Chevrolet Uplander Electrical Problems

rwallis

Would you current Uplander owners recommend them? We own an 01 Venture, and have had ongoing electrical issues, so we're interested in the past discussions about "flickering lights." Any recommendations...or warnings?

tjhsmith

rwallis -- I have an '05 Uplander. It had a minor, intermittent flickering lights problem early on. Complained to the dealer about the problem and was told it was "normal." Flicker gradually grew worse so I complained again and the dealer then replaced the alternator under warranty, which completely fixed the problem.

I have not had any other problems with the vehicle, electrical or otherwise. But we've only had it for 15 months and 17,000 miles.

So far, I am very happy with the van and would recommend.

rwallis

tjhsmith... Thanks for the response. I test drove an 06 today, and it was a nice ride. We'll probably go with the Uplander as I have found a good deal on a hardly-used 06 locally... Thanks again

tmcgee06

Hello,

I purchased my Uplander June 30th. We took our new van on a trip to Myrtle Beach. Drove at night, the lights were flickering like mad when at a constant speed. ON our way back home it was raining, not only were the lights flickering, but we had water coming from the floor on the front passenger side and driver side. I contacted our dealer; and they told us to bring the van in. They have had this since July 24, fixed the water leak, but I was told that they were waiting for a voltage regulator for the flickering lights. In reading this post, this isn't going to fix my problem. But why would the dealer tell me that there is a TSB on that part, and they can't get it in? My Van has been in the shop for over a week now, and I hate this rent a wreck they gave me. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do???? :mad:

Joe

genmtrfan

Let us know if they fix it. My alternator was replaced under the TSB, but it didn't completely fix it. My lights flicker under hard acceleration though, not at constant speeds. Some on this site say that the heavy duty alternator will fix it.

also, be sure that it's not the a/c that is leaking water in.

tmcgee06

I will let you know if the light flickering problem is gone or not, I have a feeling that I will have that problem for ever!!!!! The funny thing is I still don't have my van back from the shop (July 24th).. When I went to pick up my van someone from the shop hit the front driver side. Mind you a brand new Van that I haven't had the chance to put a nick on yet!!!! They repainted the bumper, but I refused it because the color didn't match. I insisted on them finding me a new bumper, since the van didn't come into the shop with a scratch on it!!!! I also called Detroit because I feel that this wouldn't have happened if the parts were available to the service depts. There has to be an issue with the electrical systems in lots of GM's products don't ya thing!!!!!!

Fustrated. :lemon:

genmtrfan

Actually, it's just these vans with the 3.5 liter. GM used a new charging system that was supposed to reduce the amount of the time that the alternator charged the battery. A good concept, but it wasn't quite perfected. I'm thinking of calling my dealer and requesting that they put in a heavy duty alternator (the one that comes with the towing pacakge). Someone on this site said it fixed their problem.

While the problems have been annoying, they've all been fixed under warranty, except for the light flicker. I think the van drives and rides exceptionally and I expect long term reliabiliy to be very good. It's just a shame that GM introduced these vans with so many issues that have taken up the consumer's time by requiring warranty work. Here they are: light flicker, air bag rattle, side moldings coming unglued, rear allignment problem, front a/c not cold enough unless on max (they just issued a TSB on this-software problem), horn springs too stiff-TSB issued. Cheap brake rotors. Again, the dealer has been able to repair everything except the light flicker which is minimal.
The good news is that I haven't heard of any powertrain problems.

stobar

genmtrfan - can you give me some more info or the website where I can read the TSB on the "a/c not cold enough unless on max (they just issued a TSB on this-software problem)". I had noticed this in my van a few weeks ago and was not aware of this TSB. Thanks.

tmcgee06

Update to my Van.

Well here it is, I got my van back yesterday. (was tired of waiting for them to find me a new bumper since they dinged the first one) Took the van out on the high way and guess what, the lights are still flickering. I have contacted my dealer, and they are going to order a new alternator. I don't know how GM can't say this isn't a major issue because I had someone cut me off while driving; because my lights were acting up. This really has to be addressed, or someone is going to get hurt.

