Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

cmack4

A number of users have posted on each of the concerns he listed, so he has reason to question the problems. Interestingly enough, I haven't encountered any of the problems yet (only 850 miles) on my 2002 Bravada. But then again, are these all even problems or just opinions? The Bose Stereo gets warm to the touch, but it's definitely within operating specifications. I haven't noticed the speakers vibrating the door, but the mirrors shake from the bass with the volume up The front fascia flexes a little, but it takes pretty much pressure, and it bounces right back. The tailgate issue I'm still trying to figure out. My permanent plates haven't come in yet, so I still have temp tags, but I did notice that there are rubber gaskets/standoffs on my Bravada that isolate the license plate from the body... is that where the problem is occuring? The wind noise is most likely coming from poor panel alignment or placement/orientation of the roof rack rails. Inspect for form and fit before you take delivery and you won't have this problem! My climate control is flawless, one of the best I've seen at keeping a constant temp that is actually representative of what it's set at. The heated seats are a little hot for my tastes on the higher 2 settings, but on low, it feels great. I drove about 250 miles each way to upstate New York with it last weekend, and had it on the whole ride.

flatsix

Is anyone having trouble with the Bose stereo auto volume? My vehicle is a TB LTZ. I had this feature on an older Nissan and it worked great. The manual states this feature is fully automatic but I have to keep changing the volume manually to make up for road noise etc.

Thanks

kimodo

hayhay:

Ionestly, couldn't reproduce it myself. Tried starting with the door open again, after I finally got the gauges to work, but same thing didn't happen. Maybe it only happens when you're driving and a door is opened or something, while you're in gear. But at least now I know that I wasn't the only one who experienced it. There was this other time I drove with the gate ajar and didn't realize it, but nothing like this happened. I think it's cause I didn't hit a bump like you did. But the fact remains that with most other cars, a warning or light tells you that something is open, instead of shutting down all the gauges. We all at one point or another, or at least I forget to close everything, and if the same thing happened on the highway, couldn't be the safest situation. Haven't brought it to the dealer's attentin yet, but once I do, I'll keep you all posted.

bryancos

sokulit,
it was the 1999+ model years, prior to the 2002's that had the factory HIDs... The 2002s use standard OEM sylvania halogen bulbs...
As stated earlier, 9006 are low beams 9005 are high beams
Not sure about replacements for the fogs, as I've not done it yet...

bryancos

Well guys, I took my Envoy in for service this morning to address the annoying squeal, along w/ my trusty edmunds forum printout. After inspecting the seals, the service dept has found that the seals were NOT the cause of my problem. Apparently one of the gear acutators is the culprit in my case -- parts are on order, they're keeping the vehicle overnight and the servicing dealer is providing me w/ a loaner. (Leased it from a GMC dealer in Denver, but having it serviced at the Chevy dealer who's near my house. Thumbs up to Al Serra Chevrolet in Colorado Springs, who has provided outstanding service, even though I did not purchase the vehicle from them! The service dept has had no issues about providing the warranty service on the Envoy) I'll post the service description notes when I get the vehicle back...

c2h6o

I had the autovolume on my 98 Blazer - that particular version even had 4 (or was it 5?) "sensitivity" levels. I kept it on the lowest setting - otherwise it blared at highway speeds and was whisper quiet elsewhere.
Anyway - on my TB LTZ, I leave the autovolume on all the time and find it works better than my 98 Blazer, but still not perfect. Although I only adjust the volume every now and again and then only by a level or two.
Also remember that the system works by estimating noise level (I don't think there's a decibel meter anywhere on board). The estimates are probably based off of noise readings done at various speeds and that's about it. Rougher surfaces will produce more noise, as will opening the windows, running the vent on high, etc etc. I don't believe that the autovolume can compensate for those factors.
Does anyone out there have the actual tech specs on how the autovolume works? I'm pretty much guessing here!

-Jason

cmack4

I'm guessing it's tied into the speedometer somehow, since the faster I go, the louder it gets! Mine works well on the weakest setting in my Bravada. Anything higher, and it over compensates. My wife actually asked, "Is it me or is the stereo getting louder as you accelerate?"

jam1000

I finally figured out that it was the auto volume that was causing the volume to fluctuate. It wasn't till I set it to "manual" that the volume has been constant.

