Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

flyersrule

I had the same problem. When they replaced my mirror because of the wandering problem, the noise went away.

But now I have a dark green tint on the mirror at different times. Not that bad, but noticable.

uktrucker

Mine too had a whistling mirror. I filled in the join between the mouldings on the top of the mirror with clear slicon glue which fixed it. As a quick test to make sure it really is the mirror just place some sticky tape (sellotape will do) over the join and see if the noise goes away.

Another quick fix is for those with loose centre console lid catch, like mine. Just fold up a paper towel into a block, or use a piece of soft foam, and wedge it between the lid and the top of the catch so that it pushes the catch down a little. Make the piece just big enough to fit neatly and the fix is invisible and stops your vehicle being impounded in Canada.

tpellow

I too have the voltage issue / headlight dim. I noticed this about 2-3 months ago and posted a notice but nobody else replied. After doing a little research, on my own, I'm fairly convinced that this is NOT supposed to happen because this electrical system behavior does not fall under 1 of the 5 modes. I suspect its a bad control module that is affected by the cold somehow and it does not receive the signal that the engine has been started.

Anyway this is on my hitlist of items to talk to my Service Manager about on 2/18. At this point though, I think that its a COOL feature that not many other people have and I didn't have to pay extra.

Tim
TB LTZ

dankirk

http://www.sportruck.org/events/sema01/31.jpg

these too...

http://www.sportruck.org/events/sema01/163.jpg

http://www.sportruck.org/events/sema01/423.jpg

http://www.sportruck.org/events/sema01/359.jpg

http://www.sportruck.org/events/sema01/382.jpg

Envoys...

http://www.sportruck.org/events/sema01/41.jpg

http://www.sportruck.org/events/sema01/76.jpg

http://www.sportruck.org/events/sema01/389.jpg

iexplore2000

Hey Gang,

I need your help now more than ever! I had it out today with the On Star folks concerning all the trouble that I had been experiencing with ON Star in my 2002 Envoy SLT. Well, after they replaced the On Star unit in my vehicle, I was able to connect to On Star, but the personal calling feature was never activated. During a period of 3-weeks, they made an attempt to activate my personal calling but the attempt failed. I contacted them again last night and told them that I wanted this feature activated and they re-tried downloading the personal calling data to my vehicle and it worked correctly.

Here's where things get a little wierd... When the original On Star control unit was in my vehicle and personal calling was active, I could speak the command "My Number" and the virtual advisor would speak my number one digit at a time, AND the number would show up in the driver's information screen below the speedometer! I LOVED THAT FEATURE! Also, whenever I would ask the virtual advisor to dial a number, she would repeat each digit that I pronounced and the digits would fill the driver's information center. Well, now that they have installed this new control unit and downloaded the personal calling, those digits DO NOT show up on my driver's information center anymore!

I keypressed into ON STAR again today and spoke with someone in customer care and they asked around and NO ONE ever heard of the Envoy displaying the information in the driver's information center! They simply exclaimed, "That sounds like a GM issue, you would need to take your vehicle over to a GMC dealer and have them take a look at it." Okay.. at this point, I am FUMING... My vehicle has spent several nights at the dealership concerning ON Star trouble ever since I have had it (November 2001). The ON Star system has NEVER worked in my vehicle until they FINALLY replaced the control unit several weeks ago.

I immediately made a U-TURN and drove directly to the only GMC dealership in this town (to which they know me directly from working on previous On Star issues). I told the service guy that my problems with On Star are approximately 95% resolved with the exception of this problem. I told him that I did NOT want the vehicle back until they had resolved this problem either between GM or ON STAR. I also told him that IF they cannot get this resolved, I am going to pursue the arbitration route because THIS IS RIDICULOUS!

I am asking for a little help from you triplet owners out there. IF anyone has (or had) the personal calling feature activated in their vehicle, they should have a cellular number assigned. You can simply press the white dot and when the virtual advisor says "ready," simply say "My Number" and the system should reply "Your Number is xxx-xxx-xxxx" and the digits "should" appear in the driver's information window below the speedometer. Maybe some of you are frequent users of the personal calling feature and can confirm that the digits will display? Also, for some of you that have the pc activated, when you request for the system to "dial" a number, mine used to display every digit that I pronounced on the screen as well. IF any of you can confirm this, please feel free.. I know that I am not going "nuts" but I just KNOW that the dealership doesn't believe that this feature existed in the Envoy!!

HELP!! And thanks for listening...

