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~Lance
Check the internet ... there are lots of good consumer sites about Lemon Law -- you really do not need to see an attorney (hey, I'm an attorney -- trust me
Anyway, I just got some clarification on my situation from my private mechanic; he's not from Buick, but he's one of the best guys around in our area. The additional part being changed is the "transfer case", not the transaxle. He informed me that the transmission & trans-axle are the same thing. Shows what I know. But the transfer case is the same as the awd unit which is what I had previously mentioned was having the minor leaks.
So, they're replacing the transmission & the transfer case. My mechanic said it is unlikely that a bad transfer case would cause the transmission to go bad as the service writer at Buick surmised. As I've only heard of one other person here on this forum having tranny problems, I'm thinking this is an anomaly for the rdv - at least lets hope so.
We really have been pleased w/ the RDV so it's not likely we'll pursue the lemon stuff, but thanks again Lance & jk27 for your help.
fedlawman: Are you hanging low for a while? Haven't seen any recent posts of yours which is not normal. Hope you're okay.
John B.
It's good to hear from you again.
We've got over 25K on our RDV and we still love it...we still get lots of compliments on the Buick.
My wife works 2 days/week and when she works, her carpool buddies always ask if she can drive.
Karen: I took a quick look at that link. It's a great one for anyone needing that kind of relief. For California, the coverage period is 18 mos. or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. While we're just about at 18 mos., we're well past the 18k miles. - As I mentioned yesterday, we are real happy w/ the car, & this tranny/transfer case thing has only been present for a week or two. So once repaired, we feel the car will be all the better - new tranny & all. Thanks again for the link.
John B.
Anyone have a similar problem or thoughts regarding a solution?
The hitch place by my house says the car shows only a class III being available with a 3,500 lbs tow rating.
I checked the websites of Draw-Tite and Reese. Draw-Tite shows the class III / 3,500 lbs. Reese shows a class II / 3,500 lbs.
Anyone have any experience with this Reese hitch? Or does anyone know why Draw-Tite is only making Class III for the RDV?
Thanks!
The class 3 2x2 does offer for a greater variety of hitch attachment however.
Nevertheless, 3500lbs is the rating with the tow package option.
In the meantime, we are grateful for the Ford Windstar loaner they are letting us use... I'll keep you all posted.
Your service complaints are valid. You shouldn't have to hound them for info. It shows poor attention to detail...if the service writer can't remember to follow up with you, you have to wonder what else he/she might be forgetting.
Are you sure you didn't bring your RDV to a Honda/Acura dealer by mistake?
Nice to hear from you. Yeah, my Buick service dept. seems to be a bit lackluster. Lance and you have my service dept. beat hands-down! The manager there is a real nice, personable guy. I'm not sure if he's aware of the "experience" we've been having. I'll be sure to pay him a visit before we check-out w/ our RDV next week.
I'm guessing, in the meantime, we've probably logged in about 1,000 miles on the 2 rent-a-cars they've been letting us use; so that's a plus. We have that many less miles on our RDV.
As you know, our 9er's didn't do well last week, nor did Steve Mariucci. So for the time being, I'm with Raider5 and rooting for our team across the bay...
John B.
Go Raiders!
Btw, guys (cwj, buzzbo,fedlawman, etc.) remember when Raider5 told us his wife hated the RDV and didn't want to buy it, only to tell us a day later that he was kidding... that was probably one of the best, if not the best, pranks done here on the RDV forum. Take care & enjoy the games!
But somehow, the service dept. seems to have damaged the steering rack. So now there are "flat spots" in the steering and the steering wheel is very, very stiff. My wife can no longer make the U-turn in front of our home in one shot like she used to; she has to go back & forth to get clearance. My mechanic is surmising that they put weight on the wheels when the sub-cross frames weren't in place.
So now we have another rental van; a new Chevy Astro Van I might add. We've also asked them if there's a fix yet on the clock that's losing time. They'll let us know.
Other than that, everything's going fine! And oh by the way - I made a mistake on our mileage. When we brought the RDV in on 12/30 for the tranny work, it had about 29k on it rather than 26k. So we were only 7k away from going out of warranty. Wheeewwwww... Also Fedlawman, we have a few thou more than you on our RDV. If they service our RDV long enough, you're liable to catch us.
