Chevrolet TrailBlazer Accessories and Modifications

barnacle · January 2003

I priced out all needed parts to install like factory fog lamps on my 03 LS TB and was shocked!GM is not the best in offering add on kit's in this nature.So I took this matter into my own hands to find an easier and cheaper way to get the factory looking fog lamps.Well I have!I purchased the factory replacement fog lamps from a dealer$100 for a pair.Then I puchased a universal fog lamp wiring harness kit from HELLA $40 which came complete with everything needed to operate,fuse,relay,directions,etc.Then I went to home depot and bought 1/8 thick piece of metal $8 and fabricated two brackets to fit fog lamps to the vehicle.This took a little time to make.I then cut the grills out in the bumper cover where the fogs fit ,and fit in place.They look great!They look like they came from the factory.When I wired them I tapped off a wire that went to the headlamp switch so they come on when the headlamps do.So for $148 and a little creativety making brackets to fit perfect, it wasn't to bad.I hope this helps anyone interested!

previousamigo · January 2003

Congrats on the fogs. I did almost the same. I found the fogs on the internet from a used parts store but had to pay $200 for them and paid another $100 for an aftermarket shop to wire and install brackets for a grand total of $300. I also put in some silicone electric grease where the wires attach to the lights to keep moisture out. HOW DID YOU GET THE FOG LIGHTS FOR ONLY $100 FROM THE DEALER?????

I also took off my roof rack and put back in the original black screws with a lot of silicone in the screw holes. Sure hope this keeps the water out. Can anyone foresee a problem using the original screws other than looking ugly. I also noticed there are threaded cups that the screws go into (not directly into the roof). So there is a chance for moisture in both the screw hole and under the cup. I used the original screws just for the slim chance I may need to use the original rack some day. Currently I use the trailer hitch mount for bikes and skis.

barnacle · January 2003

I work at a dealer myself, so I get a discounted price.Barnacle

barnacle · January 2003

I would like to install factory side view mirrors that have the turn signal built in the underside of the mirror housing.They come standard on the LTZ models.Has any one attempted to do this to a LS? How much are the mirrors ?Is the wiring there in the door harness?,Or do you have to do all the hard wiring yourself?Please give any info on this if anyone has got this same interest as I.Thanks.

mrpetty · January 2003

Just purchased a TB, LT and now find that the second row seats do not adjust backwards. They do adust forward, but they are too straight up for comfort. Does anyone know how to adjust them more or has a fix for GM's obvious error. So much for Truck people designing for car occupants. Thanks Much!

Gnarley Mc.

suesn · January 2003

Would it be cheaper to buy the assist steps and install them myself. Or buy them when I get the TB where they cost $173.00

aldan93 · January 2003

I found this thought I should share!

http://www.trailblazerstuff.com/

pewter02 · January 2003

Has anyone changed there exhaust system and
had a change in the idle speed?
Also little too loud in cabin area.
let me know!!!!
P.S. I have a 2002 LS group 3 pkg. Trailblazer.
Accessories are: tint windows to match the back,
rainguards, hood protector, ss sidestep bars, ss front
chevy plate with gold racing flags on it.
I luv this truck!!!!

kentv999 · February 2003

I too, thought I had a problem with the Second Row seats on the Trailblazer. But alas, if you simply move the #1 handle slightly and push back on the seat you will see there are ~3 seat positions for recline. I still think the seat sits at too much of an upward angle, but at least the back can be made comfortable.

kent

kentv999 · February 2003

What experience has everyone had with after market running boards? If found what appears to be quite nice ones that fit like the OEM ones. But I can't find any references to the company. Their site is "www.runningboardfactory.com". The Westin boards also look nice, but the custom fit of the OEM boards look really good.

What are your experiences? Quality? Ease of installation?

rpl13026 · February 2003

I just decided to add a mobile video system to my 2002 Trailblazer LS 2WD. Does anybody know where I could find a switched aux power to tap into under the rear seat?

I removed the spare tire tools and used the two studs to bolt my DVD player brackets to, fits nicely under the rear seat, now I just need switched power.

