. Guess what. As usual, no squeal when you want it to happen. Although the temps have dropped below that level here in WV since that appointment, (knock on wood), the squeal has not reappeared. I imagine that after this post tonight, I will put the "hex" on the TB and I*ll hear the "dentists drill" noise reappear. Keep me informed of your progress. I will do the same from my end.

envoysle

I'm waiting for my Envoy SLE, but I have a question : Does the radio (CD only) has any AUX input ? I would realy like to use my RioVolt MP3 player in the truck and i don't realy want to use the tape deck to do so.

Is it possible ? Do I still need the tape deck & special cassette to do it ?

HELP ME!

Stephane.

sstrader

While at the GMC dealership last week to have several minor things done, I asked about the lack of fasteners for the plastic liners to metal fender in the front wheel wells. I was told there were not supposed to be any unless one were adding fender flairs to the vehicle. I'm not sure I believe this and will, when I get a first chance, go look at some newer Envoy production vehicles to see if newer ones have fasteners. Plus, I am unaware of any fender flairs for this vehicle. Mine has a 08/01 production date. In any event, has anyone else noticed whether their front wheel well plastic liners are attached to the metal fender with some sort of fastener at the top of the wheel well?

Steve
02 Envoy SLT
Magnetic Red

tlauro

sstrader

you're not alone....this question came up a while back and I confirmed what I was told which is that on my Trailblazer (solid black) the two-tone produced units use flares on the fenderwells.

yep, they start out just like mine and bolt on the flares which are painted different.

not sure, but I'd like to have a set in black, just to protect the metal edges from careless others.

tim

tcd2

I am also experiencing the squeal in my TB LT, although mine is more like a high pitched whistle. The dentist drill sound mentioned early is a good description. It just started this last week after our 1st snow fall here in VA. I drove it in real cold weather in OH and had no problem. The roads here were bad so I used A4WD and 4WD. After that I noticed the sound. It doesn't start until I get to 30 mph or faster. Sometimes its a low whistle and at others it is loud. And then again may not be there at all. When it does happen it seem to take a few minutes of driving before it starts. I hope its nothing serious. If anyone gets theirs fixed please post the remedy. Thanks

tlauro

check with your dealer as there is a TSB on the front transfer case seal that will cure the dentist drill sound.

current design that is causing this is rubbing the rotating axel and thus the noise begins.

typically it seems to start at 25mph.

tim

trout48

Just picked up my TB LS .Thanks for the reply to ..Would you buy again? Am reading the manual. It says to change oil when the light comes on and that could be up to a year ....no set milage change. a) I always thought oil on a new vehical should be changed the first 1000 miles to get rid of any metal/contaminants during the break in period? b)any thoughts on changing every 3500 miles and foreget what the light indicates? c) what about synthetic oil any benfits ? Any comments would be appreciated.

stever

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer narrowly won North America Truck of the Year honors over the Chevrolet Avalanche and the Jeep Liberty.

Associated Press link

Edmunds.com story (with a pic)

Steve
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acurahad

I am getting ready to close on a deal for a TB LT & there is no way that I will run Dino oil for up to a year. Personally, I want the extra protection & will change to syn oil at the first change/1200 miles. yes, I read that it could go up 12,000 before changing. I would be worried that the idiot light would burn out or the sensor not read correctly.

2002_trailblaz

Here is a link in ref to trout48 about oil types

http://www.centuryperformance.com/engineoil.htm

To acurhad you should do some homework on the GM Oil Life Monitor, there are no sensors in the system it is all done by the computer, this prevents unnecessary oil changes or more frequent oil changes base on your driving style.

http://service.gm.com/techlink/html_en/pdf/200003-en.pdf#dst03

http://service.gm.com/techlink/html_en/pdf/200111-en.pdf#dst07

These two links are from GM to their techs, as they require re-educating as well, times are changing.

dketcham

ralfo - coolsly2 -rcmiller - tcd2. It has now been almost two months and 1000 miles since I had the right front axle seal replaced by my dealer to resolve the high-pitched squeal problem. So far it has not re-occurred. Hopefully that has cured the problem.

macman246

Just wanted to confirm I have the right gmpartsdirect.com part numbers for my '02 Envoy:

12497886 running boards

I assume this part number is for the pair, so I only need to order one, right? My dealer tried to sell me 15044601 (left) and 15044602 (right) at $422.71 each!!! They must be gold plated or something.

