Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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"Gamera" is a Japanese name, so I don't think the latinate endings apply. On the other hand, "Gamera" is by definition a romanization of whatever the original Japanese characters were, so this is all quite confusing. Does that bring Godzilla's sexuality into question as well? (Not that there's anything wrong with that).
CWJ
P.S. Last off-topic post in this thread on my part, I promise.
Low ground clearance? - The Buick Rendezvous (7.0), Ford Explorer (6.7), Lexus RX300 (7.7), Acura MDX (8.0), and Dodge Durango (7.9). If I ever wake up to seven inches of snow, I'm staying home to play with my kids!
I would think that if minivans and cars do not have as much trouble in snow due to their clearance, there should not be any problem with RDV, but if you have to drive in 6 or more inches of snow, I would consider only SUV which is Hummer. For all the others you might as well as stay home instead of on the road.
Now I was assuming this meant when ever I hit the unlock on my remote it should automatically put the seat into the memory seat position. However, I've noticed it only goes to this position, if the previous position was in the other driver 2 memory position.
In other words, if I move my seat back several inches to exit, when I lock/unlock the door, the seat doesn not go back to the seat memory position. It just stays where I left it, several inches back. I've noticed the only time it goes back to the seat memory position with my remote is if the seat was previously in the other driver seat memory position.
I'm wondering if something is wrong with my seat recall, or if this is just how it works. One would think that the remote should be set up to recall the seat memory back regardless of who was driving the vehicle prior. What are other people experiencing? Thanks ahead of time.
Other than that, the other problem we've experienced with the seat memory is occasionally we hear a popping electrical noise when the seat is moving from the seat memory to the exit position, or vice versa. Dealer still can't figure out what the problem is. They are replacing our radio, because it's losing time, and they thought maybe there's a short in the radio causing this problem. We're being patient with them, since we realize this is a new model. We'll let you know how it goes. How's everyone else doing? Been pretty quiet here lately.
Mary
As for the mileage is concerned, I drive a lot through small ups and downs as well as contruction area, and my RDV gives about 17.5 mpg which I think is not as bad. How much mileage are you getting?
Please post the update if you find any thing more about this.
As for the clock, we are losing about 1 minute every 10 days. The service manager says the only way to fix this is to switch the whole radio out. He also said the process is very simple and once the radio arrives it will only takes a few minutes to do. Apparently, they've dealt with this before.
To melsny- My dealer does admit there have been problems with some of the memory modules on the RDV's he's encountered; however he's not yet sure that what we're experiencing is a real problem. He seems to think that if the driver changes the seat position, once they've entered the vehicle, then it will "override" the system and that might be how it's suppose to work.
However, that explanation doesn't quite make sense to me, and seems to defeat the purpose of "recall". If we have the vehicle valet parked, it would be nice to be able to put the seat back in the original position with the remote unlock. Guess this is one of the drags of having a first year model. No one, not even the dealer, knows how this vehicle is really suppose to work.
I'll keep everyone posted. Also, I want to encourage everyone: if you're experiencing a problem, regardless of how small, please report it here. It will be helpful for others if we can find a fix. Thanks. :-)
CWJ
Mary is absolutely right to encourage owners to share all their experiences. Thanks to my friends on this board, I've had one problem solved and now I have another where I know I'm not alone. Likewise, I believe Brian F., aka Fedlawman, did himself and many others a favor when he complained about the eratic adjustment behavior of his side view mirrors. Gamera doesn't have this particular problem, but clearly other Rendezvouses did and to my knowledge the fix was easy.
CWJ
As for the seat memory is concerned, I will have to take a look at this again now. I do agree with Mary that the seat should come back to the memory position with remote unlock from the exit position. I will check this out and report back.
Now that's fine if you're constantly alternating the vehicle with the other driver. But this doesn't really come in handy if one person is mainly using the vehicle. In my opinion, one of the advantages of having "recall" is for the times that you have your vehicle valet parked, or someone drives it temporarily using your same key/remote. It would be nice to be able to automatically put the seat back with your remote. But as I mentioned above, it stays in the last position.