Thanks! One FRUSTRATED (today) Envoy SLT Owner

Dennis D.
IExplore2000@aol.com

fredkomo

has anyone had heir back window blow out. Two days ago our Bravada was just sitting in the driveway when the back window cracked into pieces.

garyking

Sounds like a kid with a BB gun to me.

macman246

Yes, my numbers display in the DIC and get repeated back. Also, numbers I have "stored" are displayed when dialed. I'm pretty sure there is a setting in the DIC for turning on/off voice feedback and the DIC display for Onstar. As I recall you can set it for voice feedback/no display, no voice feedback/display only, etc.

I'm generally happy about Personal Calling and find it convenient. However it's a bit too expensive for my tastes.

macman246

The dark green tint sounds like the mirror is dimmed. Maybe they reversed the wires, so maybe it's not tinted at night??? Does the rear view mirror dim at the same time or opposite of the side mirror? Maybe it's just defective.

macman246

I got the GMC splash guards for my Envoy through gmpartsdirect, and did not have to drill through metal, only plastic. They were a bear to install since I didn't take the wheels off.

archdukerizzo

Interesting.
I guess the Bravada guards are different (although I can't see why) because I need to drill into metal for the front guards.
I'm having the dealer do it on tuesday. At least that way I'll get the 5yr/60k coverage on them

iexplore2000

I knew that I wasn't loosing my mind! I will take your print out with me tomorrow to the dealership to show. ANYONE else out there that can verify this? The more, the merrier!

Thanks!

Dennis D.
IExplore2000@aol.com

quickdtoo

I've tried several types of "HID" wantabes and consider them a waste of money! They look kool but they don't work worth a D### in rain or foggy weather. Check out this link before you buy. Tim

http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/info/bulbs/

billinphx1

iexplore2000: My On-Star system works the way you and macman246 think it should work - the numbers are displayed on the DIC and audibilized (sic?) over the speaker. I did have one problem however - and it was a wierd one: Whenever I would attempt to call the TB from a landline, I would get a spanish language greeting from an answering machine! If, however, I called the TB from my cell phone, I had no trouble reaching the TB. Went round and round with the On-Star folks who were convinced that the trouble was with the local cell phone company and the cell phone folks "knew" the problem originated with On-Star. Bottom line is that it took months to resolve and I still have no clue as to how it was resolved.

But now the system works fine. My only other complaint is that it is an analog system and as a result, the signal gets a bit noisy at times.

Oh well, I guess there is plenty of room for improvement - planned obsolesence as they say...

My TB has about 15K miles on it now. Had it off road and in the snow. Performs beautifully.

Bill (2002 LTZ TB)

iexplore2000

Well.. I've been searching the On Star.com website both "high & low" on the DIC display problem that I am experiencing (see post 3827). I stumbled across a number to contact for an On Star specialist on the personal calling feature. I called 1-888-4-OnStar and selected the appropriate option and got a live specialist on the phone (named Brian). Well, I explained my problem to Brian and he immediately confirmed my concern because HE also has a triplet and is able to see the appropriate On Star info on the DIC screen! Phew.. well that just made my day! I went on to explain to Brian that my car was currently at the dealership but they did not seem to optimistic in believing what I had told them. The specialist immediately contacted GMC and conferenced me in with a GMC Customer Assistance advisor. The advisor took down the appropriate information and stated that he will contact the dealership tomorrow morning and escalate this by talking to someone else above the service writer. He also stated that they would use whatever channels necessary to restore this functionality to my vehicle and assured me a call back between 6pm and 8pm tomorrow evening.

I will keep my fingers crossed, but I do think that between reaching these two key individuals and receiving feedback from you all concerning this (via e-mail and this message board), I will be able to get this problem resolved. I will keep you all posted and if anyone out there has pictures of their DIC showing a number (maybe give it a bogus number, not to use your own) that they would be willing to send, that would be greatly appreciated. The way that I could figure it.. the more ammunition, the better the response!

Thanks!

Dennis D.

IExplore2000@aol.com

cwhawk

See message #3456 to fix this problem.

Update on other problems -

1) My dealer took inner seat bracket covers from another new vehicle and put them on my TB, so they are available.
2) The service rep. got the word from GM that they are working on a vibration fix - it may involve different engine mounts. Complain and your dealer will notify you.
3) No word yet on a paint fix yet - GM is working on it.
4) Radio Shack heavy duty Velcro worked on my sagging head liner. Dealer installed to ensure warranty protection.