John B.
Go Raiders!
I have a 2002 RDV CXL and I checked this on mine. When I do a radio scan (up or down), my HUD is not "behind" the radio, like you describe. The HUD displays the same station as the radio, very very close in terms of timing. Hope this helps.
If you're doing it the first way as I am, then it's an item for the next service call. Let me know. Thanks.
Thanks for clarifying. I redid my test using the Scan button on the radio itself (holding it down 'til it beeps). This scans all stations, not just presets. Sure enough, the HUD is displaying a frequency which is "behind" the frequency shown on the radio. However, if you hit the Scan button again, to cancel the scan, the HUD instantly displays the correct station frequency. An odd little glitch!
This does not occur if you use the preset scan on the steering wheel, or the station seek button (up or down) on the steering wheel.
Hope this helps.
Yes, it does. Thanks. I guess it's a defect.
It's a minor annoyance when I'm scanning and look at the HUD when I hear something I like, so I can tune back to the station if I'm too late in canceling the scan. My simple mind was easily confused when I would tune in the frequency the HUD told me, only to find static. Now I know I just have to tune just forward of the frequency I saw on the HUD.
Thanks for your help.
We are trying to find out if anyone else has had problems like this: engine has died three times when making a left turn after slowing rapidly. Engine has died three times when moving at very slow speeds in a parking lot while attempting to park. Engine has died once while driving very slowly and straight. Dealer has been unable to duplicate problem and I'm beginning to feel just a little bit on the unsafe side.
If anyone has had any thing resembling this, please email me at jmillig2@midsouth.rr.com.
Thanks a lot!
Last spring I had the wipers on during a light rain. I switched from delay to low. Upon switching back to delay - the wipers continued at low speed. I then switched to high and the wipers went fast; switched again to delay and they were back at normal; in the OFF position they continued at normal speed. I pulled over and turned the Rendezvous off and upon restart the wipers continued to go (while switch in off position). I decided I would drive immediately over to the dealership and present them with this issue and a small list of others (weatherstripping coming unattached; clock losing time; radio volume inexplicably getting louder and/or lower and it seems that I would have to turn the dial from "cold" back to "hot" to get hot heat - it would be just warm until I figured out this little trick).
So I arrive at the dealership where I purchased the Rendezvous and got to meet the new service manager. I was NOT impressed. Anyway - showed him the problem with the wiper - he moved the switch around ALSO and saw that the wipers would not go off or to delay. I mentioned the other problems to him. I then asked if the car had to be there for any length of time I would like a loaner (as our salesman assured me that I would be entitled to one if the Rendezvous ever had to be in service for a length of time). The service manager looked incredulously at me and said "We don't give loaners". I told him what the salesman told me six months prior and his reply to that was "Well, he's not here anymore and we don't do that". Alrighty then - I went to go sit.
After sitting for over an hour the SM called me into his office and closed his door - never EVER experienced that before. He asked me to have a seat and began to speak to me like I was a very young, stupid female. First explanation was the clock radio - it is normal to get louder when stepping on the gas and lower when stepping on the brake. My reply: Okay - so why does it do it while at steady speed on interstate? His reply: It doesn't - I must not hear it properly. Next: It is normal for ALL digital clocks to lose time. My reply: I had a Buick for five years prior to the Rendezvous with digital clock and it NEVER lost time. Told him about what I had read at Edmunds re: the clock issue. His reply: Buick is not familiar with this issue and since it's not a Buick message board - doesn't matter. Next: Cannot duplicate the heat issue - bring back another time. Next (and my favorite) Windshield Wipers: Well, Mrs. Snuzone66 - the technician got into the vehicle and noticed that you didn't have the switch in the Off position. When he got in and turned the car on, he put the switch to off and the wipers went off. My reply: MY MOUTH DROPPED!!!! I told him how I tried EVERYTHING and nothing worked and that I had owned the vehicle for over six months and was capable of operating the switch. I pointed out the fact that HE TOO played with the switch. His reply: I didn't turn it back all the way and must be you didn't either.
