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(1) Go to auto mode, by pushing in the left knob in the climate control unit. The display should show "auto". Then, set the desired temperature, by turning the left knob right or left. You might see the fan working harder (in higher setting) automatically, until the system reaches the desired temperature, heating during colder weather, or automatically starting the air condition to cool the air (i.e. during summer months). Please note, that in this "auto" setting, no air (cold or warm) will be coming out of the face vents. Instead, air will come our of the defrost outlets by the windshield and also the lower vents by your feet.
(2) To go to the manual mode, push the "mode" button in the climate control panel, until you see the desired setting, for example arrow pointing to the face will produce air out of the face vents. Next, set the desired temperature, as above, by operating the left knob to the right or left. In this mode, you can adjust the fan setting manually, by pushing the toggle switch (with the fan display on it) up or down. Then, try operating the right knob, by turning it to the left or right, thus directing more or less air to the driver's or passenger's side, as desired. (By making the driver's side warmer, you make the passenger's side colder and vice versa).
Good luck and please let us know of your findings.
They have had the Rendezvou this time since Dec 19th, and said nothing is wrong. My auto rental is now up to $600.00 !!! They told me that they might have to drive it for awhile (my insurance might have to pay if they have an accident with it)I told the GM that I was not born yesterday, and my insurance is not going to pay for anything.
I to have contacted the BBB to start the Lemon Law ground work in hopes that the dealership will fix my car. I do like the Rendezvou its a nice auto. But I want to drive it more then 3 weeks !!! Can someone out there held me ??
They aren't giving you a good loaner car
each time you have it in for a problem, especially under warranty?
My Buick dealer even gives loaners on used
cars when in for service paid by customer
or by the warranty from the dealer.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
~Ken
We bought a 2002 in May,2002. The base car with no upgrades. We have the slow clock problem where we lose a minute or two a week. We have the problem where if you put the gas pump in all the way, it will not work. Must pull back some. We have the rolling issue. We are use to toyota/hondas where the engine is quiet. Reading this, we realize that the sounds we hear are typical of GM engines. Same with the AC sounds. We have the squeaky breaks with 28k miles. We have the engine light go on after a fillup when the cap is not one right (happened once). There are a few others I am missing. After read this discussion board, I feel better because it looks like what we are experiencing are not really problems but just the way that this car functions. We really like our car a lot. We like the space with decent gas milage for the size/weight. We like the way it converts and storage. We like the little things like the handles and lower to the ground which helps get my mom into the car with her bad legs. We like the way it drives like a car vs a SUV/truck. We absolutely hated the trailblazer drive/space.
There were no odd ones that did not make sense. On one long trip around 15k ago, the fuel gage stopped working. It showed empty. The next week it worked again and never failed again. Since it never failed again, we decided not to do anything about it. Do you agree ?
Another time the car would not lock or the lights blink we I hit the button. All doors were closed tight. Opened the car, put the key in, started the car, stopped it and the problem went away. Not sure if I should report that one or not. A one time event.
We have never taken it in so far after 30k. Only oil changes and tire rotations.
Thanks again.
Although we love driving it and have been impressed with it's capabilities, comfort, and utility, our electronic and mechanical gremlins finally made me nervous enough as we approached the end of our warranty to pursue Lemon Law Arbitration.
I carefully reviewed the statutes for my state and discovered that our RDV easily qualified as a lemon, so I submitted my claim to the State Attorney General's Office about one month ago.
Last week we attented the arbitration hearing and the GM representative immediately capitulated without a single word from me.
For those of you with continuing problems (BCM!?!), don't put up with them needlessly and don't trade-in your RDV at a loss on another car. Do a google.com search for "lemon law" and then contact your State Attorney General's Office.
Oh, and don't waste your money on a lawyer, these laws are simple to understand and the procedures are easy to follow.
We're looking at the Toyota Highlander although on a whim, we test drove a Volvo V70 wagon the other night and fell in love with it!
I have enjoyed my membership in the "RDV family" and will no doubt continue to lurk in the RDV forums. Best wishes to all!
Is this the beginning of the end of our PCM module?
I also noted that the A/C fan motor would turn up after the key was out of the ignition for about 20 seconds. I went to the dealeship and they said it was normal for an automatic a/c system to turn the blower motor after the key was out of the ignition. Or is it? Any suggestions?
I'm starting a log with date and times these strange thing happen....
Recently when driving on rough roads we would lose power for 1-2 seconds and the alternator light would come on briefly.In 7 days it did this 10-15 times mostly on rough rural roads.Finally it stayed off long enough to set off several codes.We called Onstar and they said we had 4 codes but none that wouldnt let us drive it home.
The CXL kept running but we then only had headlights,no tail lights,no radio,no power locks,windows,etc.To turn the headlights off I had to unhook the battery cable.The computer then reset itself the next day and things were normal again.
Its Friday evening and our Buick dealer has had the RDV since Monday evening.This eve I went by there and they have ordered a BCM.It will be here on Monday.I'm glad we still have our dependable 2000 Buick Regal LS to drive.
