Brake caliper bracket identification Chevy Trailblazer

Subject: Brake caliper bracket identification

Vehicles Involved: 2002-2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2002-2005 GMC Envoy,
2004-2005 Buick Rainier, Oldsmobile Bravada, Isuzu Ascender

Condition: Caliper bracket

Repair Procedure: There are two calipers listed for the above platforms, FRC11237 and FRC11237A.

Both calipers are physically the same except that the bracket is different.

The change to the bracket was made to accommodate the larger rotor diameter.

Caliper FRC11237 will fit most platforms with the long wheel base or with extended cab.

The bracket of the FRC11237 can be easily identified with a protruding tab as compared to the FRC11237A where the tab is even with the bracket.

One other detail is the distance between the mounting holes and the slider pin, the distance of FRC11237 is 3 inches as compared to the dimensions of the bracket supplied with FRC11237A, the distance is 3.250".

TSB Bulletin BPI 12-03

GM to replace 120-volt charging cords on Chevy Volt

General Motors said on Thursday it will replace the 120-volt charging cords for most Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid cars.

The exchange affects all 2011 model plug-in electric hybrid Volts and some 2012 models, GM spokesman Randal Fox said.

He did not know the total number affected, but said it was fewer than the more than 11,000 Volts sold so far. The car sells for just under $40,000 before federal subsidies of $7,500.

Yahoo Autos first reported the swap, citing consumer complaints about overheating cords. However, Fox said the exchange was not to address overheating.

"It's just an effort to offer a more consistent charging experience," Fox said. "It's not a safety recall. It's more of a customer-satisfaction program.

"We made some enhancements to the design to add some durability and reliability," he said. For example, GM increased the cord's cable size to enhance durability, he said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation on Nov. 25 into the safety of the Volt's battery pack after its own repeated tests uncovered fire risks.

The fires occurred after NHTSA crash tests or other tests where the car's lithium ion batteries were purposely damaged.

NHTSA closed its probe in January without finding any defects and expressed satisfaction with GM's fix to better protect the lithium-ion battery pack by adding steel reinforcements and other steps to prevent coolant fluid from leaking and triggering a fire.

Some felt the probe was unnecessary, but the Volt has received outsized attention despite its small sales totals as many Republicans have criticized the car's sales and the federal subsidies its buyers receive.

GM idled the Volt assembly plant in Michigan for five weeks due to weaker demand.

GM CEO Dan Akerson in January said the Volt got "disproportionate scrutiny" because it had become a surrogate for election-year politics and commentary on Obama administration policy.

GM has showcased the electric car as the centerpiece of efforts on fuel efficiency and cutting edge technology.

Volt owners will be notified of the exchange in the next few weeks and as they bring in their cars for the battery enhancement they will also receive the new cords, Fox said.

The new cords will not change recharging time and the exchange does not affect the 240-volt cords, he said.

Chevy Volt fire probe is closed, NHTSA says

U.S. safety regulators said today that they've closed an eight-week investigation into the Chevrolet Volt, concluding that the plug-in hybrid's battery doesn't pose a significant fire risk following a crash.

In a statement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it "does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles."

The agency said that modifications intended to reinforce the Volt's 435-pound lithium-ion battery pack that General Motors announced on Jan. 5 should "reduce the potential" of the pack catching fire in the days or weeks following a crash.

In November, NHTSA opened an investigation after two incidents in which the Volt's battery pack either caught fire or emitted sparks in the days or weeks following crash tests.

An earlier battery fire occurred in June, three weeks after the agency completed side-impact testing on the Volt.

GM reaction

In a statement, GM said NHTSA's decision to close the investigation "is consistent with the results of our internal testing and assessment." The automaker reiterated that the change it's making to protect the battery pack "is intended to make a safe vehicle even safer."

The agency's clearing of the Volt helps GM avert a potential hit to its image. The automaker's executives have held up the revolutionary car as a symbol of innovation and fresh thinking at the post-bankruptcy GM.

Despite broad praise for the car, U.S. sales of 7,671 Volts last year fell short of GM's goal of 10,000 units.

GM executives cooperated with NHTSA's investigation but have maintained that the Volt is safe. Company executives say the voluntary fix will make the car "safer" by reinforcing the steel surrounding the battery pack to prevent it from being punctured during a crash. It also will add a sensor to the battery pack to monitor coolant leaks.