I took my keys and left there FUMING. I have NEVER been spoken to in such a condescending manner by anyone in a customer relation-type position before. I called my husband and bit#@% like you wouldn't believe. I called Buick the next day and complained about this so-called Service Manager. They took note but I doubt anything ever happened - in fact I mentioned to the customer relation person at Buick about the Edmunds discussion regarding the clocks losing time and he put me on hold and came back and said there is nothing in their system about clocks losing time.
Needless to say - anything that my Buick has needed I have relied on my trusty mechanic - which, knock on wood, has only been oil changes!!!!
BUT tonight it was raining heavy - after driving the Buick for about 15 minutes I moved the switch from low to delay. GUESS WHAT!!!! THE WIPERS WOULDN'T GO OFF. I was kinda excited! My husband was with me and when we got to our destination I turned off the Rendezvous and restarted - wipers still going. My husband came around and played with the swich and believe me - I MADE SURE I TURNED THAT SUCKER ALL THE WAY BACK UNTIL IT "SNAPPED" BACK. The blades still would not turn off. We did our errands and when we got back to the car about 1/2 hour later the wipers were off. BUT on the way home the same thing - after about 10 minutes this time the wipers wouldn't go off.
Sorry for the long story but the thought of that jerk from last year made me mad and I wanted to give you all some background - not that you all needed it. There is another Buick dealership in my area but I had called them once to inquire about something and he asked if I purchased the Rendezvous from them. I told him no and he didn't seem that interested in my call after that - so I'm hesistant to go to that particular dealership.
Has anyone else had this problem before??? AGain I apologize for taking up so much eye time.
Snuz
The only problem that I've had with the wipers is when I accidentally installed 24" blades on both sides. The front passenger side needs a 22" blade. That's very important as you can have a potential jam in a rainstorm if you put 24" on both sides.
The radio is supposed to get louder as you gain speed. You can control this function by setting the radio preference controls. Check your manual.
I wouldn't put up with that service manager. Either see dealership management or go to another dealership for service. There's no connection between sales and service and I also have a Pontiac which has never been back to the selling dealership's service dept. I regularly take it to another one.
Mel
When the hvac is set to the vents and the temperature is set to hot the air flow decreases to 25% (decrease of 75%) of when it is on cold and there is excessive noise. It is going through additional venting in the dashboard.
Brought it in for service and they checked the 2003 units on the lot and found the same issue and the dealership chalked it up to the following. When you switch to hot the air flows through additional venting decreasing the air flow. It's a design problem they cannot do anything about. Why would GM not correct this problem, it is so obvious especially in the colder climates where the heater is used fairly often.
The dealer said that the newer units on the lot do the same thing and couldn't do anything further. GM sure doesn't seem to be correcting design flaws.
Other than these issues the RDV is pretty good.
I just bought my Rendezvous on Saturday and discovered the same problem. Have you had your service department look at this yet?
At 14,000 I was driving and began hearing a loud clunking out of the front end of the vehicle, the AWD disable light came on, and a anti-lock brake light. The RDV was picked up by the delaership on a flatbed. Both wheel bearings, pass and driver were replaced. When questioned the service adviser stated they were worn as a result of defective parts.
The services adviser stated the two issues are not related. Does any one else have another opinion?. This is the vehicles first winter, and it's been a tough one in New England. I cannot disable the Versatrak, it comes off and on as road conditions warrant. I am wondering if this system is reliable. I am seriously considering dumping this vehicle. This appears to be seriously premature wear for the mileage. Anyone else out there with bearing and tranny problems???
My issue is the HUD (I didn't have one on the '02). When the car is started I get the Buick logo OK then the radio station and speed. But, for the first 2 to 20 minutes the radio will display incorrectly. It will only display the station if the volume is changed and the station it displays is the one that was on when the car was turned off. After the 1 to 20 minutes the correct station will display, without touching any controls.
I told the dealer about it on my first oil change. After they checked it out they said "it was designed that way". I think the answers bogus. I can't imagine an engineer designing in something like that.
