Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

vindog45

dont like seeing mess thru ltz wheels, so put 4 kleen wheel covers on (black).......looks great now, just hope doesnt effect braking system, although covers have little vents all around.....does good job keeping dam brake dust away tho.

dssnuffy

Just curious ... Who was the first person on this board to buy one of the new triplets (or now quintuplets) with the third row seat? How is it and will there be a new board to post on for these new trucks? So many questions

reddeer

I was finally able to convince my dealer's repair staff to get serious about correcting "Wandering Mirrors", Cold Blowing Heater, Air suspension compressor noise (that periodic hissing sound) and several other just plain breaks (like the inside latch handle on the right rear door frozen).
After two days the dealer fixed the hiss (new filter?) and the Heater (thanks to previous suggestions on this site). They tell me that Olds has now acknowledged that the "Wandering Mirrors" issue is a VALID problem (well, no wonder, we've been discussing this issue for months now). Olds is supposed to have a fix that will be released next month (Thank God).

So, now I have warmth when I need it and I don't have the compressor cycle hiss keeping poor timing with my favorite song. And most importantly I will get the Wander fix soon. Happy Easter to me and to all of you.

Reddeer

vfont

I am so disappointed with myself. I had an accident today with my Envoy and it was all my fault! I rear ended a cadillac causing my triplet to get a punch in the nose. And it's all because my Palm Piliot alarm went off and I got distracted. The woman in front of me slowed down because the person if front of her stepped on his brakes for no apparent reason on the highway.

The Envoy brakes performed admirably, preventing what could have been something serious. We both drove away and no one was hurt. I did think for a second though, that the Envoy might need to be towed. Even though there was very little visible damage, the truck was leaking a log of water. It looked like I might have taken out the radiator.

The police officer called for a hook, but when the driver examined the truck he said it was windshield washer fluid. It appears as though the impact damaged the headlight washer hose.

The officer issued me a summons for careless driving because I admitted it was my fault, but he also told me to plead not guilty. This way he can be summoned to court and talk to the prosecutor about making the whole thing a no point violation. Normally, it's a $78 fine and two points. I'm just very greatful the Envoy is a tank.

ficuss

Vfont: did the airbag deploy? Was the Palm damaged? Was the Palm running the new collision avoidance software? Was the alarm telling you that the car in front of you was stopping? Just proves large SUV's are not dangerous, Palms are. Seriously though, I am not thrilled by the braking ability of my TB. The brakes feel mushy. It almost feels like the brakes are too small for the weight and power of the truck. Even coming to a full stop when driving slow seems to require more pedal than with other cars. Do others share this opinion?

quickdtoo

I have made several brake tests and feel that the brakes are wonderful. What you may be feeling is the soft pedal feel which I agree with but the performance is fantastic. The latest test was an emergency 60-0 on wet asphalt, came to a quick, straight stop with no adverse handling or unexpected quirks. I don't feel that the pedal pressure effort is excessive nor does my wife. I would have yours checked if you feel the brakes are not working properly. How many miles on your Envoy? It will take several hundred miles before the brake pads/rotors are properly accustomed to each other. hth, Tim

jmw4

envoyenvy1: To locate the TSB, I ended up calling about 4 dealer service dept.'s until I found one who had some knowledge with the issue of the fan taking away engine power. Even though I have the TB, it was an envoy dealer who provided me with that number. Unfortunately, it is an engineering issue with this new electronic fan and I do not believe they have a cure. I am bringing it back next week and will try to get them to possibly put a new fan in since the TSB solution did not work. I spoke to the tech and it is absolutely not a normal condition. It is a problem that they do not yet know how to fix.

ficuss

quickdtoo: My truck is a TB. It has 6500 miles. It seems the brakes were more responsive when the car was new. I agree it may be a soft feel. But the pedal travels too far before getting firm as compared to my other vehicles. I'll have to get it checked to find out for sure, but I've read a few other posts about the same thing.

vindog45

I have owned suv's, coupes, station wagons, vans.......this LTZ has the best brakes of all....my first comment to my wife, when i first drove this vehicle was how nice the brakes were........brakes are grrrrrrrreat!!

quickdtoo

Ficuss: Sorry, reread your post, missed the tb. I have a tb also and agree that the pedal does seem to have too much travel but they do work well compared to other SUVs I've owned, must just be the nature of the system. I checked my service manual which states the brake pedal free travel should not exceed 2.4" when applying 100lbs force to the pedal, there is a specific sequence to perform the test but basically that is the average of multiple measurements with cold brakes and ignition off after pressing the pedal several times to depleat the power brake boost system. I'll check mine tomorrow. Tim

tlauro

keep in mind that this is not a car...it's a 4,500lb SUV thus more pedal is going to be required to stop.