:lemon:

genmtrfan

I feel your pain, remember to keep us updated. I'd love to find just one case of a successful repair. I'm thinking of asking for the 125 amp alternator to see if it helps. someone on this site said that their van had the bigger alternator and had no problems. The funny thing is that the TSB on this said to replace both of the alternators, depending on which size came with the van.

genmtrfan

Here's a website address to recent GM TSB's. The one you're asking about is 06-01-39-004C. It's a the end of the list. Print it off and take it to your dealer. It's good ammunition.

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/General-Motors/index-post.html

dtownfb

<<Actually, it's just these vans with the 3.5 liter. GM used a new charging system that was supposed to reduce the amount of the time that the alternator charged the battery. A good concept, but it wasn't quite perfected. I'm thinking of calling my dealer and requesting that they put in a heavy duty alternator (the one that comes with the towing pacakge). Someone on this site said it fixed their problem.>>

Tmcgee06 is correct. This has been a problem for a number GM vehicles since 1999. Take a look on the Intrigue forum and the Saturn L forum. A number of people (including myself)have complained about this issue.

tmcgee06

I was told by my dealer that they are not going to replace the alternator, GM is working on some software update. So in the mean time I have to deal with lights flickering in the night. Hope I don't get into any accidents in the mean time. Do lots of highway driving.....

NOT HAPPY.

genmtrfan

Thanks for the reply. That is really good information. The replacement of the alternator doesn't seem to help according to most of the posts here. Our light flicker isn't bad enough to be too concerned. In fact, I asked my wife, who's the primary driver, if she'd noticed it. She had not. I'll be looking for the software update, but won't be getting my hopes up.

jerrywimer

Exact same situation here (had our alternator replaced, no real effect).

But I can honestly say that my flickering lights hasn't caused anyone to cut me off or been a danger in any way. It's not as if it looks like I had high beams on to blind anyone or anything, and they don't flicker enough to cause me to miss something I would see otherwise and cause an accident. Mainly just an annoyance..

cla1

A response with our experience on the lights--after fairly servere flickering on a night trip last fall, went to the dealer with the TSB # on this. They replaced the alternator (at least that's what the service ticket said) and the problem has been solved. I still don't understand the voltage variation reported on the information screen, seems to go from low 12's up to mid 14's with no rhyme or reason. Also does anyone else have a wildly fluctuating instant mileage number. Ours goes from 15 to 42 to 22 to 38 to 16, all within split seconds. The overall mileage readout seems to be accurate but the instant is unusable. On both our Olds and Venture, the readout was steady and useful, and btw, much easier to read than this one. On a recent 500 mile plus trip, not heavily loaded, we got 26.5 which I thought was good. Mostly expressway driving about 70.

Our tires were rotated by the dealer at last oil change (I never trust them to do it by the manual and not use their air wrenches to tighten them incorrectly) and of course they now have warped rotors so I have a shudder at high speeds when braking. We have about 25k miles.

jerrywimer

Your observations on the voltage variation and the instant mileage readouts exactly mirror our own with the Terraza. I pretty much have taken to not even bothering with the instant readout, but the voltage variation was explained as part of the new electrical setup GM now uses to save fuel. Basically the engine drag by the alternator is somehow reduced when less current is needed, and a computer evaluates (constantly) the need. So the varying range is supposedly an accurate reading of what is going on. Unfortunately it may also have something to do with the flickering headlight issue (not the readout, the actual system)..

Your mileage observations on the trip are pretty much in line with ours also, though we actually achieved nearly 29 on one leg of the trip home to visit my parents, and 26.3 on the way back. These vans are especially efficient highway cruisers for sure.

Last of all- the last time I let the dealership rotate the tires we ended up with shuddering brakes. That led to a nightmare of visits back to them. The first time to turn the rotors- no good. Second time to fix again, worked, but left van sitting outside in a hailstorm.. third time attempted to address hail damage (no body shop at our dealership so they contract a local shop). Fourth time to correct the overspray all over the front from the previous visit..