GM is asking its 8,000 Volt customers to visit their Chevy dealership to have the work done. Dealers will be ready to perform the work starting in February, GM said.

GM said that about 250 Volt owners have taken GM up on its offer to provide loaner vehicles or to buy back the car to quell any safety concerns during the probe.

Testimony still to come

NHTSA said it still is unaware of any real-world Volt crashes that have resulted in a battery fire. It said the agency took the "unusual step" of opening the investigation because it wanted to "ensure the safety of the driving public with emerging [electric vehicle] technology."

A U.S. House panel hearing is scheduled on Wednesday to scrutinize how GM and regulators handled the investigation of the fire risks. GM CEO Dan Akerson has agreed to testify.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, chaired by U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., is also expected to hear from David Strickland, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

PRESS RELEASE: NHTSA Statement on Conclusion of Chevy Volt Investigation

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the following statement today regarding the conclusion of its safety defect investigation into the post-crash fire risk of Chevy Volts (PE11037):

Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closed its safety defect investigation into the potential risk of fire in Chevy Volts that have been involved in a serious crash. Opened on November 25, the agency's investigation has concluded that no discernible defect trend exists and that the vehicle modifications recently developed by General Motors reduce the potential for battery intrusion resulting from side impacts.

NHTSA remains unaware of any real-world crashes that have resulted in a battery-related fire involving the Chevy Volt or any other electric vehicle. NHTSA continues to believe that electric vehicles show great promise as a safe and fuel-efficient option for American drivers. However, as the reports released in conjunction with the closure of the investigation today indicate, fires following NHTSA crash tests of the vehicle and its battery components—and the innovative nature of this emerging technology—led the agency to take the unusual step of opening a safety defect investigation in the absence of data from real-world incidents.

Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles. Generally all vehicles have some risk of fire in the event of a serious crash. However, electric vehicles have specific attributes that should be made clear to consumers, the emergency response community, and tow truck operators and storage facilities. Recognizing these considerations, NHTSA has developed interim guidance—with the assistance of the National Fire Protection Association, the Department of Energy, and others—to increase awareness and identify appropriate safety measures for these groups. The agency expects this guidance will help inform the ongoing work by NFPA, DOE, and vehicle manufacturers to educate the emergency response community, law enforcement officers, and others about electric vehicles.

For additional information on the Volt investigation and others, visit www.SaferCar.gov.

GM recalls Chevy Sonics to check for missing brake pads

General Motors is recalling 4,296 Chevrolet Sonic subcompact models to inspect for missing brake pads. The missing part could lengthen the stopping distance, potentially contributing to a crash, the company said today in a statement.

The recall targets 2012 Sonics. The subcompact car -- a replacement for the South Korea-built Chevy Aveo -- went on sale this fall.

GM said the company isn't aware of any crashes or injuries resulting from missing pads. The problem was discovered when a rental Sonic was brought in for warranty service.

The missing brake pads -- part of a subassembly of components -- fell off before the cars were assembled and had remained unnoticed at the bottom of containers being shipped to the Orion Township, Mich., factory, said GM spokesman Alan Adler.

Korea Delphi Automotive Corp. is one of two suppliers that provides GM with brake assembly for the Sonic. GM declined to name the second supplier.

Delphi spokesman Lindsey Williams said in a statement that Korea Delphi -- a joint venture between Delphi International and two Korean stakeholders -- isn't associated with the recall of the GM Sonic.

GM's Adler also said the recall isn't a supplier issue and the company has since updated its processes in the assembly plant.

"This has been fixed by adding a clip to the shipping containers," Adler added.

Customers affected by the recall will start receiving letters from their dealers Jan. 14. GM said it expects "very few cars" to be affected by the problem.

"Dealers will inspect the front brakes for missing inner or outer pads," GM said in a statement. If a pad is missing, the dealer will install a new one, and if necessary, a new brake caliber or rotor. There will be no cost to the customer, the company said.

The Sonic is the only subcompact car built in the United States.

GM moved production of the redesigned small car to Michigan after striking a plant-specific deal with the local union at the Orion Township factory.

