Chevrolet TrailBlazer Maintenance and Repair

stacyl22

I just bought a 2004 on sunday, and my check engine light is already on. I have read some saying that it also could be a leak in the gas tank. My dealership says no it's not as common as people are saying? What did your repairs cost for yours? I am nervous, and have no warranty.

burdawg

The first thing to do is to check that the gas cap is in good condition and is on properly. If it's loose or on crooked the evap control system will not work and the light will come on.

jon48

We had that problem too. I deep cycle charged the battery for 24 hours and the problem has not returned. We do a lot of short trips but none long enough to really get a good recharge on the battery. It appears that this vehicle is really sensitive to low voltage. I suggest a good battery charger and put the battery through a long deep cycle charge. See if that works for you.

jon48

check your gas cap. Get a scan done to see if your getting a code po440 .

jojonry

I am here out of frustration! I have read some posts, but not many sorry if I am repeating questions already asked. My 03 TB EXT 4X4 is 4000 miles out of warranty, but 3 months shy of 36 months. It has recently developed a very loud squeaking sound seems to come from back passenger seat. The level 5 on the blower/heater cut out. The back access. plug does not work. I also took it in because one day there was a squealing sound coming from the engine compartment, lasted round trip to the store haven't heard it since. The blower and plug will cost me around $300 to fix by dealer or $50 for my husband to fix. The noises have yet to be heard by my service guy or my husband. Any ideas on the squeak? It sounds like a bird in my back seat. Any ideas on getting Chevy to back up their cars just past warranty? Little things now, but what can I look forward to at 48 months-60-72?
We have been Toyota people for many years. I fell in love with the TB and bought one new. I was nervous driving off the lot. We also recently bought a 05 Silverado 4X4 (no problems so far). I am looking into getting the ext. warranty on it, now. I think I want to go back to Toyota!! I will definitely never by new again.

markothunder

I picked up my 2006 AWD Trailblazer SS Monday 1/30/06 @ 7:00pm and drove away very happy. Awesome truck, power, everything. 30 miles later that night the transmission would not down shift, and acted like trying to start out in a manual Trans in 4th gear and feathering the clutch, rather than down shifting. Not long after the check engine light came on. ON STAR said it was a module problem, and not major. Called my salesman and of course the service dept. was closed. Took it in the next morning, turned out to be a 2/3 solenoid. Drove fine the rest of the day and the next. Thursday 2/2/06 the same thing began again. Took it back in and now they said it is a valve body assembly, or something like that, no parts available anywhere, and it may be 2 weeks before I get my truck back. I contacted GM right away. We will see. I have a Honda Accord that I have driven for 50,000 miles and never been back to the dealer even once and it drives like the day it left the lot. GM wonders why they are losing market share? Maybe try some quality control and build a car that won’t fail before the ink is dry on the paperwork. I guess $42,000.00 doesn’t buy much anymore? Anyone else have problems like this??

daniel28

I am having the same problem with the lights flickering. I have let it run for about 10 min before leaving the house and I am still having the same problem. If someone could help me that would be great. I have already taken it into a couple of dealers and none of them were able to fix it.

tpyles33

Hello, I was hoping you could tell me if the dealership was able to fix your problem and if so what was it? My truck just started doing the same thing yesterday. It shifts fine but makes the loud noise like it needs to shift. Sounds exactly like what you said above. Advance auto put it on their tester and it said the "fan is running high". My warranty has expired (59,000 miles currently)so I'm hoping the dealership can find the hidden warranty and fix this. Please let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks

lastar

I have almost decided to buy a 2006 Trailblazer, but noticed that the cup holder design is poor. A coffee cup or large soda cup wouldn't even fit in on the 2 cup holders under the radio area. Has anyone come up with a modification to make them work better?
Thanks

bossman8392002

It's such a relief to hear I'm not crazy....
My alternator gauge gets sucked down to about 12 volts and the headlights dim intermittantly while driving. My "dealer" know nothing about it.......CHEVY Dealer.