Also, guess I should mention, we have seat memory recall on our other vehicle (different make/model), which automatically puts the seat back into the seat memory position regardless of which driver was using the vehicle before hand. So this is one of the reasons I'm questioning about the way this one is working.
And the other reason, we've been a little suspect, is because of other problems we've heard about regarding the memory modules; not to mention, the occasional popping noise we hear with our seat memory. Btw, this popping noise also seems to be more frequent if the vehicle door is open when we're moving the seat. Now if you're asking why we'd be moving the seat when the vehicle door is open, that's related to the fact that the remote/recall doesn't work automatically, and we've had to move the seat a few times before entering the vehicle.
To dpatel- To respond to your question about which model and radio: we have the CX model with the CD/Cas/Rad.
To everyone- So far, I do consider these to be relatively minor problems, and overall we're very pleased with our RDV. But as I mentioned above, I feel that no problem is too small to be mentioning here. :-)
Even though the engine temp gauge only goes up 1/3 they determined that it reached 195 degrees operating temperature so that's OK.
Delayed locking was supposed to sound 3 chimes when the button is depressed but it stopped doing that shortly after I took delivery. They checked tech support and were told to remove fuse 24 to reset the BCM. That fixed the problem.
My complaint about inaccurate and sometimes erratic outside temp display was reported to me as to operating properly. The next time I bring the car in, I'll bring another thermometer with me to compare.
I have the same problem as others have reported about the seat not going from "exit" position to memory position when using the remote. I was told that it is operating according to mfg spec. I might pursue that by writing to Buick Engineering.
They ordered a new radio for me because of my complaint that the clock will lose about 1 minute per week. I hope that the new radio takes care of that, but I'm pessimistic about it.
My lift gate struts got weak and they replaced them.
They also did a computer scan and got out an error code. I didn't even know that I had a problem but they re flashed the PCM with updated code.
I looks like many items, but we really are happy with the car. My wife loves it, which is most important since I bought it for her.
Not to worry you, but when you get your new radio/clock, make sure the steering wheel audio controls work properly with it. They put in our new radio in yesterday, and today we noticed the am/fm and scan buttons on the steering wheel are mixed up. They've ordered a new radio thinking the problem is with the radio.
One good thing was the dealer was correct about it only taking them a couple minutes to switch the radio out. Also, they managed to not scratch the surrounding dash area in the process. Thank goodness! Of course that could be because I told them if there was one visible scratch, they'd have to replace that part. :-)
Outside Temperature display- We've also noticed the temperature reading is sometimes not accurate. My husband says it does become accurate if you're in the vehicle for a while. But if you're only going a short distance, then don't expect it to be too accurate. Especially if you've been parked in the direct sunlight for a while. I think this is one of the issues we're going to not worry about for the time being.
"My lift gate struts got weak and they replaced them." Just exactly what happens when they get weak?. Our lift gate is very heavy to lift especially for my wife. Sometimes she just opens the side door and puts the shopping in the middle seat. For me it is no problem, but it is not the lightest to open. I am wondering if there is a way to restrict the lift gate from opening all the way. I had to put some cushion pads in the garage to act as bumbers for the gate when it is opened so it does not get scratched. It really is a big door when fully opened. Too bad it does not have an electronic opener like the Caravan does.
When we first got the car the lift gate only needed to be manually lifted part way and it would open completely by inself. As the weather got cooler it didn't open all the way by itself, I had to push it to it's completely open position. I thought it was temperature related, but the technician compared it with another RDV and decided to change the lift struts. I'll see what happens when it gets cooler again. We're having warm weather here now.
To: mfarmer2
I wasn't getting a computer error or engine check light, but the tech got a reading out when he did a scan. He got a scan code of P1404. This indicated a problem in the PCM (power control module, that is the computer which controls the engine). The term re-flashing means that they update the internal computer software in the computer's memory (which is a kind of memory called "flash memory".
Thanks for the warning on the radio controls when they change the radio.
I'm familiar with some of this because I am an automobile lemon law arbitrator.
As a matter a fact the dealer did not even have the programing equipment, so they had to order/wait for it to arrive. It arrived a couple days ago and they were finally able to reprogram our radio. So it now everything works properly with the steering wheel controls. Now it's to wait and see if the new radio does a better job of keeping the correct time. Has anyone else switched their radio yet?
