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Comments
Am I confused ~ when folks talk about springs and rods are they not talking about chassis springs and tie rods? Don't know much about cars ~ just that I want mine to run. Don't care if the clock is slow or it chimes randomly for no reason ~ just get me to where I want to go!!
I wonder if this problem has appeared on any of the other GM 3.4L cars...Aztek, Venture, Montana, Silhouette, Grand Am, Alero.
These cars have been on the market since model year 1998. Why is this problem only now appearing on the 2002 Rendezvous?
CWJ
Both our dealer and Buick customer service were very open and helpful in confirming the specific problem; we were very impressed with their handling of our need for information - perhaps Buick customer service can help others with questions -
Happy Holidays to all!!
Does anybody notice the trunk (back)door of the Rendezvous does not close easily ? If I just close it normally, the Desh board computer will keep showing the back door is not closed. I have to purposely close it harder to ensure it is closed properly. Not sure you guys have the same problem or just only mine is like that..
Many thanks.
Another pet peave I have w/ the RDV is the dismally short distance in which the remote key locks (fobs) will operate. For us, it seems about 6 to 8 car lengths away, even w/ brand new batteries. The key fob on my 99 Bonneville, which is also GM, and looks practically identical to the RDV key fob, works at about 5 - 10 times the distance as that of our RDV. You figure it... If you're ever trying to locate your car via the horn function in a large parking lot or if you have an emergency w/ people hanging out at your car, you'd better be within about 6-8 car lengths in order to activate the horn. For a luxury-type auto, this does not seem acceptable. Have other folks noticed this short operating distance w/ the key fobs?
John - I second your comment about short range keyfob's. Gamera's keyfob is very short distance as well. In fact, it's particularly ineffective from behind, so i'm assuming that the receptor is in the front and that the vehicle itself is somehow contributing to the obstruction.
CWJ
Nice to see your post... I haven't been posting much as of late, but I do stay in touch here...
I think the "requirement" to slam the rear hatch door is crazy. Imagine a more petite lady trying to close her door and practically having to throw her back out in doing so. Luckily my wife, who drives the car 95% of the time, seems to be able to handle it.
As for the key fob, I wouldn't imagine the placement of the receiver would make that much difference. Doesn't it operate on a "radio-frequency type" technology. Whatever is causing the problem, it is a real nuisance. If you walk away from your car up to a store or something, and think you may have forgot to lock your car, you practically need to walk all the way back to your car (within 6 car lengths) to confirm that it's locked. Now in the days before the remote keyfobs, that would obviously have been acceptable. But today, when another GM car, w/ an identical looking fob gets such amazingly superior results, you have to wonder.
As I said earlier, I can use the keyfob on my Pontiac Bonneville at any direction for a distance of about 50 yards or so. That's one plus for me driving the Bonneville most of the time.
I'm curious if Buick is offering any ways of increasing the distance of the keyfob range and/or adjusting the rear door so that it doesn't have to be slammed. Perhaps an adjustment of each might just do it.
btw, Happy New Year Everyone!
Not sure if your RDV has the tire inflation monitor system as indicated in the RDV GM catalog. I have the RDV with lux pack but there is no tire inflation monitoring system. According to the dealer, it was not available for the first batch of RDV production. I called GM Canada and they confirmed that the new production will have it. Does anybody know if this is an dealer installable option that I can order it to put it on my RDV in the local dealer ?
Many thanks.
Also, do you know what the PKlll proraming key does?
I think the idea of adding on the tire inflation monitoring feature would be great. Hopefully they can do it. Let us know if you turn-up anything on this. Thanks for your input & congrats on your new RDV!
Make: BUICK Model: RENDEZVOUS Year: 2002
Service Bulletin Number: 010852005 Bulletin Sequence Number: 620 Date of Bulletin: 07/01
NHTSA Item Number: SB620825
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER PIECES
Summary:
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE RKE KEY FOB WILL NOT FUNCTION UNLESS THEY ARE CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE. THE RANGE OF THE RKE SYSTEM IS SOMEWHAT LESS THAN DESIRABLE, 2-3 FEET (LESS THAN 1 M) IN SOME CASES, BEFORE SYSTEM WILL FUNCTION. *TT
Door: There is no major improvement to the door hatch. It could be just a slight improvement but not noticeable. I still need to semi slam to get it close. The comments from the dealer is it need to close and seal the weather strip tightly to avoid water leaking. This is their story.
Recall#01068 PasskeyIII reprogramming. I do not know what exactly they have done. I think it is just a refresh the program for the PasskeyIII for the security system.
Keyfob: When I show them the keyfob and the dawn thing works over 15 feet and they said it is normal.
Tire inflation monitoring system is not a dealer installable option. So my RDV does not have it since I bought it to soon.. Damn.. I should order one right from the factory instead of buying if from the dealer..
Do you guys have the Tire inflation monitoring system installed on your RDV ?