However I will pull the post about the bad diode in the alternator and show him......Has anyone else successfully rid this problem with an alternator change???

How do we know we wont get the same defect in the next alternator if Chevy claims to know nothing??
Thanks

bossman8392002

I'm glad it worked for you.....it doesnt work for me...
It's driving me nuts....

I'm going back to dealer armed with thse posts especially the alternator upgrade post.
Thanks for the info though.......

bossman8392002

Yes...I own a 2005 Tb LT and it has substantial air leak wind noise by my head on the top of the drivers door starting at 65 MPH.

Naturally we shouldnt be driving much faster but around here in NJ highway crusing is averaging 75 MPH and the noise is very annoying. I will bring that up to the dealer when I get my flickering headlight issue taken care of.

melloahtrlblzr

I own a 2005 Tb LT and if I have both rear windows down it makes a loud whoo-whoo-whoo noise like the headliner is fixing to tear loose. I have taken it to the dealer and he told me it was just a characteristic of this truck and he can do not do anything. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem and if there is a solution.

burdawg

It's been like that since they came out in 02. The only solution I have found is to adjust the windows until it doesn't happen or just leave them up.

trlblzr

I have an unnerving problem with my 03 EXT - it sometimes refuses to start. I put the key in, turn the ignition and the dash lights would normally come on. When you turn the ignition, nothing happens. There is no dimming of lights to suggest a drain, no clicking, no attempt to engage the starter motor. Its like the electrical connection is not there. If you leave the car for a variable period of time, it will start immediately. Sometimes that period of time is seconds, sometime it is minutes, once it was hours. There is no rhyme or reason to the occurrences.

Any ideas?

burdawg

Failing ignition switch?

sparkynames

I have been having this same problem with my 02 TB. Been towed to the dealer twice and would start fine once there. This first started in July 05 three weeks prior to the factory warranty expiring. Went three months with no problems, then it happened again. I took the battery cable loose and cleaned them, started fine again. worked fine for a few months then happened again, that time I pulled fuses, relays and beat on the starter. It started working fine again. It has now been sitting in my garage for 4 days will not start. Got it started two days ago and when my wife got ready to go to work 2 hours later, wouldn't start. Still won't start. And now that the warranty is expired I refuse to pay the dealer for replacing random parts until they get it fixed. I've been scouring the internet for a solution to this problem for days. Anyone have some suggestions? I honestly do not think it is the starter, because I have read a few other posts where people have had the starter replaced and had the same problem later. Any help would be appreciated.

stever

Check out the "No Start" Problems discussion too -- some posts there may give you some clues to check out.

Steve, Host

baccus49

I feel the problem is all the air rushing in with nowhere to go! I had a 96 blazer and now a 02 TB and the rush of air is ear popping! What is needed is some type of pressure valve/escape to allow the air pressure to be reduced
I have found you need to have the rears down and crack the fronts a bit.

wapwap

I just had my 2002 TB 31K miles towed last night where the lights turned on, but nothing happens when turning the ignition. I never had any other reoccuring starting issues, and I noticed there was a definate smell of a something electrical burning after turning the ignition. There were no indications that the engine tried to crank, so I'm guessing the ignition or starter, although from other posts it does not sound good. I'm into my extended warranty so lets see what my dealer says. After all of the problems I have had with my TB in the 4 years I think this is the final straw, as I cant trust this vehicle any more especially for my wife and kids. This is the third time she has been stranded, the first was when the sleeve in the cyclinder dislodged at 13K miles. (Nice situation that was when driving 35mph and kids in car, very lucky no accident) Then a few months back, a leak in the battery finally caused the terminal to detach from the battery. Lots of things I like about this vehicle, but way too much time in the shop.