As part of the agreement, 40 percent of the plant's work force earn an entry-level wage, which starts at $15.78 an hour -- well below the base $28-an-hour pay for veteran auto workers.

The factory, which employs about 1,590 hourly workers, also builds GM's all-new compact car, the Buick Verano.

Speaker replacement assistance needed

Hello. I am needing to replace the speaker in the driver side door of my 1999 chevy Malibu. Me and my dad were looking at it and he knows more about changing out car speakers than I do. He said these things that are for decoration only (round grey things that supposedly cover screws) pop off on the side and bottom of door and there shud be a screw underneath that cover. And he said the speaker shud be screwed into the door somehow. Does anyone have any experience changing out driver side speakers on this type of vehicle?

Response:
Speakers to be fitted inside the Flap which covers the bottom of the door. U need to remove the flap and screw holes to be drilled and than fit it with soft side towards the sheet and magnet side shud face upside.

1

Gather the tools needed to remove the door panel and access the front speaker. You will need a wire cutter for some older models of the Malibu. Keep one handy just in case. Unhook the negative battery cable for safety before beginning the procedure.

2

Pull open the interior door handle and use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the small trim panel behind the handle. Unhook the electrical connection from the door lock switch and the trim panel. Slide the trim panel around the interior door handle.

3

Pull the tabs to remove the panel inside of the door armrest cubby hole. Remove the two screws located behind the panel.

4

Pry off the two tabs in the lower-center part of the door panel. Remove the retainer screws from behind the tabs.

5

Depress the center of the fasteners around the perimeter of the door panel. Once the fasteners are pressed, they will easily pull out.

6

Carefully pull sections of the door panel from the door. Several clips mount the door panel to the door; be careful not to break them. Once the clips are detached, remove the door panel and disconnect the electrical connections for the power window/mirror switches.

7

Remove the screws mounting the front door speaker to the door. Carefully pull the old speaker from the door and disconnect the electrical module. The speaker wires of some older Malibu cars are directly soldered to the speaker connection. If this is the case, cut the wiring with the wire cutters to unhook the speaker.

Chevy Volt fire prompts U.S. safety probe of lithium ion batteries, report says

U.S. auto-safety regulators are scrutinizing the safety of lithium ion batteries that power electric vehicles after a Chevrolet Volt battery caught fire, people familiar with the probe said.

The regulators have approached all automakers, including General Motors, Nissan Motor Co. and Ford Motor Co., that sell or have plans to sell vehicles with lithium ion batteries with questions about the batteries' fire risk, four people familiar with the inquiry said.

The Volt caught fire while parked at a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing center in Wisconsin, three weeks after a side-impact crash test, said an agency official.

The official, as well as the three other people familiar with the inquiry, said they couldn't be named because the investigation isn't public.

“I want to make this very clear: the Volt is a safe car,” said Jim Federico, GM’s chief engineer for electric vehicles. “We are working cooperatively with NHTSA as it completes its investigation. However, NHTSA has stated that based on available data, there’s no greater risk of fire with a Volt than a traditional gas-powered car.”

The probe comes as automakers look to expand plug-in offerings beyond the Volt and Nissan's Leaf, which went on sale in the 2011 model year as the first mass-market plug-in electric cars in the United States.

Toyota Motor Co.'s Prius, the world's best-selling hybrid, uses a nickel-metal battery. A plug-in Prius and an electric version of the RAV4 sport-utility vehicle will use lithium ion batteries.

President Barack Obama has set a goal of putting 1 million electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2015. Nissan is among companies that have received financing assistance from the U.S. Energy Department and European Investment Bank to develop the Leaf and lithium ion batteries.

GM in January withdrew a request for $14.4 billion in U.S. loan guarantees.

Seoul-based LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's biggest chemical maker, supplies the lithium ion batteries for the Volt.

Concern for first responders

The fire was severe enough to burn vehicles parked near the Volt, the agency official said. Investigators determined the battery was the source of the fire, the official said.

NHTSA also sent a team of investigators this week to Mooresville, N.C., to probe a fire in a residential garage where a Volt was charging. That investigation is continuing, the agency official said.

"As manufacturers continue to develop vehicles of any kind -- electric, gasoline, or diesel -- it is critical that they take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of drivers and first responders both during and after a crash," the safety agency said in a statement today.

"Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe the Volt or other electric vehicles are at a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles. In fact, all vehicles -- both electric and gasoline-powered -- have some risk of fire in the event of a serious crash."

The agency's greater concern is for rescue response teams, tow truck operators and salvage yards who may be storing plug-in cars after an accident, the official said.

GM spokesman Greg Martin said the company doesn't believe the Volt poses any greater risk to drivers than a conventional automobile. GM has spent almost 300,000 hours testing the car and believes it is safe, he said.

After the fire in June, GM and NHTSA both crashed a Volt and could not replicate the fire, Martin said. GM has safety protocols for handling the Volt and its battery after an accident. Had those been followed, there wouldn't have been a fire, Martin said.

"There are safety protocols for conventional cars," Martin said. "As we develop new technology, we need to ensure that safety protocols match the technology."

The Volt and Leaf went on sale in late 2010. U.S. sales of the Volt have reached 5,003 units this year through October; Leaf sales total 8,048 units.

Nissan spokeswoman Katherine Zachary said today there have been no incidents of fire involving the battery in the Leaf.

"The Nissan Leaf battery pack has been designed with multiple safety systems in place to help ensure its safety in the real world. All of our systems have been thoroughly tested to ensure real-world performance," Zachary said. "To date, the more than 8,000 Nissan Leafs driving on the U.S. roads have performed without reported incident."

Flammable element

Automakers have engineered electric vehicles using lithium ion batteries to withstand serious accidents because the element is flammable, said Sandy Munro, president of Munro and Associates, an engineering consulting firm in Troy, Mich.

Lithium ion batteries could catch on fire if the battery case and some of the internal cells that store electricity are pierced by steel or another ferrous metal, he said.

"Lithium burns really hot," Munro said. "But it doesn't happen often. You have to do something pretty dramatic to make it catch fire."

If a lithium ion battery is pierced by steel, a chemical reaction will take place that starts raising the temperature and can result in a fire, he said. If the piercing is small, that reaction can take days or weeks to occur, he said.

NHTSA this year gave the Leaf and Volt its top crash-test safety rating, following a "good" rating in April by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

In the simulated side-impact crash test, a new U.S. safety test for the 2011 model year, metal punctured the battery, the official said.

Regulators want to use information collected from automakers to inform emergency responders, towing firms and salvage yards about how to handle plug-in electric cars involved in crashes that may penetrate the battery compartment, the official said.

NHTSA will use the information from the automakers, which also include Toyota and BMW AG, for a three-year $8.8 million electric-vehicle safety study it announced in June, the official said.

The Federal Aviation Administration, in an advisory to airlines in October 2010, warned that lithium batteries used in cell phones, digital cameras and other devices are "highly flammable and capable of ignition," adding that fire suppression systems aren't effective when that happens.

It issued the advisory after a United Parcel Service Inc. cargo plane carrying thousands of lithium batteries crashed in Dubai after catching fire, killing both pilots.

Fifteen electric-car or battery-powered models will be available in the United States by the end of 2014, according to J.D. Power & Associates, which forecasts a glut of electric cars given that hybrid-electric sales were only 2 percent of the car market so far this year.

98 Chevy Tahoe U-joint Problem

I have a 98 tahoe 5.7 4x4
front shaft rear joint is bad
can't get time off work
how can you drive it without the shaft? when driveshaft is out it will not start. is there anyway around this to keep going? i know i have to have it melted out but not off when they are open. afraid of losing shaft going down road.

Response:
If the stop and cable adjustment is out of whack, the engine will rev higher than 500 to 700 rpm, depending on the year, make and model vehicle, while in "Park" and at idle. The throttle position sensor sends voltage to the computer to tell it where the driver's foot is on the throttle, but does not cause high idling when it malfunctions --- this is most likely a cable or stop adjustment problem. If you encounter this issue, it is not related to the throttle position sensor.

Chevy to launch new Colorado pickup in U.S.

General Motors said today that it will sell a new, mid-sized truck in the United States under the Chevrolet Colorado nameplate.

GM wouldn't release timing or product details. The company launched production of the new pickup last week in Thailand with plans to roll it out to other markets globally.