YOU WROTE:
"Even coming to a full stop when driving slow seems to require more pedal than with other cars."

mrau

....... I have an Envoy with a 4.10 rear axle and 4wd. Average mileage is 17.5 with combo city/highway. I have towed a small trailer a couple of times about 100 miles (enclosed, 8ft high by 8 ft long) and get about 13 mpg. The Envoy handles it with no problem.

I hope to get better mileage when it warms up here in Mid-Michigan. Only have 2k on Envoy, and the mpg may improve at 5k. In any case, it is till a SUV, w/mpg to match.

-- Mike

jreigle

I picked up my 2002 Bravada last Friday 3/22/02. I have just under 400 miles on it and so far I am satisfied with it. There is very little wind noise at speeds up to 75mph. I've read reports from other owners complaining of loud wind noise. Is this a problem that develops with age? Also, the heater blows cold air on your feet. After driving for about 1/2 hour with the temp set at 90, it finally starts to warm up. Is there a fix for this? It gets pretty cold in PA. and I'd like to be able to drive my Bravada without getting frost bite. Thanks.

russd100

jmw4: Thanks for the information so far regarding my transmission problem. Please keep me updated if you see any new info.

2002slt

75mph with less than 500 miles?
Shame shame.

envoyenvy1

jmw4: Thanks for the info. I'll try calling a different GMC dealer and see if I can get someone's attention. Please pass along any new info you get. I'll do the same. I'm pretty happy with the vehicle overall but this is very annoying.

cmack4

Actually, the speed isn't as important as the rpm's if you're referring to engine break-in? The higher speed will effect tranny mesh though which can also take some time to break in.

zecgeotz

To Redeer:

I also have the 3 problems you noted. Compressor air expulsion, wandering mirrors and heater blowing cold air. They are replacing the compressor on mine to fix the first problem and new side mirrors installed to fix the second. I'm waiting for the parts to come in. What did they do to fix the blowing cold air problem?

poindexter118

My wife and I are considering the Chevy TB. Some dealers out here are selling it for $200 over invoice. Not bad. Has anyone disliked the seat belts? They're not adjustable, and I'm wondering if anyone has had problems with them, like riding across your neck or whatever.
Thanks in advance for any comments.

cwhawk

My dealer wants to compare the computer software installed on your TB with what is on mine. You are getting the best gas mileage from all postings. My recent 265 miles trip resulted in 19.3 mpg at steady 65 mph in 75 degree weather. I have the 342 rear axle.

Please give me the last 8 of your VIN number. You can post on the BB or send to my e-mail at ahawk260@AOL.com. Thanks.

ficuss

quickdtoo: thanks for the brake specs. I'll try to follow up with a test of my own.

Tlauro: I'm sorry, but 4500 pounds is not a lot of weight for a vehicle. Semis weigh 80,000 lbs. and they stop just fine. More pedal should not be necessary if the power assist is working properly. That's why you have power assist. The brakes feel like they should grab much sooner than they do. The fact that some others feel the brakes are soft makes me wonder if something is indeed wrong. I will have the dealer examine the brake system and post any findings.

Years ago, Audi had a big problem with the 5000 series. A body shop owner who had many Audis in the shop told me the real problem with Audis rear ending other cars was not with uncontrolled acceleration, but rather the brakes were undersized for the cars motor. In other words, the car had great power, but inferior stopping force, resulting in many rearenders. Lets keep track of how many more rearenders triplet owners have.

icojones

The auto climate control in my TB LTZ seems confusing to operate. Is there a way to have the driver's side climate control on, but the passenger side off?

Also, is there a way to operate the system as a manual system, intead of auto? The manual is not much help.

tlauro

Yes, there is a fix. The HVAC needs a flash upgrade to the onboard PC that runs it. I came within a few days of a GM buyback due to this and finally the GM techs recieved an upgrade program via email and uploaded it to my LTZ Trailblazer. Finally, heat.

You should get warm to hot air after just a few minutes of driving and with the temp set to as low as 75.

