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SUVs Buick Rainier Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy
18277 messages, Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 6:43 AM
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Replying to: jr222 (Aug 05, 2007 1:48 pm) Can't thank you enough for the info. on my driveline 'bumping' problem with my 04 Buick Rainier. I went to the dealership and had them check for transmission/transfer case computer updates. They 're-flashed' the computer module in the transmission with updates to 'improve performance and driveability' and they worked. Thanks again!!!
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Replying to: jmaldo68 (May 11, 2007 3:56 pm) I have the same problem - the dealer in Santa Clara CA quote about $900 for the repair, including $490 for the part (gmpartsdirect.com price is $195 including shipping/handling!). I am getting it fixed at an independent whose labor rate is about 25% cheaper. My 2002 GMC Envoy XL SLT has about 55K miles on it. |
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Replying to: russelld1 (Aug 26, 2007 6:45 pm) There is also a part in the AWD system called the encoder motor that I had to have replaced to stop crow hopping, which was due to the front wheel drive engaging during sharp turns. Just giving you a heads up in case you have this issue. |
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About a year ago I bought a set of the Bilstein heavy duty shocks for my 03 Bravada, but left them sitting in storage because my dealer wanted $400.00 to install them. Recently, I started getting a rattle in the left front suspension and found that the left strut had become loose and the rubber on the top got pulverized. So I took this opportunity to have the the Bilsteins installed. My old dealership closed down so I found another that did the whole job for $250.00. Wow, does this truck handle better. Much less body roll around corners and no see-sawing from front to back. GM put very soft shocks on the Bravadas to give it a smoother ride I suppose, but driving it was like steering a ship on the ocean. Much more fun now. Sits just a tad higher in the back but doesn't look jacked up. I
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Replying to: jr222 (Aug 30, 2007 9:23 am)
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Replying to: burdawg (Aug 30, 2007 9:58 am) I've seen mixed reviews in this forum on the advisability of installing the Hotchkiss rear anti-sway bar. But, since it appears that the larger GM anti-sway bar that was used on later model TB/Envoy/Rainier isn't adaptable to the earlier models, it seems to be the only solution to the body roll on twistee roads.
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Replying to: cebteb (Sep 19, 2007 10:30 am) |
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2003 GMC Envoy XL V8 - 50,000 mile report General Likes: 1. Seat heaters work very well 2. Decent towing performance 3. Nice ride on the highway 4. Air suspension works well 5. Oil Life % readout 6. Third row seats good for short trips General Gripes: 1. Bose Radio - Volume control "steps" are too big. Not enough resolution in the volume control. 2. Need more cup holders up front 3. Bose Radio - 6 disc changer is okay, would like the option to repeat a single disc or random a single disc 4. Bose Radio - Auto volume control - over compensates for ambient noise, would like high/medium/low setting 5. DVD player - Cannot pipe audio through the sound system, have resorted to a battery powered computer speaker (headsets not small child friendly) 6. DVD player - Does not play DVD-R's 7. Auto-wipers do not work very well in heavy rain or snow, ok in light rain 8. Changing the air filter takes about 1 hour 9. No aux input on the stereo Warranty Work: 1. Air Leaks - driver door, passenger door, and both rear windows 2. Rear license plate well seal (replaced gasket) 3. Rear spoiler - detached itself 4. Failed ignition relay - stranded 6 hours from home 5. Rear Wiper arm replacement (replaced 4 times) 6. Rear drivers side door handle 7. Driver Memory Seat Buttons broken - Driver 1/2 (Replaced) 8. Loose shifter knob 9. Squeal at 1000 RPM - Demonstrated and acknowledged by dealer, unable to fix 10. Suspension Noise from bumpy road (replaced sway bar end links front and back) 11. Rear drivers side door panel (interior plastic molding fell off) 12. Replaced serpentine belt 13. Replaced both backup lights (seal failed - lights were full of water) 14. LH Rear door panel pulling apart (replaced) 15. 4WD service light on, 4WD did not work (replaced module, updated software) 16. Rear visor on top of rear window peeled off (replaced) 17. Right Rear backup light inoperative (replaced socket) 18. Rust in rear gate area (repainted hinges) 19. LH Rear door trim loose (reglued trim) 20. LH Rear door hard to open (re-aligned & lubed) 21. Rear air deflector loose (replaced) 22. LH Rear door panel problem (replaced) Post-Warranty Work: 1. Fuel Pressure Regulator failure - difficult to start, ran poorly (38,600 miles, $295) 2. Blower Control Module - blower would not shut off even though engine was off and key out of ignition, drained battery overnight (43000 miles, $325). 3. Front Air Conditioner (needs service - currently only working intermittently) 4. Sounds like it might need a brake job soon. Recall Work: 1. Replaced tail lamp circuit boards 2. Rear side door closure Summary: The Envoy is a nice looking vehicle with some decent features but based on my experience is poorly made and assembled with substandard parts. It appears that some maintenance-friendly features were designed in (easy to change the oil), but others were completely forgotten about (must remove metric and english bolts from the same cross-bar when changing the air filter). The engine has been good so far but there have been three instances where I have been stranded or nearly stranded due to component failures. I have driven GM vehicles all of my life and this one by far has had the most issues. It is obvious to me that "GMC Professional Grade" is no more than a marketing slogan. This is the last GM vehicle that I ever plan to purchase (and I have family that works for GM!). Glubash |
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Replying to: d2000one1 (Feb 16, 2002 7:13 am) Did you ever get the problem fixed regarding the air suspension problem you were having and how much did it cost (if you don't mind me asking)? I have a 2002 Envoy SLT and I've noticed over the past couple of weeks that the rear suspension becomes deflated after the truck sits for over 24 hrs. |
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. Our 2001 AWD Safari van is getting near its "end of ownership" time period. Within the next year (or so), we'll be selling this beast and replacing her with something that is simular (or close to it). Time to move to better technology and something different - that can still tow under 3,500 lbs (loaded utility trailer with full electric brakes) and still have 3 rows of seats. I read the above post "18089 2003 GMC Envoy XL V8 - 50,000 Mile Report by glubash Sep 29, 2007 (11:52 am)" and found it very informative. Thank you for taking the time to post it. Well worth reading - especially being in bullet form. Due to my small weight towing and 3 rows of seats needs, my wife is targetting the Envoy XL I6 version. And, we'll go with the 2WD version - instead of our current "gas hog" AWD version. Having AWD/4WD in my area isn't worth it - for me. With all this in mind, just wondering how many folks have gone from a Safari/Astro van to an Envoy XL I6 engine replacement? Pros / Cons, would you do it again? ETC. ETC. BTW: I do plan to read the many Envoy XL I6 reviews on this forum. If you've gone from Safari/Astro to Envoy XL I6 replacement, just wondering about your "transition / comparison" feedback. This type of feedback isn't usually found in individual User Review feedback. Many thanks. . |
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