It's unclear if the truck also will be sold under the GMC brand, which currently sells Colorado's sister vehicle, the Canyon. GMC spokesman Joseph LaMuraglia said only: "We do not comment on future product plans."

The pickup is based on GM's new global, body-on-frame, rear-drive platform for mid-sized trucks.

GM didn't say today where the U.S. version would be built, but last month, the UAW disclosed that GM intends to build a new, mid-sized pickup at its Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant. GM's plan was part of the new four-year UAW contract inked last month.

In a statement, Chris Perry, Chevrolet's vice president of global marketing and strategy, said: "We think the design, capability and fuel efficiency of the new Colorado will make it attractive to U.S. customers."

The truck will be larger than the current Colorado, which is considered a compact. The vehicle lineup being launched in Thailand will include two-wheel and four-wheel drive and extended-cab and crew-cab variants.

The engine lineup includes both gas and diesel, including new 2.5-liter and 2.8-liter turbo diesel engines.

GM said it would disclose more information about the U.S., version, including engine availability, at an unspecified date. The company said engineers will "tailor the truck to meet local needs."

The fate of the Colorado and Canyon have been in doubt since 2009, when GM said it would close the Shreveport, La., plant that assembles the truck by June 2012. Many industry insiders speculated that GM might discontinue the vehicles, given their tepid sales.

The prospect of a next-generation Colorado was revived in March, when GM unveiled a next-generation concept at an auto show in Thailand.

U.S. sales of the Colorado are up 30 percent this year through September to 23,985 units. U.S. sales of the Canyon have climbed nearly 35 percent to 7,634.

1980 chevrolet

I'm working on my son's 1980 Chevy truck. Its been sitting for some time, and going thru things, I found the headlights don't work. I don't have any power to the switch. I don't find a fuse for them in the box, is there a fusible link or something else i'm missing.

Response:
There are 2 ways the system gets its power. 1 is a fusible link on the starter the other is a post on the radiator core support connecting the positive battery to acessories.

GM to test offering insurance for 1 year to buyers in Northwest

General Motors -- testing a new sales promotion -- is offering Oregonians and Washingtonians a new incentive to buy or lease a GM vehicle.

Any driver from the two states who buys or leases a new vehicle through Sept. 6 and titles the vehicle in either state will receive a free one-year automobile insurance policy from MetLife Auto & Home.

The offer is part of a GM pilot program to see if offering a year’s worth of free insurance boosts sales.

GM chose Oregon and Washington to launch the program because the automaker has had traditionally weak sales there, GM spokesman Tom Henderson said.

The offer includes 2010, 2011 and 2012 models, GM said.

GM's U.S. sales are up 17 percent this year in a market that has advanced 13 percent.

If the pilot is successful, GM would consider expanding the program to other markets, Henderson said.

The policy covers the vehicle and any driver as long as the initial customer owns or leases the vehicle. Drivers aren’t required to accept the MetLife insurance.

Any driver with a valid operator's license is eligible for the offer, Henderson said. Commercial and fleet customers are not eligible.

The insurance incorporates liability and physical damage coverage, exceeding the legally required amount of coverage in both states, GM said.

Liability coverage is capped at $100,000 per person, and up to $300,000 per occurrence. Collision coverage is limited to the value of the vehicle.

MetLife’s policy stipulates that if a vehicle is totaled within a year of purchase or before 15,000 miles, the insurer will repair or replace the vehicle without deducting for depreciation, GM said.

“This offer enhances the vehicle’s value proposition because our policy is considered one of the most comprehensive in the industry,” Bill Moore, president of MetLife Auto & Home, said in a statement. “Our new car replacement feature is a benefit not found in most auto policies.”

the motor is very hot, but isn't, chugging, no power. Hard to start

I would like to thank all that have responded in regards to the catalytic converter.


Last year, with the same symptoms, we punched holes in the converter. Alot of stuff blew out and was fine~after fixing the broken spark plug and cracked coil pack. The muffler shop plugged the holes when had the tailpipe fixed. We thought maybe it was just plugging up again, so we put the holes back in it. But alas, we still have the same problems.