If the dealership hadn't been going out of their way to address all these issues without a penny from my pocket (including loaner vehicles, and a step up to a larger loaner when my wife complained about the dealership's Cobalt), I may've given up on them. As it stands they finally managed to rectify everything. But they won't be seeing our van for rotations ever again. And I watched the Wal-mart guy do the job like a hawk, as I mentioned earlier (used a torque wrench to make sure the lugs weren't overly or unevenly snugged down).

tmcgee06

Update to the Electrical problem.

I have been in contact with my dealship's distric manager, they so much as told me that GM has no fix for the flickering light problem. Since I have posted this, they won't even bring my van back in to attempt anything, a stall tatic on there part. (Lemon Law) Other dealerships have tried to replacing the alternator and in most cases this has Not fixed the lighting issue. So NOW I am trying to get them to buy this nightmare back; and put my wife into an 07 with the 3.9 engine, since I heard that this fixes the problem... Anyone have any other input on the new 07 models...

Joe - PA

stobar

I have been reading past posts, and was wondering if a firm remedy has yet to be made on how to fix the flickering light issue? I just noticed it in my 2005 Terraza this week. Not that bad, but enough cause for concern. Also, any fixes for the front a/c coolness? When it got hot this summer, the front a/c just didn't seem to be cooling enough. I have the 2005 with the 3.5 engine. Many thanks.

kcorey

It was never a big problem with me, but I mentioned it to my dealer and he replaced the alternator at about 5,000 miles (I think). It's been fine since (I have about 21,000 miles on it now). The A/C works best in MAX for the front, but the rear can freeze over 1. Even in the really hot sun this summer (in NYC), I didn't find any problems. After driving a while (1/2 an hour, or so), I'd move it out of MAX. I did notice that when the sun was shining on the windshield the heat transfer through it was very hot...sometimes I'd just move it to DEFROST and it kept it very cool. No, I never mentioned it to my dealer...maybe I'll have him check it next time I'm there.
Overall, it's a great car. I'll probably buy a 2008!

genmtrfan

Here's the scoop on the lights. GM noted this as a problem on the 2005 vans and issued a TSB to "fix" the problem by replacing the alternator in February 2005. Unfortunately this did not typically solve the problem. In July 2006 GM issued a revised TSB which called for the replacement of the voltage regulator. I've had both done on my Uplander. What I've noticed since having the voltage regulator replaced is that the flicker is much more infrequent. I'd say that it occurs 80% less. The interior lights no longer flicker at idle. The exterior headlights don't flicker under light acceleration. However, when you punch it enough to make it upshift and the RPMs temporarily jump greater than 3,000 I still notice a slight flicker. Unless you're on a really hilly interstate (I was between Nashville and Knoxville on I-40) and need to upshift a lot, you'll rarely notice the flicker. I also noticed that the Voltage stayed at 14.4 for the entire 2.25 hours of the trip. I don't think it used to be that high before the regulator was changed. There will be some who aren't satisfied, but the frequency is low and the amount of flicker is slight. As far as I'm concerned it isn't an issue anymore.

A/C-GM issued a TSB sometime over the summer 2006. We too notice the rear a/c cooling much better. The TSB requires a software download which is supposed to correct any problems people are having with changing modes. As far as the coolness issue, it says that further instructions will be issued soon on how to re-calibrate the temperature control. We had the software update done, but I don't know if the air is any cooler. It hasn't been that hot lately.

stobar

Next problem with my 2005 Terraza - has anyone had a problem with the power sliding door suddenly opening back up when it was closing? I've noticed this happening a few times in the last couple months. When the passenger side sliding door is closing, before it latches, it suddenly reverses directions and opens back up. I have an appointment to take it in in a couple of days to get the flickering lights and service lights fixed, might as well add this to the list! Thought there may a TSB on the power sliding door as well.

genmtrfan

Seen very few complaints about power doors. I'm not aware of a TSB. The doors are supposed to reverse if they hit something, but your door is reversing prematurely, perhaps an adjustment will fix it. Our Uplander's power doors have been trouble-free and it was one of the first Vehicles produced.