QUESTIONS -

1) Has anyone had any adjustments made that improved gas mileage. Mine is still 14.5 in mixed driving.
2) Has anyone noticed a feedback when using the personal calling feature?

ducati11

Yep, happened to us last summer. Just blew out on a windy day. Lucky the sales manageer got it taken care of under warranty
We own a bravada

finally2

Well hey.. sorry to hear of the issues with the DIC and the OnStar system.. Consider yourself lucky though..I have been waiting to use my personal calling for 5 months.. I call all the time. Originally, I got a different story each time. Now they tell me ( consistently at least) that the personal calling is unavailable in my area. Not that I understand being that I live in a major metropolitan area?... At least I know what I will be seeing WHEN it ever works. The OnStar support folks are great, very service oriented. I just wish I had not gotten the run around on the answers for so long before the truth came out. But again, I don't understand HOW it can be unavailable around here. Not logical.

iexplore2000

Hmmm.. could you tell us where exactly "here" is? I am located in Saginaw, MI (& Columbus, OH) which is located about 80 miles north of Detroit and the service has been here for quite some time?? I've had it since early 2001? Hmmmm..

Also, the service is great.. I enjoy the free 30 calling minutes that they give you but their pricing plans are not that great at all. The are very non-competative in my view. Today I received a personal calling pamphlet in the mail today and it listed the following plans:

30 minutes = $19.99
100 minutes = $34.99
300 minutes = $94.99

I mean HELLO.. Sprint offers 5000 minutes for $49.99 a month! Heck.. I love Sprint (even though they drop a ton of calls.. ha, ha) and all the other cellular carriers.. the competition keeps the rates down.

I like the idea of having the personal calling for "emergency.. oops I forgot my cell phone" type moments, but the cost is somewhat of a deterrant... also considering that my service is not yet corrected either, makes things seem somewhat pessimistic on my end. Also, I don't know if the policy has changed, but if you don't use your allotted minutes within a certain time-frame (90 days or something like that), they would expire!

Good luck... hopefully they will have service coverage in your area soon..

Thanks!

IExplore2000@aol.com

richardcoulson

After following this board for quite some time, it appears as though there have been quite a few small problems with the trailblazer. Have these problems been fixed on newly built trailblazers or will I have to wait until 2003 for the fixes?
Thanks.

dyfine

Since there have been so many Onstar questions recently, I thought I'd jump in. After the 30 free minutes, are you obligated to continue service? Do you have to call to cancel? I haven't "activated" yet and taken advantage of the free minutes since I don't want to then get automatically billed/signed up on some sort of plan. I agree with the previous post - cell phone rates are so much cheaper! I do understand, though, how Onstar would come in handy if you're on the road a lot.

flyersrule

I tried the 30m min freebie and loved it. So I sign up for 300 mins over a 12 month period.

On my cell phone, I have a $30 monthly plan that gives me 200 mins. I usually don't use all of the mins and end up losing the unused mins every month.

So, although the On Star mins are more expense, they last for 12 months, so I will not waste any. If they lowered the price, I would definitely use it more often. If I have to make a long call, I resort to my cell phone.

The service is great, the sound is great and it is very easy to use. My only complaint is that the system only holds 20 nametags and the voice recognition doesn't always get the name right the first time. The software should ask for a confirmation and if you say no, should offer another stored nametag until the right one is selected.

My DIC does display the number of the nametag and always display the numbers as you speak if you dial.

I do not get any feedback when using the system.

iexplore2000

To my knowledge (past two vehicles with On Star), once the 30 minutes are up, the virtual advisor will tell you that you have "0 units" and you will not be able to make/receive any calls. The systems does not automatically enroll you into a personal calling plan. On my last two cars, once the personal calling minutes were done, then I never renewed the minutes.. but the phone number stays assigned to your vehicle just in case you decide to choose a pricing plan.

Hopefully this helps!

fredkomo

thanks for info that the dealer replacedm the window. Can you give me the name and address of the dealership.

hardhawk

My personal callng works, but do not get the DIC readout when I dial.

dpacasla

Has anyone had any experience adding OEM fog lamps to their 2002 TB LS? I'm interested in parts that are needed, and level of difficulty if I try to do it myself.

Also, I want to add OEM running boards to my LS. I noticed the part number 12497885 mentioned in message #3679....is that for one running board, or a pair?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated - thanks!

iexplore2000

Well.. Here's the latest... My service advisor called me stating that they talked to the On Star Technical Team and was informed that the only vehicles that have the display readout are the Cadillacs! So.. after an ear-full from me, he quickly transferred me over to the Service Manger who stated, "The only vehicles that show the ON Star information on the RADIO screen are the Cadillacs!" Oh boy... So after I corrected him on WHERE the display shows (on the DIC NOT the radio) and informed him of the various responses that I have received from you all, and my call into the On Star last night (and establishing a GMC Customer Assistance case #) the service manager decided to "Spend a little more time" on this issue.