I checked for broken plugs~none. I did find a bad vac line and taped it up for the time being. Now, I would like to see if the second coil is cracked, but cannot figure how to get it off. I took the one bolt out that I could see and it won't come off. I took the bolt out for the other pack, figuring it was holding second one on. Nothing. How to I get that thing off? We replaced the one marked 2 & 3. Now I would like to get 1 & 4 off to check it.

I incorrectly stated the year of my truck in my first message. It is a 1994, 4 cyl, automatic, S-10. My mechanic brother passed away, so I now have no one that can do the back yard stuff. Frustrating.

It acts like a vac line has come off, but they are all on now. Acts like the motor is very hot, but isn't, chugging, no power. Hard to start. We can be driving fine, then starts the no power and chugging. Last year, we would just pull over and shut it off for a few minutes and it would be fine to get home. I drove it two blocks this morning after fixing the one vac line. Was fine until I got half way around. I just came straight back home. It is fine at idle.

How do I get the coil pack off?

2005 Chevy Trail Blazer blows cold out top and bottom but not the dash

I have a 2005 Chevy TrailBlazer and ever since I replaced the battery The Air Conditioning Will not blow out the dash. The A/C blows out the top and floor but not the dash no matter what I set it on. I have checked all the fuses and don't have a clue what is going on here? Any help would be appreciated.

Response:
This is a common issue with the Trailblazer. You can disconnect the battery for two minutes and then reconnect it. Turn the key to "ON" and without touching the control knobs for 2 minutes the Mode Actuator should recalibrate itself. If you can not achieve dash function after that, you are looking at replacing the "Mode Door Actuator". Part is around $70.00 at the dealer. Should take any shop about an hour to hour and a half at the most.

GM's next big SUVs to carry cost premium to meet fuel-economy rules

Analysts say GM will need to look at powertrain options so they don't detract from the overall fuel economy on its next generation large SUVs.

General Motors' next generation full-sized SUVs likely will carry a cost premium to meet new fuel-economy regulations, an analyst says.

GM said Thursday it will invest $331 million to retool its Arlington, Texas, plant to build the redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. The plant builds the current generation of those vehicles.

Although the automaker did not provide a time frame, industry sources say the SUVs will debut in 2013 as 2014 models.

"They will be more expensive to engineer and build because of the need for lighter weight materials," said Tracy Handler, an analyst at IHS Automotive. "I expect prices to be higher."

The fate of GM's full-sized SUVs had been in doubt due to high fuel prices and stricter government rules on fuel economy and emissions.

Overall, large SUV and SUT demand has plummeted after hitting more than 1 million units in 2003 and 2004, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Last year, U.S. sales of the Lincoln Navigator, Toyota Sequoia, Chevrolet Avalanche, GMC Yukon XL and other full-sized SUV and SUTs totaled 372,437units.

While volumes have dropped, analysts say the segment remains profitable.

At one point over the past year or so, industry sources said GM's full-sized SUVs would be dropped, replaced by a range of vehicles developed on GM's front-wheel-drive Lambda platform.

"We have customers who need full-sized SUVs for work and play," Chevrolet spokesman Mike Albano said. "We will continue to provide a vehicle in that segment."

Automakers and regulators are debating a proposal initiated by President Obama last October calling for corporate average fuel economy of 47 mpg to 62 mpg by the 2025 model year.

The latest proposal would start with the 2017 model year, with final CAFE targets to be determined. New federal fuel economy and emissions rules took effect Jan. 1 that require automakers to achieve a CAFE of 35.5 mpg by the 2016 model year.

Handler did not expect GM to drop its full-sized SUVs.

The large SUV "is important for the person who wants to tow, especially in Texas where they want it big. I can't see them abandoning that market," she said.

But she said GM "will need to look at powertrain options so they don't detract from overall fuel economy."

The 2011 Tahoe 1500 and Suburban 1500 achieve 15 mpg city/21 highway for a combined average of 17 mpg. GM also offers a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain on some large SUVs to improve fuel economy.

Last year, Chevrolet sold 75,675 Tahoes and 45,152 Suburbans. During the first four months of 2011, Tahoe sales are up 11 percent and Suburban sales are down 13 percent.

As recently as 2006, however, GM sold 161,491 Tahoes and 77,211 Suburbans.