Seat memory noise: We still here an occassional popping noise coming out of the speakers when using our seat memory. It sounds kind of like a electrical spark sound. The dealer has not yet figured out a solution, and they are waiting for further instructions from the regional office. We would like GM to eventually fix this problem, but have already decided this is something we could live with, since it doesn't really effect the actual function of the memory. Hey, if they can't figure it out before the lease expires, we figured we just return the vehicle to them. How's that for a solution? :-)
Now that you've more thoroughly described it, I think Gamera also occasionally makes your poping noise. I'm not even planning to mention that to my dealer. It could be the result of any number of things, but I'd put software at the top of the list. What has struck me about Rendezvous problems is that the vast majority of them appear to be software or computer chip driven. With some exceptions, the problems are not the normal car problems of rattles, build quality, or mechanical failure. I don't want to minimize those problems since for the people experiencing them they are very real. But I do hope that we get better programming and more reliable, or reliably debugged, chips and software in our Rendezvous' over time.
I wonder if this is a more widespread GM/car industry problem. I don't recall the Aztek owners moaning about their software as much as we do.
CWJ
"Long Story Short": the module of the wiper motor (technician's interpretation) had a bad solder and initiated contact. His strategy was to take a wiper motor from one of the cars on the lot and put it in mine. After looking at the entire apparatus, it was a much more involved procedure. He showed me how to disconnect the wiper motor, ordered a entire replacement segment, and I drove it home. The wait for the replacement parts will be a day or two; afterwards the entire apparatus will be replaced and, I hope, the problem will disappear forever.
I'm at 3600 miles and loving it! The husband drove it for the first time last Sunday. About 20 minutes into the trip, I asked him what he thought. He said it felt like he was floating, and he didn't want to stop :-). That Buick suspension is something else. Not at all what we're used to coming from pickup truck backgrounds.
It's more than due for its first oil change, but I don't think he's looking forward to it, since it's harder to get to the filter than on our previous vehicles. Anyone else change their own oil? Any tips or tricks?
The AWD light would come on and off. And if you check in the manual it states emphatically NOT to drive it once the light comes on. Had to take it to the dealer a couple times before they were able to get "a code" off the computer. (And, of course, the light would go off just as I drove in the dealer's lot.) They ended up deciding it was the fluid (?) sensor misbehaving. So they had to replace that and one other part. They gave us a loaner so we weren't too inconvenienced.
Also the washer pump doesn't seem to be working. The reservoir is full, but no fluid comes out. The dealer was supposed to fix the washer at the same time as the AWD, but overlooked it.
We'll have to go back and have that fixed when we take it in for its 2nd oil change. On a recent long road trip I too suspected that the clock was losing time so I'm going to ask my husband (it's his car) to double check it as well. And we'll have oil, washer and clock dealt with at the same time.
So far we have put 16,000 miles on it since June 1 and other than the above everything is going well.
CWJ
Now, I plan to fold this question in with anything else I've noticed when I go in for rountine warranty work so I'm not nickle and diming them with individual issues (I can't bring myself to call them actual problems, knock on wood). But this clearly seems to be a generic problem like the side mirrors control chip, and should be treated accordingly.
CWJ
I'll keep you all posted.
Brian
P.S. The time now is exactly 6:58:45
Ha ha
P.S. The time now is exactly 7:01:57
Wristwatch - still dead on
Computer - one second slow
RDV radio - eleven seconds slow
It's not looking good for the radio
P.S. The time is now exactly 4:51:35
CWJ
What a piece of work is man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculty.
I am proud to be counted among them!
By the way, 1 1/2 days later:
Wristwatch - 1/2 second slow
Computer - 3 seconds fast
RDV radio - 14 seconds slow
The time now is exactly 7:11:14.
Thinking about those who have served and are currently serving our country.
Brian
Ken
Ignoring Brian F.'s comment about Plood, CWJ
P.S.: Ditto your closing thoughts Brian and add in some for those in Queens today. While I know you're at the other end of the country, what effect has all of this had an your work?
Now, the airport is something of a ghost town for me...I haven't needed to go there for almost two months. I'm directing most of my attention to other areas.