If you are having to wait 30 minutes and keep the auto climate set to 87 through 90 then get to the dealership and complain. If they have any questions, have them call Byers Dublin Chevy in Dublin, Ohio. Larry Smith is my service advisor and is more than aware of the situation.

tim

YOU WROTE:
"Also, the heater blows cold air on your feet. After driving for about 1/2 hour with the temp set at 90, it finally starts to warm up. Is there a fix for this? It gets pretty cold in PA. and I'd like to be able to drive my Bravada without getting frost bite. "

tlauro

Again, IMO, it's not the compressor. If you are having to keep temps in the upper 80's to near 90 to get heat, than speak up now.

The mirrors...not the mirror....but the modules that control them. Those are what need replaced.

Let me know if you have any questions. See my web page for details.

http://www.timlauro.com/cars/trailblazer/problems-page.html

tim

YOU WROTE:

"They are replacing the compressor on mine to fix the first problem and new side mirrors installed to fix the second. I'm waiting for the parts to come in. What did they do to fix the blowing cold air problem?"

tlauro

First, there was no slam intended. My response to the 4500lbs wieght was in response to your mentioning the distance seemed greater than other cars....cars vs SUV's was my point.

The 80,000lb semi also has a total different breaking system as does a 4,000lb sedan.

I'm not saying there isn't anything wrong with your triplet. Comparing it to another one would be a good start while the dealer looks at yours.

YOU WROTE:
"Tlauro: I'm sorry, but 4500 pounds is not a lot of weight for a vehicle. Semis weigh 80,000 lbs. and they stop just fine. More pedal should not be necessary if the power assist is working properly. That's why you have power assist. The brakes feel like they should grab much sooner than they do. The fact that some others feel the brakes are soft makes me wonder if something is indeed wrong. I will have the dealer examine the brake system and post any findings."

tlauro

The auto climate system controls both driver and passenger side until the passenger side is adjusted. At the bottom of mine, it shows "driver/pass" in the display when it's controlling both and I adjust the temp. If my wife changes her side, my adjustments only show "driver" and hers "passenger" in the display upon adjustments.

Keep in mind the downside to our systems is that you must turn the ignition off to get it to control both through the driver side control...bummer as when I drop my wife off, I'm stuck adjusting both sides or shut the car off to regain total control.

To operate it manually, just adjust the Mode and Fan controls. Divert the air to where you want and turn the fan up or down as you wish. The temp controls will then change the temp of the airflow just as sliders in the non auto systems.

YOU WROTE
"The auto climate control in my TB LTZ seems confusing to operate. Is there a way to have the driver's side climate control on, but the passenger side off? Also, is there a way to operate the system as a manual system, intead of auto? The manual is not much help."

edl55347

My mileage has really dropped off in the last couple of months as well. I would be interested to learn what is going. I had the fuel system checked and they indicated that everything was in the normal range, yet I am only getting about 12 mgh in the city(avg speed 30 based on DIC info such as time and distance.)

drobin59

Just had the rear deflector installed by the dealer and I noticed that the rear red light wasn't moved and you can't see it from the back and furthermore, there is a hole where I think the light should be moved to. I read an earlier post here that stated that the light is moved. When I asked the service manager, he said that there were no instructions to that fact, no plug, etc.. In short, he was going to have to talk to GM. I have a big hole that needs to be filled in! Can anybody give me some facts on this please!

Also had the dealer look at the driver's side mirror which doesn't come back to the previously set position on occasion. I told him that a new module, GM # 15097470 would cure the problem. He told me that he couldn't find such a GM number - any ideas?

papamelk

My transfercase has a slow leak of fluid. Since the truck was produced in Dec. of 2001, I have to believe it is a mftr defect. Any others out there ?

tlauro

Explain to them that GM # 15097470 was a special order part to fix the wandering mirrors. They can call me dealer, Byers Dublin Chevrolet in Dublin, Ohio and ask for Larry Smith in service. He is familiar with the problem as they fixed mine back in January. No issues since. It's not a standard GM Part# that they will find in the vehicle breakdown on the computer.