Tire Inflation monitor - Don't have it.
CWJ
I have thought about buying a new lock for the console and using a second key for it. Any ideas?
-Rich
Ken
As far as the key fob, I can't complain when I compare it to my Volvo S80, which's much worse.
I used to locate my old Infinity I-30 with the remote; can't do this with the Volvo, it works only when I stand close to the car.
With Buick -- I just tried, and it's too cold for me to walk any further then 100 feet, but still worked from that distance.
I don't know why people (including Edmunds)complain about not enough power.
I'm pretty demanding as far as the power goes, and to me it's OK.
Bought RDV for my wife, I drive Volvo S80 T6 (turbo) with 268 HP. Tried Mercedes ML with 3.2L, (bigger would get too expensive) -- talk about anemic, tried Lexus RX300, better but still wasn't comfortable with power, felt less than her old Town & Country.
Escape, or Tribute are kind of snappy at lower speeds, but not enough at higher. Tried RDV, and this finally felt OK (remember getting off the 268 HP Volvo).
I don't care if RDV has 185 HP, or less, it feels, and behaves much better then ML320, seems to be better than RX300 (200HP ?).
RDV was the only thing that had enough power for me, with enough comfort and room inside at the same time.
Tried many, many other, and my main complaint always was: not enough power, not enough room, my [non-permissible content removed] willget sore after 200 miles.
And finally, after 2 months: RDV this is it
Brian
They gave me $2002 rebate, and another $1700 off the sticker, plus not so bad money for my 97 Town & Country trade-in ($2000 more what Pontiac dealer was giving me just a 15 min earlier, when I was looking at Aztec, and very close to what I tried to sell it for retail). So I was very happy.
At first I tried to keep it as cheap as possible going for CX, and then, when I got the deal on CX, I realized that CXL was not only about AWD, but had more other features included as standard, so I thought: what the heck. Found the cheapest CXL, told them I'd throw in another $1,800 and we closed the deal.
After having driven on some icy roads, I'm so glad I went for AWD, it makes a big difference.
Fedlawman, I updated my profile...
Now, in addition, I'm getting the unending ringing bell after the rear-park assist has functioned (ie, getting close to an object). The only way to stop the bell is to turn the car off and re-start it. Is this problem related to the side mirror? Or is it an entirely unrelated problem?
We did have the radio changed already, and are getting the correct time. Not a big deal, but we had arranged it when we were having the tire/wheel bearing problems.
At first, I thought we were going to be unscathed by the minor problems that had plagued some of the folks here. Oh well, at least these problems are, for the most part, minor in nature.
One more thing: I know the question was recently raised: Are the VINS posted somewhere on the net for the cars that need valve springs changed? It kind of scares me to find out if our RDV is a candidate for new valve springs; but as the guy in Dirty Harry said, "I gots to know".
I figure the next time we go to the dealer, we'll try to get everything fixed at one time. Thanks for any feedback.
shoulder' of your service team to make sure they get the right parts, and use the new issue springs. Good luck!
Brian - Are you out there? Feedback on my mirrow & bell problems would be great.
How's that for feedback?
Just kidding. I turned off the reverse tilt feature so I haven't experienced any more problems with the mirror memory. As for the ding ding ding, are you sure it's the car?
Seriously, I don't think the two are related. The memory module controls all the mirror and seat stuff, and the reverse sonar is an independant system, as far as I know. It sounds like two unrelated glitches to me.
Kind of like the lady in Florida's problem with the popping noise when activating the seat memory. Yes Gamera does it from time to time but I can't reproduce the effect on demand. I think these have got to be software problems. The mechanics are working correctly but the control commands are either interfering with one another or under cetain circumstance get caught in a loop (our dinging problem for example).
CWJ
2) WITHIN ONE WEEK THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR STOPPED WORKING. TOOK IT IN AND WHILE THEY WERE LOOKING AT THE GOOD MIRROR THEY BROKE IT. THREE WEEKS LATER GOT NEW MIRRORS.
CWJ - I finally heard that popping noise associated with pressing the driver memory button on the driver door. It came through the stereo system. I too am unable to reproduce it on demand and I've only heard it once, so I won't worry about it for now. I am keeping a list in my head for the next time I visit the dealer. I think I'll bring it to Buick for the next oil change and have them look into the software programming. Maybe there is an update (patch?) now that they've been on the road for a while. I am also still curious about the valve issue. Why hasn't it appeared on the Aztek, or even the Venture, which has been around for 4 years?
John - I had just returned from a short notice (aren't they all) US Customs callout when I responded to your post yesterday. I drove from Seattle to Portland and back in one shot and was rather tired...plus my wife wasn't too pleased about me bailing on her. Also, I turned in my Trans Am last month so I have to drive borrowed cars right now until my new car arrives in June. It wasn't a good day.
I knew I could count on you guys to know my personality well enough to not take me too seriously! It's amazing that we have never met in person, and yet we know each other pretty well!
