Faults:
Front Passenger seat adjust cable came loose on right side. A plastic guide had popped free and thus the cable was not disengaging the catches. Fixed it myself by taking out the seat. Used some zap-straps to ensure neither came out again.
Replaced all 4 brake pads at about 50-60 000kms or so. Not disappointed with that, but the right rear set was over-worn on one side so the caliper had jammed at some point.
At 100,000kms or so I replaced the transmission oil filter and fluid. It felt like a new car after that. Took me a couple of times re-torquing the bolts to stop it from leaking. The filter kit does NOT come with a new gasket, but rather a note that says the old on should be re-used.!? Glad I did that work myself or it wouldv'e been a back -n-forth with the dealer.
Since the dealer has been doing (free) oil changes I had not noticed it going through a quart or more between changes. No drips on the floor (garage parked).
Now I've got coolant leak. First noticed that the Heater was not working properly. Until the car had been driven over 15km or so it was cold air only. Since there was nothing on the floor and the oil was clean it confused me. Now I've seen that there is a common issue with the manifold gasket so that's likely the source of both leaks. Should be easy to fix, but again I'll be doing the work myself.
21st Jan 2014, 10:38
I had the same problem with the heater not working in my 03 Rendezvous. I took it to a local mechanic, and he said that the dealer had to fix the problem. Took it to the dealer, and they didn't even start the car to check it. They were full of assumptions and we think it is this. It was 40 below zero that week, and the battery was dead when I went to pick it up from the dealer.
I then took it to another mechanic, and they said that the intake manifold leaks and the heater line was plugged. They unplugged the line and said sometime soon we need the intake manifold gasket fixed. OK.
We drove it a few days with heat, which felt nice. Then it overheated on the highway. The change oil light came on and the car was stuck.
Towed it to mechanic; they are now working on replacing the head gaskets and intake manifold seal. Luckily they take payments. I'd do it myself if I could. I think it is awesome that you can fix cars.
Other then minor problems recently, I think it has been a good running SUV.