YOU WROTE:
"I told him that a new module, GM # 15097470 would cure the problem. He told me that he couldn't find such a GM number - any ideas?"

vindog45

Have not installed mine yet, but the instructions are very clear on removing back brake light, and re-installing plasic cover where light used to be.
They had to of ended up with an extra part!...PLASTIC COVER! not trying to be smart....just ticks me off when service guys try to cover up mistakes!

giddens_john

I'll second the fact that the installation sheet is very clear about moving the third brake light. The install sheet is on my site. I'd suggest downloading it from my site

http://users2.ev1.net/~giddens_john/

under Pics, printing it out and showing it to your dealership.

dshepherd3

True, installation instructions are clear, but I found that the fit of the 3rd lite into the deflector is poor, on the whole I felt the quality of the kit was poor.

gam2

The brakes on my Bravada feel just fine. Remember,
these things have 4 wheel discs. There are some inherent differences in brake feel between a vehicle with 4 wheel discs and one with disc/drums. I never read any complaints in any of the magazines about the brakes.

When Audi has their faux brake problems, Car and Driver did a test. 70-0 stopping distance under normal conditions and with the accelerator to the floor. Stopping distance increased by less than 10 feet, indicating the brakes were plenty strong.

GAM2

gailpete

My husband and I are looking for a new vehicle. We are considering a Trailblazer EXT or an Envoy XL. Does anyone have any recommendations for us? If you currently own a TB or an Envoy, would you buy one again, if you had to do it over? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

quickdtoo

Checked the brake pedal free travel on my tb, measurement is in spec,~2-3/8" max. As for the deflector install, I agree that the fit is terrible! After an adjustment that shouldn't be needed, it finally fit OK, not perfect but just OK. Had to make the right side hole in the CHMSL(center high mounted stop light)larger to even get it to fit when mounted in the deflector on the pillars. What a disappointment from GM. Next project is the gas tank shield, not really a skid plate because it's made of plastic just like the front "skid" plate. Hope it fits better than the deflector! Update on that when it happens. Tim

mspdriver

Tlauro - I find that to reset the Auto Climate control back to "auto" with full driver control - just re-press the AUTO button 1-2 times. If the PASS has "taken" control by adjusting their side - you do not have to re-start the car/electical system to reset the system back to driver all auto. Once your wife gets out of the car - just press AUTO 1 (or 2) times - and the system will revert back to DRIVER AUTO PASSENGER - all driver control. I have a Envoy SLT and this works in mine. I assume the TB is the same.

MSPDriver

tidester

Welcome to the Town Hall!

Be patient - it gets pretty quiet here on the weekend. I'm sure you'll get LOTS of recommendations during the week!

tidester
Host
SUVs

mrau

.... Yes I would buy again. No problems with my Envoy SLT. Only recommendation I can give is that every option you get makes it that much more enjoyable. Of course, we all have a budget.
Lots of people here have said go with the Bose stereo if you can; I agree. The mid-range rear axle (3.73) is fine unless you do lots of towing. Then you may want a 4.10 axle. For best highway mileage, get a 3.42 axle.
If you get an SLT (which includes leather) be sure to get the seat heater. It is great on cold mornings; even the low setting on "back only" can make your journey more comfortable.

Just a few thoughts. I am sure there will be more. Happy Easter !

---- Mike

bradrx7

Some folks have asked about towing with a triplet.

I tow my RX7 track car with my Trailblazer LTZ 2x4. Here are some pictures of the setup. The rear ratio is a 3:73. I use a weight distributing hitch with DrawTite Activator brake controller for the trailer brakes. The trailer is a Sloan's Kwik-Load no-ramp unit. I have had a lot of trailers for my track cars over the years and this is the easiest loading trailer ever.

Here are a few pictures from when I first got the trailer. The WD hitch has since been added along with a black trailer fairing which is not in place here.

http://www.bradbarber.com/towrig/towrig2.JPG

http://www.bradbarber.com/towrig/bradt-t.JPG

http://www.bradbarber.com/towrig/bradtrailer.JPG

http://www.bradbarber.com/towrig/loading3.JPG

http://www.bradbarber.com/towrig/loading5.JPG

The trailer weighs 1700 lbs and the car is 2700.

I usually carry about 250 lbs of crap with me to the track.

On the road, I use third going up hills, but it does on with 4th on the flats no problem. Mileage is about 13 while towing due to careful accelerator use.

Also, I dechromed my rear hatch and removed the roof rack bars since these pictures and the TB looks MUCH better.

best regards,

brad

peace. love. track.

drobin59

Thanks for the help. The special order module #15097470 - where do the service guys look that up? I'm afraid I'll get the same response - "GM doesn't show that listing." Is a special order different that what's on the GM part system? Hope this makes sense. Remember, they told me that they couldn't find any such # in their computers.

