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Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • 2002slt2002slt Member Posts: 228
    I think I know why GM removed it from the 03's... One less thing to worry about.

    However, mine works fine.
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    I had the wiper motor replaced today becauase of skipping in the slow intermittent speed position. I'm really getting to know the service advisor. Told him I had his number on my cell speed dial.I think he missed the point. Anyway, traded in a Mitsubishi Diamante lease today and got an Infiniti G35 as a replacement. I think I'm going to like the G35. As much HP as the TB and weighs 800 lb. less. It has a 5 speed automatic and enough toys to keep me busy for a while. If anybody's interested, I'll let you know what it's like.

    Frank
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    twinrotts: Then, it must be "S.W.I." (Something Wrong Inside) Make 'em replace it!

    Just one question ficuss... G35 coupe, or sedan?
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Anyone else have this problem and get it resolved? Both mine and a friends TB with manual HVAC controls exhibit the same quirk- get in it hot in the afternooon, A/C on, cools down to about 85-90° center vent output, then the compressor will cut out for about 20-30 seconds, temp rises 5-10° then compressor turns back on, and cools on down to "normal" which is 40-50° (fan set on 3, and recirculate) depending on ambient temp., humidity, etc. and functions OK after that. Weird. Great A/C otherwise.
  • malibu99malibu99 Member Posts: 305
    The dealership will not replace the hood light. The part is no longer made. Mine is the " thump" kind. Unfortunately they are no longer made as they are the mercury type switches which are now discontinued.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Not too sure about a "mercury type switch" in these with environmental and EPA concerns. Mine makes a audible mechanical "click" when I unclip it from the hood and tilt it in my hand, and I can feel a mechanism like a weighted tilt-switch mechanism inside that clicks when the light goes on or off. Mercury switches are silent. No longer available? It's still listed as available.

    Search Results of Available Items:

    PART # 12450086 CATEGORY: Underhood Lamp PACK QTY: 1 GM LIST: $12.65
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Just curious twinrotts.. does your GLOVE BOX light work? The underhood and glovebox lights get power from the same timed circuit and if one is "On" and times out the battery save automatic-off (about 20 min), neither will work until both are "Off" to reset it. Or maybe the bulb is just bad. Unclip the light [non-permissible content removed]'y from the hood and tilt or rock it - it should click internally and you should feel the weight inside move when you do that.
  • mdavis69mdavis69 Member Posts: 6
    I took my '02 Envoy in to the dealer yesterday for a couple reasons. First, last week after I started the engine the oil pressure went up as normal and then quickly dropped to zero. The info center said no oil pressure, stop engine. I turned it off, let it sit for a few minutes and turned it back on. The dealer didn't find any codes but did a PCM update for the oil sensor. Second thing was the recall for taking the key out other than in park. Third was for the back windshield wiper. It's been in before for this problem. It seems to work ok for a couple weeks and then it will flip sideways and scrape the metal part of the wiper across the back window. I was told by the dealer that Envoy's should not go through the automated car washes and that is was causes the wiper to break. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem or was told the same thing? I wouldn't trade my Envoy for any other SUV, I just wish the back wiper would work since it's rained for the last month in Ohio. Thanks in advance, Meg
  • jr45jr45 Member Posts: 45
    Thanks for the reply re the Delphi XM unit. I think I've seen that mount you're referring to. A pic of your install would be nice. Do you have the unit wired directly to your truck's power?
  • nuyorkahnuyorkah Member Posts: 100
    "I was told by the dealer that Envoy's should not go through the automated car washes and that is was causes the wiper to break."

