Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Who had BCMs fail during summer air conditioner season from other climes?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Someone on here in the past said their RDV's wiring was all corroded from water damage.Possibly it could have been caused by the AC in the summer which could possibly cause the BCM to short out any time of the year.
You would think Buick would be addressing this problem as I'm almost sure that every single Buick dealer in the U.S. and Canada has had RDV's with bad BCM's.Its had to cost Buick a ton of money and lost customers.
And if the BCM is indeed located in such a place where water can collect, wouldn't the wet (e.g., rainy, snowy, slushy) regions be more likely to have Rendezvous with bad BCM's? Here in Wisconsin, we got 12" of snow a week ago, 6" more a few days ago. I drive through slush, snow, and puddles on a daily basis. This is my RDV's 3rd Wisconsin winter! Still on original BCM here ... hmmmmm ... and I use the air conditioner regularly in our hot humid summers.
Also, where does your RDV puddle water in the summertime? It's not anywhere near the firewall/passenger compartment. The RDV puddles toward the front of the car. Perhaps this anonymous "Buick tech" could come forward and tell us more about this fix. I'd love to hear more
Hopefully someone from Buick is reading this board.
Tell me why it isnt possible for every single Buick dealer in the U.S.-Canada to have at least one Rendezvous with electrical problems?My local dealer has only sold 7-8 RDV's and has ones with electrical problems.I bet most all Buick dealers have sold more RDV's than he has.Ask the Buick dealer where you bought your RDV at and report what you find out on BCM's.I ask at every dealer I go to.
In the past year I have been on numerous automotive forums.At most everyone you go to the first thing you see mentioned in the Buick section is my Buick Rendezvous is having electrical problems.BCM failures and electrical problems dwarf the rest of the RDV problems mentioned.If it wasnt for the BCM problem we would still own our 02 CXL.
I have kept track of all BCM failures and have a list of over 100 now.What are the odds of 2 RDV owners buying theirs at the same dealer posting on the internet?Probably far less than 1000 RDV owners have ever posted on an automotive forum peroid so we have 159,000+ to hear from yet.GM could sure tell us how many are having BCM problems but they arent talking.
A year ago all RDV BCM's were on back order and you had to wait 5-10 days to even get one.Believe me we know all to well.It had to be a tremendous problem everywhere.
By the way I think the BCM is located inside the vehicle where slush and snow cant get to it,only moisture from an AC.This anonymous Buick man posts on another forum as fenderbender as he works in a Buick body shop in FL.I asked him a question and he hasnt been back on lately.
Here is another happy RDV owner.Taken from another forum which I'm not allowed to link you too.
Full Review
I've had this vehicle for about 1.5 years. Got stuck with this vehicle on the Maine Turnpike...even Onstar would not work to call for assistance. Had to reset the main computer by disconnecting the battery at the fuse box inside the engine compartment, waiting 10 seconds, and reconnecting. Dealer ran diagnostics on it and found error codes for Master computer unit, gasoline info sending unit, and oil pressure sensor. Parts were very difficult to find and had to wait a week to get it fixed. Dealer told me that most of the 2002 Rendezvous's they sold were returned for new master computer unit. The master computer unit has apparently been upgraded by Buick to resolve the problems, but you don't find out about it until you get stuck with the vehicle and have it towed to the dealer if you're not smart enough to figure out that disconnecting the battery puts you back in motion.
I CAN POST LOTS MORE LIKE THE ABOVE!
While I have no doubt that you can post lots of anecdotal anonymous unconfirmable posts gleaned from the internet, it doesn't mean that the Rendezvous isn't a great, reliable vehicle (unless you can post 160,000+ posts -- 1 from every RDV owner). The simple fact of the matter is that for every RDV owner who reports serious troubles, there are many, many others who have not had serious troubles!
Remember ... every single solitary make and model of vehicle will have some lemons. That's just the way it is. Are you somehow making this your life mission to bash Rendezvous and prevent people from buying them? Or, are you simply trying to generate sales of extended warranties?