Thanks!

metfanmhr

I have been having the wandering mirror problem in both of my mirrors on my TB-LTZ. After I had the shop foreman at my dealership look at them, he found the problem to be a module inside each mirror that sends a signal back to the computer telling it the position. He had called TAC, and was told a TSB should be out at the end of this month with part numbers for the replacement modules. After I got tired of waiting, I gave him part nums #15097470 and #15097471 to investigate. He discovered that these are not just the replacement modules, but the entire mirror (including the updated module) and that just the new modules are still not available by themselves. But being the nice guy he is, he said "I am sure this is driving you nuts and causing you to be dissatisfied with your Chevy, so we'll go ahead and order the whole thing." The parts arraived Friday and I am going in tomorrow to have them installed. We'll see it that works! As for where to look that part up, I'm not sure. I'll ask tomorrow and see if I can get him to tell me. If you tell your service guys that that part is for an entire replacement mirror, maybe that will help them. I'm sure the body shop would know where to look that up (they must have to replace them when repairing wrecks).

tblazed

The seat belt retractor spring to me is too tight across my shoulder and collar bone. I noticed this after driving it home 1st day after just a few miles. I am constantly pulling it away trying to get comfortable. So far I have not seen anyone else mentioning this on any discussions and there is no "TSB" for this problem I can find. My old '88 S-10 has the quick pull-release tension reliever mechanism in the seat belt that I wish the TB had. Maybe it's just mine that's too tight? Or I am spoiled by that feature on the '88.

sstrader

I agree, there is too much tension on the shoulder harness and I too am pulling it away from my left shoulder after driving for a while. Recently I took my Envoy to Darlington and Myrtle Beach, S.C. from Northern Virginia and the shoulder harness becomes uncomfortable after a while. Less tension would help tremendously.

Steve

tlauro

Thanks mspdriver!

I tried it today as I cleaned my LTZ. On the TB, I have to press and hold the auto button to get it back into full driver control.

tim

tlauro

Well, I read it here that a few others removed the cross members of the roof rack and thought why not....I never use it and when I do need it, they are just a snap to put back.

It was a perfect day to wash, clay bar, and Zaino my LTZ. About 60, cloudy, no rain, no wind and with our celebrating Easter Yesterday at our house...a day to just un-wind outside.

Here's a link to what it looks like.

http://www.timlauro.com/cars/trailblazer/roof-rack-detail-notes.html

2002slt

You have one of the best websites around for the triplets.

Keep up the great work!

crestonave

Picked up my 2002 Bravada this past Saturday. Black/Pewter, Bose, Heated Seats, Sunroof, Convenience Pkg. Sprung for a Lojack and Digital Remote Start. The car is very comfortable, quiet, rides beautifully, very powerful, handles nicely, excellent brakes, surprising turning radius. I would not have opted for the Bose given a choice, but am I ever so glad I got it! What awesome sound! No problems so far: mirrors don't wander off on their own. Time, of course, will tell, but my (minivan-driving) wife even likes it! Only criticism at this point - put the shift on the column, so the functionality of the center console can be improved. Cupholder/ashtry combo still leave something to be desired (but a vast improvement over the setup in the 1999 Bravada I came out of) , and that parking brake belongs on the floor.

I am really looking forward to driving this vehicle over the next few years. Thanks for all the good advice I got from this board.

Question: anyone have experience with PIAA wiper blades? Very pricey. Are they worth the money? How about PIAA bulbs to replace OEM bulbs? Any thoughts you can share?

Thanks!

jac27

Had the same problem with my Bravada. I found some clips at the local carwash that allow me to move the shoulder belt attachment across my lap to where it is nearly vertical, and does not cross my chest. I'm not sure of the safety implications, but it is very comfortable. It is made of a light plastic, and hopefully the clip would break off in an accident and allow the shoulder strap to work normally.

I'm not sure where these clips could be found, but I would guess an auto supply store or catalog would carry them.

medolark

I have a little squeak that I can't seem to find and wondered if others have had success eliminating any. I have an Envoy and the squeak occurs over small bumps. Seems like it is coming from up front, but my hearing is not so hot so I can't say for sure. It isn't real bothersome as with the radio on I usually don't even hear it.

I would really appreciate any suggestions as to what I can try to get rid of it.

Thanks in advance!