From reading the posts on here it sounds like Buick has a major problem with BCM's,etc .We traded off a trouble free 1998 Buick Regal GS and I'd love to have it back right now.My wife likes our Buick RDV alot better than I do.I feel that its very underpowered and doesnt have the normal Buick quality in it.In my opinion Buick made a very poor choice of engines.The 3800 Buick should have been put in it.
I have a bad feeling about out RDV and have lost confidence in it.If it acts up again after being fixed we will get rid of it.
Just start reading all these horror stories and see what awaits all Rendezvous built before Oct 2003.GM needs to recall all vehicles with 3.1 and 3.4 V-6's built between 1995-2003 to replace the intake gasket.Its the right thing for them to do.
Of course lots of us have BCM problems too with our RDV's.Wake up GM.Lots of us are going to be leaving you.Is quality a thing of the past?
I have the car set where the AC is blowing out the top vents. I then move the temperature gauge to hot and the air stops blowing out the top vents and now only comes out of the floor. The heater also does not appear to blow that much air out.
I realize heaters normally blow from the bottom; however, I am use to my toyota and our previous honda.
On those cars, the air blows out of the vent that its set for. If you chose the top, then the top, if you chose bottom, bottom, if you chose defrost, .... regardless of which way the temperature is blowing.
On the Buick, moving to the hot air, always changing the direction of the air to the floor. I like the idea of being able to turn on the AC and switch to hot and have hot air hit me directly in winter. The buick does not allow it.
Does your buick Rendv behave the same way or does mine have a problem.
I appreciate any help. We are down to 4k of warranty.
The GM customer "dissatisfaction line" told me it was a characteristic of the vehicle and that they wouldn't help. They closed the case file and referred me to the BBB. Anyone else have this problem?
1) Replaced original pads because they were cupped and chipped.
2) The pads have since been replaced two more times - the most recent with an upgraded heavy duty pad.
3) The calipers have been adjusted /tightened because they were crooked / loose.
4) The rotors have been resurfaced.
5) Lots of Brake Quiet has been applied.
These repairs last about 1 week before the noise starts again. On the one hand, the noise is an inconvenience. However, three sets of pads, loose calipers, worn down rotors are not routine in 16 months. The dealer now says "it's normal". I say BS & have requested new rotors, calipers, etc until it gets fixed. However, they say they can't because there's nothing wrong with those parts. I'm concerned because I don't really want to spend the time getting brake repairs on my dime once it's out of warranty.
What should I do:
1) Call GM customer NO service (and expect to be blown off there based upon other posts I've read above).
2) Try a third dealer (doubtful that would be a different result).
3) Get an independent opinion at a local garage (I'm sure that voids the warranty).
4) Is a problem like this too minor to pursue arbitration???
I'd appreciate any suggestions...
Thanks!
By the way, did anyone every get their clock fixed. I told them I had the slow clock problem that appears to be common on these cars based on this discussion board and they said that they have never heard of the problem.
With the auto climate control, I've found that there is an obvious (in retrospect) trick for getting hot air out of the upper vents.
First, press the mode button until the indicator shows air coming out of the upper vents. NOTE THAT THIS WILL TURN *OFF* THE AUTO MODE. The temperature is then controlled *manually* by the temp knob.
So second, twist the temp knob to the highest setting (90º) - just like you would on a car that does not have an auto control.
Last, adjust the fan speed as you like.
It is no hurricane, but seems to work.
So it looks like what appeared to be a problem is just a GM design point
I think it makes more sense to let the user decide which vents to send heat or cold to like most cars do.
Its out of warranty on 3-23-04 so we have a decision to make.Our trust in our RDV is gone.
http://redpowermagazine.com/uploads/upload.cgi/Rendezvous1.jpg
Get this, the dealer mechanic called the GM tech line for advice on how to fix our rear sonar, and here's what he wrote on our service invoice...
"TAC advised there is an updated calibration for BCM for this concern--this calibration will cause several programmable features to become invalid--did not perform recalibration at this time per advisor"
Makes me wonder if the BCM's are supplied by Microsoft...
~Lance
I agree 100% with you.Something else in the wiring or componets is causing the problem.There has to be a short,bad ground,etc.Some thing is being over looked.The wiring is such a nightmare on these newer vehicles that no one wants to take the time to try and chase down the problem.Its just so much easier to keep putting on new BCM's.
We live 8 miles out in the country and drive alot of rough roads.Our first BCM problem started when we'd hit a bump in the road or go over a rail road track.We'd lose electrical power for 1-2 seconds like it was a poor ground or loose wire.
Buick had better get to the bottom of this problem soon or RDV sales are going to go in the toilet because alot of people check here at Edmunds before buying a vehicle to see what the problems are and this is going to scare them to death.The internet is a powerful tool.I wonder if its powerful enough for Buick to own up to the fact that theres a bad problem out here?
Right from the start Buick should have offered the 3800 engine for the base CX and the SC3800 should have been the base engine for the CXL AWD.Lack of power would have not been a problem then.Gas mileage might have been actually been better too.Our Buicks should have had Buick engines in them.