I continue to recommend the Rendezvous as a great vehicle. I have a 2002 RDV CXL (with no extended warranty). Still on original BCM, no bearings problems, no electrical problems, no stalling, no bad mileage. 37,000+ miles and going strong! Of course, YMMV
Heres an RDV owner thats very glad that he had an extended warranty.You could have very easily ended up with this one?How would you feel then?You seem to have very little compassion for problem RDV owners.This one could sure empty the old checking account in a hurry.If I had one that bad it would be long gone by now.By the way this is from a very well known car magazines forum which I cant mention on here.
Results: 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS User Results
Submitted by: Reviewer from ottawa , IL
Date Reviewed: 10/23/2004 9:44:09 AM
Years Owned: 2 Years
Mileage: 45000
Style: CXL awd
Owned Before: I have previously owned a vehicle of this make.
Pros: sound system is great
Cons: quality control and electrical
Review: This vehicle is on its fifth BCM, third instrument cluster, third PCM,third battery, third leveling pump and third starter. It has had the intake gaskets replaced as well as the water pump. It also has had the condensor replaced. This has not been a good vehicle. I would not recommend it to anyone else. Thank goodness I have the extended warranty on this vehicle or it would have been a financial disaster.
Rating
Overall 1
Vehicle Styling 2.5
Braking 5
Handling 5
Fuel Economy 2.5
Interior Comfort 5
Acceleration 2.5
Dependability 2.5
Fit and Finish 5
Transmission 5
Ride 5
I have many-many more like the above stored away on my computer.I just found another RDV owner on his 6th BCM.RDV's are like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.One can be totally good and one can be totally bad.Its hard to believe that they could have all possibly came down the same assembly line together.
I'm not here to bash the RDV or their owners,just to warn people about the problem ones that are out there.We traded one off and the people that bought it never even bothered to call us for info on its past.If you buy a used RDV please check put its history.I'd even consider owning another RDV if I knew it would be dependable.Most ex RDV owners say they will never buy another GM product but thats not me.Buick really should try to help out the problem RDV owners in some way.Some owners didnt get much for their hard earned money and took a pounding.
I'm no big fan of extended warrantys but I'd sure have one if I owned a 2002-03 RDV.I've only had one extended warranty in my life and never used it.
I'll tell you what.Lets call a truce.I think I've made my point.I'll lay low for awhile if you lay low.Lets hear from other RDV owners good or bad.It will soon be corn planting time and I have lots to do.
By the way over the weekend I'll probably stop by one of the largest Buick RDV dealers in the midwest.I'd like to see my first new Ultra.It might be fun to test drive an Ultra with the new 3.6.Lets face it,the 3.4 was barely adequate.Our local Buick dealer only got in one new 2004 RDV and hasnt even gotten in a 2005 yet.By the way we still watch for RDV's when we are out on the hiway.We see more and more of them and it makes us wish our 02 CXL had been dependable.We didnt enjoy having to trade it off.
jk,good luck with your RDV.
The "fear" that some posters have put into others here I do not believe is warranted. You have another 18,000 miles of bumper to bumper warranty on your vehicle. Good luck!
I agree ... we've both made our points. There are good RDV's and there are bad RDV's out there. Hopefully Consumer Reports is correct that the reliability has continued to improve and this will become less of an issue.
Good luck with planting! And let us know how you like the Ultra (I do wish my RDV had a bit more pep!).
I need to go to GM dealer tomorrow and see if this costly repair (replace intake manifold approx $1000) is partly covered by GM secret warranty.
Another possibility - voltage regulator gone bad and causing BCM failures. Check wiring and fuses for damage.
Yet another possible explanation is that it's all in the Motorola's BCM "microprocessor condition" as stated in the latest GM TechLink newsletter at
http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/issues/cnt_mo/TLcme.html#story6
Essentially what it says is that you need to double-check that the mechanics replacing the BCM must be trained and follow the service procedure exactly in order to fix the BCM. Just returning to the same dealer to replace yet another BCM won't solve the problem. Consider trying another dealer in your area if the first one can't do it right the first time.