I'm also ordering mudguards 12497606 (front) and 12497607 (rear). I also assume these come in pairs, so I only need to order one of each, right?

Also, I remember reading somewhere that I can install both mud guards and running boards without interference, correct?

TIA

hmaximo

Yes the molded mud-gaurds fit perfect with running boards.

acurahad

Maybe you need to do your homework, because no computer can tell, if you are driving in a dusty environment or not. I was not stating fact as to how the monitoring system works, but maybe it used sensor, But it does use a light, does it not? Also I probably have more experience than you into the workings of oil. Go ahead & keep Dino oil in your TB for 12,000 or more, but not me.

hambone7

I wouldn't recommend that you put the "fender flares" on your TB....just think about that Ohio salt seeping down in between the flare and your fender...and oxidizing.

I made the finding about the flares a few months ago and posted it...but what still remains a mystery is why the Envoys and Bravadas have the holes...unless it has to do with consistency between the vehicles in the manufacturing process. The factory really should put the plugs in the fenders even if they do nothing...look at how much sleep so many of us have lost over the "holes in the fenders" issue.

tlauro

yeah, but someone needs to take Christian Wardlaw out beat him.

Ford Explorer V8....yeah, real revolutionary....style...has none....V8...hardly advanced and can't even outpower a 6....and the third row thing....what about the extended version of the TB and Envoys? Besides, ever sit in an explorer with a third row...real comfortable...NOT! Heck, the way I see it, GM didn't fail to bring a 3rd row vehicle to market as they have, but rather Ford just cut corners and stuck in some jump seats to even compete!

and handling....so the explorer corners better, I've driven it and agree...but it rides stiffer and if I'm on the road in an SUV, I'd rather crank the Bose system, which puts Fords premium to shame, and ride in comfort driving SUV.

Lastly....quality....yeah again...right....quality and Ford Explorers....sure, next you'll say Jeeps are reliable. GM's no import, I will say that, but Ford Explorers....nuff said.

Enjoy the life of the bland Christian. I'd recommend the gun-metal gray/green color I've seen so much of too. It really fits the Fords.

tim

stever

Glad you enjoyed it :-)

Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

iexplore2000

First off.. I must say that I love Tim's post above (#3208) concerning Ford Explorer vs. Triplets! Ha, ha.. Brutal but TRUE!

With me currently owning a 2000 Ford Explorer Limited and the 2002 GMC Envoy SLT, I can honestly say that my Ford has given me almost 2 years worth of trouble-free driving! Yeah... I am somewhat amazed too, but at 34,000 miles and the V-8 AWD still purring, I have no complaints with the exception that I am trying to sell it because I have no need for it now that the Envoy is around.. Plus.. the Explorer is a lease whereas I bought my Envoy!

All in all, despite the hype with Firestone and Ford, I can honestly say that I know for sure that my 2000 is a pretty high-quality vehicle. Actually, I drove it this weekend from Michigan to Ohio (in order to let a friend try to sell it) and I was somewhat amazed at the top notch materials that they used in the interior as well as the exterior. Kind of made me wish that the triplet designers had stolen some of the materials from Ford.. ha, ha. The center armrest is trimmed in this leather like material that matches the leather seats, also the door panels have real leather trim surrounding them as well. Wow.. kudos for Ford.. the paint is by far the best jobs that I have seen on any car.. I have the extra cost "White Pearl Tri-Coat" and my Envoy has the extra cost "Magnetic Red Metallic" paint and I think that Ford did a better job with the paint. The look and feel seems to be of a higher quality that what is used on the triplets. Okay.. enough praising my Ford.. but lets remember, I am talking about my 2000.. I don't particularly care for the 2002's so the story may be different. Just my opinion! Whoever buys my Ford will be one happy camper..