    The car wash I go to when I don't have time to do a hand wash tapes down the rear blade before I go in. So obviously they had a problem with SUVs in the past. But the tape seems to do the trick, my rear blade is fine.
  • mookie14mookie14 Member Posts: 252
    my tblazer is in the shop for 2 days cuz of I had a problem with the brakes. Be weary of when they say they can't find nothing wrong. I told the mgr that I'm worried they looked at the truck 2 fast. So she had 2 master techs {yeah right} look at it and they say they found nothing. So I test drove a 03 LTZ ... well, the brakes on the LTZ with 1700 miles felt the same as the LS with 10000 on mine. Is that a big deal? Another thing, when I shift I hear a clunk from reverse to drive and from drive to reverse vice versa in the LTZ I heard nothing! In mine, I heard the CLUNKS! I should find out what's up tommorrow. I don't think its normal. If anybody wants to comment on my situation, I hope fellow TB folks will. THANKS
  • ltz2003ltz2003 Member Posts: 24
    2003 LTZ does the same thing. Iwent to the dealer and three others new with no miles did it also.Other vehicles i had did the same thing but for 38K i had to have it checked out. If they do something to fix yours please let us know. Thanks
  • twinrottstwinrotts Member Posts: 161
    Malibu99 - Are you serious about no replacement for the hood light?? With the vehicle still under warrantee, I would think GM would have no choice but to repair, replace or offer comparable compensation for that part.
    Anyone out there with information based on knowledge of the law care to comment on what the manufacturers obligation is??
    tblazed - I think I will try to remove the light and see if I can tinker it into a working device.
    What I would really like is a light like one that was in my 88 Cherokee. The hood light was on a retracting teather that was long enough to move around under the hood where-ever the light was needed. Very handy for checking fluids in poor light conditions or looking for wet spots
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    diagnosis findings, and here's an excerpt from my reports:

    The owner returned the vehicle to the service department and offered valid complaints. The service department responded to these complaints, on some occasions, with “no problem found” or “could not duplicate”. It appears that no time, however, was charged for diagnosis on several complaints as evidenced on the repair orders.

    Based on my experience and my knowledge of common practices in the automotive service industry, there are several guidelines which must be present prior to using a “no problem found” or “could not duplicate” response to a consumer’s complaint. These include:

    - Diagnostic time must be charged to the repair order for the specific complaint – this allows the service department to show effort towards diagnosis and to comply with statutes governing repair order and invoice writing.
    - Test data, whether baseline or equipment-derived, must be shown indicating the technician’s research towards the diagnosis.
    - If a road test is needed, as with any drivability, engine, transmission, brake system or suspension complaint, “start” and “end” mileage must be shown.

    The majority of dealership service technicians are “flat rate” technicians, who are paid by the job, not the hour. Based on the indication that no diagnostic time was charged for these complaints, I believe that a certified technician did not address each issue raised by this owner. That certified technician would have been paid for his/her time and no pay type or hours are indicated on the repair orders in question.

    There are several reasons for this lack of diagnosis, involving inept diagnosis by an hourly, versus flat-rate technician, shop scheduling or apathy.
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    When asked if he agreed that the two biggest problems facing GM management were ignorance and apathy, the officer replied "I don't know and I don't care".

    Frank
  • envoyeurenvoyeur Member Posts: 9
    JR45 - Yes, it's wired directly and also an FM modulator so the install looks very clean. I'll try to get a pic for you soon.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    What you need is one of the underhood "reel" lights like on the full size GM trucks, like the one I noticed on a friends '98 Z71. You could look on eBay (there's one there right now), or get a part number and order a new one. That would be a nice addition....
  • seifordseiford Member Posts: 68
    Tblazed:

    I ran across a bulletin regarding A/C performance... starts to blow warm air. See if it's related to your problem.

    http://152.122.48.12/prepos/files/Artemis/Public/TSBs/2003/SB-100- 00178-9456.pdf
  • malibu99malibu99 Member Posts: 305
    Perhaps my dealership was lying to me, I certainly hope not because they have serviced all my cars since 1997 and I have never had an issue with them, but who knows. The service manager said that the part is no longer available and that GM will not replace it because it is an obsolete item. Anyone know if this is right? I mean, its a hood light and if I tap it it works, so I wont loose sleep over it since its the only thing that isn't really working right, the rest of the truck has been a pleasure so far.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Thanks! Looks like that applies only to the extended models, but the symptoms are exactly the same. A/C refridgerant charge- something else to have them check.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Call the parts department and ask them if they can get it. Don't tell them the story, just ask as if you were buying a part. Part # 12450086
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    "What you need is one of the underhood "reel" lights like on the full size GM trucks, like the one I noticed on a friends '98 Z71. ... That would be a nice addition.... "

    I agree, it is a pretty nice feature, and I wouldn't mind having one. But reading that post got me to chuckling about an article I read awhile back in one of my old issues of Auto Week where they were testing an original Hummer (also equipped with a reel light under the hood).

    Evidently the Auto Week staffer who was test-driving the Hummer forgot to rewind the cord to the light prior to dropping the hood. He turned the key, heard a very loud "whiz, BANG", then spent the next two hours unwinding the cord from the fan. Oof!

    I know, this was a bit off-topic, but we can all use a chuckle from time to time.
  • macman246macman246 Member Posts: 118
    "First, last week after I started the engine the oil pressure went up as normal and then quickly dropped to zero. The info center said no oil pressure, stop engine."

    The dealer tried repairing my '02 Envoy for this problem 6 times. They replaced the ignition switch, PCM, lift gate module, throttle body, did program updates, etc., without any luck. The stalling would usually occur when the engine was halfway warmed up, usually when stopped at a long traffic light. It would do it less often when fully warmed up. Sometimes I would get those messages on the DIC, other times no messages, and sometimes the SES would light.

    Keep all your repair paperwork, and make sure you document the problem the same way every time you take it in for repair. GM ended up buying back my Envoy in April. Good luck.
  • momstruck1momstruck1 Member Posts: 206
    Today after 1/2 a tank of new gas the light came on. I also had it stall on me yesterday as I was comming into my driveway. Wondering if I should ride out the gas and see if the light goes off and then take it in . I don't want to ride on it too long and find a big problem later on. The last GM I had had the tranny replaced on it when this light came on. To later find out the fuse was bad ,not the tranny . real shock huh LOL. thanks for any advice.
  • mdavis69mdavis69 Member Posts: 6
    I know this may sound silly, but the most common cause of the 'serv eng soon' light after filling the tank is not properly closing the cap all the way. Make sure you twist it until it clicks a few times. Today's tanks use a low pressure system that scavenges the vapors. If the cap isn't closed all the way, the system thinks there is a leak and triggers that warning. Hope that helps.
  • momstruck1momstruck1 Member Posts: 206
    the gas was filled up on Saturday . Today is wednesday so I really don't think that might be it though I will try it because we filled up in NJ and live in NY in NJ they fill the tank for you you can not pump it yourself I will see.
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    then cycle the key on and off (starting the engine) 2-3 times. If it doesn't go away, make an appointment at the dealer.
  • mookie14mookie14 Member Posts: 252
    yep my tblazer is still at the dealership im wondering could it be these? differential unit to much backlash? engine idle speed to high or worn cv joints also u joints so do anyone know help me?
  • momstruck1momstruck1 Member Posts: 206
    in the morning to see when they can see it . I am so dissapointed in the fact that it will be in the shop AGAIN!! I must say that I am happy I leased it and I will not do this again.Will give everyone an up date when I get the date to bring it in.
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    Now that the warmer weather is here, I noticed that the AC does not seem as cool as it should be? What the heck!!!!!!TB LS 03 4X4, UGH!!!Also an annoying rattle near the CAT or heat shield on engine is rattling at idle speed, Looks like time for trip number 8 to the dealership!!! I love buying newer vehicles, they have less problems! Oh man what did we all get ourselves into!!!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I noticed that the AC does not seem as cool as it should be?

    Your AC may just need a recharge of cooling fluid.

    tidester, host
  • rj123456rj123456 Member Posts: 140
    Now its happened a third time in a little over a year (2002 Envoy XL SLT purchased May 2002). The AC simply won't come on and the fans blow warm air into the cabin. No amount of fiddling with the heating/cooling controls seems to change this.

    When I turn off the engine and restart the problem goes away and doesn't reappear.
  • malibu99malibu99 Member Posts: 305
    Hello Everyone

    Does anyone know the bulb number for the rear stop light? My left stop light is blown out and I want to replace it. I know its probably in the manual but I figured I would ask since I'm at work and have access to the computer :) Thanks for any help you can give.
  • gator36gator36 Member Posts: 294
    I have seen the same thing and found out what caused it. Let me see if I can explain what happened in our case...

    I went to start up the TB while I had the AC button
    depressed. I did not hold the key in the start position long enough and the TB acted like it wanted to start but did not make it. We have all done this once or twice. Then without turning the vehicle to the off position I turned the key to start again and the vehicle started. (note this was not a case of the vehicle not wanting to start but a case of a lazy hand on my part when I bumped the starter).
      At this point in time the AC never would get cold. I went through OnStar and everything to figure out why the AC quit on me when it had been working on my trip to the store.
      This is when I remembered what a former shop foreman turned salesman told me regarding the recirc/AC function on my Silverado. If the vehicle is already running and you bump it into the start position, the relay for the AC will shut off and stay that way until the next ignition off/on cycle.
    I stoped the TB and restarted it, low and behold the AC started working...

    Hope this helps.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Go back and check the post I made about failing brake lights:

    Brake Lights

    They are 3157's used in the TB. (3057 in the Envoy)
  • prijayprijay Member Posts: 26
    My a/c has never worked right since i bought the vehicle in August 2002 (Trailblazer EXT, LT, with automatic temperature control). I have been back to the dealer a total of 6 times out of which 2 times they said the a/c was running per GM specs, but the other four times they did the following: 1. New Compressor 2.Software update 3. Low pressure switch replace 4. Low pressure switch replace. The a/c still does not function well, on a hot day it will start blowing cold for a minute and then warm air and it takes forever to cool.

    After my 6th attempt i filled out the paper work for lemon law and mailed it to GM. The lady from GM called me today and the has set up a final appointment with the dealer for fixing the a/c on Tuesday 6/17/03. Will keep you posted as to what happens,if they fix it fine if not they will have to buy my TB back.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    With all these unresolved A/C problems I looked in the service manual to see how it works. Amazing complexity. I am not too surprised they can't figure out which parameter or signal is not quite right to keep it engaged and cooling. Not just a cycling switch any more. Here's a list of all the things that effect whether the A/C compressor runs or not:

     A/C Compressor Clutch Operation

    The following conditions must be met in order for the A/C compressor
    clutch to turn on:

    -Ambient air temperature above 4°C (40°F)
    -A/C low pressure switch signal circuit is grounded
    -A/C refrigerant pressure sensor parameter is less than 2957 kPa (429
    psi)
    -A/C compressor temperature switch contacts are closed
    -PCM receives an A/C request from the HVAC control module
    -Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 121°C (250°F)
    -The engine RPM is more than 550 RPM
    -The throttle position is less than 100%

    The sensor information is used by the PCM to determine the following:

    -The A/C high side pressure
    -An A/C system load on the engine
    -An excessive A/C high side pressure
    -The heat load at the A/C condenser

    Once engaged, the compressor clutch will be disengaged for the following
    conditions:

    -Ambient air temperature is less than 4°C (40°F)
    -A/C compressor temperature switch contacts are open
    -Throttle position is 100%
    -The A/C low pressure switch is open
    -A/C high side pressure is more than 2957 kPa (429 psi)
    -A/C low side pressure is less than 151 kPa (22 psi)
    -Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 121°C (250°F)
    -Engine speed is more than 5500 RPM
    -Transmission shift
    -PCM detects excessive torque load
    -PCM detects insufficient idle quality
    -PCM detects a hard launch condition

    The A/C compressor is protected from overheating by the compressor
    temperature switch, which is mounted at the rear of the A/C compressor.
    The switch is wired internally to the compressor and is not serviceable.
    The switch opens and disengages the compressor clutch when temperatures
    reach 135°C (275°F). The switch closes when the compressor temperature
    cools to 120°C (248°F).

    A/C compressor clutch will not engage under the following conditions:

    -The A/C high side line pressure is over 2957 kPa (429 psi).
    -The A/C low side line pressure is under 151 kPa (22 psi).
    -Throttle angle is at 100 percent.
    -Engine speed is more than 5500 RPM.
    -Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 121°C (250°F).
  • dragonhead08dragonhead08 Member Posts: 34
    Can anyone else figure out how he did this? I know that he basically got the front clear parking light to run brighter but the eaxact directions escape me considering the original page is in japanese.

    http://homepage2.nifty.com/PsFactory/page029.html
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    http://world.altavista.com/

    Copy and paste the Japanese URL page into the "Translate a Web Page" space and select Japanese to English. Don't know if it's any more obvious what he's doing but the translations are certainly entertaining..

    Looks like he's rigging in brighter tail-brake type lamps. More current, heat, and maybe failure would be my guess as to the long term results.
  • malibu99malibu99 Member Posts: 305
    Thanks much! :)
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    , did you post the list of defects that GM does not cover with the extended warranty. I was hoping to see it.

    Frank
  • nuyorkahnuyorkah Member Posts: 100
    "Call the parts department and ask them if they can get it. Don't tell them the story, just ask as if you were buying a part. Part # 12450086"

    12450086 is avalible from GM and is NOT discontinued.
  • crosley4crosley4 Member Posts: 295
    I drove along side an Asender today. I noticed V8 emblems on it.

    Not a bad looking vehicle. I like the rear bumper and hatch setup on it.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    The Ascender is selling pretty poorly, only 364 of them sold last month.
  • babyshoesbabyshoes Member Posts: 23
    How loud is a Borla system? I want slightly more rumble at Idle. I don't care if I have dual or single.

    Anyone have the Borla system? sound like a Mustang GT or some other sports car? cost?
  • elevatorguyelevatorguy Member Posts: 87
    I was reading up on the Envoy, and apparently it has a stainless steel exhaust system. Is this standard on the TrailBlazer also? I have never seen this listed as one of the differences between the triplets. A stainless exhaust is a nice thing. It will probably last the lifetime of the truck.

    Elevatorguy
  • 2yearleaseonly2yearleaseonly Member Posts: 107
    Thank you for your PHD research on the operation of the A/C on my Envoy. It is incredible all the variables and complicated calculations that get put into motion when I hit that button with the snow flake on it when Im starting to sweat a bit. It's postings like this that make this thread so interesting!
  • nuyorkahnuyorkah Member Posts: 100
    "I was reading up on the Envoy, and apparently it has a stainless steel exhaust system. Is this standard on the TrailBlazer also?"

    Yes

    http://www.chevrolet.com/trailblazer/library/fs/index_chassis.htm
  • rj123456rj123456 Member Posts: 140
    Gator I don't still understand how you had your hand on the AC control and the ignition at the same time.

    TBlazed thanks for the research into the complexity of the AC mechanism. Yet all the conditions there look logical and reasonable, just makes for complicated circuitry to work right.
  • twinrottstwinrotts Member Posts: 161
    I agree that there are many different conditions that the A/C system is reacting too, but it is not the total wizardry that it appears to be. It is simply looking at a host of yes/no conditions
    simutaneously to determine what to deliver.
    Most folks working in a modern manufacturing plant see these type of logic trees often
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