Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Chevy Blazer GMC Jimmy Maintenance and Repair

1474850525372

Comments

  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Time to get the hands dirty- check all vac lines under hood - 5/32 and 7/32" lines and primary is from the intake by the PCV to the drivers side and it Ts off - check line to reservior in the fender well to, then down to the vac actuator under the battery tray (yes - pain to get to) and that one engages the front axle coupler and there is a sensor there that tells the TCCM (computer for 4wd) that its engaged. Also one on transfer case telling that the encoder motor for 4LO only that low gear is engaged. TCCM can fail so dealer can test and replace but not cheap.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Sounds like your dealer is lazy/stupid/untrained or a combo - insist a zone rep to review the case now. This system has 2 check valves, 2 90 deg rubber hoses, a pump, then 2 solenoids to activate it mounted right next to it. Then more hoses underneath and a T plastic fitting. They have the TSB but really if just says replace all parts that are bad and then the intake hose on the pass side of the radiator is extended so water is not sucked in. If all parts work the system works so they are missing something - I fixed my 99 and 01 and both were a total mess and all parts were burned or not working due to the water. No codes or problems after that. Search online on "DTC P0410 Sec Air Injection - How to Repair and Part#s" and I put all info to fix out there after my having to find parts and the dealer was fairly clueless - in fact they wanted to sell me a diff pump. Good parts stores can order Delco for you with the part # so those are included.
  • trickridertrickrider Member Posts: 1
    Just bought a 95 Blazer. There is a buzzing noise coming from on top of the fuel tank. Does the Blazer have a electric fuel pump on top of the gas tank, and should I be concerned that it is fixing to go out. It doesn't make this buzzing noise all the time. Thanks
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    The electric fuel pump is in the tank but the connections are on top and a whine is normal from it more so when you first turn the key as the system pressurizes. There are 2 lines a supply and return on newer vehicles to cycle the fuel and help cool it and the pump. If concerned you can see the top (on 4 door) of the tank by lowering the spare tire and that allows access (restricted) to the area.
  • mays_jlmays_jl Member Posts: 3
    thanks for the advice it was the passenger side hub. $140 and a 36mm socket and a large 3 jaw puller. was a easy job with these tools about 3 hrs.And that bearing was trashed wish they could make a repair kit instead of replacing the whole hub. :)
  • 3521bytrade3521bytrade Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2002 blazer ZR2. The clicking/griding sound seems to be coming from the front passenger side axle/hub somewhere. However when i drive in 4x4 Hi it goes away. When put it back in 2 wheel hi it comes back. It's there while moving slowly and gets faster with speed. I first noticed it when slowing down on the interstate to exit. It's there all the time now in 2 wheel hi. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you
  • stuntman12stuntman12 Member Posts: 7
    I have the exact same problem. Please tell me you figured out what caused it.
  • stuntman12stuntman12 Member Posts: 7
    Have you had any luck? My 98 Jimmy's doing the exact same thing.
  • 3521bytrade3521bytrade Member Posts: 4
    2002 Blazer ZR2. More information: In 4WD HI the clicking does continue only when turning. I jacked up the front tires individually and rotated them with no noise on each tire. So i guess i can rule out bearings and hubs, correct? What in the diff. would cause it to click. If i unplug the diff. lock wire, would this be a temporary fix for summer?
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    If only in 4Hi (or 4Lo) then could be CV axles. Remember 4Hi is off road only and not meant for the street - only the Autotrac 4Hi (4 button system) is allowed on dry streets cause the transfer case has clutch packs in it - 3 buton systems do not. Why would you disconnect the "lock wire" - just don't engage it - plus that wire is a sensor that tells the TCCM the front axle is coupled for 4wd. Actuator is under the battery and the cable moves the axle coupler via a vac switch. Check the front diff gear oil level also.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    There is a vac hose that runs to the system from the intake - on drivers side under the hood the line from the intake Ts over to the reservior in the fender and down to the heater box - see if its rotted out. Also if its Auto climate control (temps in degrees on the controls) then it has a blend motor thats electric also on the heater box and these fail. Sometimes on all types the temp selector controls get deposits on them so rotate around 10 times and see if they work.
  • jhighlandjhighland Member Posts: 1
    I had new Michelin tires put on my 2000 Jimmy about a year ago and started noticing what I thought was loud tire noise. After three tire rotations and balancing and two front end alignment the noise was so loud I could barely hear my stereo so they ruled the tires defective and gave me brand new Michelin’s but the noise is still there? It starts at 5mph and increases from there. I put the car in neutral while going 40mph and the noise is still there. Apply a little pressure on the brakes, noise still there. The only time it goes down is when I turn to the left, but not the right. Jacked the back end up and started the engine and put it in gear at 40mph, no noise. Jacked up the front, did not pull the tires off but there appears to be no slack in the bearings

