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Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

18329 messages,  Last post on Apr 30, 2012 at 8:10 PM

You are in the Buick Rainier Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy XL, Isuzu Ascender, Oldsmobile Bravada, SUV

Messages Page 1611 of 1834

#16095 of 18329 Re: Auto AWD on Envoys [gam2] by scudman

Feb 23, 2005 (11:31 pm)

Replying to: gam2 (Feb 23, 2005 8:36 pm)
I have a '05 T/B and during the last two snow storms the Auto feature was indeed slow. I now just go right to 4HI.
 
A quick introduction for any interested:
 
2005 Black/Black Trailblazer Every option except engine heater. I purchased this through a Supplier Discount program. Truck is 3 months old and has 2500 miles. I am somewhat pleased with the T/B but have a few quirks.
 
1: Chevrolet should have left the white gauges(gave it a more sportier feel)
 
2: Still cannot believe an almost $40,000.00 truck has no under hood or glovebox light.
 
3: As mentioned above, slow response on the auto 4wd
 
4: Gas Mileage at Corvette #'s but was expected.
 
5: Fancy controls on the steering wheel but no temp. control as on the Explorers.
 
6: Like the idea of turn signals on the mirrors but cannot be seen during the day, should have went with the tahoe's in the mirror design.
 
7: would have liked to see a power fold away mirror also as in the tahoe.
 
8: Ride quality is great, smooth as silk
 
9: not too impressed with the performance overall, but then again this is my first SUV in 4 years. Traded in my Impala for the T/B
 
I will update more as time goes on.

#16096 of 18329 Re: Auto AWD on Envoys [scudman] by paulyjsob

Feb 24, 2005 (6:17 am)

Replying to: scudman (Feb 23, 2005 11:31 pm)
I'm glad to hear that my a4wd systen isn't the only one that sucks. I'm surprised I haven't heard much about the slowness of the system. I honestly never bother using it. And if I owned a bravada or rainier, I'd be seriously pissed of at how poorly it works.

#16097 of 18329 Re: Auto AWD on Envoys [paulyjsob] by 01_hoe

Feb 24, 2005 (7:28 am)

Replying to: paulyjsob (Feb 24, 2005 6:17 am)
Maybe it is possible to have the GM service department reflash the PCM to allow AWD to react quicker?

#16098 of 18329 Re: Auto AWD on Envoys [paulyjsob] by jay_24

Feb 24, 2005 (7:57 am)

Replying to: paulyjsob (Feb 24, 2005 6:17 am)
The Buick and I image the Bravada are different than the Tblazer and Envoy. TBlazer and Envoy have a auto 4x4 switch, but this basically just detects wheel spin and then pushes the 4x4 button for you. (Taking its sweet time to fully engage.) It also has 4hi, 4lo and 2wd.
 
The Buick/Bravada use a "SmartTrak" system that works differently and doesn't have a low range or 'off/2wd' It is basically engaged all the time and works faster than the "Auto 4x4" of the others.
 
--jay

#16099 of 18329 Re: Thanks Tmarkb2 [tpken] by tmarkb2

Feb 24, 2005 (9:20 am)

Replying to: tpken (Feb 23, 2005 2:46 pm)
tpken,
 
You got it. The ride is not as smooth but certainly isn't harsh.
 
Check my comments at post# 14618 for all the upgrades. The way it's set up now, I can actually make my Envoy "dirt track" on an on/off ramp or spend all day "drifting" on a wet parking lot. Please don't tell my mom!
 
I think the only difference between the TB and Envoy's suspensions is the wheel diameter. The TBs come with 16" vs. the Envoy's 17".

#16100 of 18329 RECALL re: tail/stop lamps by tmarkb2

Feb 24, 2005 (9:30 am)

All,
 
I recently noticed that my license plate lights were out. I haven't gone to the trouble of checking fuses but all other lights, interior and exterior, are working and the bulbs seem to be OK. I only have a test lamp to check the sockets so not sure if I'm getting juice to the bulbs or not.
 
Has anyone else had these lights fail and could this be related to the tail/stop lamp recall? I have yet to get to the dealer to get that done.

#16101 of 18329 Re: Auto AWD on Envoys [jay_24] by paulyjsob

Feb 24, 2005 (10:50 am)

Replying to: jay_24 (Feb 24, 2005 7:57 am)
That's good to know. I always through they just took the 2hi, 4hi, and 4lo out and called it full time AWD. I did not know that smartrak was different then A4WD.

#16102 of 18329 Re: Auto AWD on Envoys [paulyjsob] by gam2

Feb 24, 2005 (10:59 am)

Replying to: paulyjsob (Feb 24, 2005 10:50 am)
Smartrak (or Dumbtrak as known by some) is not on all the time. Older Bravada's had a viscous clutch
tranfer case that worked much better than the current one. The current Bravada is similar to the Envoy in that is senses wheelslip between the front and rear axle and electronically locks up the transfer case. It may have less of a reaction time than in the Envoy, but you could still feel it engage with a thunk.
 
GAM

#16103 of 18329 Re: overproduced or undersold? [ficuss] by imadad2

Feb 24, 2005 (12:03 pm)

Replying to: ficuss (Feb 22, 2005 7:40 pm)
I would not go as far as to say that there is poor quality in the TB or Envoy. I would agree that there is Poorer quality than say a Toyota, but I have had excellent quality from every Chevrolet I have ever owned. I drove a Nova into the ground. I drove a Caprice into the ground. I drove a full size van into the ground. I think Toyota makes a better product, and that hurts GM resale. I would however, put any Chevorlet against a Ford or Dodge and would come out ahead (IMO). I see Trailblazers and Envoys every where. I see them more than any other midsize SUV. The market is flooded with them. I love this truck. I think it is the nicest looking SUV on the market. It is a shame that if I want a new model, I won't get anything for a trade in. Rebates and incentives do hurt trade ins, but most of us know that trading in any vehicle at a dealer will get you little to nothing.

#16104 of 18329 Driving into the ground by ficuss

Feb 24, 2005 (12:41 pm)

I don't think too many Triplets will be driven into the ground. Repair costs will convince people to sell them to the junk yards first. The triplets are indeed nice to look at. There have been no complaints about looks. Fit and finish is even good. The assembly is very good. The problems were and still are in the reliability and complexity of design. IMO too many parts have needed to be repaired or recalled to call this a good car. Incentives and rebates coupled with employee, friend of employee, supplier discounts and GM card cash incentives have made this car affordable to many who would otherwise not buy it. So, the reason you see so many of them is not because of quality, it's because of price. I have gotten to know my dealer mechanics better with the TB than with any other car I've ever owned. There is no need to be on a first name basis with your mechanic unless he is your neighbor.
 BTW, I own 2 Ford Cargo vans, I don't know my Ford mechanic by name.

Messages Page 1611 of 1834

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