In regard to the wandering mirrors, my driver's side mirror had been replaced last month and the replacement seemed to cure the problem on that particular side. Last week, I dropped off my Envoy to have the OnStar module replaced (been in the shop since Thursday and still no Envoy) and I asked the service guy to replace the passenger side mirror because it seems to "wander" and never return back to its' original position. He ordered the mirror along with the new OnStar module so I will let you know how everything turns out once I get her back.. hopefully before Wednesday..

Thanks!

Dennis D.

IExplore2000@aol.com

boz151

Hello All,
I just picked up my 2002 Bravada in Jewelcoat Red. Car is for my wife and we love it thus far(had it a week). Just got our first snow of the season, so we'll see if she still likes it when she gets home. I wanted to see if anyone has had any experience with the paint protectant films such as the 3M mfgd one. Is it easy to apply to this car etc?

By the way, got it for $34,250 with Bose Package, Sunroof, Heated Seats, Conv and Lux Package, Paint and Jersey Cost Surcharge(??). Not too back we thought. I would recommend Norman Gale Olds in NJ over Ayers if people are looking in Northern/Central Jersey area.

Boz

bryancos

Stephane,

Look into one of the FM modulators that will allow you to use your MP3 player by transmitting the output on an unused FM frequency. Arkon is one manufacturer that comes to mind. They make a device called a "soundfeeder". I'm getting one to use w/ my iPAQ handheld (which is MP3 capable) And it'll also work w/ the talking GPS software. Check out their products at: http://www.arkon.com/

Bryan

===
#3194 of 3213 AUX input on radio for MP3 player ?? by envoysle Jan 05, 2002 (01:24 pm)
I'm waiting for my Envoy SLE, but I have a question : Does the radio (CD only) has any AUX input ? I would realy like to use my RioVolt MP3 player in the truck and i don't realy want to use the tape deck to do so.

Is it possible ? Do I still need the tape deck & special cassette to do it ?

HELP ME!
Stephane.

bryancos

FINALLY! After waiting for the holiday delays, I received my K&N Air Filter (Part No. E-1009 for all three triplets) and got it installed. It requires you use the supplied clamp to attach it, vs. the pop on factory filter... fits into the stock airbox with no problems. I've noticed my Envoy seems to climb the local hills more willingly without downshifting. After a couple tankfulls I'll have a better idea of how much mpg improves, but from past experience I'm looking forward to a 2-3MPG jump.... they can be ordered online at www.martelbros.com

stever

Funny that K&N makes no claims (that I've ever seen) for improved mpg by using their filter. ymmv, but I'm a skeptic :-)

Check out the K&N Air Filters, bolt-on power? discussion for the pros and cons.

Steve
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bryancos

Au Contrair mon frair... K&N DOES make a fuel economy claim... Posted at:

http://www.knfilters.com/filtercharger.htm

Read the testimonials there. I was getting 13-14mpg in my 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee...after the filter was installed I was getting 17-18mpg.

* Improves Fuel Economy <<<<<<<

* Increases Power

* Washable and Reusable

* Will NOT Void Vehicle Warranty

* Lasts up to 50,000 miles before service is required

* K&N Original Equipment Replacement Filters are Emission Legal in all 50 US States.

* 10 Year / Million Mile Limited Warranty

* Pleated Design Provides More Filtering Surface

* Works with Original Equipment Manufacturer Computer Systems

stever

Thanks bryancos - I don't think it used to be there. I tossed my fliers a while ago - maybe they've changed them too.

(I'm still skeptical (glowing testimonials by satisfied customers just isn't enough for me, absent some independent testing).

Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

baitisj

Actually, instead of using the FM modulator, use the plain old tape input adaptor. The fidelity is much better.

-Jeff

robsuts

Sounds like GM must be aware of the wandering mirror issue (replacement of the mirror and controller sounds like the answer).

I still have the intermittent problem of the sound cutting out. The radio, CD and onstar all go dead (sound wise). The sounds comes back when you recylce the key -- when the auxiliary courtesy power goes out, you can restart the engine with full sound. Has anyone else had this issue?

The headliner behind the sunroof is continually falling. I guess I need more industrial velcro!?!

Bose radio / amplifier responses appreciated!