    Help?
  • msrhoadesmsrhoades Member Posts: 2
    About two months ago i had a p0300 multiple misfire code so i replaced the plugs, wires,cap,roter and dist. it ran fine intill yesterday morning. it now has a p0304 code #4 cyl. misfire, i checked the plugs and the wires. they are still new. i did replace the cap and rotor again but it didnt fix the problem. the vehicle has a slightly rough idle. im at a loss. any help would be great.
  • stuntman12stuntman12 Member Posts: 7
    Thank you for the quick response!

    I'll act on your advice and check it out, though I have my doubts because the trouble began when I changed the positive battery terminal, like the other guy. I wonder if messing with the battery somehow screws up the blend motor, from some GM design flaw. Either way, I'll be messing with it until it's fixed.

    Thanks again. For the record, I own a 98 Jimmy, 115K easy miles.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    97 is known to have a faultly ignition module in the steering column and many strange symptoms occur.

    Also grabbed this from OBD-codes site, may help.
    "Symptoms may include:
    the engine may be harder to start
    the engine may stumble / stumble, and/or hesitate
    other symptoms may also be present
    Causes a code P0304 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

    Faulty spark plug or wire
    Faulty coil (pack)
    Faulty oxygen sensor(s)
    Faulty fuel injector
    Burned exhaust valve
    Faulty catalytic converter(s)
    Running out of fuel
    Poor compression
    Defective computer

    If there are symptoms such as the engine is stumbling or hesitating, check all wiring and connectors that lead to the cylinders (i.e. spark plugs). Depending on how long the ignition components have been in the car, it may be a good idea to replace them as part of your regular maintenance schedule. I would suggest spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor (if applicable). Otherwise, check the coil. In some cases, the catalytic converter has gone bad. If you smell rotten eggs in the exhaust, your cat converter needs to be replaced. I've also heard in other cases the problems were faulty fuel injectors."
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Yes, you are correct. The air and heat on automatic climate control systems are handled by the body computer and requires a special scanner/code reader. I saw info on this and couldn't remember where - found it after some searching as follows from an MT-2500 post dated 05-30-2006:

    "Here is the low down on the recalibrating.
    But every year is a little different.
    The 98 and 2000 recaibrating does the recailbrating a little different. But you remove the RDO/BATT 15 amp fuse for a minute. Then put it back in and turn ign on.
    On a 2000 the air tempterature valve sensor and mpotor will cycle the air mix door threw full hot and full cold positions. On the 98 pull same fiuse and install and turn key on. Then the electronic actuator should cycle the air mix door threw the hot and cold positions."

    See if that works and post back on results so others can know! Spread the info cause GM won't.
  • msrhoadesmsrhoades Member Posts: 2
    thanks repairdog. i have checked most of those but there are a few i have not checked or better yet didnt know to check. i will repost with the problem if i can fix it.
  • pro1600pro1600 Member Posts: 5
    Freaky thing. 1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4WD 130K was running fine. Parked for 5 days and then encountered this problem. Starts fine. Idles fine. No warning lights. Put in Drive and get about a hundred feet but won't shift thru the gears (stuck in 2nd?), speedometer not working and the ABS light comes on. Turn the car off. No warning lights and the process repeats.

    Could this be a problem with the speed sensor? If yes, where is it located, what does it look like, and how do I fix it?

