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Buick Rainier Electrical Problems

36 messages,  Last post on Aug 17, 2011 at 6:58 AM

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What is this discussion about? Buick Rainier, Buick, Electrical, SUV

Messages Page 1 of 4

#1 of 36 2004 buick rainier electrical sensor problems in dashboard by bugatti3

Jan 07, 2008 (4:02 pm)

my speed odometer will register the wrong speed I am traveling, sometimes it will freeze and I lightly tape on the dashboard, sometimes this helps and sometimes not. This is inconsistent as many days everything is working great, the buick dealership recommends a $500 replacement part. Could a wire be loose, a bad fuse, poor batteries. poor connection somewhere in the dashboard, could condensation and or different outdoor temperture intefer with accuracy????

#2 of 36 Re: 2004 buick rainier electrical sensor problems in dashboard [bugatti3] by libre1

Jan 10, 2008 (10:00 am)

Replying to: bugatti3 (Jan 07, 2008 4:02 pm)
It seem to me that all Rainiers have the same problem. I said this becaused I bought one from 2005 and I just came from the dealer with the same problem and they want to charge me almost $ 600 to fix it. I guest Biuck knows about the problem and not want to do anything about it. I will be sending a very angry letter to Buick.

#4 of 36 "battery not charging" warning light by jmstimko

Jan 11, 2008 (8:35 am)

Anyone have an idea?
Truck would not start (dim lights, starter "clicking")...replaced battery. Everything fine. 3 days later... "battery not charging" warning light comes on. I charge battery, light goes off. I take it to the dealer figuring the alternator is bad. Electrical check shows alternator and battery good. Nothing showing "drawing" on battery. Can anyone offer a suggestion what the issue is?

#5 of 36 Re: 2004 buick rainier electrical sensor problems in dashboard [bugatti3] by yqd

Jan 16, 2008 (6:33 pm)

Replying to: bugatti3 (Jan 07, 2008 4:02 pm)
I have an 05 one and just found out about the same problem. The speedometer doesn't pass 30 mph and the needle drops way below 0 when I drive slow or the car is stopped. I'm hoping it might be a bad sensor (yeah right ...........)
Were you able to get any other diagnosis of your problem ??

#6 of 36 Re: "battery not charging" warning light [jmstimko] by minimoose

Feb 11, 2008 (6:28 pm)

Replying to: jmstimko (Jan 11, 2008 8:35 am)
My friend had a similar problem. Turned out the "ace" mechanic who installed his new battery did not tighten the battery cables correctly. It might be worth a look...

#7 of 36 Re: 2004 buick rainier electrical sensor problems in dashboard [yqd] by bugatti3

Feb 12, 2008 (12:23 pm)

Replying to: yqd (Jan 16, 2008 6:33 pm)
we are still having the same problems, have you found any solutions?

#8 of 36 Re: 2004 buick rainier electrical sensor problems in dashboard [bugatti3] by libre1

Feb 12, 2008 (5:54 pm)

Replying to: bugatti3 (Feb 12, 2008 12:23 pm)
Somebody from Buick did call me at my home last week and they only told me to take my Buick back to the dealer from whom I bought it and to let them fix it, that the dealer will charge me half the $600 they told me it will cost to fix it. Iam checking with a lawyer to see if we can join forces to make Buick do the repairs at GM cost. I will keep you guys posted on this. It seems to me that this is a commont problem on this type of vehicle and GM is ignoring it.

#9 of 36 Re: 2004 buick rainier electrical sensor problems in dashboard [libre1] by t1adler

Feb 23, 2008 (5:26 am)

Replying to: libre1 (Feb 12, 2008 5:54 pm)
The Speedo on my "new" 04 Rainier died during a 600+ mile road trip yesterday. Had to use my portable GPS to determine my speed and then just set the cruise. My dealer quoted me $230.00(dealer employee price because I just bought it on the 14th.) for the part plus labor. So I think 1/2 of $600 is still not a fair deal in your case. I would try and get them to charge you 1/2 of actual dealer cost and pay for the labor. I think you would come out ahead. The only good thing is that I believe the replacement will come with a lifetime warranty.
 
P.S. My first symptom was 2 days prior with a oil pressure gage that was reading 160 psi. 180 degrees to the right of 0 psi. I believe that the "stepper motor" on each gage is what fails. It sounds like gm has a new stepper motor version on the replacement cluster.

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