2005 Chevy Cobalt - Something weird going on in front end...

My daughter has a 2005 Chevy Cobalt LS. Just under 60,000 miles. My husband drove it today and suggest that she not drive it. When you are driving and stop at a stop sign and make a turn, the wheel does not turn its self back when you are turning and accelerating. You have to make the wheel turn back. Any ideas what this might be? Any input would be great.

Response:
It could be a bad Rack and Pinion. These units are warrentied for 100,000 miles by GM. If the Dealership says anything but No Charge simply write GM with the Dealerships name and location and GM will tell you where to go to have it checked out and repaired or replaced at NO charge. This is just 1 of many items that Dealerships try to SELL while under warrenty and IF you didn't know that it has an independant coverage you would be suckered into paying for the repair and that Dealership would also send in a warrenty claim to be reimbursed. Basically being paid twice for a single repair.

05 Chev Impala 3.4 water pump

I'm doing a water pump on this vehicle this afternoon. Any thing particular I should be aware of?

Response:
1) aluminum housing use pb! take time so dont snap bolts! other than that 3m spay to allign pump! but with patients u got this!
2) There was little plastic tits on all the bolts but one. They made it a real pain to put back together.
3) That's silicone... Shoulda peeled it off
4) NO its a very hard plastic, I believe it was some idiot engineers bright idea to hold the gasket in place. Never seen that before and I've probaly done a thousand water pumps.
5) Oh I did one on the same car and it appeared that way but was just silicone... That's why I said that... But none the less definately a stupid design by engineering

1988 Chevy S-10 Oil Runs Up The Dipstick

when driving 55mph or higher my oil pressure goes to 60-80
when i get home oil has ran all the way up my dipstick. I have checked for water in it possibly and havent noticed it milky looking or anything. I also replaced pcv valve. What else could be checked or needs to be done to find out why my oil keeps going up my dipstick? I read something in a haynes manual for this, and it says something about a charcoal canister needing to be cleaned. would that cause my oil to come out of the dipstick?

Response:
It could be, the canister is located on the radiator core support, has 3 vaccuum lines on the top, and a fibre filter on the bottem which is open, and approximately 6 inch diameter. Note 1 of the vaccuum lines goes to the PCV valve and follow your emmission diagram on the core support. But, depending on the mileage and driving habits, I suspect piston blow by. Run a compression check both wet and dry. Check the color of the spark plug electrode. And finally, do a vaccuum check. Have you ever noticed or wondered why Preformance vechicles have taller or multi vented valve covers? It's so the crankcase can breathe at higher RPM's. They also have a larger oil pan that holds as much as twice as normal.If the crankcase can't breathe then it fills with gases and builds pressue. That pressure goes the path of the least resistance. In some cases the dip stick tube, others, seals and gaskets.

Chevy: Eco version of Malibu targets 38 mpg on highway

General Motors today unveiled an Eco version of the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu that the automaker says will get an estimated 38 mpg on the highway, a level reached by many conventional hybrids.

The Malibu Eco will have GM's eAssist technology, a start-stop system to be introduced this year in the Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans.

The redesigned Malibu, which goes on sale early next year as a 2013 model, will be the first Chevrolet to get the fuel-saving technology.

Mark Reuss, GM's North American president, said the relatively inexpensive technology gives buyers an affordable option to significantly boost fuel economy without having to buy a conventional hybrid or plug-in hybrid such as the Chevrolet Volt.

"Not everyone can afford those. We know that," Reuss told reporters today after unveiling the Eco version of the next-generation Malibu at the New York auto show.

The new mid-sized sedan was unveiled Monday at the Shanghai auto show.

"The customer base finds cars like this very attractive because they pay for themselves," Reuss said.

He said it will be the most fuel-efficient mid-sized car Chevrolet has ever made. Prices for the 2013 Malibu won't be announced until closer to its launch. GM estimates the Eco version will get 38 mpg highway/26 mpg city.

Reuss said the Malibu Eco will beat many conventional hybrids, including the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid, based on GM's mpg estimates. An official EPA rating hasn't been assigned.

Sometimes called a "mild hybrid, the eAssist system uses power stored in a lithium ion battery and an electric motor generator to give a boost to the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine when the car accelerates.