I guess I am pleading to you all that have this feature successfully working on your vehicle (and own a digital camera), if you could take a snapshop of the digits displaying and either send it via e-mail or post on this board, I OWE you BIG. Any help that you all could provide would be greatly appreciated. Geez.. I feel as if I am fighting the battle at Gettysburg! I AIM to KICK DEALER BUTT!! Ha, ha..

Thanks!

Dennis D.
IExplore2000@aol.com

bushski

I have a 2002 TB and I want to add XM radio. It is my understanding that you should not remove the factory radio since onstar is connected through it somehow. Anyone have any feedback on this issue?

bryancos

I have yet to find an aftermarket radio that is "onstar compatible" I've pretty much been told that they can replace the radio, but I'll loose the onstar -- haven't seen any harnesses or adapters either.

My suggestion.. get an external XM radio that utilizes an FM modulator (you tune your radio to an unused FM frequency), like this one that I got in an email ad:
http://www.cartoys.com/product.asp?productid=5057&CategoryID=10156
Using code PRES15 will give 15%off til Feb 18... $212 isn't bad!

hardhawk

My radio goes mute and the display says "call" if I am receiving a call and "phone" if I am talking on a call. Nothing in the DIC.

bushski

I checked with a professional installer. He told me that they are putting new radios in Porsche's using a Soundgate Onstar interface. Apparently this device allows the continued use of onstar with a new radio.

Check out the link below:

http://store.clubgp.com/catview.asp?catid=6

The SoundGate STARMOD2 allows the OnStar system in General Motors vehicles to continue functioning after the factory radio has been replaced. The special design fully duplicates the interaction of the factory radio/OnStar system when installing an aftermarket receiver or CD player.

iexplore2000

Okay, Okay.. I know that I have dragged this OnStar episode a little far, but I just wanted to let you all know that the dealer was able to resolve the DIC issue with On Star.

Somehow, the servicing technician was able to find a technical bulletin that had instructions on reprogramming the control unit to work in conjunction with the DIC on the triplets. Apparently, IF they should have to repair/replace the On Star control module, they need to reprogram the control module to utilize the display features of the DIC.

Now that they have reprogrammed the unit, it shows an incoming call on the DIC unit as "CALL." Also, it displays the digits for the phone numbers that I request to dial. Thanks for everyone's support in resolving this issue. For those of you who are intrigued by this, you may want to test the feature in your triplet to see if it displays the info? IF not, I will gladly give you the number of my servicing dealer to tell you where to obtain this technical bulletin.

Thanks Again Everyone!

Dennis D.

IExplore2000@aol.com

trek1420b

flyersrule

I have no proof my dealer actually talked to GM. Next time I am in I will ask who they talked to and pass it along to you.

cmack4

Do you live in a climate with drastic temperature changes... I know my wife's windshield in her Mercury Villager just went after some wild temp swings. It didn't fully break, but it has an 18" or so crack in it!

richardcoulson

Anyone have the bose premium sound system for $500? Is it worth it? Seems like a premium price...

tidester

Do you live in a climate with drastic temperature changes...

I doubt the temperature extremes, per se would cause that (unless the glass is defective). We have extreme changes in temperature in the Rockies as they do in the southwest and we don't see those problems here.

One might speculate that, indirectly, the temperature could cause those problems if the air pressure becomes elevated due to too tight a seal of the air inside.

tidester
Host
SUVs

rcbaker1

Does anyone know how much difference in gas mileage there is between the TB's with 3.42 and 3.73 axle ratios? It seems that most TB's that have the locking diff. have the 3.73; I wanted the locking diff but am afraid the mileage will suffer too much. The 3.42 seems to be "standard" on most other vehicles; I presume this is how they get the 16-22 mpg ratings.

d2000one1

Has anybody had any problems with their air suspension. Occassionally, after leaving my Envoy parked for a while, it will be lower on the passenger's side than it is on the driver's side. When I start it up, the compressor kicks in and inflates it back to normal. Has anybody had a similar situation?

Thanks,

edl55347

The BOSE sound makes a huge difference. The best way to determine if you like it is to find a dealer who has a vehicle with it and one without and listen to both. I did this at a couple of dealers just to help decide if I wanted to get the BOSE. There IS a BIG difference between the two.

bryancos

Thanks for the tip bushski!