    Thanks in advance!
  • 3521bytrade3521bytrade Member Posts: 4
    I found the problem to the clicking in the front axle. It turns out the vac. actuator under the battery tray was being engaged for some reason. It was causeing the cable to the diff. to be pulled in 2HI. I disconnected the cable from the actuator and there is no more clicking. Would the vac. switch be the cause of all this trouble? I can't find any vac. diagrams in a repair manual. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    If vac is applied to the actuator then the coupler should be engaged - if you simply pulled the vac line to it from the intake it should have uncoupled. Look on the firewall and you should have a small solenoid that controls the vac down to the actuator - when 4Hi on the output side should have no vac and when 4wd on Hi/Lo/Auto (if you have 4 button) the vac should be on to the actuator. Also if not the small $15 solenoid then on to removing battery power for 30 minutes and see if the TCCM (4wd computer) resets.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    To be sure need an ABS scanner to read the code (s).
    Each front wheel hub has a speed sensor and then one in the transfer case for the rears. The front sensors sense as square cogs/gears go by - you can unbolt the 2 sensor torx head bolts and see the cogs and check if all there and also see if the sensor wire is intact and a connector about 2' up on the frame (for replacing the sensor that comes with the wire pigtail). The no speedo seems to point more toward electrical and 97 is known for a faulty ignition module in the steering column (not the key/tumbler) and many posts on it and it causes many strange problems - most power goes thru it or is activated thru it.
  • stuntman12stuntman12 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks again, Repairdog. I appreciate your time.

    Nothing changed, unfortunately. I tried the RDO/BATT fuse a few times, and then I moved on to other fuses in hopes that something would reset or cycle. I've tried everything but the ECM fuses, which I'll pull and replace tonight.

    The monkeying did confirm that the A/C works, apparently, because it blows cold air until the engine warms up. Then it becomes a blast furnace inside.

    Does anyone know where the blend motor is buried in the heater box? I see that there's a "cut here for service" knockout on top of the heater box, under the hood. I thought maybe I could rig the blend door with a coathanger or something--anything to avoid tearing the whole vehicle apart while it's 100 degrees outside, not to mention the cost.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Pull the glove box open (bend the piece in to get it to drop all the way down) and you will see it on the top of the box - inside the cab - believ you can remove the 2 screws that hold it on and the other in rear is not a screw but a small bump to position it - as I've read on this but not done this one myself. Info online if you look for blazer heater blend motor. It has a plastic drive gear that may strip.
  • stuntman12stuntman12 Member Posts: 7
    I'll take another look behind the glove box. When I looked the first time, I saw only the two vacuum actuators for the vents, and they work.
  • efk4755efk4755 Member Posts: 4
    The air conditioner in my 1998 Blazer all of a sudden stopped working at the beginning of the season. I checked the freon and it was where it was supposed to be. Suddenly it started working again. Now it's developed a mind of it's own. It will blow cold air for a while and suddenly stop and start blowing hot air. Then after a period of time it will start to blow cool air again. Anyone have any ideas?
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Could be the pressure switch, a loose connector (internal the pins can make/break contact) on the pressure switch or right behind the compressor, incorrect 134 level, belt slipping, comp clutch problems, etc. Also if auto climate control an electric blend motor that controls a door to keep the temp at the selected temp - you would have actual temp degrees marked on the control. Possible controls probems also. A vac line from underhood drivers side so check that the line from the intake to the reservior is intact and not rotted out 5/32" small and 7/32" larger.
    I check the main things then off to the AC shop which has the correct gauges and tools. Most compressors go around 80-100k if that long - some do better but not in hot climates.
  • soccergumpsoccergump Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Blazer 4 wheel drive with 126,000 miles. When I go into reverse and apply the brake, the front end would shimmy and shake. It would almost be a grinding feeling. It does not have a problem going forward and braking forward. It drives in reverse normally. It only comes up while braking in reverse. I know it is not the brakes because I just changed them along with the rotors on both sides. I took the tire off and inspect them. It seems to be in good working order. Can somebody tell what is wrong? :confuse:
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Worn parts. Grease ALL the fittings on the front end first (upper & lower ball joints, tie rods, idler arm both ends, and all links between - like 10 total). Did you grease the slide pins on the calipers? Have the front lower ball joints been checked or replaced? Check hubs, tie rods, idler arm. Did you do the rears as well - they may have problems too and feel like its in front - yes hard to tell with the rear discs and those calipers are crappy single piston plastic type that I replace with rebuilts each rear brake job - they bind in the bore after being pushed back in and also check the rear bolts on the brackets - no one pulls them out correctly and greases them then they rust/freeze and usually lock the caliper in one place and eat the inside of the rotor.
  • flryiteflryite Member Posts: 2
    Just wanted to thank covah23 and repairdog. The noise in the right front tire when turning left in my 99 Blazer 4WD was indeed the bearing (hub). I bought the part from an ebay supplier, new for about $110 with shipping, and paid the guys at my Firestone dealer to install it. (labor was $127).