VIN 1GNDS13S822421574

thv · March 2003

I am interested in obtaining an after market interior rearview mirror with compass and temperature..anyone done this and how complicated ..where was it found have a TB EXT LT

mjdart · March 2003

I just ordered and received the cover part number 12498321. I am very pleased, it is basically a 3 dimensional molded piece which plugs in to the hitch receiver. I perfectly fills the large gap around the hitch doing wonders to dress up what I consider an ugly area on the TB. I paid $32 and it was well worth it. My wife can't get over the difference it makes also.

genemo3 · March 2003

I bought a 2003 LT last fall and would not buy without a temp and compass mirror but would not pay for the whole package. At least five dealers told me there was "no way." One dealer said, "no problem" and accomplished it by ordering a 2001 mirror and put it in my LT. I think it cost me but can't remember how much. In any case, I was glad to pay. The secret is the 2001 TB had the compass and temp mirror as an option and it was not part of a larger package as in the 2003.

cressidaj · March 2003

I have a 2002 Trailblazer that is throwing road debris from the front tires onto the flanged area in front of the rear tires. I have 13000 miles on it. It has never been off road. In conversations with Chevrolet they will not do anything to make it right. I asked for mudflaps and repaint of the area. Since then I have discovered two more Trailblazers with the same damage. Since the 2003 and 2002's are the same body design it will be a problem with both. Everyone should check their vehicle immediately and if you find damage file a complaint. I will be contacting the attorney general and the BBB. I, also plan to provide this information to dealers so that they will be under pressure to get this design problem taken care of.

aldan93 · April 2003

Get some $30 mud flaps OEM or Husky. Running boards help also and enchance the looks. All vehicles do this!!! I put my flaps on week ago. Its pot hole filling season in NY.

rpl13026 · April 2003

SUESN,
Would recommend getting them with the vehicle when you buy it. Last year they were not available for the LS. I notice now they are.

rpl13026 · April 2003

Does anybody know where factory fog lights attach to the wiring harness in the LT models? Any chance the wiring is in place for the LS model? I really would prefer not wiring them to the headlights.

jdab · September 2003

Barnacle,

I have an LTZ with the Sideview Mirrors and I have found that water builds in the turn signals. I have asked the dealer that I have my truck serviced at about this and the Sideview mirrors are notorious for building up water.

Just an FYI

scan164 · December 2003

Hi
Or to find altezza light for the TRAILBLAZER in the USA. And could you indicate a URL for this accessory to me.
I live in EUROPE.
Thank you in advance

gooch · February 2004

I just installed a DVD entertainment system for the kids in my (or shall I say my wife's) 2003 LS. Had a heck of a time trying to find the ideal location for the DVD player though. Finally opted for creating a small stand to mount the player in front of the back seat. So far so good. If I decide to move it in the future it shouldn't be too much of a hassle since the stand isn't a 'permanent' fixture.

Dual 6" LCD displays installed in the headrests, wireless headphones also installed with the transmitter up top in the headliner. FM modulator also installed to pipe the music to the stereo, but I get a darned alternator whine. I have the modulator running on AAA batteries right now, so trying a ground loop won't work. I have read that FM modulators have the tendency to whine anyways. It probably wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to turn up the radio so much to hear the incoming signal, but there is no gain on the unit. I will try the DC power supply to see if that improves it any.

But I digress... My daughter just loves the fact that she can now watch movies in the car and have a screen all to herself! I used to lug my laptop with me for longer trips so she could watch a movie but that was becoming a bit of a hassle. Well worth the price of the components, and only took a day to do the install!

ericevans · February 2004

I recently saw a Trailblazer with marker lights where the front bolt covers would be for the luggage rack. Anyone know where I might find some of these?

kram18 · February 2004

The North Face edition of the Trailblazer is the one with these marker lights. There was some discussion on another TB message board about installing these on a non-NF edition truck but there has not been a straight answer of if the wiring is pre wired up there.... (you can buy the actual lights from GM parts direct, just don't know if there is anyhting to plug them into up there on a non north face edition.)

-Mark

ericevans · March 2004

I checked out GM parts direct and they hardly had anything for the Trailblazer in their catalog. I guess they once had more?

I'm sure the wiring is already there. From what I have been told, there are hookups for pretty much everything. I've even got fuses installed for things I don't have.

kgbkahnk · March 2004

I've been dying to put Marker (NF clearance lights) on my TB since the first time I saw a NF TB driving at night, and I've been part of this discussion on other message boards.

I've had the bolt covers off of the front of my roof rack rails dozens of times when taking my cross bars on/off. I've never seen anything that would lead me to believe this would be a plug-n-play type of modification. Please tell me I'm wrong, because I'd sure love to do this, and I'm squeemish (putting it mildly) about having to drill any sort of holes in the roof to get power to the lights.

ericevans · March 2004

My guess would be that they are inside the roof and drilling would be required to feed them through. That's my guess.

