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What's on your mind?
cyber99
· posted in Buick Verano Forum (Excelle)
cleared code with OBR. Last 50-60 miles before coming back on. Changed air filter and code didn't come on till over 100 miles. Any correlation or just coincidence ?
0 Replies · 337 views
N
· posted in Buick Century Forum
Last fall I bought a 1998 Buick Century with only 57,000 miles from an old relative who rarely drove. The A/C and everything else worked perfectly last fall. But this spring I used the A/C and it wasn't blowing cold. I drove 10 miles home with the AC "on", and the second I get home and put it in park the radiator hose blew off soaking everything with coolant. I'm guessing the small pressure ripple caused the clamp to jump a tooth or something dumb) Nothing was broken, the top radiator hose simply popped off the engine barb. I refilled it and used the same hose, which was in perfect shape.

While trying to diagnose my A/C issues, I confirmed the fans DO turn on when I disconnect the coolant temp probe connector (ECU demands fans when it can't read the probe I've found out by testing). I jumpered the A/C clutch relay and it DOES engage the A/C compressor. The refrigerant has proper pressure (so not a leaked refrigerant issue). I cannot figure out why the ECU will not let the A/C system run. I even installed a new coolant temp sensor into the engine, no change.

The cooling fans never want to come on when the temp gauge goes over 50% (but temp never goes more than say 55% to red, (and evidently they don't come on until it is REALLY hot?), but the fans both work fine when the ECU demands them.

So I've been without A/C all summer. One time we accidentally left the A/C knob on "norm" for 20 minutes which heated up the antifreeze enough to cause a "low coolant" light to flash on the dash. I confirmed there was enough coolant, so I drained half, pulled the antifreeze level sensor, scrubbed the sensor prong itself (just a metal post) and reinstalled and refilled my coolant, burped it, went for a drive, and the low coolant light is ack on even though its full.

Another annoying quirk with this car is no trunk release, ONLY the keyfob button (never experienced that in any car, not even a glove box button). Also, when I push the door's LOCK switch, i have to hit it TWICE, it beeps once as if I have headlights on or something (I don't) and its warning me it doesn't want to lock on the first press... Is this normal behavior for this car?


I do NOT want to pay dealership prices to have this diagnosed, and am hoping someone here has more knowledge than I do, and have some input on my issues here relating to no A/C and heating up the coolant / false low level warnings. I thought I had scored a great condition car, but everything is spiraling down all of a sudden.
0 Replies · 19 views
Administrator
Staff member Lead Administrator
Last reply · posted in The Buick Forums Lounge - Introduce Yourself
We all have those days where we just need a good laugh, so let’s get a dedicated discussion going for exactly that.

The rules are simple: If you see a picture, meme, or comic that makes you laugh, drop it here.
  • Keep it within the forum rules (let's keep the completely Not Safe For Work stuff out of here).
  • No politics or heavy drama - this is an escape from all of that!
  • Context is optional. Sometimes a weird photo with no explanation is the funniest part.
Let's see what you've got!
16 Replies · 1518 views
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Administrator
You know there are people who would buy this. 😛 The only reason I would not is because now I'm too paranoid about getting an upset stomach - or worse. 😛
ohioriver
You know there are people who would buy this. 😛 The only reason I would not is because now I'm too paranoid about getting an upset stomach - or worse. 😛
I take it you are not a BB?
Administrator
I take it you are not a BB?
I came just a little bit afterwards to be Generation X...
Oh, no! Poor bar code! 😛 😛
ohioriver
A Sad Post
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ohioriver
1782836334831.webp
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Administrator
I do wonder if this is real............ Hmm...
L
Last reply · posted in Buick Envision Forum
First time post:

After 100 miles on our new Envision, we've discovered that the Buick infotainment software limits the number of viewable of Carplay playlists to 12 as soon as the vehicle begins to move (when you stop, they reappear). For some reason, a plethora of Sirius XFM and Pandora stations can be scrolled through but Carplay is limited. The dealer was dumbfounded when we showed this to them and needless to say they had no resolve.

So, my next move is to create MP3 playlists via a USB drive. However, after three hours of tinkering with files structures, I cannot get a "Playlist title" to appear and can only view Artists, Songs and Albums.

Welcome ANY ideas on these two issues.

Thanks
3 Replies · 445 views
A
First time post:

After 100 miles on our new Envision, we've discovered that the Buick infotainment software limits the number of viewable of Carplay playlists to 12 as soon as the vehicle begins to move (when you stop, they reappear). For some reason, a plethora of Sirius XFM and Pandora stations can be scrolled through but Carplay is limited. The dealer was dumbfounded when we showed this to them and needless to say they had no resolve.

So, my next move is to create MP3 playlists via a USB drive. However, after three hours of tinkering with files structures, I cannot get a "Playlist title" to appear and can only view Artists, Songs and Albums.

Welcome ANY ideas on these two issues.