wapwap

Dealer has informed me that the starter is bad and covered under extended warranty, as well as a the leak they found from the front axle seal. Now what the concern is to try to identify where the electrical burning smell was coming from. What are the chances it was the starter and not a short caused by the defective starter?
Anyone have info on what else I should watch for now that the starter was bad?

burdawg

Did they say what was specifically wrong with the starter? The soleniod or the starter motor itself? A very high current in either circuit can cause the wiring to overheat and the insulation to get hot and smell. Make sure the wiring harness is inspected for damage, and the main cable carrying current to the starter motor.......

dakid21

Same thing has just started happening to me. I had a new battery installed 2 weeks ago, but ever since, it runs into this ignition problem. Somtimes I just need to turn the key twice until it turns over, last Friday however it did nothing (all lights came on, no clicking). Let it sit over night in -15 degree weather and it started Saturday morning without a problem???? Could it have anything to do with the anti-theft pass lock system, where it doesn't recognize the key?

badgerpaul

Might be the safety switch, that prevents you from starting the car when it's in gear. When it happens try putting it in neutral and see if it will start there.

alansden

i purchased my 2006 trailblazer Jan 1, and since the moment i left the dealership, i felt a very noticeable vibration or grinding in the gas pedal. I cannot hear the grinding, the vehicle itself is vibrating, it seems to be just in the gas pedal. Seems like it occurs at any speed, but only when accelerating. vibration will cease for a minute or two, and the vehicle drives very smoothly, but the vibrating starts right back up within several minutes. I have 3 close friends who have 04 or 05 trailblazers, and i've driven each of their vehicles numerous times, for hours at a time, and i've never experienced this vibration. in fact, i was so impressed with the way their vehicles handled, i decided to get my own... i'm very disappointed considering i bought the vehicle for the smooth ride, but instead it's anything but. any ideas what the problem could be?

mjr15197

I've felt the same thing on my 05 TB a couple of times but its a very light vibration, also only on acceleration. It rarely happens and is so faint I haven't given it much thought. I think maybe it happens when it gets really cold.

On my old 95 Jimmy I used to get a similar vibration when in 4 wheel drive but it was much more noticeable. When I felt it on my TB I instinctively checked to make sure I wasn't in 4wd but that wasn't the case.

previousamigo

I have always had the vibration in my gas pedal at around 1500 rpm in my '02 TB LS 4WD. Dealer has never found a fix and other posts think it is a not truely straight transmission shaft. Check the rpm to see if it consistant. Do a search and you will find many other posts here.

patricke

First time visitor to the site and I need help. I have an 02 TB with roughly 60K miles and there is a recurring but inconsistent noise coming from the steering column, steering wheel or dash. It is a very rhythmic-squeaky-timed noise that is very annoying. It varies in speed of repition but I have yet to notice why.

I have another strange noise and I can't even tell where it's coming from. It sounds much like when you scroll through a CD in a stereo. I can hear it when the air controls and the stereo are off, otherwise I can't describe further.

I'm at the breaking point of insanity and I just know that when I take it to the shop the mechanic won't hear it. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

mjr15197

Your first noise sounds like it may be the tachometer stepper motor. Its common on many GM-360s and I believe the TSB for it is # 04-08-49-015. If you still have any warranty left I think they will replace the instrument panel for you.

However I have heard of people getting their IPs replaced only to get one that has a worse stepper motor noise. They might have strainghtened all that out by now though.

Mine does make that noise but only very slightly. I can only hear it if the car is at idle and I'm not running the heat, AC, radio, etc. It is my understanding that the noise doesen't affect the operation of the tach nor will it lead to any type of gauge failure in the future.

I have no idea about your second noise.

cranmome

Same noise in my TB...my kids call it the "helicopter", for us it only happens when one window is down. If I crack another window the sound disappears.

dinkbassr

I have the same problem !!! Drivers side window won't work but others do. Window lock works but indicator light does not illuminate. Same thing for heated seat controls. I have noticed also that heated mirror on same side does not heat up. Several other indicator lights are not working or they go off and on for no reason. Did you find anything out yet Kevin about this problem??