That said, but careful not to open the driver's side door while you are pumping gas or have the cap off. My door ripped the gas cap off the attachment one time. But that was my stupidity.

Where are all of the posts lately? Anyone have an '07 they'd like to report on? I predict the '07 models will be the most reliable and enjoyed since they have the 3.9 standard which gives more power and corrects the light flicker issue. Also, the other issues (stiff horn springs, air bag rattle, windshield noise) have been resolved. Our '05 Uplander has had the little stuff repaired and is doing great right now. I think these van's are excelling long-term. The 3.5/3.9 engines are proving to be very reliable with few transmission issues. After 1.5 years of ownership, our electronics have worked great so far. DVD is still the most appreciated feature. Go to the Honda Odd. forum and you'll see more significant issues, plus those people paid way more and have to park the beast (it's 5 inches wider than the GM vans). But it's a Honda, and the seats fold completely flat, so it's got to be the best. Not. How often do people fold and or remove the seats anyway? The Uplander's seats fold almost flat. In fact I've only needed to remove them all one time during ownership.

morewasabi

Did your warranty cover the gas cap repair? One of the safety features on the power door is to stop opening when the gas cap is open. They demo it for me when I purchased my Terraza. I also tested it.

Regarding Honda. Yes you are spot on. When I read the Honda Odd forum, I am shocked on the major and continuing issues they have model year after model year. :sick:

The GM Van issues are minor and few in comparison. :shades:

genmtrfan

You asked: Did your warranty cover the gas cap repair? One of the safety features on the power door is to stop opening when the gas cap is open. They demo it for me when I purchased my Terraza. I also tested it.

I re-attached the gas cap to the holder myself. I had no idea the doors were supposed to do that. Do you think the Terraza is the only one that does it?

morewasabi

Think the feature would be on all. Check you owners manual
Dual Sliding Doors
To open either sliding door from outside the vehicle, pull
the handle out and then pull the door toward the rear.
If you slide the door all the way back, the door will rest in
a detent position.
To move the door forward, you must first pull the door
past the open detent position.
The driver&#146;s side sliding door is designed to open only a
little if the fuel door is open. If this ever happens, do
not try to force the sliding door. Just close the driver&#146;s
side sliding door. Then when the fuel filler door is
closed, the driver&#146;s side sliding door can be opened
normally.
2-13

tmcgee06

I am still fighting with our dealership about our 2006 Uplander. The light flickering problem is still there, took back to the shop, they told me that they could not reproduce the lights to flicker, but I can do it anytime, but they don't want to stay after hours for me to show them this is still an issue. My radio is still popping when I turn it on after intiial start up, my dealership replaced the radio with a refurbished one, but problem still there. Imagine that I have a brand new van and they put a refurbished radio in with out telling me... Anyway I am really upset with this dealer, and I have reported to the 1800 lemon law in PA, were going to see where this takes me.

Joe

morewasabi

Here's the TSB for the lights flickering. Your deal should honor this
General Motors

Posted: Tue, Jul 11, 2006
Issued: Tue, Jun 20, 2006
TSB Number: 05-06-03-003B
Title: Lighting - Headlamps and or Interior Lamps Int. Flicker

Here's the web address so you can print it off
http://www.alldata.com/tsb/General-Motors/1150786800000_1152601200000_05-06-03-0- 03B/index.html

rmacker

My lights flickered and my Saturn dealer said it was a bad alternator. Defect in manufacture. They replaced it no questions asked. It solved the problem.