What is up in that hump in the middle of the ceiling over the arm rest up front? I have no sun roof and no overhead console, so why is it there?

ericevans · March 2004

heh.....I had a dream last night that I took down part of the ceiling and found all types of connections.

ericevans · March 2004

Last night I pulled the ceiling down and can now verify that the 2002 Trailblazer does NOT have pre-run wires for the marker lights. BUT, they would be very easy to run. Now if I could just find the lights.

ericevans · March 2004

A while back some people posted about having battery trouble. If those people are still here, I'd like to know if you had anything like an FM modulator installed. I installed the Delphi SA-1003 FM mod and had trouble with it killing my battery if I hadn't driven for 24 hours. I ended up having to put a switch on it. This problem seemed a bit strange in that the Trialblazer has all of the circuits set up to shut off if the battery is threatened. I had tapped in behind one of my cig outlets. You'd expect at least THOSE would be monitored by the computer.

One cool thing I found out when I was back in the dash was that everything seems to have a dedicated ground. Makes it much easier than trying to find a screw to use.

ericevans · March 2004

I guess not many people read the posts here. Is there a more active board?

I contacted GM and asked about the parts. They requested that I supply the VIN of a NF Trailblazer so that they can make sure to get a compatible part to fit mine. I explained that I live several states away from where the things are sold and such a request may prove difficult. I also mentioned that the only difference between a NF and a standard are the added options. Hopefully he realizes this and gives in. But if not, does anyone here have a NF edition and could reply back with their VIN?

Thanks for your help!

mharry · March 2004

Anybody know anything about the replacement headlights from Matrix Racing? They have the halo rings and 2 round lamps. They look real cool, but the reflectors aren't fluted, I'm over 40 and night blindness is becoming an issue. The last thing I need to do is drive around with flashlights for headlights!

jerrywimer · March 2004

Does anybody know where we could get a set of tube steps for the Trailblazer that conform to the shape of the rocker panel from immediately behind the front wheel all the way to the area directly in front of the real wheel? I've seen a few on the web that were simply straight, and so were set away from the rocker panel directly below the doors (because of the way the wheel wells bulge out the ends hold the rest away). I've seen two vehicles, one a Trailblazer and the other an Envoy in the area, but both were in the middle of traffic, so I was unable to ask the owners where they found theirs at.

jerrywimer · April 2004

After much calling around and searching the internet for pictures of customized trailblazers, I found an image of a show truck from the SEMA 2001 Las Vegas, NV show with the "Goin' Mobile Trailblazer".

This truck had exactly the same type of tube steps as I've been looking for. Doing a bit more digging, and I found the site for the company that created the show truck, and on that site a group of pages on the truck in question. There I found information that indicated that Go Rhino! made the steps used on the truck.

Searching for Go Rhino! tube steps for the Trailblazer, the closest product I could find was the 4000 Series Sumatra Sidesteps. But there were NO pictures of these anywhere. So after several telephone calls and an e-mail I finally managed to get in touch with the Go Rhino! tech named 'Pete'. He said that the 4057C, 4057B, and 4057PS were the steps I was interested in (Chrome, Black, and Polished Stainless). He also looked up a supplier that I could get them through.

So now I've got an order in through J.C. Whitney for the polished stainless steps. I also placed an order through another online site for the Go Rhino! lighted step pads, which are supposed to be direct fit replacements for the standard step pads on all Go Rhino! side step products.

I'll post an update once I receive the steps (I'm still nervous that they'll turn out to be the nerf-style steps that are what you get in the 4000 series for most other vehicles).

jerrywimer · April 2004

The sidesteps arrived at my door yesterday. Needless to say, I acted mature as befitted a 4 year old with an Easter basket full of candy and wasted no time opening them up to check out the goods. The Sumatra 4000 series for the Trailblazer (4057C, 4057B, and 4057PS, as listed above) are the steps I was looking for. They are shaped to follow the contour of the quarter panel / wheel arch flares. Happy ME!