Ray in PA

jpriz923

this has happened to me before . how it happened was i have automatic start installed which i believe confused the theft feature. i started the truck with the remote, but had bring something back into the house left it running without the key keeping the remote start running after 15 min the truck shut off which is the cut off on the remote start. the tried to start again and it wouldnt turn over. what u have to do when this happens is leave the key turned till the accessories are on and leave it in this position for 15 minutes and DONT DO ANYTHING until that 15 mins are up. once 15 mins have gone by it should start. this has happens to me like 5 times but the 15 min thing got me thru

shell007

Don't I long for the screws to be seen from the outside! Can someone let me know how to easily change a tail light? Thanks!

lastar

Does anyone know if there is an after market sun visor made with a slide out?
Thanks

dwormsbe

I have had an '02 TB since it was purchased new in October '01. I purchased this in Pennsylvania and later moved to Florida and most recently tried to register it in California and have it SMOGGED. Here's my problem. The sticker on the factory air cleaner states that the vehicle(4.2 liter 6) was equipped with an egr valve(there is no part number for this, as an EGR valve never existed on this engine). The car has passed the gas emission part of emissions, but has been failed quoting I have modified the engine since there is no EGR Valve on the block like the sticker states. I have spoken to SERVICE MANAGERS at several dealers and have been told that if the sticker states there was an EGR that it must have been there. ( The brilliance of Mr. Goodwrench training) When I ask them to give me a part number for one none can be produced.
I have been to one dealer who has verified the sticker is incorrect but no correct ones are available and they will smog it and pass it for $120. The issue with this is that if I pay this I lose the original $70 I paid for the first test, I give the same organization who caused this problem more money to support their stupidity AND I have the same problem the next time the vehicle needs to be smogged. Also, since my car was smogged and failed due to "modification" this information will now show up on a CARFAX report for my Trailblazer.
I have called GM customer service and after three attempts believe I may have found a CSR who will actually try to help, at least she wasn't rude. All I really want is a lousy $.25 sticker that states what my car really has in it and a letter explaining the vehicle was not modified to remove any inaccurate reports that may have been made or at least have with the car to explain the "modification" failure.
I just want to know if anyone else has been through this and what they did to work through or around the problem.

phrogguy8

I jumped my friend 2 weeks ago and the battery died the next day. I replaced the battery with the auto part store's suggestion. About a day and a half later when I turn on the fan and hit either recirculate or AC, the engine idles out of control (up to 4k RPMS) and then cuts out. This does not happen with just the fan on. I do have XM and my cell phone plugged into the outlets. I disconnected the battery tonight and reconnected after about 20 mins hoping it would reset the computer (suggestion). Any ideas?

2005tbowner

not only do i still have this wind noise problem where i actually get a whistle out of my front pass. window now and then, my head liner has fallen down 5 times, been repaired 4 times. we have filed for the lemon law with the bbb :lemon:

kmazurek

I just had that happen while trying to get my vehicle towed (just picked it up from svc and they didn't run it long enough to evaporate the fluid -- that mistakenly went from the fuel ejectors up into the throttle accentuator module - and I had no engine power). When tow truck arrived, I shut car off. had been running for 15 minutes with reduced engine power light and service engine light. went to turn car back on for towtruck guy and wouldn't start. No lights, no click, nothing....... So I asked the dealer's mechanic about this the next day and he said the ignition 3 switches (?) ---- ignition 1 controls radio, plus these other knobs,ignition 2 controls other instrument panels stuff..... etc. so when your radio all of a sudden stop working - start of ignition problem. So your no light, no clicking no nothing ---- could be ignition problem too. for what it is worth.

rad225

I just replaced the low beams on my 2002 TB, after reading the various posts, I figured it out.

