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Buick Rendezvous Maintenance and Repair

2506 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 2:21 PM

You are in the Buick Rendezvous Forum.

What is this discussion about? Buick Rendezvous, SUV

Messages Page 221 of 251

#2201 of 2506 Re: 04 Buick RDV CXL Driver heated seat stop working [cassandraj] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 15, 2009 (9:56 am)

Replying to: cassandraj (Dec 15, 2009 6:11 am)
Sometimes you can do a computer scan for hints of trouble (trouble codes).
 
Here's how the basic system works, to give you a better working knowledge of it:
 
HEATED SEAT OPERATION
The driver and front passenger seats are heated using electric heater elements with approximately 1 ohm of resistance each and are located in the lower seat cushions and seat backs. Voltage to the heater elements is controlled by the heated seat relay modules using inputs from the heated seat switches and the heated seat thermistors. The heated seat relay modules and thermistors are part of the lower seat cushion heater element assemblies. Ignition voltage is supplied to the heated seat switch assembly and is used to supply a signal voltage to the relay module and to illuminate the heated seat indicator during heated seat operation. Battery voltage is supplied to the relay module through a PTC device located in the seat harness which provides extra circuit protection. During heated seat operation the relay module switches the battery voltage supply circuit to the heater element supply circuit. The seat cushion and back heater elements are wired in series and always operate simultaneously. The seat temperature is regulated by the relay module using an input from the thermistor located in the seat cushion. The thermistor is a temperature sensitive variable resistor and the relay module determines the seat cushion temperature by monitoring the signal voltage supplied to the thermistor. When the desired seat temperature has been reached the relay module will open and close the supply voltage to the heater elements as necessary in order to maintain the seat temperature.

#2202 of 2506 Re: 2005 rendezvous stalling : HELP !! [ocleanx] by cassandraj

Dec 18, 2009 (7:17 am)

Replying to: ocleanx (Nov 28, 2009 2:37 pm)
Hi Amseidl, My 2005 redezvous was stalling occassionally and I just had a new gas filter installed at Oil Lube & Express for around $50.00. My redezvous is running so much better. Had 62,000 miles on it. Before this, when I pressed my gas I was feeling delay like the transmission may be starting to slip, but it seemed more to do with my gas not responding. That was the fix. Warning do not have your gas filter changed at a dealership. You will pay through the nose!!!!
I wish you the best!

#2203 of 2506 Re: 2005 rendezvous stalling : HELP !! [cassandraj] by ealford

Dec 18, 2009 (10:26 am)

Replying to: cassandraj (Dec 18, 2009 7:17 am)
Cassandra. You may have gotten ripped off on that fuel filter. I asked my dealer to replace mine and he said there is no external filter to change. I also noticed nothing in the owner's manual about changing the fuel filter. If there indeed is one I would sure like to know where it is.

#2204 of 2506 Re: 2005 rendezvous stalling : HELP !! [ealford] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 18, 2009 (10:56 am)

Replying to: ealford (Dec 18, 2009 10:26 am)
Yeah there is, under the car between the pump and the injectors.

#2205 of 2506 fuel filter by billyl

Dec 18, 2009 (11:23 am)

I just changed mine on a 2004 CXL. The filter is located against the inside of the frame just about even with the middle of the driver's door. Just slide under the vehicle and look up at where the middle to the driver's seat would be located. Mine was very easy to change and the filter was less than $20.00. Hope this helps.

#2206 of 2506 Goodbye...... by exhausted

Feb 02, 2010 (5:25 pm)

Well...Just unloaded mine for peanuts. thanks to the board for all the good advice!
 
Cheers!
 
Exhausted.

#2207 of 2506 Air bag warning light, BCM & SDM by advent70

Feb 13, 2010 (10:33 am)

A 2003 Rendezvous air bag warning light has been staying ON at random times after starting the vehicle. A Buick dealer read several DCTs and said the BCM and SDM were not communicating with each other and that the BCM was most likely the problem. (NOTE: None of the other systems or components controlled by the BCM were giving any trouble.) The BCM was replaced and the date on the original was noted as 1-31-03.
 