Thanks
What you're seeing with Apple CarPlay is unfortunately a known "feature" not a bug. General Motors (and a few other manufacturers) implement a strict lock-out on certain infotainment scrolling functions when the vehicle is in motion to reduce driver distraction.

When you use CarPlay, the vehicle's computer still communicates its speed to the Apple software. The lock-out triggers when you exceed a few miles per hour, intentionally limiting your ability to endlessly scroll through long lists of playlists, albums, or contacts. It grays them out or truncates the list, forcing you to either use Siri voice commands or wait until you're completely stopped at a light to make a selection. It's pretty annoying - especially for passengers trying to be the DJ - but the dealer can't disable this safety lock-out.

Regarding the USB drive, the new Envision's infotainment system (Google) can be very picky about how USB files are formatted and organized. The reason your playlist titles aren't appearing is most likely because of the file structure and the specific playlist file format you're using.

To get your playlists to show up properly on the USB, you need to use a very flat folder structure. Don't nest folders three or four levels deep. More importantly, the system prefers playlist files saved in the .m3u or .m3u8 format. When you create these playlist files, make sure the file paths inside the playlist are saved as "relative" paths rather than "absolute" paths. Double check that your USB drive is formatted to FAT32 or ExFAT, and ensure there are NO incompatible file types (check for hidden system files or weird document formats) scattered around the drive - as this will cause the car's system to stop indexing the drive properly.
L
Anthony,
Thank you for your post sharing your knowledge on CarPlay and USB file structure.

I am still a little bit crazed that GM decided to truncate the CarPlay playlist to 12 selections as soon as the car begins to move (1 mph). I definitely see value if they incorporated within the "Teen" driving mode but otherwise it just doesn't make sense if the other types of media do not have any restrictions. Nevertheless, we will waive the white flag and I told my wife to pick out her 12 favorite playlists and I'll add an "A" to the titles to have them on top.

Regarding the USB, I purchased a 256GB thumb drive and then formatted it to ExFAT. I then selected five songs and copied them to the drive. In Notepad, I copied the file paths of each song (on a separate line) and then saved the note under PL Test.m3u. When installed, the name of the playlist will appear but the songs will not. However in the USB mode, I can select songs or artists and the songs appear and play fine.

I did not know about .M3u8 format so I will repeat the format process, copy the songs and then save the Notepad file to that format and see if is the missing link.

You also mentioned "relative" and "absolute" path issues but I'm not too sure if this would be an issue if the file path is pointing directly to the thumb drive (no root directory). Does that make sense?

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to respond and share this great information.
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A
Anthony,
Thank you for your post sharing your knowledge on CarPlay and USB file structure.

I am still a little bit crazed that GM decided to truncate the CarPlay playlist to 12 selections as soon as the car begins to move (1 mph). I definitely see value if they incorporated within the "Teen" driving mode but otherwise it just doesn't make sense if the other types of media do not have any restrictions. Nevertheless, we will waive the white flag and I told my wife to pick out her 12 favorite playlists and I'll add an "A" to the titles to have them on top.

Regarding the USB, I purchased a 256GB thumb drive and then formatted it to ExFAT. I then selected five songs and copied them to the drive. In Notepad, I copied the file paths of each song (on a separate line) and then saved the note under PL Test.m3u. When installed, the name of the playlist will appear but the songs will not. However in the USB mode, I can select songs or artists and the songs appear and play fine.

I did not know about .M3u8 format so I will repeat the format process, copy the songs and then save the Notepad file to that format and see if is the missing link.

You also mentioned "relative" and "absolute" path issues but I'm not too sure if this would be an issue if the file path is pointing directly to the thumb drive (no root directory). Does that make sense?

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to respond and share this great information.
You're very welcome! It's annoying that GM restricts the CarPlay playlist view to just 12 items while in motion. However, adding an "A" to the beginning of her favorite playlists is a great way to force them to the top of the list.

Regarding the USB drive issue, I think you're on the right track. I believe the problem is from the difference between absolute paths and relative paths.

With absolute paths - when you copy a file path in notepad on your computer, it creates an absolute path that includes a drive letter (like E:\music\song.mp3). When you plug that USB drive into your Envision, the car's Android based computer doesn't recognize Windows drive letters like E. Because it cannot find an E drive, the playlist fails to load the songs, even though the playlist title itself appears.

To fix this, try using a relative path. This tells the playlist to look for the songs in its immediate vicinity, rather than relying on a specific drive letter.

1. Place both your playlist file and your MP3 song files into the exact same main folder (the root directory) on your thumb drive.

2. In your notepad file, remove the drive letters and folder paths. The text on each line should simply be the exact name of the song file (for example, just song.mp3).

Saving the notepad file as an .m3u8 instead of a standard .m3u is the best approach. The .m3u8 format uses text encoding that handles spaces and special characters in song titles much better, which helps prevent playback errors in car stereo systems.