The lighted steppads that I ordered for them came in the day before yesterday. I didn't have the steps themselves in yet, but I tentatively opened one of the packages (2 pads per box) and extracted the installation instructions. Besides the fact that there isn't much detail in the instructions, I was able to make sense of most of what they say. It's a fairly simple job to remove the old step pads and put the new ones on in their place (stringing the wires for the lights into holes in the tubes under the pads). They then indicate that the wires should be pulled through the leading end of the tube and through a hole drilled in their mounting bracket on the truck frame. This is fine and dandy for the nerf style bars that make up most of the GoRhino 4000 series (for other vehicles), since the leading edge of the tube is directly against the mounting bracket / vehicle frame, and out of sight.

Unfortunately for me, since the steps are the style I wanted, if I follow the directions for installing the lighted steppads explicitly, there'll be some ugly exposed wires sticking out of the front of the otherwise great-looking tube steps. The other alternative is to drill a hole in the tube steps near / beside the mounting bracket (and out of sight unless you get under the truck), route the wires through that, and somehow seal the hole around the wires (I'm thinking rubber grommits + silicone caulk or RTV). The bad part about the workable method is that it voids the 'Limited Lifetime Warranty' GoRhino proves on the Polished Stainless steps (5 years for the anodized black or chrome steps). At least, I think it does. Still waiting on word on that part back from their tech person, who I e-mailed about this situation. I may end up returning these steppads and doing without the extra-cool looking lighting. Sad ME.

jerrywimer · April 2004

I finally managed to both be off work in time and to remember soon enough to call the GoRhino Customer Service number about the lighted step pads. Turns out that drilling a couple small holes for the purpose of installing those lighted pads doesn't void the warranty. After speaking with customer service, I talked to their techs, and was told that:

1) I'd need a drill bit that is harder than usual (or something like a carbide bit that I can chuck after I finish).
2) I need to tape off the wiring where it exits through the hole with electrical tape. This is to prevent the wire from "chaffing" against the edge of the tube and getting cut / shorting out. He also recommended using some silicone sealant around the wires. When I told him that I was considering using some of the good rubber grommits (available from Radio Shack stores), along with some silicone caulk / sealant, he said that it should work fine.

So Now I'll be looking to drill out the tubes for the wiring, probably somewhere very close to one of the two welded mounting supports on the bars. But before I do that, I have to talk to my local Chevy dealer to see what the best place to tap into the 12v courtesy lighting circuit is (and how, since nearly all the electrical systems on the trailblazer are linked through the data bus in some form or other, and I don't want to screw some electronics up during this install).

ericevans · April 2004

Got my marker lights the other day! I don't know how a little bit of plastic and some wire can cost so stinkin much. More like a profit margin of 10,000%. Now I gotta drill my some holes and run some wire.

Also got my new carputer sitting here for loading all my MP3z and GPS software. Once my bank account has recovered from the two purchases, I've got to obtain an LCD touchscreen.

ericevans · April 2004

I was sizing up my carputer yesterday under the rear passenger-side seat and noticed a flap in the carpet. I opened it and found a wiring harness. Next to the flap was a rectangular depression with a hole for wires. What do I not have that goes there!

Another thing. I took the pleasure of blowing the 125amp Mega fuse up on the front fuse panel. While replacing it I noticed a thin red wire that had been pulled back and hooked to a wire bundle clamp as though someone were trying to keep it from making contact again. It's got a connector on it that fits perfectly on a post at the corner of the fuse panel next to the left of Mega fuse. Is this wire supposed to be disconnected? I'm wondering if a mechanic forgot the reattach it.

This is on a 2002 LS.

Thanks for the help!!!

mharry · April 2004

Mines exactly the same, 03 tb ltz. The only options I don't have are the sunroof and dvd system. I suppose the answer would lie in the Helm manual, I seem to have $120.00 for alot of things, but not that. Hey if that's the computer, what's on the other side?

adamjeeps · April 2004

If this wire you refer to is under the hood I would guess it is the trailer brake control wire that is used for trailer brakes while towing.

ericevans · April 2004

I found out that the loose wire under the hood is for trailor battery charging. They intentionally leave it disconnected but still make it available if needed.

The box attached to the rear fuse panel is the computer...I think. I was refering to my Carputer. I'm installing a Mini-ITX computer under the other seat. It's got a 40G drive to hold all my MP3s and GPS software. I'll mount a touchscreen LCD somewhere up in front to control it. Sound will get to the radio through an FM mod I'm using for my XM.

http://www.mini-itx.com/store/default.asp?c=2&currency=2

ericevans · April 2004

I got my marker lights installed and they look pretty sweet. Though it was a little scary using the holesaw on the roof.

kgbkahnk · April 2004

Can you give some explicit details of the install?