A start-stop feature also saves fuel when the vehicle stops, while regenerative braking transfers electricity to the battery.

Sluggish Chevy Truck

I have a 93 Chevy C1500 pickup automatic with 4.3 -Z (non Vortec) It has 68,000 miles. It is very sluggish when accelerating, and shifts hard from one gear to another. It doesn’t run rough (neither cold nor hot) and does not surge, backfire or “ping”. No blue, white or black smoke from the exhaust. The lock-up converter kicks in at about 50 mph., but the truck seems to struggle more when I try to keep a constant speed between 40 and 45 mph either before the lock-up kicks in or when I drop it back to 40-45 after locking up. I can get it to run at 65-70 mph on the highway but I have to keep good pressure on the pedal as it seems to be working hard at that speed. When I disconnect the EGR valve and plug the vacuum line from the solenoid it runs perfectly and shifts very smoothly, just like a new truck, but the SES comes on after driving a few miles at 55+ mph. It goes out when idling for a few minutes at a red light.

I have replaced the plugs, distr. cap, rotor, ignition coil, O2 sensor, spark plug wires, gas filter, cat converter (whole new exhaust system).

I enjoy tinkering with minor mechanical repairs, but what should I try first? The EGR?… EGR solenoid?… MAP sensor?… Any suggestions, other that bringing it to a shop for a diagnostic check? Thanks for your advice… anyone?

Response:
Well, the first thing I would do is check for any codes which can be done free for the do it yourselfer. Here is how: http://www.freeautomechanic.com/diagnostictroblecodes5.html

Once you have done that, post the codes and we can dig further.

Update:
OK… When the EGR is disconnected and the EGR vac solenoid tube plugged, the truck runs perfectly, but the SES light comes on. It gives me code 32. No surprise as the EGR is disconnected!
When the EGR is connected, the truck is very sluggish and the SES light does NOT come on. I checked if there were any OBD codes anyways. No codes. Go figure!

1999 Chevy Tahoe door latch

1999 Chevy Tahoe with cargo doors. The right door has a latch which goes over the left door. Somehow the latch got bumped and is in the closed position. Neither the auto door opener nor the key will let the latch come open. Any help?

Response:
1)Try to hold the handle open and pop the latch in the door with a screwdriver its happened to me once or twice
2)You may have to replace the latch I am guessing that it is jammed.
3)you carefully remove the lower panel by popping out the plastic tabs, usually done by inserting screwdriver between panel and door and prying. After removing the lower panel, peel back the plastic covering the metal door, and check the metal tab on the latch mechanism. If a bunch of dirt and needles are on the top of the door on the top weather stripping, I have seen this collection of dirt/debris prevent a functional latch mechanism from allowing the door to open.

Chevy Venture noise from the engine

I have a 2001 Chevy Venture with 140K miles on it and over the past two months, I've noticed a medium pitch "turbine" type noise from the engine. This only occurs after I've been driving the car for about 10 miles. The pitch of the noise changes with the engine rpms, not the vehicle's speed. So if i take my foot off the gas, the noise goes away. But as I rev the engine higher, the pitch gets higher though the pitch is never very high. The noise does seem to be getting louder over time.

I bought this car used about 4 years ago and since I bought it, i've had the head gasket replaced because of a coolant leak and the AC system replaced, the bearings replaced and the brakes replaced.

Recently, I noticed that the car overheats at idle and there wasn't any obvious leak but the radiator was low while the resevoir was full. I changed the radiator cap and that seemed to fix that problem.

I was hoping that would fix the noise but it did not. I was thinking that maybe the water pump was making the noise since the pump is connected to the engine via the serpentine belt and engine rpms would affect the pump. I dont see any leaks at the pump and it seems to be spinning fine and when its at idle i can't localise the noise.

Anyone have any ideas?

Response:

It may be that your power steering pump resivior is low on fluid. Would be the first thing I would check. If all your fluids are good, then I would remove the belt to make certain the noise wasn't internal in the engine.

It is possible for it to be the water pump, but not as likely as it would be the power steering or the alternater going out. In my shop I use a stethescope(sp) type devise to listen in close for noises, the old timers used to use a long screw driver and touch it to part of the engine and the other to their ear..... some use a piece of garden hose.... you an try those at your own risk....