More on this subject at
http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/issues/jul04/TLJul04e.html#story- - 6
On a different note, someone asked for programming. The BCM keyfob programming method was suggested by pontiac-dude as follows:
"There's a manual method of programming keyless entry transmitters also. Make sure that you have all the transmitters you want to be able to use handy because the system will have to "learn" each one, even if they already worked before. If you have the memory seat/radio/mirror option you'll need to program the remote for 'driver 1' first, then 'driver 2', then up to 2 others. Here's how to do it:
1. Close the vehicle doors.
2. Turn OFF the ignition.
3. Remove the ignition key from the ignition lock cylinder.
4. Press and hold the driver side door lock switch to the unlock position.
5. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and remove the key. (Do not turn the ignition key in the lock cylinder.)
6. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and remove the key. (Do not turn the ignition key in the lock cylinder.)
7. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder. (Do not turn the ignition key in the lock cylinder.) Leave the ignition key in the ignition lock cylinder.
8. Release the door lock switch. The body control module (BCM) will sound three beeps in order to verify the Program Mode has been activated.
9. Press the lock and unlock buttons on the keyless entry transmitter simultaneously for approximately 5 seconds . The BCM will sound two beeps in order to verify that the transmitter has been successfully programmed.
10. Perform the previous step to program up to four transmitters.
11. Remove the ignition key in order to exit the Program Mode.
12. Verify the proper operation of each transmitter."
I'm interested in any follow up done by Buick customer service.
I've been having a problem with engine shutting off at a speed of 15-30 miles and it happens every 3-4 months. It happened last Thursday morning and my wife and 4 year old son were riding in it and they almost got hit from behind. I took the RDV to a dealer but could not locate the problem again.
I've had this problem ever since I purchased this new vehicle and have been in dealer shop for a numerous times just for this reason. Everytime, I take this car into the shop all they do is the "Scan the software and update." I have all their service reports in writing but this problem is not going away and it will happen again in next few months and I can't take anymore risk.
Besides this, my RDV engine blew at 4000 miles and the dealer replaced. I had a A/C Condenser replaced at 16000 miles and a hub bearing replaced at 22000 miles and both covered by warranty.
Can anyone tell me if my car is fit into a lemon and how to preceed with?
It just seems like that these days lots of car dealers just dont know what to do about electrical problems which is what yours has.Does your RDV refuse to restart after shutting down?More than one 02-03 CXL RDV has the same problem as yours.A lady in a distant town has one that shuts down at 60-70 mph and she has almost been hit from the rear several times.It will refuse to restart until its towed in to the dealer.They have worked and worked on it and cant seem to find the problem.
Yours is only the 3rd RDV that I've heard of losing an engine.The Dodge Durango owners seem to be faring far worse on engines as I've read about 100's of them losing engines due to sludge build up.
Good Luck.
Keep on truckin' (or cross-over'ing)!
BUT our new big problem is with transmission. I took rdv into "jiffy" type lube to have engine fluids checked this is second time (we have 40k miles). Within 180 miles car started acting wierd intermittently as if a FUEL PUMP problem was acting up- car would not always respond to gas pedal being pushed / rpms would not respond etc although it was not a problem to start. Anyways barely got to destination and had car towed to dealer. They said our transmission had been overfilled by 2 quarts and this had caused 'areation' in system keeping transmission from being lubricated resulting in ruined cluthes and eroded transmission. They imediatly began to take out transmission and set motion to replace.Needless to say dealer says that our extended warrenty is nullified on this due to the fact that work was not performed by them.
But could all of this erosion and ruined transmission happen in 180 miles. Or are they trying to get out of warrenty work? "juffy" type lube place says they have video tape of no fluid being put in.
What to do?
Lumbar support knob broke, hatchback strap broke (same style strap as the Montana I had replaced twice under warranty - you think they would figure it out?) I had as front wheel bearing did replacement one one side, 3k later get other side done, Now leaking intake gasket ( common problem) and speedometer going all over the place. Warranty is over now so the fight begins with GM. Have been a loyal GM purchaser for 25 years and my wife had a 97 Grand Prix, 60,000 miles transmission at $3,000.00, 80,000 miles same intake leak caused blown motor - thousands more. 2000 Montana intake leak. It is a known problem for GM with the 3.4 motors that intake leaks.