stobar

I'm picking up my Terraza tomorrow after being in the shop 10 days awaiting parts. Service manager fixed everything asked with the exception of the flicking lights. Got the standard "could not duplicate the problem, even when driving it home at night". Frustrating to say the least. I printed out the TSB from the link that morewasabi left. I'm going to show it to the service manager tomorrow, and feel he will be seeing me again. What's confusing is the TSB states to replace the Generator Voltage Regulator, but rmacker states he had his alternator replaced? Which one has fixed the problem? Also, has anyone had an opportunity to remove their gas cap and see if they have a metal plate in there to catch debris? Can't believe this item would be left off when they built these vans. Thanks.

morewasabi

Regarding the Gas cap. Don&#146;t think that&#146;s an issue. Look at your gas cap. It&#146;s a different design and goes deeper than a normal gas cap. Also, has some kind of special venting. I don&#146;t have a metal plate, but do have a small metal arm. That is used to limit the size of the gas nozzle that can enter. The metal plate that you're talking about is not used for keeping debris out but is actually a splash guard. I think the gas cap design handles that function. At first the gas cap is also more difficult than most to put back on.

stobar

Thanks morewasabi. Did you have problems with the flickering lights? I really want to roll up the TSB and poke the Service Manager in the eye with it. Nothing I hate more than the standard "can't duplicate the problem". Makes me believe he thinks I'm a liar. I'm sure I'll be back soon to get it fixed, just wish he would have pulled up the TSBs and corrected it now.

morewasabi

No problems with the lights. Maybe because I have the towing package which comes with the heavy-duty alternator. May have a different voltage regulator too? Not sure. But no electrical issues.

Tell the service manager that you want to open up a case with GM. Tell him that you're surprised that they didn't even mention the TSB. Then when he ask what TSB, throw it at him! :P

tmcgee06

I am having problems with the flickering lights. I have posted before, and were still fighting with our dealer. There is a TSB out there to change the voltage regulator, we had this done. At first I thought this was fixed, but only to discover it flickers faster. I took this back to the dealer and they said they couldn't duplicate. I am attempting to contact there manager, and make someone take a ride with me. I have the daylight in my favor since it gets darker earlier. The last excuse was we couldn't get anyone to stay late. I also contacted the Lemon law reps to see if there was anything I could do about this problem. Since the dealer doesn't really seem to want to help me. I'M STILL WAITING TO SEE IF GM WILL EXCEPT AND BUY THIS LEMON BACK. I don't feel safe in something that flickers and pops while i'm driving.

stobar

tmcgee06, if you haven't already seen it, check out genmtrfan post #2719. This covers the flicking light issue in greater detail. If the voltage regulator didn't fix it, may a new alternator will. A couple of people have had there alternators replaced and it seemed to fix the issue. This is one issue I have yet to have fixed, but will probably end up doing so in the next few months. The dealer has documented the problem. There was also some other recent posts on this within the last month, so I would check back through a few pages. Hope you are able to get your issue resolved!

tmcgee06

Hello Stobar,

I have read all of the posting regarding the flickering lights with my 06 uplander. My dealership refuses to help us any further regarding this matter. North Star Chevrolet in Pa said there was no other fix. The last time I had this van in their shop they said they drove it 300 miles and couldn't duplicate the lighting problem. I asked them to test drive with me in the van, and they refused. North Star will not replace the alternator because there is no TSB for that fix. Yes there was on in 05 but in most cases this did not take care of the flickering issue, and was replaced with the current TSB, which didn't not fix my problem. Anytime I drive up hill at almost any speed I get this flickering problem, I can see my headlights flickering on cars in front of me, so I can't imagine that they couldn't duplicate... As far as i'm concerned I will never buy another Chevy. And would not recomend NORTH STAR CHEVROLET IN CARNEIGIE PA TO ANYONE. Once you sign the deal the service department doesn't give a crap about the customer.

Joe PA

jerrywimer

At least they don't seem to care so long as it's not the customer's dollar at risk.