Also, I have noticed that CDs sometimes pop or skip (I actually noticed this more when the auto volume was on, but it still happens from time to time on the manual setting). Has anyone else noticed this?

smith83

bryancos,

Thank you so much for your post. I have been dealing with an obnoxious squeal in my 2002 Envoy for the past 3 months. I purchased my Envoy last March and have dealt with 2 recalls, a 4 wheel drive problem, and now a SQUEAL. These problems have caused my Envoy to be in the shop for about 4 of the 10 months of ownership.

Can you let me know more about the squeal problem you are having (anyone else with this problem feel free to respond)? I have a squeal that is coming out of the front passenger side of the vehicle. This squeal usually takes about ten minutes to begin when first starting the car, and continues upon acceleration and driving above 30mph.

So far I have been to the dealership 8 times, had a front hub bearing replaced, and now the dealership says this is a seal problem that will probably not be identifiable.

I would appreciate any advice.

lurker01

The Bose unit uses an active feedback system. There is a microphone that picks up road noise and the music, then figures out what part of the signal is not music and tries to cancel it out. It seems to work pretty good because I can only hear the volume changing when it is at a low setting. My only complaint is when you press the button to turn it on, if it is already on, it turns off. So, if you don't know if it is on, you will end up turning it off then on again just to check.
I drove my parents SLE with the standard radio and it has the speed controled volume. That one does seem to be a bit too sensetive to your velocity. This is one more good reason to get the Bose unit.

Also, I did notice that the standard radio gets a lot hotter than the Bose on long road trips. I have not had any heat issues with mine yet. All my past Delco radios have really been space heaters so it is nice to have one run fairly cool for a change.

-John.

n2sjx

Has anyone actually had the so called prototype gasket installed on their vehicle for the peeling/chipping paint issue? Just curious...

paisan

http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/pb02-17-01/index.html

A Light off-road event in Southern New Jersey! Come enjoy the trails!

-mike

dyfine

Mspdriver: the part numbers for gray winter mats for the Envoy are:
Front Mats: 12497749
Back Mats: 12497716
I ordered mine from gmpartsdirect.com and received them in less then a week! I emailed them with my VIN number and what I was looking for and they emailed me back with the part numbers. They fit perfectly!

tlauro

The tech who worked on my LTZ HVAC system showed me the sensor in the round opening just to the left of the drivers head on the pillar.

It's on that side of the vehicle to favor the driver and is in that location as it's closest to the human ears and in a good location to sense wind noise when the window is down.

tim

reiner4

peterout & ficuss ~

Thanks for the feedback !! I'm glad I didn't get slammed like ol' greenshuz above, with his/her valid concerns.

It's funny you mention CR-V because that is my daily commuter which is a great durable & reliable vehicle. Though it's no hardcore SUV, I've definitely had some good ol' offroad fun at Pismo Beach and other trails throughout California.

The vehicle we're looking to replace is a '98 Dodge Grand Caravan. Though the GM products seem to have beat the competition "feature for feature" I try to buy vehicles that will hopefully last 150K to 200K miles or more - which all of our Hondas and Toyotas have done effortlessly. The extended warranty does seem to be the way to go - I tend to purchase one on all our vehicles for peace of mind. It certainly saved us +/- $ 2K USD on the current Dodge - ouch !

I think the only thing we're waiting for is to see what the T/B EXT has to offer then it's most likely the T/B class or a slightly bigger GM product. GREAT EYECANDY !! 8-)

Thanks again and hope you have many years of happy ownership !!

/rich

paisan

The EXT model will be 1" wider than the non EXT model.

-mike

peterout

Hey, good luck in your SUV hunting! BTW drove all the way down to LA and San Diego last spring. Came back up the California coast and found Pismo Beach. Should have gone straight there in the first place! What a place! Now I will be heading down to California in a month with my new Envoy. Might try some 4wheeling but then again I need to make sure I don't wreck my new baby. Its' a long way back to here if something goes wrong

When I saw 4wheelers in the Pismo Beach dunes last year I wondered what all that sand would do to a guys truck! I guess I may find out for myself.

Pete

iexplore2000

It has been my experience that the auto volume works in conjunction with speed and measuring interior sound as well. For instance, there is a touch-free car wash that I usually go through and I noticed that when the DRYERS are on and I am driving through them, the radio will automatically turn itself up to compensate for the change in interior noise. Once I exit the carwash, the unit will normally return to the normal volume.

Just my two cents!