I found an additional source for the Soundgate StarMod2 too: ($10 less!)

http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/sounonstar2.html

HOWEVER... it looks like they're not recommended for the 2002 models:

TECH NOTE: Due to the design changes that GM made to the VIU (Vehicle Interface Unit) in 2002, SoundGate does not recommend the Starmod1 or Starmod2 for 2002 GM PickUps or SUVs with OnStar. SoundGate is working on a new interface that will be compatible with these vehicles. Expected ship date is in the 1st quarter 2002.

johnhenry3

Does anybody have any pictures or links that shows the difference between the SLT and SLE trim on the I/P? I'm interested to see the difference between the 'simulated wood grain' on the SLT and whatever it is on the SLE. Are SLE owners happy with their I/P trim and wheels? I know this is highly subjective, but just curious.

flyguy7

Had a vibration/resonance while driving between 40-50 Mph. Dealer says it was caused by the Ring and Pinion in the differential. I have a 4wd with a 3.72 rear. Dealer has ordered parts for it. Might be something to watch out for.

beach15

Here's the difference between the SLT and SLE interiors. The SLT has faux wood and the SLE has carbon fiber look trim. The SLT is 1st, then the SLE:

tulsahog

Noticed a lot of wind noise on 2002 Envoy at speeds of 60-70 mph. Drove my '98 Explorer over same route and it did not have as much noise.

I am trying to decide between the Envoy and a 2002 Eddie Bauer. I like the Envoy, but, being an engineer, I would not have the patience to correct the problems I've seen posted on the Envoy. In one post, there are approx. 25 things to look for on delivery and about the same number to look for after driving some time. Have visited the Edmunds site for Explorer and must say there are far fewer types of problems. On a '94 and '98 Explorer encountered maybe 4-5 such problems.

I would appreciate hearing pros and cons from others considering the Exp vs. Envoy and what tipped the scales in favor of the Envoy. Also, feedback from those who chose the Envoy and have driven it more than 1,000 mi would be
appreciated. My salesman claims the 4wd model gets the 21 mpg hwy consistently. Is he truthful?

dshepherd3

try moving the front roof rack bar to rear position

choots

I am getting 11 miles to the gallon in town and the best I have got on a flat freeway trip was 19.6 MPG. My poor in town mileage is due to the high shifting of the automatic transmission, it hangs in low and second gear forever.
The dealer says this is normal, I say not so, based on the fact that I was once a automatic transmission specialist myself, and know how these things work. Also consider my Toyota pickup and my 3/4 ton suburban that shift so smooth that you are not aware that they have shifted. This is how a trans should shift!!!
This car is a dream to drive, it handles the crooked mountain roads like a sports car, and has ample power for any road condition. It is too bad that the high shifting takes all the fun out of driving it.
Carl

dshepherd3

if you really feel the trans shifts are inappropriate for load/speed conditions, I can tell you there are TSB's listed for that complaint, where the pcm is reprogrammed for improved shift feel and pattern,check nhsta.gov for a list of applicable TSB's.

1800950chev

Hello all!

My name is Brian, I work for GM. I specialize in new product information and incentive inquiries towards new, unused 2001/2002 GM Vehicles. Here are some very helpful URL's that I think would be most beneficial to your endeavors. They are as follows:

1) gm.com (no brainer)
2) gmbuypower.com (excellent source)
3) media.gm.com (great for current, future Models)
4) gmgoodwrench.com (accessories & parts, etc.)
5) fueleconomy.gov (no brainer)
6) chevrolet.com (no brainer) gmc.com and so forth
7) autosite.com (sorry edmunds)
8) slpeng.com (firehawk & Camaro SS special order)
9) gmfamilyfirst.com (GM employee programs)
10) nhtsa.com (crash test ratings)
11) gmaltfuel.com (alternative fuels)
12) gmmobility.com (helps folks w/ handicaps)
13) mygmlink.com (owner center, select vehicles)
14) dmbb.com (D'Arcy, advertisers for GM)
15) onstar.com (gr8 service & safety features)
16) duramaxdiesel.com (also info on the Allison)
17) gmpowertrain.com (gm engines & trannies)

Well there's a few to get u going....I will post more in the future......

Remember, the GM Overdrive promotion, which features $2,002. ends Feb. 28, 2002. This is a cash allowance that is incremental to all other eligible offers and is good on all new, unused 2001/2002 GM passenger cars, light & medium duty trucks. Incentive eligiblity is contigent upon credit approval, geographic residency and GM program dates. Ultimate incentive eligibility is confirmed at your local GM Dealership.

Buy American!!!
God Bless u all......

scottc454

The Explorer may have less bugs than the Envoy, but that "rolling over and killing the driver" bug in the Explorer is a real bummer.

choots

Thanks for the post. Trouble is I can not get that site to open, is there more to that address or am I missing something here???
I have tried it with and without the www but no luck either way. Help!!!!
Carl