Anyone else have similar problems?
ask to check out one of the new ones in stock. Take it for a drive...,
take it home for the evening or weekend, could be suggested to let them
know you're serious about really checking into the validity of their
statement...
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2ndrdv, it speaks well that you got another RDV after the first one was totalled.
Question, did you have the third row seat in the first RDV ? And if yes, was anybody in it at the time of the accident ?
It seemed to take the hit pretty good. We were hit by a pickup with a plow frame at about 35mph. I saw him coming in the rear view mirror.
It was weird having an opportunity to look for another car so close behind the first purchase. The Pilot wasn't available the first time around (I had a '96 Odyssey). I looked at it on Edmunds and figured it was worth a test drive. Went to talk to my local Honda dealer and they told me I could try one in about 6 weeks.
After further research, I decided that the Buick still fit my needs best: size; AWD; mileage; comfortable ride (36k on the '02 after 13 mos). I was willing to put up with GM's issues like the HUD and passenger side tilt mirror. Most of the other things seem to be OK.
My wife says it's ugly, I say at least it's not an Aztec.
I hope the insurance companies treated you right.
Regarding your "opportunity" to look for another car so close behind the first purchase. Opportunity ? For me it's a research chore that I'm happy it only has to be done twice, (1 is to aid my wife) every 8 or 9 years ....... sans an accident, knock on wood. Also, a BIG thanks to EDMUNDS for this forum and research tool !
Happy to hear that you and your kids were OK.
02-07-30-039; Firm transmission shifts, shudder/chuggle, transmission won’t downshift on deceleration, service engine soon light illuminated, DTC P0742 Set (perform diagnostics and replace TCC PWM Solenoid); 2003 Buick Rendezvous with 4T65-E Transaxle
2003
02-08-49-011; Console air deflectors inoperative, broken or missing, door latch broken (replace appropriate component); 2002-03 Buick Rendezvous
02-01-38-004; Air conditioning is not cold enough (replace condenser); 2002 Buick Rendezvous
02-01-39-008; A/C compressor inoperative, a/c cycles too often, insufficient cooling, DTC P0530 (replace a/c high pressure valve); 2002-03 Buick Rendezvous with Mitsubishi air compressor
02-08-44-022; Static noise heard in radio speakers (install capacitor into rear differential clutch check valve circuit); 2002-03 Buick Rendezvous with All Wheel Drive
The dealer replaced both the mirror and sending unit, to no avail. I got in the habit of hitting the memory button to reset it.
Now my '03 is starting to do it. It was OK for the first month or so, but now I notice it's out of alignment after a week, or so.
Of course, this is a non-reproducible problem at the dealer's. I have sat there going from drive to reverse 15 or 20 times and it won't happen. Ignore it for a couple of days and you're scouring the skies.
I have always wondered why when you unlock the door with the fob it doesn't reset it. The manual says that the fob will reset everything to Driver 1 or 2. The dealer hasn't a clue.
Anyone else have this problem?
I place an order the www.gmpartsdirect.com for $228.20 + 20% SH.
Does anyone here have installed a GM hitch? Any instructions or figures? All the GM sites just show pictures of installed ones.
Thanks for your reply.
These bugs included the falling lumbar adjustment knob, slightly confused memory mirrors, and a wandering compass. I also have a buzz in the passenger side of the rear cargo area over textured pavement and road "dots"...I'll fix that one myself.
Broken clips on the knob caused it to fall off and a new knob is on order, as are new motors for the power mirrors (per TSB). The compass simply needed to be recalibrated (drive around in a circle three times).
I also have a slow clock, but rather than risk opening pandoras box, I prefer to just set it 2 or 3 minutes ahead of my wristwatch whenever I notice it's more than a few minutes off...no biggie.
Oh yeah, my wife backed into a partially concealed electrical breaker box last month and put a nice mark on the rear bumper (good thing the plastic is grey underneath the paint)...and then last week, her mom ground the front bumper into a yellow painted concrete post. Thank goodness for polishing compound.
29,000 miles and going strong...
Anybody experienced the sunroof stuttering/stopping when it opens? It doesn't happen all the time (seems more prevalent in warm weather).
All and all it isn't detracting from my fondness of my new ride. Its GREAT.