PS: Has anyone had trouble with the ON-STAR system on their triplets? I have been going around with ON-STAR and several dealers since I took delivery in November. The replaced the VCU unit, but the personal calling still does not work? It simply states "Phone Unavailable... GOODBYE!" Well, after a recent conversation with ON-STAR, I was informed that they attempted to activate the personal calling again on January 31st and the attempt failed? Any ideas? I am awaiting a phone call from one of the techies concerning this, but as of now I have NO personal calling.

Thanks!

Dennis D.

IExplore2000@aol.com

debbin67

Hi. My Envoy had this same problem. I took it in, told them about the seal problem, and they said no way it could be this. Low and behold, 24 hours later they called and said the seals needed to be replaced. Had to order the parts, was an all day replacement, however, the problem has been solved. Hope this helps, however, I did read an earlier post with this same problem, and it wasn't the seals! Go figure!

flatsix

Thanks to all who replied re: auto vol and how it works etc. I do notice a slight vol increase at low volume/low speeds but at 55-65 mph or so, it does not compensate.

Thanks again.

jbassoc

Anyone similar findings.
1.Cold start-sometimes hear knock similar to rod knock.- lasts about 20 seconds then dies away

2.Dash lights went out. Had to remove and reinsert fuse #24 to get the lights to work again.

3.At 1200 rpm in park have engine shake

4.From a cold 40 degree start Engine heats up to 175 degrees after driving only 700 feet.

5. Bolt in center of damper moves back and forth about 1/4 inch. bent crank??

Anyone know which bulletin board has the 'GM Insider' answer questions?

mfullmer

You need to go back and re-read your GM Card Earnings Agreement.

First, you cannot use GM Card Earnings on Saturn vehicles.

Second, you cannot use your entire balance any of the triplets. The most you can use is $1,500.00. Go to www.gmcard.com to check out the specifics.

ducati11

Concerning the gm rebate dollars. With the old card you could earn $500 per year for a max of 7 years, thus $3500, and use it on any GM vehicle except Saturn, Saab, Evo etc.(there was a recent temporary promotion about 6 months ago, where they would let you use up to $1500 on a saturn.)

You need to use the $3500 within the 7 year time frame. Now they are trying to shift everyone towards the "new" card, where you can earn as much as you like per year, but the redemption amount per vehicle is restricted. I have used both over my 14 years with the GM card, and I prefer the new card..

macman246

And if you had the original GM Gold Card, the rebate limit was $1000/year for 5 years. Mine got "converted" to a different program 3 or 4 years ago, so I could only earn $500/year for 7 years. However, they let me keep what I had already accumulated at the higher rate, and my card was not restricted to the $1500 rebate limit on the Envoy. Plus, they sent me a postcard good for an additional $600 in rebate dollars on an Envoy. That said, the fleet manager was shocked when I used $5500 in rebate dollars. The GM Card lady who verified my rebate balance on the phone with the fleet manager was also shocked.

These rebate dollars helped influence me to upgrade to the SLT. I don't plan to switch to their "new" card anytime soon unless I'm forced to.

bryancos

My squeal sounds identical to yours... someone had nailed the description as "sounding like air leaking out of a thermos". They were able to take it for a drive and the problem reproduced itself for the service tech. I hope to have my Envoy back today. Was told they'd had a few TBs come in for similar problems. They kept it overnight and gave me a rental. (Enterprise was out of cars, so I'm in a Dodge Grand Caravan -- I'm not a minivan fan, but it's not bad for a soccer-mom-mobile) Service advisor mentioned something about replacing a gear acutator, but I will post the full details later when I get the car back.

smallreg1

I purchased the 2002 LTZ in Oct. 2001. I didn't have any problems with the beauty except the mirrors that won't stay where theyr'e supposed to. I live in Boston so I've experienced the cold weather and no problems! GM has done wonders with this vehicle being a former owner of a 2000 Bravada. The Trailblazer out performed the Bravada in all areas. Unfortunately, I took the crash test for all of you proud owners of this rock and that's how it held up ( being totaled in all!). Being from Boston, my family and I(sister, grandmother, and 4yr old nephew)were on the turnpike before slipping on a batch of black ice. Going for a few spins then hitting the guard-rail and some how ending up on the other side of the high way flipped over on the side. It took the jaws of life to remove my grandmother from the vehicle.(sounds scary right!) It was. Well we all got out of this truck with not even a scratch on us (God Bless). But remember always buckle-up!

mrau

You are right. My Envoy temp goes up right away after just a short distance. My brother has a TB and his does the same. I think it is good, since it provides heat to the inside faster. Plus the motor runs better when it is up to temp. Not sure how they do it, but I like it.