Try creating a quick test playlist with just a few songs using only their file names in the notepad document to see if that gets them to appear.
M
Last reply · posted in Buick LeSabre Forum
I have a 01 and a 04 lesabre I noticed the pressure is at 130, and says normal. Is that normal?
4 Replies · 42 views
ulycyc
No, if it always reads 130 the the sensor is bad
M
No, if it always reads 130 the the sensor is bad
It moves back and forth from 130 to 129 on both cars. It's been like that for many years, next to 130 it says normal. What should it read at, I can't find anything about what is normal. With the key on says zero pressure.
ulycyc
You may have the wrong sensor installed. Cold start up around 75-80 and hot driving 45-60. will vary with eng temps , rpm, and oil used
M
Thanks, still has the original part in both cars, since it says normal I never looked into it.
M
Last reply · posted in Buick LaCrosse Forum (Allure)
Battery disconnected and trunk closed. I think I must pull the rear seats. 2017 lacrosse. The seats fold down but must access fold down feature from trunk. No car key for trunk. I can’t jump battery as it is disconnected! Also can’t pop trunk. How do I pull rear seat and what tools are needed? Car is at airport parking lot and unlocked so I do have access to car (and so does everyone else).
4 Replies · 85 views
M
I left at airport parking for my flight, so have a week to figure it out
B
Use emergency key to open drivers door.

Open hood and connect battery booster pack to the red post at the fuse / relay center and a good ground.

Use the fob to open the trunk.

Call AAA to help.
M
Oh. Good point. Even if the battery is disconnected I can get power to the car and still pop the trunk. That is what you are saying I think?
ulycyc
Yes, with jumper pack connected it should open with the fob regardless of the car battery status. But battery being disconnected for a long time the fob may have lost its pairing so it wont work. If so with the battery jumped pack hooked up use the truck release button on the drivers door.
W
Last reply · posted in Buick Lucerne Forum
Bought a super clean 2010 Buick Lucerne that was hit in the drivers side. Needs both doors. Let's document and descibe the process.
2 Replies · 42 views
2007LucerneCXL
This may help you or others of what's inside.
292432.webp
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W
Excellent..
But How did you put the picture in?
(I might be blocked from inserting pictures because just signed up today?)
D
Last reply · posted in 2011-2017 Buick Regal / Regal GS Forum
How hard it is to switch out the a/c Compressor
1 Replies · 146 views
ulycyc
Enter in your exact model and find AC compressor remove and repair/replace.

P
Last reply · posted in Buick Lucerne Forum
I had replaced the speakers in my doors, but misplaced the clips and I am now unable to find replacements for them. The clips are seen in this video, at the timestamp:

I have tried multiple OEM shops and checked Amazon too, but I cant find something that would fit right. Am I missing something?

This is the closest I have found so far:

Would any of these work? I want to make sure I get this right before I just slap it into my car and call it a day.
8 Replies · 191 views
2007LucerneCXL
I'm sure you probably already have check inside the door bottom, wishful thinking parts sourcing lol.
P
I'm sure you probably already have check inside the door bottom, wishful thinking parts sourcing lol.
I can try to check again, but I doubt it. I don't hear any movement when handling the inner door.
P
If I can use a generic replacement, I will
xrav22
Did you put them somewhere , I replaced my speaker and my clips were inside the door panel, I had to dig them out.
But I agree find a good junkyard you can get all kinds of clips.
P
Did you put them somewhere , I replaced my speaker and my clips were inside the door panel, I had to dig them out.
But I agree find a good junkyard you can get all kinds of clips.
I think my doors only had 1 clip between the 4 of them. I have the 1 I could find before this, but I haven't found anything else in my search thus far.
Hi I'm Jay Elwood, friends call me Woody. My peers in the body shop business call me Wonder Woody. Ha!
I have been in the body shop business since the late 60's
My great-grandfather started Dever's Truck Body in Trotwood Ohio, it was incorporated in 1903 (The same year as Harley-Davidson and Ford) and it is still in operation today. As a child I grew up in the body shop and sweeping floors and by 13 years old I was welding hammering and painting..

I live in Dayton Ohio, in Dayton Ohio we have America's Packard Museum. Beautiful place!
They own President Eisenhower's personal 1947 Packard standard convertible.
You can see that 1947 Packard Standard convertible in the oscar-winning movie 'Carol' shot in Cincinnati.
In 2005-2006 I restored that car for (and at) the Packard Museum, I only did body and Chassis, others did the Mechanicals -brakes engines ..and others did the interior.. but I did the body.
Actress Marra Rooney (sp?) And Cate Blanchett ride around in it .. it's the green Packard convertible.. but I should warn you it's a chick flick..!!

I just found a super clean Ultra nice 2010 Lucerne, 63k Miles !! That was hit in the side. Only needed 2 doors Drivers side, Unbolt the bent doors, bolt on used doors of the same color.. I'm going to document this in the forum for repairing Buicks.. Love this Lucerne !
0 Replies · 38 views
Brysherexx
Last reply · posted in Buick Classifieds
Looking for a nos steering wheel for my 2000 Regal GS. Need gray. I believe the part number is 16869211. Thanks for your help!
1 Replies · 34 views
M
Have you looked at car-part.com?
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