Gotta add my one real gripe here for our Terraza so far. That being the brake rotors that warp so easily. Out of all the disc brake equipped vehicles I've owned, several of which were GM products, the only other one that has shown the same issues was the 97 Malibu. In that car the brakes warped roughly every 6-8k miles. The van is now on the same road. It might not be so bad if GM would allow the dealerships to replace the rotors when this happens under warranty (which btw, only runs to 12k miles on the brakes). But they insist that they be turned if the minimum thickness is there, regardless of the fact that the rotors warping at under 7k miles can't be normal. The fact that the same dealership has seen four of my previous GM disc brake equipped vehicles for all of our service and has NEVER worked an issue like this should've been enough to tell them that we don't drive any of our vehicles, much less the minivan, in a way that will (should) cause this issue. More importantly, the fact that many people report the same issues with these vans (more than most other vehicles) shows that there IS a problem with the design or the parts.

Anyway, at 16k miles we've had them turned for the third time. The first not under warranty. I managed to get GM Customer Assistance to reimburse us for the cost of turning the rotors again (but not to simply replace them). But this time was a "One time goodwill" action. So the next time it's my dollar. And even if there is (unlikely) enough thickness left in the rotors at 22-23k miles (when I expect to feel the shuddering next), I'll be hunting aftermarket pads and rotors. And the dealership WON'T be getting to perform the work. They basically refused to stand by me when discussing the matter with the Customer Assistance folks- instead claiming this is a common issue in our area. Which may be true, but not a common issue for US in this area.

Other than the brakes, all of our other issues have been dealt with satisfactorily and hopefully permanently. But the ongoing need to get rotors turned or replaced is one thing that may make me totally regret this vehicle. I seriously hope new non-OEM rotors and pads cure it next time.

uplanderguy

Jerry, your points are very valid. If you haven't already, look at my post no. 2732 which references post no. 2683. Post 2683 is the TSB, in full, for brake rotor work under warranty. It is long (like 20 pages), but it says if rotors aren't thick enough, THEN replace them (this is seven pages in from the final page). And this is talking about warranty work. I've printed this out for my future use. I'd ask your Service Manager to show you where in your warranty it specifically mentions brake rotors as it does specifically, all other brake parts. Nowhere do I see rotors mentioned in the warranty like pads, linings, etc.

Good luck,
Bill P.
Kent, OH

uplanderguy

Jerry, re. brake rotors..go to link in post 2683 and look for TSB 05-05-22-002A, 8/22/06 issue date. You'll be most interested in pages 12 and 13. They even mention possibly covering brake pads for 24K miles.

Bill P.

uplanderguy

...and futhermore, has your dealer been the only one to rotate tires, etc., on your van? I would bring that up if they were the only ones to ever touch your vehicle's lugnuts and if they were overtightened, which contributes to rotor wear, it's their fault.

Bill P.

jerrywimer

Thanks for the link to the TSB. The first time the brakes started shuddering was after they'd rotated the tires for the first time. And I blamed them for the brakes suddenly getting troublesome. They turned them and the problem went away for a very short time, only to start coming back at the 11k point when they blamed "glazing", rather than warping. Same fix though either way- turn down the surface.

I've still got to read closer into that TSB though. They appear to be claiming that the rotors are only covered for 12k miles, regardless of anything else.

uplanderguy

Although I have the Chevy, not Buick, I would bet the warranty paperwork is the same. I don't have the vehicle here right now to look, but I have checked this before and I have never seen rotors discussed specifically as a normal wear item (i.e., not covered for 3/36) in the warranty booklet. They specifically mention pads, linings, etc., but not rotors. Correct me if you find otherwise..don't think you will. On page 12 or 13 of that TSB, it says that "brake rotor warranty is convered under the terms of the New Vehicle Bumper-to-Bumper warranty." If not mentioned in the warranty as an exception, it would be 3/36. Again, good luck!

Bill P.

uplanderguy

Oops, just noticed that the TSB mentioned above is for "1999-2007 Saturn vehicles" (although they, too, market and sell the same minivan). I had thought it odd that it looked like the same procedure was repeated from TSB 00-05-22-002H dated June 20, 2006, which covers "all 1999-2007 All GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks". Same pages and warranty details apply in that TSB though..exact same wording.