The dealer then found that when the vehicle was cold from sitting in the parking lot, the light would stay ON. When the vehicle was brought into the shop and allowed to warm up, the light would stay OFF. The dealer noew says the problem is in the SDM. The mechanic told the owner (my daughter) that all the wiring harness were inspected and voltages were tested with the SDM unplugged from the wiring harness. No problems were found. He said he could not test for voltages and resistance with the harness connected. (I use quilting pins to reach into a plug or socket and get resistance readings with power OFF and voltages with power ON)
 
Questions:
1. Should the dealer be able to test and isolate the problem with a module, wiring harness/connectors or sensors without trial replacement of modules ($500 + for BCM & $700+ for SDM)?
2. Can the SDM (mounted under the driver's seat) be tested for temperature sensitivity by cycling from warm to cold with an ice pack and heat lamp?
3. Has anyone had this temperature related problem before?

#2208 of 2506 Re: Is the Rendezvous a good buy???? [claude3] by madashell7

Feb 22, 2010 (5:58 pm)

Replying to: claude3 (Aug 27, 2005 11:22 am)
I wouldn't wish a 2003 Rendeveous on my worst enemy. I bought new 6 yrs ago. Has 66800 miles and the problems have been from day 1. Air wouldn't work first time went to use 4 months after purchase. They had to replace brake pads just a few months after buying. Vent louvers weren't working on the rear console. Did lousy job putting console back and had to take back for them to redo it right. Extreme noise from tires - fineally replaced with Michelins (my cost) and it solved noise. Had engine knocking (ticiting). Flushed and said something most have got past filter. At 51000 window regulator broke, at 60000 and second regulator broke. Wouldn't even talk about a discount to fix. Wanted almost 700 to fix both. Now it's leaking coolant - intake gasket. Looking at another 500+ dollars. This car has been a joke -- paid over 33000 for it. Could've had TWO Kia Sonrentos for this piece of crap. I told Dealership my first and last Buick. As far as I was concerned GM could fold. I took it else where to get the window fixed - cheaper. I'll know tomorrow if they are going to help on the engine job - although I'm not betting on it. STAY away from the 02 , 03 04 models at least. Don't know about the newer ones.

#2209 of 2506 Re: Is the Rendezvous a good buy???? [madashell7] by bxd

Feb 23, 2010 (5:42 am)

Replying to: madashell7 (Feb 22, 2010 5:58 pm)
Early ones are problematic. If you are very handy around cars, or you get a warranty, fine, otherwise I would stay away from 2004 or earlier.
 
Our 2007 has 38000 miles on it now and has been flawless. Drives beautifully, tons of room, quiet, good gas mileage. We love it and I wouldn't trade it for anything else out there. Our friends have a 2006 and they feel the same way.
 
Every brand has lemons, foreign and domestic, its important to do your research before buying. So you're one step ahead of everyone else buying blindly!

#2210 of 2506 Re: Is the Rendezvous a good buy???? [bxd] by cassandraj

Feb 23, 2010 (6:03 am)

Replying to: bxd (Feb 23, 2010 5:42 am)
I have a 2005 and I love it. Mine has captain chairs in the middle with a 2 seat bench in the back with cup holders between the back two seats. I love the fact that the back folds down anytime I basically need a truck type feature. I simply keep one of those waterproof blankets in the back storage compartment and I have a way to instantly haul things like mulch or wet soccer stuff instantly without getting my car a mess. I love all the fancy features of the backup system. I have only had to have some work to the front wheel area which was about $500 and replaced the fuel filter for about $50 and a new battery. I have about 70,000 on mine. Still love it and would definitely buy another one.

Messages Page 221 of 251

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