Part #'s?
How much did they cost you? From whom?
From where did you get power?
How/where are they switched?

Tell me more about this drilling/sawing!!! I'm thinking that even if I could get the parts for free, the drilling and/or sawing might prevent me from ever installing.

Sorry for all the questions. I'm very interested in pursuing this, but just don't know if I've got the rocks.

ericevans · April 2004

The part numbers are 15163401, 15163402 and 15163404.

The first two are the left and right lenses. The third is the wiring harness and you'd need two of them. The total price was $158.94 through GMPartsDirect.com. It costs twice as much through the dealer.

The '02 TB has a screw hole in the front mount of each rack rail that is not used. I used this for the placement of the roof holes. You'll want to remove the rails, of course, and you'll see the three screw holes with the center one not used. Using a 1" holesaw, you center on where that screw would go. I used WD-40 as a cutting oil to keep the heat down and lube the saw.

When you have the holes drilled, you might want to then run the wire. I decided to run a wire on either side from the brake lights. I used wire tap clips so I wouldn't have to cut wire and void anything. Pull the panels back on either side to expose the wiring harness going to the brake lights. Hook your neg to the ground that is screwed into the body. On the right side you'll need to tap into the brown/white wire and then brown wire on the left for the positives. Run the wires up to the ceiling and down to your holes. To get the grab handles detached, open the coveres and you'll find a little plastic clip inside. Pushing it to the side will release the handle.

This all would be a lot easier to describe with pictures.

Bring your wires up through the holes and splice into your wiring harness. I soldered the ends together and wrapped them in shrink tubing. Push the rubber gasket on the harness into the hole. Widen the holes in your roof rack gasket and the rack mount so you can get the bulb through. You should now be all wired up.

Now, the aluminum tracks in the rack are a little bit too long in the '02 and '03 TB for the lenses to fit. You'll need to cut 1.25" off the forward end. Don't cut the wrong end! File the edge down so it won't cut the wire from vibration. Re-attach your rack and slide on the cross pieces. Stick the bulbs into the lenses, lock into place and snap the lenses down.

It's as easy as that!

ericevans · April 2004

I forgot to mention that the lights will only come on with your parking and headlights. They will not run during the day, blink with your blinkers or turn on with the brakes.

The drilling kinda freaked me out at first but it was no big deal.

kgbkahnk · April 2004

Awesome. Excellent information! Thanks for the details. I must say that I'm really freaked out over the drilling. You wouldn't want to drive to KC to install this for me, huh? Nah, didn't think so.

I'll let you know when I screw up enough courage to jump into this project. Thanks again.

ericevans · April 2004

Why not? You're only a state away. J/k....Why don't you just drive to me?

The drilling wasn't that big of a deal. Produced a horrible noise though. If you are afraid of leaks, you can get some RTV sealant to put around the rubber thingy before you push it into the roof hole.

Here is a picture of the various parts. I wish it were bigger but Yahoo has resrtictions.

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ericmevans/detail?.dir=/Eric%27s- +Pictures&.dnm=705b.jpg

ericevans · April 2004

Well I've got a picture of this plus now.

I have the depression outlined with the green rectangle.

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ericmevans/detail?.dir=/Eric%27s- +Pictures&.dnm=d9af.jpg

dpacasla · July 2004

I have a 2002 TrailBlazer LS. I am looking to install an overhead console (has travelnote and homelink, no sunroof switch) that I got from a 2002 LT. I also have the harness that interconnects these components together within the console, as well as the retainer unit that attaches the console to the roof.

I am concerned as to whether there is a factory harness connector above the liner that I can plug into for the console. Has anyone taken off their liner in their LS? If so, was there a console harness connection up there somewhere? I hate to go through the whole liner removal only to be disappointed. Any input would be SO appreciated!

mookie14 · August 2004

Hi everyone i got a question has anyone with a 03 trailblazer i put a fipk kit on. Did anyone have any problems?? i do know that alot of trailblazer owners have put one on. I got the one with model number 57-3036 what i am wondering really about the filter says for off road & racing only so i am curious. Can anyone let me know plus what does that mean?? or should i be worried about it let me know thanks. mook

campintb · September 2004

The wire is for the 12v acc. in your trailer plug at the rear of the vehicle. If you are not going to be pulling a camper that would utilize this, then leave it be.

Chevrolet TrailBlazer Accessories and Modifications

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