And to think I used to laugh at my friends that drove Honda's and Nissans for 200,000 miles with oil changes, one set of brakes and a timing belt. Time to switch over. With any luck GM reads these boards and realizes that many customers switching to other OEM's.
Toronto, Canada.
Suggest don't buy a Rendezvous or GM period. The Re
Wagner in Wisconsin at EVS
I am too from Toronto - can you please provide me with the TSB about the poor heat - I've complained to the dealer and was told that it was normal or so did so many people on this site. Good luck with all your problems - I too have a lot of problems.
Regards
Wagner in Wisconsin
What are people replacing these tires with?
As far as warranty goes, I don't recall getting a separate tire-specific warranty with any of the cars I've ever bought. In case of the RDV, tires are covered on the 3 years/36000 miles bumper -to-bumper warranty...very generic and not tire specific. This is according to the owners manual. Then it goes on to say any replacement tires will continue to be warrantied according to the REMAINING bumper-to-bumper coverage period. But if you look on TireRack.com, the same tire has a 70000 mile guarantee. Why the big difference? Why does the OEM not use the tire manufacturer's warranty since it'll be much more attractive to a customer?
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef1386d!make=Mercedes-Benz&model=M-Class&ed_- makeindex=.ef1386d
Also was it the instrument cluster causing this problem?
Thanks
Mike
wish I had found this site sooner. At least I know I'm not alone. I have probably had almost one of everything go wrong with my 2002 rendezvous and many of the same problems more than once. I was lucky though as I got GM to give me their Major Guard extended warranty for free. It covers me to over 80000 miles and 5 1/2 years from in service date. Crazy, though. I love my rendezvous and would probably buy one again.
I say good job GM.Deeds like this will give you lots of good publicity.
It has 29,600 miles and I have until Sept. for the 3 year warranty to be up and if I have to not drive it and fight with them until Sept I will.
I was told the Lemon Law here in NY the car has to be within 2 years and 24,000 miles.
I would love info on how you negotiate a "buy back".
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/defectsearch.cfm
Put in item number pe04075
Ignition relay replacement at least seems to be fix
The vehicle works great but this is a nice to have option that comes in handy from time to time.
I've now owned a slightly used '02 rendezvous for about a year, and I LOVE IT! Unfortunately, as I was driving down the road the other day the "service vehicle soon" light came on. Of course the manual only says take it to the dealer. I found a site online that said it could be caused by a blown fuse, so I have to check that. Anyone feedback from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
jbrinker@mn.rr.com
jbrinker@mn.rr.com
thanks!
I am getting an error accross my odometer and no mileage. What a drag...
The dealer wants 500-1000 to repair it. Any body else in trouble?
James B
Thanks!
Later today I'm hooking it up to a friends diagnostic reader for the onboard computer.
TIP: A microprocessor condition that affected early BCMs was corrected during the 2003 model year, beginning with p/n GMAN169 (Impala/Monte Carlo) and GMAN410C (Aztek/Rendezvous). Any BCM with a higher part number contains the microprocessor improvement. The Equinox, a newer vehicle, never had the earlier microprocessor.
Based on the history of these earlier control modules, technicians consider BCM replacement as the appropriate remedy for a number of customer concerns and vehicle conditions. However, with the improved microprocessor, this is not often the case. Analysis shows that almost 75% of BCMs replaced under warranty have no trouble found (NTF).
In cases where there was no trouble found with the returned BCM, the most common reasons for replacement were determined to be:
- Wrong module replaced
- Service procedure not followed
- Wiring
- System issue
The information provided here is not intended to replace the need for following established SI diagnostic procedures. But it will help you more thoroughly understand the relationship of the BCM to other vehicle systems.
In the following tables, you will learn which systems the BCM directly controls, the systems with which the BCM has an interaction, and the systems with which the BCM has no interaction. As you can see, these lists vary considerably between vehicle lines.
- Thanks to Jeff Strong, Motorola
If you have or could find a link to the GM tech item, could you send it to me?