Bill

Claires

Hi, ballfire,

I've moved your posts to our Pontiac Montana discussion here:
Pontiac Montana: New Owners' Reports

swathdiver

I have a 2006 SV6 with the LZ9 3.9l motor with the towing package. It has the more powerful alternator and it too flickers. This vehicle was built 10-2005. It's quite noticeable at idle and low speeds.

cwesleyg

We have a 2006 Uplander LT... never had the flicker problem. But our service stabilitrac warning comes on a lot. The service department at Champion Chevrolet in Howell, MI says no problem found. It is really weird when it occurs... usually when we are pulling out into traffic under high excelleration with the wheels turned... a couple times while starting a U turn from a dead stop.... it makes a bunch of weird noises and the warning comes on... the van barely moves... going to get hit by someone one of these days because you can't count on the van taking off into traffic to merge all the time...

swampdog1

We have a 2006 Uplander with a 3.9 motor and trailer package. about 5,000 miles. A different electrical problem. My wife told me yesterday that the vehicle stated to bounce. We were have some pretty good winds and I suspected that she got caught in a gust and noticed it bounce. I took the vehicle for a drive and I had to pull over twice, it bounced so bad. I noticed the back end of the vehicle sitting very high, it has the automatic rear level control and what appered to be happening is the sensor was not reading properly and pumped the shocks up to the max. You would not believe the bounce in it, I was travelling at low speeds and it was almost impossible to handle. I took it to the closest gm dealer, not where I bought it, it was sitting ok when I got it there and he said there was not a problem with it. My concern was that if it did this at a high speed, there is not way you could control the vehicle. The dealer would not even look at it since he said there was no problem with it. Have you heard of this before? I think in this situation it is a very unstable vehicle.
Thanks.

njones60

Apparently my 2005 Uplander is among only a handful that is experiencing problems with the power sliding doors. I have a friend that has some of the same problems, though not as serious. The passenger door has twice closed on my children, causing substantial bruising and lacerations before I could pry the door back open. Additionally, numberous times the door has opened while the van was parked, locked, and not running. Most significantly, however, is that twice it opened completely while I was driving. Fortunately, once I was in a parking lot and the kids weren't with me, but once I was driving down the highway and my children were in the the middle seats. Scary!! So now I have a minivan that only seats 5 because I won't let anyone sit in the middle seats. The van has been at the dealership numerous times and the door still doesn't close properly. You can actually watch it pop back open after it closes and the dealership hasn't seemed too concerned about it. I pursued it with the Better Business Bureau and just found out their arbitrator found in my favor. Not sure how it will turn out, but hopefully I won't have to retain an attorney and file a lemon law suit. I have MANY other complaints about this car. Road noise, rough idling, transmission, door locks, and the brakes... 28,000 miles and THREE sets of rotors. Come on! Anyway, I think these problems are somewhat rare although I know at least one other person with door troubles. Good luck to you all!!

swathdiver

Sorry to hear about your doors. Mine work fine so far ('06 SV6 Montana). We have almost 9k on it now, it makes noise, you can feel something loose when steering, it's due for an oil change so I plan to look underneath for anything loose before making a trip to the dealer.

As for the brakes, these things can coast for miles, much more so then my '99 Montana and it took me awhile to adjust my driving habits so I wasn't constantly standing on the brakes to stop. Check yourself.

amyand1974

Hello. i have read all your messages and problems with your 2005 uplander. I also have had lots of the same problems with my van. I got a letter today about a recall on the 2005 vans and them replacing them. Has any of your gotten that same letter also. Its only for the 2005's :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :sick:

darylwise

Swath,

Could you email or fax me the letter you received? We have an 05 Uplander that has been in and out of the shop some 20 times in the 2 years we've had it. From sliding door issues, to flickering lights, to dvd problems, the list goes on.
GM said they would buy it back but wanted $11k from me to get out. What a rip off!!!! Sell me a defective product and then ask me to pay you to take it back, I DON'T THINK SO! I see an attorney in our future unless someone has a better suggestion. :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: