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Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • medolarkmedolark Member Posts: 93
    Has anyone installed a BRA on the ENVOY? I am planning my yearly trip to Montana and based on past experience, I feel a good Bra would be worthwhile to keep bugs etc out of the radiator.

    Any Recommendations would be appreciated.
  • jpnmassjpnmass Member Posts: 45
    Can't seem to find much info on these extended versions. Edmunds has prices for the Envoy XL, but GMbuypower does not even have either as an option to configure. I've seen there are two reviews for the Envoy on Edmunds. Anyone know of a launch date for the two? Is it staggered across the country? I am in NY and will be going to the auto show this weekend, but I'm curious to see if anyone has info.

    Thanks.
  • noller2gnoller2g Member Posts: 60
    I really think you have defeated the purpose of the shoulder strap with your clip.

    You have added distance that your torso will move in a sudden deceleration, even if the clip breaks (or especially if the clip breaks).

    If the belt feel uncomfortable, perhaps a belt cushion, availabe at WallyWorld or Autozone in a million colors and fabrics would help.

    I urge you to not use the clip method.

    But, it's your car, your head, and your health.

    Drive safe...

    Greg
    Wichita



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

    I'm not sure where these clips could be found, but I would guess an auto supply store or catalog would carry them.
  • flopesflopes Member Posts: 9
    Hi, I just took delivery of my Envoy SLT with the SJ option group on Saturday. I have a question about the cycling of the air compressor for the rear suspension. Does anyone know how often it should be cycling? Mine fires up when I first start the vehicle and then periodically ( every 10-20 minutes) after with only one occupant in the car. Is that "within spec"?

    Love the car so far, but it's early on. It has a build date of 03/02 so it's relatively fresh. I haven't noticed any of the wandering mirrors, squealing, or any of the other concerns mentioned on this board, only the air compressor firing up when I don't expect it to.

    I've been following this board for the past several weeks and want to thank everyone for helping me decide on the Envoy.
  • kismat_tradingkismat_trading Member Posts: 8
    I have an Envoy SLT, myself, and have found the same squeak hitting small bumps. It's now getting to a point where it's silly. I barely have 3K miles on it and it squeaks like an OLD car.

    I am going to take it in for HVAC corrections, as well as the fan problem on startup. When I do I will surely address this "SQUEAK" with the dealer service department.

    I will post any news..

    Dheeraj
  • funitsfunits Member Posts: 55
    Why do pictures (www.isuzu.com) of the interior of the 2003 Isuzu Ascender look EXACTLY like the interior of my ENVOY (every button, steering wheel, vents, etc.)????

    Surely the interiors of the two aren't going to be IDENTICAL!

    I can foresee some embarrassing moments when people catch on that the two interiors are identical . . . (for me that is!).
  • dielectric7bbdielectric7bb Member Posts: 324
    One says Isuzu on the steering wheel, the other says GMC don't it??? GM will save millions by not having to make new buttons!
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    won't keep bugs out of the radiator, but StonGard all the way for me!! best investment on my LTZ.


    we had a mild winter, but still, having it on the road for several long trips since last June and not one blemish on the front, not one.


    tim

    http://www.timlauro.com/cars/trailblazer/trailblazer-pics/stongard-photos/stongard-details.html
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    has anyone with the annoying squeak had the bushings and suspension up front looked yet? GM has had several vehicles produced in recent years with cheap rubber bushings.

    they don't last long, wear out quickly but do offer a softer ride.

    I have poly bushings on my GTP and Alero. Stiffened up the curves a bit and not one squeak. Hopefully I'll find something to help the suspension of the LTZ.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    I had an intermittent squeak starting day 1 from the front going over even the slightest of bumps. I found a transmission cooler line coupler touching a rubber "grommet" thing sticking out of the wheel well that is down beneath the air cleaner housing that attaches the plastic fender liner to the fender. Took some wire cutters and snipped the tip of that rubber thing off, and no more squeak.
  • paulpropaulpro Member Posts: 56
    I think I had the same thing, some times the squeak sounded like the back seat, some times undr the dash. Turns out it was the HOOD! There are a couple adjustable stand-offs at each front corner. when the hood racks as you go over a bump, there is enough friction to generate a squeak. A little grease and it went away

    Hope this helps with yours

    Paul P
  • richardcoulsonrichardcoulson Member Posts: 88
    Anyone know what the new incentives will be for April?
    Thanks.
  • paulpropaulpro Member Posts: 56
    As I tried to answer the question about squeak, I tried using the boards "Search" feature.

    Does this work? If you enter the term "squeak", you don't get any hits in this board. If you enter the term "sqeak" (intentionally misspelled) you get a couple hits. There are a bunch of posts with "squeak" in the title. Why won't the search engine find them?

    Is it case sensitive? Does it function properly?

    Thanks

    Paul P
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    Well, for those looking for a new exhaust..the good news is there are performance gains that are noticable, however nothing I'll live with.

    I've spent the past few weeks toying around with a friend and his performance shop here in Columbus with no luck. Things are just way to ** LOUD ** and that's an understatement.

    We began by just removing the resonator and the sound resonating inside was well....bad. Even a loud bose can't drown it out. Damn thing is so ugly too. Big tin can with a bent pipe hanging off the back of my LTZ.

    Next we bolted up a new quietflow flowmaster with the stock resonator and still....loud enough inside to make me NOT want it.

    Sound is expected, but I've yet to find a combo of products and what not to get to where I want to be. The harmonics of the I-6 are the key and I just haven't found the combination yet.

    Anyone else done testing??
  • pcrisppcrisp Member Posts: 22
    That's funny that the interior looks exactly like the Envoy. What's funnier? The outside looks just like a Trailblazer, with the exact same crappy rims. I am convinced that GM is full of un-original lazy bums that always whine about their pay. Look at the interior of any mid 90-02 Chevy or GMC pickup or large SUV, and even in the Cadillac, the EXACT same dash. What's worse, the dash is totally lame to start with. But then they even had to go and put it inside the new Escalade? IDIOTS! Who designed the Aztek? Fire them NOW! Let me guess, they also designed the Avalanche? And what is happening to Cadillac? Obviously a virus has gotten into their CAD computers and turned up the suck level on all of their car designs. All this plus extremely poor craftsmanship. I guess that I will continue using all of the long warranty that came with my 02 Bravada. (it has been in the shop several times for quality issues) Hey do GM employees get the GMO/GMS discount on the Isuzu, it would be funny if they didn't! Anyhow, maybe GM actually has monkeys or something doing the designs and working on the lines, otherwise, why would their products be so poor? Oh well, nothing surprises me any more. My 3 cents, and tired of repairs.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Search isn't "optimal". We're working on it.

    You'll get more hits if you search on "squeak", and if you go to the topic list (click on SUVs at the top), and "search discussions" instead of using the search tool in the left navbar, you wind up with plenty of hits for both squeek and squeak. But even then you will just get a list of topics that discuss the noise - search won't let you drill down to a specific post (yet anyway).

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • quickdtooquickdtoo Member Posts: 266
    Looks like a rebadged Envoy XL or TB EXT, specs are all identical too! GM has been in bed with Isuzu for years, doesn't surprise me a bit. Tim
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    YOU WROTE:
    "What's funnier? The outside looks just like a Trailblazer, with the exact same crappy rims."


    It looks like a combo of all three. Envoy headlights, TB Bumper, TB Wheels (not ugly btw), Bravada tail lights, Envoy body moldings.


    YOU WROTE:
    "My 3 cents, and tired of repairs"

    Sounds like you should sell your Bravada and go with an import. Your comments are not one of a Bravada owner.


    tim
  • chipperrrrrchipperrrrr Member Posts: 29
    I HAVE A NEW TRAILBLZER AND DECIDED TO ROTATE THE TIRES THE OTHER DAY. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 8K MILES ON IT. MUCH TO MY DISMAY, I FOUND THAT THE SPARE TIRE IS MOUNTED ON A STEEL RIM RATHER THAN THE ALUMINUM WHEELS THAT ARE MOUNTED ON MY VEHICLE. THE TB IS THE LS VERSION. I PAID FOR THE OPTION THAT INCLUDED RAISED WHITE LETTER TIRES. HOWEVER, I DIDN*T EVEN THINK THAT GM WOULD HAVE MOUNTED THE SPARE ON A STEEL RIM RATHER THAN THE ALUMINUMS THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. HAS ANYBODY ELSE NOTICED THIS OR DID I GET RIPPED OFF FROM THE FACTORY. IF THIS IS STANDARD PROCEDURE, GM SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. IMAGINE 29K FOR A VEHICLE, WITH A FULL SIZE SPARE, MOUNTED ON A STEEL RIM THAT CAN*T EVEN BE INSERTED WITHIN THE ROTATION SCHEME. PLEASE RESPOND.
  • 2002slt2002slt Member Posts: 228
    I see they were able to squeeze 5 more HP out of the I6. Any ideas how?

    I really hope they reconsider the interior before mass-producing it. It's kind of a slap in the face to us Envoy owners.
  • spdmtr5spdmtr5 Member Posts: 111
    Did you try a small flow through muffler in place of the big resonator tin can?What about exiting the exhaust in front of the rear wheel or would that be too loud?I'd really like to rid myself of the resonator-it drags on inclines and some of the places I go it may soon get ripped off by a rock.I'm not into noise;but the sound of an I-6 can be music if tuned correctly.
  • mdeymdey Member Posts: 90
    Remember that GM owns 50% of Isuzu. They've been sharing platforms with Isuzu for years.
  • mdeymdey Member Posts: 90
    Take a look at the diameter of the exhaust pipe. That is one big pipe; bigger than anything else I've ever seen in a 6 cylinder. That diameter will move a lot of exhaust, even with a restrictive set of mufflers to quiet the engine. I am not surprised that it was intollerably loud when you reduced some of the muffling of the exhaust.
  • vindog45vindog45 Member Posts: 35
    May as well add one more to this site...LOL.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    YOU WROTE:
    "Did you try a small flow through muffler in place of the big resonator tin can"

    Not yet as I was really hoping to get rid of it or move it. Also was after a bit of power thus playing with the muffler too.

    I'll try a new combination shortly. For now, back to stock with hopes of completely removing the "tin can"
  • racoonlodgeracoonlodge Member Posts: 34
    I do recall some documentation on the "full size" spare tire mounted on a "steel rim". It may have been in the Trailblazer brochure or on the web site (check it out).
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    pcrisp: Are shared platforms news to you. As far back I can remember, most car makers have shared parts and ideas with other divisions. Olds rocket v8's appeared in other cars and visa versa. How about the gremlin and other AMC/Rambler cars. they had parts from all three big three auto makers. If your Bravada has quality problems, get them repaired and enjoy the car. The time when you could buy a made in America car is long past. I would bet many of the electronics and sub assemblies for these triplets are made by foreign plants. Are you upset that Chevy has the same basic car as your Bravada. I hope not.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    YOU WROTE:
    "Did you try a small flow through muffler in place of the big resonator tin can"

    Not yet as I was really hoping to get rid of it or move it. Also was after a bit of power thus playing with the muffler too.

    I'll try a new combination shortly. For now, back to stock with hopes of completely removing the "tin can"
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    I'm in the process of reviewing the air intake set up and would like some pics of the K&N filter made specifically for the 4200.

    Also, do their instructions show is still inside the air box?

    My Cold Air Intake is nearly complete but with temps as they've been and ambient air under the hood showing fairly low, I'm not worried about needing it anytime soon. I've been running a completely open filter for months now.

    Pics and info appreciated.

    tim
    pdqgp@yahoo.com
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    Apparently, few buyers rotate their own tires so GM can get away with this example of cost cutting.
  • pcrisppcrisp Member Posts: 22
    I am totally aware of the fact that sharing among platforms has been the norm for years. My other car is an Eagle Talon (or is it an Eclipse, or ?) While in high school, I did Industrial Engineering for GM and I saw all the time how they would always try to slap on the same old parts instead of designing new and better parts. I won't even get into how pathetic some of the workers on their line were. I could care less what country made my vehicle, the key seems to be how quality car manufacturers maintain quality through out (design, research, and especially build quality) Does GM even have any quality control? tlauro, I was completely set on buying an import (either the QX4 or MDX) but when GM came out with the Bravada, everything seemed to good to be GM. With the great stats, extra warranty, and GMO price, it was, and still is, a hard vehicle to beat. Plus, there is not a foreign dealer in my town, but there is a local Olds dealer in my town, so I can easily take it to have it worked on without too much trouble. I love the Bravada, I just wish that they would have worked a little harder to get rid of the imperfections, continuous repairs, tightened the seams and gaps, and then left the triplets alone instead of stealing a good thing in order to make a couple bucks under a cheap foreign name. I also feel like GM needs to show some creativeness by not cloning parts and vehicles so much.
  • jw4gmjw4gm Member Posts: 27
    The steel spare may not be a cost cutting move. I remember several years ago a warning about attaching an aluminum wheel onto the hoist type spare tire mounting device. Something about the center of the aluminum wheel would not stand the lateral force applied. Then again, that may just be an excuse to go cheap.
  • cmack4cmack4 Member Posts: 302
    It's really funny that you feel as you do about the Isuzu Ascender! The Isuzu people are complaining that they made it more of a "Soccer Mom" pleaser over in the Trooper forum! Keep in mind that the Trooper that it is replacing was a totally different vehicle. It's on-road characteristics were too rough for most, but off-road it held it's own amongst Land Cruisier's and the like, at a fraction of the cost. What they should of done is given the Trooper a cosmetic makeover and kept it's heart as an off-road vehicle.
  • cmack4cmack4 Member Posts: 302
    Personally I would also like a polished aluminum spare to throw into the lineup, but think about the practicality. Do you think that it would really stay nice looking if it were mounted under the vehicle? Either way, don't slam GM for being cheap though. Even the Acura MDX has a steel spare vs alloy!
  • malibu99malibu99 Member Posts: 305
    Ok can someone please tell me that I read the isuzu warranty on the Ascender wrong. Why on Earth would the SAME engine have a 10yr, 120,000 mile warranty on the Isuzu yet on our Triplets we only have 3 yrs? Did I miss something? I hope I did.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    This is rather simple. It's a GM engine and for the most part vehicle, but since it's being sold under the Isuzu name and that's their corporate warranty policy, it's covered by the 10 year, 120k powertrain warranty. Kind of like a Bravada has the same basic guts and design as the Envoy and Trailblazer but has a 5 year, 60k warranty because it is Oldsmobile policy lately.

    What, are you feeling jealous or sorry that you're TB doesn't have the same warranty? So no, you're not missing anything.
  • malibu99malibu99 Member Posts: 305
    Thanks for the clarification. No, not feeling jealous, it was just very confusing since it's the same engine. but I get it now, the company would be responsible for the warranty( isuzu) not the engine manufacturer (GM).I wouldn't trade my wonderful Trailblazer for the isuzu, I love my TB too much to even feel jealous about a warranty. Thx for the info! :-)
  • mdeymdey Member Posts: 90
    A warranty is part of the contract between the buyer and the seller. Keep in mind that you pay for that warranty in the price of the car. If the Ascender is to replace the Trooper, it is likely to fill that price point too, and perhaps a little higher. Above $30,000 I am sure.

    I paid $23,100 for my TB LS3 after all the discounts and rebates. I could have paid more for the Olds and received a longer warranty, but I made my own informed buying decision.
  • penny14penny14 Member Posts: 17
    Hi fraudfighter. I, too, experienced engine stalling problems similar to yours. The car would also start up again after 10-15 minutes. I have had my computer replaced two times because of this problem. Each time the dealer said it was caused by a different problem (first the coolant sensor, the second time I can't remember, and the last time it was a short in the wiring harness). They replaced the wiring harness with one more insulated and installed a new computer. The last repair was in late December and I have been trouble-free since then (about 3000 miles). Keep me posted on what you find out and let me know if I can provide any additional information.
  • penny14penny14 Member Posts: 17
    Medolark - I also had a squeak and wasn't sure if it was coming from the dash, console or passenger door. It was the center console.
  • newtbnewtb Member Posts: 5
    For those who have this installed...did you actually drill into your vehicle, use the 2-sided tape, or both? The GM Accessory worker at my dealer advised me to just use the tape. I am worried that might not hold. Any comments? Also, did any of you have second thoughts about drilling holes for the deflector? Thanks.
  • leihua5264leihua5264 Member Posts: 11
    I went through the same problem several months ago on gas mileage, I will post the information later today. I posted it about 3 months ago and I don't remember what the post listing number for it.

    As for the roaming mirrors, I just had the mine fixed for the second time a month ago.
  • vindog45vindog45 Member Posts: 35
    Just installed mine this past weekend.....the "applique" where the Deflector attaches is actually plastic....need to be very carefull when you drill.....would definitly recommend screws......i did job myself.....came out very nice, and fit was perfect!
  • mgbortulinmgbortulin Member Posts: 2
    I have just bought a Trailblazer LTZ. So far I am very happy with it with one exception. When I fold down the rear seat I have to move the driver seat forward in order to put the seat down. I have to move forward about three inches which makes for an uncomfortable ride. Then when I take the key out and the seat moves back it gets jammed agains the back seat. also the back seat doesnt fold flat. I this the way its supposed to be? I cant believe they designed the truck this way. The only way I can put the rear seat down is to move my seat almost all the way forward. I'm 6'2, makes driving a little difficut and unsafe.
  • dshepherd3dshepherd3 Member Posts: 194
    same height same problem, thats it, very poor design, actually it's my wifes truck and she is 5'6", so it's ok.
  • bushskibushski Member Posts: 15
    vindog45 - Was it easy to install? What was difficult about the drilling? Just received my rear deflector and want to install it myself. I am not a real mechanic but can operate some basic tools. Can't get to the dealer any time soon for them to install.

    Any hints would be appreciated. It looks easy enough.
  • dshepherd3dshepherd3 Member Posts: 194
    Measure and drill carefully, of course. Pay attention to not drilling to far into the applique. The retainer nuts that hold the supports might need to be held when tightening the screws, don't squeeze them to tight. The wire for the 3rd light will have to be pulled out thru the retainer for addt'l reach, this requires a little extra pull , be careful here also. It does work to "air flush" the rear glass and tailgate.
  • vindog45vindog45 Member Posts: 35
    drill very slowly...plastic tends to curl around bit..........use new bit, and follow directions carefully....snapping brake light out was tough, but it will come out........then just turn it sideways and pass it up thru hole...........follow dshepard3 advice too.......GOOD LUCK!
  • lurker01lurker01 Member Posts: 103
    I collected the following information over the last 6 months. I thought some of you would find this interesting. All driving was done in mixed conditions, hills, stop and go, freeway. Basically my commute. No long freeway trips. The calculations were done the old fashioned way. The DIC was also recorded at each fillup and then reset. There is some variability due to user error (forgetting to reset the DIC until a few miles were driven) But the data is good other than that.

    Mileage Gallons Cost Date MPG DIC Dev. $/gal
    214 - - - -
    437 14.95 $26.00 10/14/2001 14.92 $1.74
    655 14.68 $22.00 10/19/2001 14.85 $1.50
    864 14.42 $22.25 10/25/2001 14.49 $1.54
    1110 16.23 $25.00 11/1/2001 15.16 15.9 0.74 $1.54
    1335 14.43 $20.25 11/5/2001 15.59 15.7 0.11 $1.40
    1544 14.45 $21.00 11/9/2001 14.46 15.4 0.94 $1.45
    1786 15.36 $22.10 11/15/2001 15.76 15.8 0.04 $1.44
    2026 15.42 $21.00 11/21/2001 15.56 16.5 0.94 $1.36
    2228 13.59 $18.01 11/26/2001 14.86 15.3 0.44 $1.33
    2444 14.49 $15.19 12/1/2001 14.91 15.1 0.19 $1.05
    2660 14.74 $19.50 12/5/2001 14.65 15.5 0.85 $1.32
    2883 14.71 $17.70 12/11/2001 15.16 15.6 0.44 $1.20
    3113 14.98 $15.26 12/15/2001 15.35 15.6 0.25 $1.02
    3291 11.28 $11.50 12/18/2001 15.78 16.6 0.82 $1.02
    3504 13.79 $15.78 1/6/2002 15.45 16.3 0.85 $1.14
    3729 15.60 $17.50 1/11/2002 14.42 15.3 0.88 $1.12
    3940 14.24 $16.00 1/16/2002 14.82 15.4 0.58 $1.12
    4112 10.90 $12.20 1/19/2002 15.78 15.9 0.12 $1.12
    4348 14.87 $16.70 1/23/2002 15.87 16.2 0.33 $1.12
    4503 10.70 $11.70 1/26/2002 14.49 15.3 0.81 $1.09
    4657 10.65 $10.64 1/30/2002 14.46 15.1 0.64 $1.00
    4886 14.15 $16.40 2/5/2002 16.18 16.9 0.72 $1.16
    5082 12.17 $13.73 2/9/2002 16.11 16.9 0.79 $1.13
    5301 14.05 $16.20 2/13/2002 15.59 16.2 0.61 $1.15
    5520 13.88 $16.09 2/19/2002 15.78 16.2 0.42 $1.16
    5756 14.17 $15.64 2/25/2002 16.65 17.1 0.45 $1.10
    5992 15.43 $17.00 3/1/2002 15.29 16 0.71 $1.10
    6210 14.43 $16.50 3/6/2002 15.11 15.7 0.59 $1.14
    6450 15.48 $18.60 3/11/2002 15.50 16.2 0.70 $1.20
    6695 15.9 $18.42 3/16/2002 15.41 15.7 0.29 $1.16
    6915 14.55 $18.61 3/21/2002 15.12 16.2 1.08 $1.28
    7111 12.02 $16.81 3/25/2002 16.31 16.7 0.39 $1.40
    7330 13.67 $19.66 3/29/2002 16.02 16.6 0.58 $1.44

    MPG 15.33
    Spent $580.94
    Burned 464.38 gals
    Driven 7330 miles
    miles/$ 12.62
    Avg Price $1.25 /gal
    Number of days 166
    gal/day 2.797
    DIC avg mileage 15.96
    DIC avg deviation 0.58

    So, it does look like the DIC is a bit optimistic by about a half gallon per mile. I can live with that. And I guess I am getting a reasonable number for city driving.
    My trucks specs are:
    Envoy SLT loaded with 4:10 axle.
    I am not a lead foot, but I am also not a timid driver. I would say about average. Most driving was done with no loads other than myself.
  • noller2gnoller2g Member Posts: 60
    You paid 23100 for a TB, and you got a TB.

    The differences in the Bravada are much more significant than a longer warranty.

    I looked at a TB LTZ, and it was more that my Bravada in $$, but my Bravada had the Bose, Sunroof, and air suspension, LTZ had none of those at a similar price, out the door, and on top of that, the better warranty.

    As close as these triplets are, and with the Oldsmoble incentives, I dont understand why anyone buys anything else besides the Bravada.

    Surely there is more to it than "Mine is a GMC, yours in an Olds, nana nana nana..."

    Greg

    2002 Olds Bravada
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