18329 messages,
Last post on Apr 30, 2012 at 8:10 PM
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Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy XL, Isuzu Ascender, Oldsmobile Bravada, SUV
#17366 of 18329 Trailblazer Steering and Handling
by gogogodzilla
Oct 24, 2005 (7:30 pm)
I'm looking at possibly the Chevy Trailblazer right now, but am unsure about it's steering and handling.
I recently had the opportunity to drive a 2005 model for a weekend, but the overall impression was somewhat weak.
How do Trailblazer owners like the suspension, steering, and handling of your Trailblazer? In a panic situation, would you feel in control of your Trailblazer? For me, at least, that's a big stopping point for any auto purchase.
#17367 of 18329 2002 headlights flickering
by ccarbaugh
Oct 25, 2005 (8:23 am)
Last night while driving I noticed my headlights flickering. The voltage gauge seems correct running around 14-15 volts. It isn't on/off type just light flicker but noticeable. Anyone else have this type of issue and possible fix. I will be checking my terminals and any wiring connections for possible problems. thanks for any info.
Oct 25, 2005 (10:09 am)
The brakes on my 35K '03 Envoy were starting to pulsate so I pulled a wheel and had a look. I was surprised to see excessive rust build-up at the inner and outer diameters of the rotor. I was realy surprised because this build-up occured where the brake pads contacted the rotor. In fact, the pads had grooves there from the rust. All 4 rotors were this way both inside and out. I used an angle grinder and a wire wheel to remove the rust and the pulsation is gone. Probably should have turned the rotors and put in new pads, but this will do for now. I've never seen rust like this before, especially where the pads contact the rotor. You would think the pad would clean off the rust every time the brakes are applied. The truck doesn't sit idle for weeks either. Anyone else notice this?
Greg
#17369 of 18329 Re: 2002 headlights flickering [ccarbaugh]
by burdawg
Oct 26, 2005 (7:49 am)
It could be the DRL sensor switching the headlamps from daytime mode (not full brightness) to nightime mode (full lowbeam bright). Does it happen when your sitting still? I suppose it's possible that driving slowly under some very bright lights could cause it to switch back and forth, but improbable since there's a latency built in to prevent it.
I have noticed the itensity go up while sitting under an overpass or going through a tunnel in the daytime. Pulling in the garage in the daytime always causes the lamps to increase to full brightness.
Not sure if this is your problem, just a thought.
#17370 of 18329 Re: Trailblazer Steering and Handling [gogogodzilla]
by morey000
Oct 26, 2005 (8:11 am)
There are a lot of wonderful aspects of the Trailblazer/Envoy. But its responsive handling isn't one of them. It has a comfortable and predictable steering and handling- but does fall a little short in this category- although not dangerously so. Consider the new Envoy's you can get with electronic stability control.
Have you considered a Porsche Cayenne? Fabulous handling- albeit at twice the price and half the fuel economy of the TB. And I can't say that I like the interior of it. Or, if you don't need the off road and hauling capability of the TB, the crossover vehicles all handle better. Ex: The Mits. Endeavor drives like a car. But- a different class of vehicle. Some like the heavy handling of the new Subaru Tribeca.
Oh- the new Grand Cherokee's drive pretty well for a SUV, and also offer off road capability, as does the Touareg. Although there are other issues with those vehicles.
#17371 of 18329 Can I add remote door unlock to a 2005 Trailblazer LS?
by mrboba
Oct 26, 2005 (3:50 pm)
My 2005 TrailBlazer LS doesn't have remote door unlocking. However, the OnStar operator can remotely unlock the doors by radio..Is it possible to add remote unlocking without spending a fortune? The dealer wanted $500+ to set me up for remote unlocking.
My garage doors open by remote control and the electric opener sure didn't cost $500.
MrBobA
#17373 of 18329 Re: Trailblazer 2002 clicking noise [4runner10 #14747] by mytrip2 [pete2002 [tblazed]
by dont437
Oct 26, 2005 (10:53 pm)
TBLAZED, thank you so much for the info!! I took a copy of the link that you sent (GM Techlink) with the info regarding the mode door actuator to my Chevy dealership's service manager. He went to his computer, looked up the bulletin, printed out the directions, went to the parts manager, got the parts and came out and told me that I was correct with the information. He asked when I wanted to have it fixed and I asked him how much it would be. He told me that they would fix it for NOTHING!!!! So you really helped me out!! (I did have to pay for my windshield washer pump to be replaced...$129...if it's not one thing, it's another!) Thank you again!!!!!!!
#17374 of 18329 Re: 2002 headlights flickering [ccarbaugh]
by wpkelleysr
Oct 27, 2005 (1:19 pm)
I have an 02 TB 130K miles - and the headlamps have been flickering at night since new. Back in O2 when I was still under warranty, I asked the mechanics who all gave kinda cheezy responses - but didn't find anything wrong. I resigned myself to it being a feature of a car with about a hundred different transient demands for electricity going on at any given moment - and since it really hasn't been a harbinger of any real problems - I think I'm probably right.
- WPK
#17375 of 18329 Re: Trailblazer Steering and Handling [gogogodzilla]
by ross1962
Oct 27, 2005 (2:43 pm)
There is an inexpensive aftermarket improvement available for these. You can get a Hotchkis anti sway bar kit. It comes with a stiffer rear anti sway bar and urethane bushings for the front and rear bars. It does help a lot. I think you're going to find that many of todays SUV's have "gone soft" to cater to the soccer mom market.
In my opinion, the biggest problem is the use of coil over shock suspension in the rear. This is done mainly to save weight and soften the ride, but has the undesireable effect of allowing the vehicle to move not only up and down as it would with leaf springs, but also diagonally. The Hotchkis kit helps to reduce this.