First remove the entire front grill. There are a total of eleven metal clips, four at the top, five across the center bar (one is behind the Chevy bowtie, two on each side fit into the clear lens) and two at the bottom corners of the black grill. Work from the top down. Pry CAREFULLY with a flat blade screwdriver.

Then pry up the two METAL (not plastic) tabs behind each headlamp assembly, they are about one inch wide and are bent towards the front of the car. These tabs lift up a locking bar that clamps the back of the headlamp assembly to the front crossframe. The top of each outside tab is tucked in under the top of each fender next to the hood opening. The inside tabs are next the the radiator opening.

Also disconnect the upper side marker lamp connector so you can swing out the headlamp assembly. Put a towel down on your bumper to keep from scratching the clear plastic lens.

Pry off the rubber cap from the back of the assembly. Reach inside and turn the bulb assembly to remove. Then reconnect the new bulb and reinstall. Remember-do not touch the glass part of the bulb.

Hints- Since you have the whole grill off, replace both bulbs while you are at it. Put a little grease on all the little clips to avoid future squeaks. You do not need to mess with the air filter or battery housings.

Hope this helps. I took photos of the install but I could not figure out how to post.

dshepherd3

Lot of work when you can just reach behind the lamps and do the same thing, r/s needs the air cleaner box unscrewed (3).

rad225

I tried that way, my hands are too big. And I could not talk my wife into learning backyard mechanics. If the battery and air cleaner were just one inch further away from the lamp covers. Oh well.

tmurphywebc

hwy-city same any ideas? 1100 miles on it 4 wheel drive,in line 6 cyl. thanks

tdexter13

I have a2005 Trailblazer and I have also had he exact problems that you described. I took mine into the dealership and they reset my computer and I have not any more problems since then. That was in Oct 2005.

But now I have a whining noise that gets louder when I accelerate and I have an appointment to take it soon. Has anyone else had similar problems? :confuse:

tmurphywebc

Where do you get the security code to unlock the radio after battery has been disconnected.I didn't get one from the dealer. and he has not returned my calls.

2005tbowner

has anyone filed a lemon law claim on there tb in any state, if so what came of it and how did gm handle it

73shark

My 02 TrailBlazer has had a slight engine knocking noise since new (now at 40K). Almost sounds like the new quieter diesels. Less noticeable when warmed up. To date, no adverse effects (knocking on wood). Anyone else noticed anything similar?

gmfan

Yeah, my 02 TB has been doing this as well and I have 90K. It occurs most noticably when the vehicle has sat overnight, I am afraid to put the car immediately in gear so I let it idle for two minutes which seems to help a bit. This last oil change I went with a thinner oil 5W-30 and switched to synthethic and it had no effect on the "tapping" sound. It seems all the triplets do it so it is either "normal" for this engine (remember, this engined has a deep oil pan) or all of them are junk. I do not think the latter is correct because the 4.2 is a fabulous engine. I think GM put a graphite coating on the newer triplet models (2004 and newer) to quiet the tapping sound at start up. I would be curious if anyone has a newer model that makes a tapping sound? Make sure you have the fan in the "off" position so you can listen.

Thanks,

Gmfan

73shark

Thanks for info. Getting ready to sell and wanted to have something to tell buyer.

73shark

bo1369

Just looked at an 03 TB. Took it for a test ride and the low engine power light came on and the suv had no power. Salesman said it was a plug that came loose and service was going to fix it. Am going back to check it out today but after seeing all these postings it seems a common problem that they don't know why it does this. My wife loves the vehicle and wants to buy it, but now I'm not sure. Any new info on this problem? I've read all postings in this forum up to now.

drogers1

I just purchased a replacement lens cover for my 03 trailblazer EXT because the original was cracked. I'm sure the dealer would charge a small fortune to swap out the 28 dollar part so I want to do it myself but i'm not sure how to do it. Can anyone help me! thanks