Suzuki XL-7 - Problems & Solutions

I purchased an XL-7 brand new. It is now 6 years old and I have never had a problem with it until the check engine light came on. I took it to Auto Zone and they gave a free diagnostics reading. I got 4 failures and it all seemed to focus around the 02 sensors. I brought it to the dealership but did not tell them that I had a diagnostics reading.The dealership said that all 4 sensors were gone and that it was possible that I would need a catalitic convertor but that he would not be able to tell until he got the sensors back in and ran the car so it would get hot. He charged me $960 for the 02 sensors and now is telling me that I have 4 converters and 2 of them aren't any good. He wants to charge me another $1500 for this to get done. Can someone help me out here and tell me if this is all true??? I am a single woman and feel like I am being taken to the cleaners. Help!!!!!!

Replies to this message:
• steve_ (Jul 08, 2007 1:14 pm)

Replying to: roseh (Jul 08, 2007 9:26 am)

Replying to: poppins6 (May 02, 2007 3:23 am)

This is normal. The XL-7 is just warming up after a cold start. On warm days, it reduces RPM very quickly, and cold winter days, it can take a few minutes. It is important to let the powertrain warm up properly before taking off. I have a 2002 XL-7 with 58Kmiles on it. It still does it, and I wait for her.
 
Regards,
 
Ivan, kc5yti

Replies to this message:
• steve_ (Jul 09, 2007 8:32 pm)
  • kc5yti (Jul 30, 2007 4:16 pm)
    • steve_ (Jul 30, 2007 8:42 pm) and 3 more...

Replying to: wingman3 (May 09, 2007 3:34 pm)

I would assume with the compressor on, but read your instructions. It should say. Also, more than likely, you must perform this on a warm day with the AC maxed out.
 
Regards,
 
Ivan, kc5yti

Replying to: kc5yti (Jul 09, 2007 6:52 pm)

Replies to this message:
• kc5yti (Jul 30, 2007 4:16 pm)
  • steve_ (Jul 30, 2007 8:42 pm)
    • kc5yti (Jul 31, 2007 4:32 am) and 2 more...

Replying to: steve_ (Jul 09, 2007 8:32 pm)

Well, after reading both the 2002 and 2007 manuals, it states nothing about allowing the engine to warm up, but it it does warn and caution about putting either vehicle into gear while the engine is not at idle. What is interesting is that the warning concerns the safety aspect, while the caution statement only concerns itself about damage that could be caused by placing the vehicle into gear while the engine is not at idle. I translate this as, it is recommended to allow the engine to warm up slightly before driving. I did not mean that one should let it site for 30 minutes to warm up. It is a waste of gas. With both of our rides, I allow the engines to reduce in RPMs as it warms up. Once it gets to a proper idle speed, roughly 900RPM, i place them into gear.
 
Regards,
 
Ivan, kc5yti

Replies to this message:
• steve_ (Jul 30, 2007 8:42 pm)
  • kc5yti (Jul 31, 2007 4:32 am)
    • kc5yti (Jul 31, 2007 3:34 pm) and 1 more...

Replying to: kc5yti (Jul 30, 2007 4:16 pm)

30 seconds of idling should be plenty. I figure my transmission, tires, wheel bearings, suspension, steering components, etc. only warm up when they are moving, so I get my cars in gear and ease out of the subdivision and don't idle any time at all. The ECU may be running the engine at a fast idle when it's cold, but I figure it's still at idle (since I'm not goosing the accelerator and then jamming it into gear).
 
If you get ambitious maybe you could email Suzuki and ask them to clarify the manuals.

Replies to this message:
• kc5yti (Jul 31, 2007 4:32 am)
  • kc5yti (Jul 31, 2007 3:34 pm)
    • steve_ (Jul 31, 2007 8:18 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Jul 30, 2007 8:42 pm)

I am not concerned, just merely relaying the information. I, personally, will continue to run my truck and the 2007 the same way. I have had my 2002 since she practically rolled off of the semi at the dealer, and so far, she has taken good care of me. I will continue to return the favor. As for the 2007, I will use the same plan. The way I see it is that most of the engine components do not get warm enough to cause any damage during the fast-idle warm up period. This period is very short during the spring and summer months, but could last as long as a few minutes during the cold winter months. I have seen no performance issues or problems caused by allowing the engine to return to normal idle. Just my opinion.
 
Regards,
 
Ivan, kc5yti
2002 XL-7
2007 XL7

Replies to this message:
• kc5yti (Jul 31, 2007 3:34 pm)
  • steve_ (Jul 31, 2007 8:18 pm)

Replying to: kc5yti (Jul 31, 2007 4:32 am)

3. Don’t Place Shift Lever in Drive or Reverse when engine is at "Fast Idle". This can cause abrupt transmission engagement leading to early failure of clutches, bands, gear sets, driveline components and engine or transmission mountings.
http://www.leemyles.com/faq2.htm
 
Q. Can one place the shift lever in drive or reverse when the engine is in "fast idle"?
 
A. This again like the previous question can cause abrupt transmission engagement leading to the early failure of clutches, bands, gear sets, driveline components and engine or transmission mountings.
 
http://www.tigardtransmissions.com/faq.html
 
I can't find to much more, but they make sense. If you place it into gear while the vehicle is at fast-idle, would be like dropping the clutch on a manual transmission.
 
I have also seen people saying not to wait for the engine to warm up. I think it depends on the vehicle. If you have a manual tranny, sure, you could get going right away. I have a 1990 Honda Accord, and I do that, but not with either XL-7 or any auto. tranny vehicle.
 
Oh well, I am sure this could become a hot topic.
 
Regards,
 
Ivan,kc5yti

Replies to this message:
• steve_ (Jul 31, 2007 8:18 pm)