SmartTrak on 03 Bravada

01silverado2500 · July 24, 2004

I have a 03 Bravada with Smart Trac....or as I call it Dumb Trak. I have searched and have found no information on how it works. How does it work, is it in AWD all the time or just when it needs it? Does the vehicle start off in AWD and then go to 2WD at 35mph or some other set speed? It seemed like while driving in snow it would slip when starting off, I would feel the 4WD pull and lock in to get it going but at the next stop sigh it would slip at first again and repeat cycle. Also my Bravada had that chuttering while turning sharply when we first got it but GM replaced some part on transfer caes and problem fixed. Im just wondering how Smart Trak works, I still like my Silverado better, I push the button and I know its in 4x4.

MuranoSE · July 30, 2004

I have the same issue with my 2004 Bravada. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and we get some nasty winters and I find the SmartTrac system not al that great. I wish I could just lock it into 4x4 like the Trailblazer/Envoy because eveytime it slips it only engages 4 wheel drive.

Also I have that crazy shuttering as well. My dealer said that this is normal 4 wheel binding seen on 4x4 vehicle, however I have read that that with a change of parts then the problem is fixed. Do you happen to have the work oreder and the list of what was changed so I can show it to my dealer?

01silverado2500 · July 30, 2004

Im not sure of the work order number but I know there is one. My Bravy started doing the shutter soon after we got it and it has not happened since we had a control part replaced on the transfer case. Check with your dealer and Ill see if i can find the paperwork on the work order.

I wish I could lock my Bravada in also, but I really liked the Olds better so I decided to live with the AWD. Im glad to know that someone else's seems to act in the same way.

MuranoSE · July 30, 2004

Oh I agree I love the look of the Olds alot better than the Ranier, Envoy or Trailblazer.

The choice for me was between the Ranier and the Bravada, but went with the Bravada because I didn't like certain things about the Buick. I think the Bravada seems to have a more classy look, but still has that sporty appeal to it.

Anyways if you could find the papers that would be great.

01silverado2500 · July 30, 2004

OK here is what I found about the front end shutter.

This is my service record from the dealer..........

Repair Order- Customer states front end binding when turning.

Transfer case encoder motor(position sensor) defective

Replace position sensor

#K4124 Time0.9 hours

Part # or description

88996635- motor trans. case encoder $42.40

88996636- gasket $21.01

12378508- Auto trrac II transfer $6.96

I hope this helps!

MuranoSE · July 31, 2004

Thanks it couldn't have came at a better time because today was just hell. Every turn it binded like crazy. Taking it to the dealer ASAP. Thanks again.

01silverado2500 · August 3, 2004

Your Welcome, let me know if this is the fix for your Bravada. So what color is yours?? Polo Green with Camel leather here.

MuranoSE · August 3, 2004

I have a Metallic Silver with Perter interior. The car has been repainted once already under warrenty because I had these nasty stone chips on my lower door panels on the doors. The derealship said I needed running boards to prevent this from happening again, so i put on the running borads, as well as vent visors and 5% tint all around the vehicle.

EDIT: I'll snap some pics tomorrow and post them up.

01silverado2500 · August 3, 2004

I got thoes stone chips too, looks like hell with my dark green, I got mud flaps factory but I think GM should have put a clear plastic cover over that area. I had to get my hood repainted soon after we got it cause some ass decided to pinstripe the front of my hood with a key when it was a week old. So I got the clear LUND bug guard painted when the hood was painted so it all matches.....looks sharp. I think ill live with my chips, im sure it will get more. My Webpage thats the link to my page for the Bravy.

Envoy Fan · August 3, 2004

Thought I saw on a forum that GM was putting on running boards for those that had a problem with paint chipping on the side.

MuranoSE · August 4, 2004

I had to pay to put running boards on mine but I got a wicked deal on them.

Also I didn't have time to take some pics, I have some older pics before the running boards, so I'll post them up later tonight.

01silverado2500 · August 4, 2004

No problem whenever you get some pics its cool. I had mine in the garage today for the wiper motor recall, and they also ordered a new sunroof wind deflector since the little stops on mine broke. And for the runningboards, they arent my style, I think ill live without them. Are you getting that chutter looked at too when your at the garage?

MuranoSE · August 4, 2004

Yeah the Bravada is getting a complete workover.

1) Side moulding on Driver Rear door is coming off.

2) Headliner replaced

3) Cd player no longer plays CD's

4) AWD Binding when turning

5) Some small rattles throughout the vehicle

The vehicle should be done by tomorroe evening or the next morning I'm told. Meanwhile I'm driving a 2004 Grand Prix Gt as a rental provided by the dealership. Made sure to get the extra coverage for $10/day so I can beat the piss out of it,

MuranoSE · August 4, 2004

Also Wiper motor recall? Is it only apply to 2003's? I have a 2004 and am up in Canada so maybe it doesn't apply...

01silverado2500 · August 4, 2004

Yes 2003 only I think 04 have the updated wiper motor. Enjoy that GP, if it has the 3800V6 it will haul some butt. I got a 98 Lumina LTZ with the 3800 and she flies. So what CD player is in yours? I got the 6disc. Im leary of having my headliner replaced, the dealer would have to remove all the plastic and I know it will never go back the same.