--Mike

n2sjx

How far does your wheel turn before it sounds like the car is going to stall, or it is rubbing on something... I find it difficult to turn into or get out of a parking space while in 4WD... Anyone else have this problem?

dielectric7bb

Is the 4WD system locked in 4WD, or is it in auto? If it's locked in 4WD, turning will be much more difficult.

ducati11

I believe there was a time when gold card members could accumulate an infinite rebate dollar amount. Can any verify this? It would have been about 12-13 years ago, near the time when the card was released. Unfortunately, back than I was in college and had no money to spend.

trek1420b

I just picked up my LT TB from the dealer. Once of the things I had it in for was the notorious vibration at around 60 mph. They said "GM Engineering is aware of the problem and is currently working on a fix for the engine noise and pedal vibration." This was told to me and printed on my work order receipt. Maybe there is hope that this will get resolved someday. I was also told that it is not causing any damage.

They also ordered me a new drivers side mirror (this will be the third one) since I am getting a minor mirror jiggle at highway speeds. I do not have the wandering mirror problem as others have mentioned. I hope I don't end up with that as it sounds more annoying.

al_chan

In Canada, the GM card can apply to Saturn as well (either new or old card). Mine was an old card so I can use it on any GM cars to a max of 3500. The new one is totally different.

kismat_trading

I finally did it...

Took ownership of my Pewter SLT w/ dk pewter interior, 1SH and Bose audio system today...

It's so hard not to go over 55!!!

Keep you guys posted on any developments..

Dheeraj

n2sjx

This is when it is locked in 4wd...

dielectric7bb

Yeah, that's not good. To turn on pavement when locked in 4WD that is (the system is working as it's supposed to). The front axle and rear axle are fighting each other. The front's also are pulling/pushing, so they aren't just being dragged along for the ride anymore If you've ever driven on snow, you can do a 360 real easy in 2WD by flooring the gas. But if you're in 4WD, the front's pull you around, and your 360 follows a huge arc So it sounds like your 4X4 system is working just fine, just don't lock-it up when on pavement (auto or 2WD is fine) IIRC

tlauro

FYI, you really aren't supposed to be in locked 4x4 if you're on a surface that that has such tight traction. Sounds like you're on something other than snow or gravel in which case you're binding the gears which will damage the system.

bryancos

Got the car back, problem fixed under warranty (thankfully!) I was told had it not been covered, the repair would have been over $700! The service department replaced the actuator assembly and the squeal has disappeared!

Here's the text:
C/S VEH HAS A SQUEAL WHILE DRIVING INTERMITT.
REPLACED FT DRIVE AXLE BEARING/ACTUATOR
BEARINGS DRY

PER T.A.C. 5397671

FP NUMBER / DESCRIPTION
15030023 / BEARING 6.056

Servicing Dealership: Al Serra Chevrolet, Colorado Springs, CO 719-867-1000
Technician #66216

beach15

Notice something odd about this Envoy? It has no roof rack. I don't know why, but it is brand new on the dealer lot. Any ideas?

stever

I hate hearing about "real world" crash tests. Glad to hear you and yours came out unscathed!

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

flyersrule

trek1420b

Did it sounds like the dealer really did talk to GM? If so, I think it is a good sign!

I have been trying to get my dealer to hear/feel the problem. But every time they take it out, they can reproduce it (go figure). I can make it happen at will. I have been trying to get to dealer to take the mechanic out for a ride and show him. But, if there is somebody I can get them to call at GM to prove that it happed, it will make things a lot easier. If you get a chance could you ask your dealer who I should have my dealer call to confirm problem.

Also, I had my mirror replaces because of the wandering problem. It fixed the problem but this new mirror has a very dark green tint at times. Has anybody else have that?