P.S. The time now is exactly 3:10:27
Wristwatch - 1/2 second slow
Computer - 4 seconds fast
RDV radio - 25 seconds slow
Looks like it will be about 1 minute/week at the rate we're going.
The time now is exactly 8:59:04
Brian
P.S. Is Edmunds wired to the atomic clock?
Wristwatch - 1/2 second slow (still)
Computer - 4 seconds fast
RDV radio - 36 seconds slow (and losing)
The time now is exactly 7:08:40
CWJ
ps - it is officially 01:08:32 in NY
Install Tire Chains
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
I purchased a FM modulator at Best Buy for 19.95 called SoundFeeder SF120. It runs on one AA battery. After talking to a salesman atRadio Shack I was very leary of getting one becuase the guy there said they were so bad that all of them had come back and he said he wouldn't even sell me one.
Imagine my delight when I hooked a portable CD player to it for a test and found the sound indistinguishable from a direct wire setup. I plan on using it to play MP3's . You just tune to one of 3 stations on your FM and you hear whatever you plugged into the modulator in stereo with NO degration of quality that I could hear whatsoever!
I figured I would have to return it and chalk up the trial run to experience so am thrilled to have a way to input sound so cheaply.
Spiritman
Also I've the 6-disc changer and my clock runs on time.
The dealer did do a 4-wheel alignment for us and said that the tire wear would even out. In the meantime, prior to bringing the car to the dealer, the tires seemed to be making a bit of noise, and I attributed it to the misallignment. It turns out, the dealer said the noise was from the left rear wheel hub assembly. So, like several other folks who have posted here, ours was changed.
We mentioned to the dealer, thanks to Fedlawman's "timely" comments, that our clock loses a minute per week, so they've gone ahead and ordered a replacement for us. They said it's a quick change, ie., 1/2 hour when it comes in.
Other than the allignment/tires, wheel bearing, and clock, everything is fine. I'm sure R5's happy since the the Raiders are doing great! And the 9ers are doing pretty good as well!!
John B.
Go 9er's
To briefly summarize, owners feel the 3.4L engine is perfectly adequate for the RDV. A few non-owners and magazine testers think the engine is "anemic".
The 3.8L offers 200 hp as compared to the 3.4L's 185 hp. In a 4200 lb. vehicle, how much difference do you think 15 hp will make?
Test drive the RDV and decide for yourself. I think you'll find the 3.4L surprisingly responsive.
On the following Tuesday, with 283 miles, the "check engine" light came on while my daughter was driving the car home from school. It was making awful noises and was having trouble accelerating. Called the dealer and they sent a tow truck - my dealer is forty miles away.
Three days later they called to say the car was ready - the number three valve spring had broken. They replaced it and I was happy, though a little wary, to be in my new car again!!
The next Tuesday, with 500 miles on the car, I was driving down the road at night and my daughter said "What's that noise?" I turned down the radio and heard an awful clicking and the "check engine" light was on. I immediately turned the car around to head towards home. About two miles down the road it totally quit on me. I managed to coast into a subdivision and left it there to be towed again.
On Friday afternoon, I called my dealer to get an update. Seems another valve spring broke, the piston fell (or something like that) and they were replacing the whole engine!!! Should have the car back next Wednesday or Thursday.
I intend to go on record with my dealer that if the same thing happens again, I will go to the Lemon Law and get my money back. I am single and lease a new vehicle every two years so that I have something I can depend on that won't have lots of problems. Almost wish I had my 2000 Jeep back - it only needed three fuel pump modules!!
I'm really happy to read all the glowing reports on the RDV from lots of happy owners. I am willing to give it a second chance as I love the styling, the third seat, and all the bells and whistles. I would also like to add that I have learned so much just from browsing the post for an hour or so - will monitor my clock as well as the pressure in my Tiger Paw tires!!
It seems dealers can choose the long route, like candidcandis, and try spring replacement, then engine replacement - one dealer I talked with said that GM can buy cars back from dealers in some circumstances.
Apparently the number of affected cars are few. We have a newer production RDV now, and still think the Rendevouz is the best crossover SUV on the market, and greatly enjoy this vehicle. Hope everyones experience is the same!