Brian
This is cold comfort to those experiencing the problem of having their engine go bad on them, but I've taken note that at least the buick dealerships dealt with by our board members seem to have taken the problem seriously and bent over backwards to be helpful.
Do I wish this batch of valve springs had been delivered to some other GM division rather than Buick? You bet! Is this embarassing? Again, You bet it is!! But I'd be much more concerned if it was something endemic to the design of the engine per se, rather than one batch of bad parts.
Now as far as people being understanding goes, I seem to remember both you and this board in general sticking with me when I was going bonkers over trying to figure out what was in or out of each of the various option packages back when we were all ordering our Rendezvouses sight unseen.
CWJ
Yes, we are a patient bunch.
Brian
on a AWD model. I am wondering if anyone has experienced any problems? I think this is GM's 1st product in this area . Is that true?
Based on Post #104 by candidcandi, it seems the springs on all new car on the dealer lots during 12/14-12/18 were replaced by dealer. My RDV is in that period. Can someone confirm it and what scale?
Thanks in advance!
Agree with you that all valve springs should be replaced on any vehicles produced in that time period - it's not worth it to wait and see if it's a problem after the buyer drives away. My dealer was ultimately great about handling it - hope yours is too!
I was contacted by Buick for a survey of owner satisfaction - the rep. said several times that I should call the 800# if our local dealers didn't respond to our satisfaction - perhaps this can help you if you don't get what you need. Good luck!
I did talk with my service manager. He checked his computer system and did not see anything about the valve spring recall or technical bulletin about "valve spring", and he did know anything from Buick on replace valve spring in dealer lot. He said he will ask the Buick rep(coming in this Tuesday).
Is there anyone who had the hard evidence for the Buick's "recall/repair" on valve spring or a dealer's name and phone number I can check with? Without it I can hardly make a case.
Thanks!
The info. I got two months ago was that there was no formal recall, so there probably is no formal bulletin. Customer service seemed dedicated to having dealerships fix this, as it hurts the reputation of the RDV, which otherwise has no major problems, and is delightful!
Good luck!
So the lessons learned: 1. Read this site regularly. 2. Call Buick and dealer as needed(Do not assume the Buick will let you know first).
Thanks again!
We purchased the Rendezvous CX w/Versatility Package back in November. I've learned quite a bit from this site and am going to call 800# tomorrow to find out if I need to have anything replaced.
What I have discovered is this . . .
CD/Cassette Clock loses time; excessive break dust and I am not stupid because I couldn't get Tire Pressure Checker to work (it's not there!!). What I noticed is that the heat had been on for a while and didn't seem warm. In fact when I held my hand to the vent I could feel some "coolness". I turned the dial over to the "cold" position and back to "hot". Immediately the air coming from vent was HOT. I don't know if anyone else has noticed this problem or not. But it has become a habit of mine that when I turn on the heat I automatically reach for the dial and turn to cold and back.
I am also wondering if anyone has noticed a "vibration" when first backing/pulling forward. I don't really know how how to describe it. It only happens after I have started the vehicle - does not happen while driving. It does not matter though if I am backing out of garage or pulling forward from parking space. It appears as though it is coming from the passenger side - I am thinking tire area. It is slight and lasts only one - two seconds. Hopefully someone out there will know what I am talking about. I did read in an earlier message about "load adjustment" could this be what I am experiencing?
I did take vehicle in after having for one week because my daughter told me that she could not hear the radio. Didn't understand this since we have the eight speaker system and there are speakers at the third row where she was sitting. I opened liftgate and sure enough there was no "sound." Took to dealer and after about 1/2 hour they told me that the cargo area speakers are basically just bass speakers so you won't "hear" words just bass. Buick called me about three weeks later to follow-up on this visit and did concur with what dealer told me. I told her I thought it was stupid to have these extra speakers if there was no sound! Maybe young kids need that bass but I don't think the age group that is buying the Rendezvous really needs it as much as our little ones would like to hear singing to their music. That's just my opinion though.
Sorry for such a long message.
Susan
To snuzone66: welcome, and hope you get good service from your dealer - I have the heater and clock problems too, which are frustrating, but haven't made it to service yet -
Ken
Re: License plate holder problem. I know we experienced a problem w/ putting on the front holder & plate. In fact for that reason, 7 mos. later, we still don't have our front plate on since I wasn't crazy about having to put 2 self-tapping screws into the front bumper. The holes as they're configured do not fit our plates. We were told by the dealer to drill 2 new holes. I thought that was kind of screwy, no pun intended. I would think the plate size would be somewhat standard from state to state. ??? I've never heard anyone express this problem, so perhaps they're not standard.
But as you said Ken, once you remove the 2 screws holding the black cover, the cover just pops right-off. I hope usmcmom can get her plate to fit easier than my California plate. Good luck.
John B.
9ers & Raiders Next Year!