Our old 98 GS Regal with the SC3800 used to get 25-26 mpg on trips and I'm guessing that even
in an AWD CXL RDV it would beat the 3400 as ours only gets 21-22 mpg.Our 2000 LS Regal with the regular 3800 will sometimes beat 30 mpg on trips.
The thought of our 2002 CXL having a SC3800 and no electrical problems puts a smile on my face.You havent lived if you have never driven a SC3800 powered car.Also I have never heard of a SC3800 with a leaking intake gasket.The internet is full of intake leaking 3.4's.I just found 2 more large sites with numerous stories of leaking 3.1's,3.4's,and some 3.8's.
Also noted that the seat memory does not work and also the back up alarm.
No problem a new BCM
Also had them check the manifold and yes it to needs replacement.
This is on top of three towings, one ignition switch, one fuel pump, and one other BCM.
Hopefully the next 35000 miles are better.
Anyway Buick have given me a nice Ford Taurus as a loaner for however long they have the Buick.
Kiwi
I have been keeping track and know of at least 40 RDV owners on the net that have had their BCM's replaced,several more than once.Few people ever report their problems on the internet so I'm sure the problem is far greater.Only GM knows and they arent talking.
So yours needed the intake gasket replaced.That makes the 4th RDV I've heard about needing this.Most RDV's are just too new yet or dont have enough miles.
I hate to be a prophet of doom but all 1995-2003 3400's have the potential for an intake gasket leak.Some will leak while lots never will.Be on guard.If it wasnt for this problem the 3400 would probably be a decent engine.
I've done considerable research on the leaking 3100-3400 GM intake gasket problems and from estimates that mechanics give I'm betting that 5-10% of all 2002-03 RDV owners will experince leaking intake gaskets on their 3400 engines.This will mostly happen when they are 3-5 years old with 40,000-80,000 miles on them.Lots will never leak.
You can spend all day on the vmag Venture forum reading about 3.4 intake gasket failures.A Chev mechanic is on there and he says he does 3-5 intake gasket replacements per week just at his dealership.This is a $600-900 job out of warranty.I noticed on vmag that lots of Venture owners that are handy with tools are replacing there own gaskets to save money.
Of course if you are one of the unfortunate ones that has an internal intake gasket leak then anti-freeze ends up in the oil pan causing severe damage if not caught in time.More than one person has broken a camshaft and ruined an entire engine to the tune of $4-6,000.Keep watching your coolant levels.
GM has known about this problem for years and publicly denies it has one.If you are out of warranty when your gasket goes its pretty much tough luck with Mr Goodwrench.I highly recomend a GM extended warranty if you own a RDV.There are quite a few problems with them and the warranty will give you peace of mind.
We are probably going to trade off our 2002 RDV CXL as we have lost confidence in it.We will take a huge loss on it as they depreciate so quickly.
The car has the following (known) history - it's used and more unknowns could exist:
- 30K - Replace PCM/VCM (not BCM)
- Replace Fuel Tank Assembly
- 34K - Replace Intake Manifold
- Repair recalled Liftgate lock assembly
I am negotiating the terms of the warranty - I am looking at a GM-recommended program JM&A - Gold Plus (which covers BCMs, specifically) for a 4 yr/48K miles for an additional $1.8K.
Looking for someone on this forum to sway my decision. It is either the RDV or a low-mileage '99 Durango (V8 - gas hog).
Please chime in!
Thanks
In my opinion you need the extended GM warranty but $1800 is way too high.Tell them you will gave $200 over their cost at the most and see what they say.Dealers try and double their money on warranties.Charles Capper Auto Center(GM Dealer)at Marengo,IA offers decent prices on GM extended warranties.
Yes,quite a few 2002 CXL AWD's are having electrical problems including ours.However,not all are having problems.Theres alot of things we like about our 02 CXL AWD but our confidence has been shaken by the electrical problems.
We have been trying to trade our CXL for a new Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander but the trade offers havent been good so we may just keep it and get an extended warranty.If the electrical problems go away we can live with the 3400 engine as we know to watch for the intake leak.
The Dodge Durangos havent been the best in our area.The gas mileage is terrible and the quality is lacking.
We'll see what happens with the dealer.
How are 2004 RDVs fairing so far? Any noticeable increase in quality/reliability? Is there a build after date I should look for?
Also, anybody leased a RDV? What kind of prices are you paying?
Thanks - Damon
The most common complaint is gas mileage and the lack of horsepower but the new Ultra at 245 hp should take care of that.
I dont believe our local GM dealer has sold a single 2004 RDV and a big GM dealer west of us said they havent sold a 2004 RDV in 3-4 months now.
This eve we traded off our 2002 CXL for a new 2004 Toyota Highlander AWD Limited as we were offered a fair deal on one.This dealer sells Buicks too.
We feel kind of sad trading off our 2002 CXL as we had such high hopes for it but we drive alot of miles and we want some thing that we can have confidence in.We wont totally rule out owning another Buick in the future.
posting...
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,