I really hope they can figure out this vibration thing. My car will be finally be close to perfect!

pepper50

I'm thinking about putting some Manik stainless steel stepbars on an Envoy instead of running boards. I also will probably put some molded plastic splashguards (do these work better than mudflaps?)since I suspect the 17" tires kick up a lot of debris. I'm hoping that the combination of the tube stepbars and the splash guards will decrease any rockchips on the lower body panel. Apparently these attach to two existing body brackets rather than the Envoy frame. I hope that provides enough support. Have any of you put on any stepbars? Any thoughts about the bars and/or guards/flaps?

edl55347

I noticed that if you start the truck at night when it is cold out, the headlights do not come on fully(daytime mode??). After it runs for about 15-20 seconds, the lights will brighten up. I have only noticed it a couple of times and it only seems to happen when the temp is below about 20. It may not noticeable overall, but I only saw because the truck was facing a window and caught it in the reflection.
Not a big deal, I assume it is supposed to happen this way and I am not worried about since it only happens when it is cold. I assume there is logic to not turn the lights on full until they warm.

iexplore2000

Hello Everyone,

I read in a previous posting where someone mentioned that they ordered the PIAA Super Whites for their Envoy. A subsequent posting listed another website www.carlights.net that actually sold the HID Xenon bulbs that were much more accurate to that of the TRUE HID headlamps equipped on certain vehicles. Well, after much research on these lights, I placed an order for a pair of the HID Xenon bulbs offered on carlights.net for $34.95 for my 2002 Pontiac Grand AM GT1 Sedan. I was going to place an order for my Envoy, but since there's more than one pair of bulbs involved, I decided to try them on my Grand AM first since there is just one pair involved (9007).

I have talked to several other individuals who have purchased these bulbs and they are truly amazed! Hopefully I will receive the order within the next 5 to 10 business days, I will keep you all posted on the results. Believe me, if these lights are everything that others claim them to be, I will dish out the money to order a set for my Envoy!

Wish me luck!

Thanks!

Dennis D.

IExplore2000@aol.com

n2sjx

Mine does the same... Takes about 15 secs for the voltage to come up... Watch the gage next time.

JK

archdukerizzo

Is it normal to have to drill into the metal for the front GM splash guards? I notice the instructions say to drill a hole underneith for one of the screws, and then on the side of the well that's metal.
The back flaps seem to drill into the fiberglass bumper.

Can anyone comment?

g4david

Archdukerizzo:
On the front I used the existing screw, 2 pop-rivets in metal and 1 in plastic, then inboard 1 pop-rivet to existing mud deflector.
On the rear: 4 pop-rivets in plastic, then inboard, 1 pop-rivet into metal and 1 into existing mud deflector. All sealed with black RTV, looks good, nice and solid, and they help keep some dirt off the beautiful Indigo Blue paint.

99harley

I have an Envoy SLT and when I get to 50 mph I hear a whistling noise coming from my side mirrors. I have the mirrors with the turn signal built on. I took it to my dealer and they verified yes you have a whistling noise. The technician told me he tried several Envoys on their lot and they too had a whistling noise. The dealer called GM about this and they said it was a design problem and they would do nothing until enough people complained. Does anyone else have this noise? This is the first new vehicle I have bought from GM in over 10 years. I figured by now they would have got their quality better and care more for their customers. Big business once they get your money they don't care any more. I talked to a GM representive today and was basically told you have a design problem, we are not going to fix it until enough people complain, live with it!

cmack4

I've never heard of the mirror making a whistling noise. Are you sure it's not the roof rack? You followed the update in the owner's manual and checked to make sure they cross-bars are facing the right way? To verify if it's the mirror, just fold it in and see if the whistling goes away at highway speeds.

carl63

I too have experienced some squeal that seemed to come from the right front wheel. I thought maybe something had lodged itself around the brake. It was intermitent. It didn't make the noise until the car was moving for about 3-5 minutes. Of course it was quiet when stopped with the engine running. This appeared at about 10,500 miles but has gone away. I wonder if I should have it checked but, if it doesn't make the squeal they will have difficulty beleiving me or finding the problem.

So far I've been very pleased with the LT Trailblazer. I've got 11,100 miles on it. I got 21 mpg back and forth from Cleveland to S. Carolina and back and forth to Chicago a couple of times. Around the city I get around 16mpg (as advertised). It goes down if I get leadfooted. I've towed a boat to Canada and had it in the muddy dirt roads and it handled them well. It's done all right in the snow but it's been a mild winter and I really haven't been able to give it a good test. I keep looking for places to try it out.

jam1000

Cmack & 99harley -- the whistling noise does come from the mirror. Specifically, the noise is caused by the wind running against the small indentation that runs along the top of the mirror. Mine had it; dealer replaced the mirror under warranty, and the noise is gone. Someone else posted earlier about filling in the indentation, which also worked. (Mine, incidentally, did not have the turn signal feature, so I don't think that has anything to do with it.