    Thanks again.
  • pro1600pro1600 Member Posts: 5
    Repairdog - I'm taking your advice to replace the ignition module first. I searched all posts & the web, but couldn't find instructions or pics on the replacement process. I have the column exposed but I can't figure out which component is the ignition module. I bought a new module from Autozone, but I don't see anything like it anywhere around the steering column or under dash area. On my vehicle, there is a large black rectange box with a wire loom just below the key tumbler, but I can't figure out how to remove it. Here's a link that shows a pic of the ignition module that I got from Autozone. Is this the right component for my 1997 GMC S-15 Jimmy 4wd 4.3L?

    http://www.discountautoparts.com/item.wws?sku=D579&mfr=ACDELCO%20US&weight=1&coo- kieID=1V7010TXT1V701318U&clientid=discountautoparts
  • shansings2shansings2 Member Posts: 1
    I just had the EXACT same proble with my '98 GMC Jimmy, and all it was was a relay that needed to be replaced. This was found out AFTER some control switch in the dash had been replaced (didn't fix it) and on the third time back to the repair shop. After replacing the relay my air has been working fine ever since.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Thats the one in the dist that controls the spark timing - you need the the ignition switch which is really a module but misnamed - sorry.
    http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=GPS&mfrpartnumber=S193&pa- rttype=410&ptset=A
    There was a post recently on replacing but heres some more info: Access panels are 7mm and T25 torx and the top steering wheel cover E6 series Torx fasteners but std 1/4 drive 3/32socket works.
  • pro1600pro1600 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for the pic. Almost there, but I can't get to the top torx fastener because the top steering wheel cover is in the way. The top steering wheel cover is loose, but I can't remove it because it's molded behind the key switch cap. Does the plastic key switch cap come off the ignition switch? If yes, how? Does it just pry off?
  • pro1600pro1600 Member Posts: 5
    More info that might help diagnose my problem. I just noticed the trip meter & odometer are not working. Does this indicate that it's a mechanical problem instead of an electrical problem? There's a plastic nosecone on the front passenger side of the transfer case that has a wire loom and a cable attachment. Could this be the unit that senses the speed and sends signals? Should I focus on this instead of the ignition switch module?
  • covah23covah23 Member Posts: 14
    Glad it all turned out ok. Love the sound of "Nothing" don't you? :)
  • pro1600pro1600 Member Posts: 5
    Mystery solved. There was a broken vacuum line that runs from under the battery tray in the front right corner (couldn't see what it attached to) back to the transmission. It was pure luck that I found it.

    I was having trouble replacing the ignition module. Everything was removed except a stubborn wire connector above the key switch. Is there a special locking connector? I took a break and was scoping out the transmission speed sensor when I noticed the broken vacuum line by the exhaust headers. I spliced in a new piece of vacuum line, reconnected the original ignition switch module and took it for a test drive. Speedo is working, shifts fine and no ABS light. In fact, it had been running sluggish before and now it seems peppier...but maybe I'm just happy that it's running again. ;)

    Now I just need to reassemble the steering column & lower dash!
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    That vac line to under the battery tray is the front axle coupler actuator. Also see if the feed end from the intake is rotted and over to the reservior in the drivers side fender. Is 4wd working OK - probably wasn't before.

    Found this on the white connector:
    "For the small white connector from the top of the metal, key tumbler, rotate the switch towards the passenger seat to remove. This gets the small wires out of the way so you can get to the upper left fastener. Uses reverse Torx fasteners E series to hold the switch in."
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Did not see this post, sorry - if everyone would post in the main section I try and read it daily.
    Sealed 1 piece hubs are most likely the reason - jack the front end up and spin them - if you hear or feel any grating/grinding thats it. 4wd need to jack up under the
    lower control arm so the CV axle will rotate so be careful and it requires a good floorjack.
  • jpmccrjpmccr Member Posts: 31
    2001, Chevy Blazer - Ok, got the power issue resolved. Now the front end is shimmying (sp?) or shuddering - take your pick. Just did a front brake job. Once I got the old brakes off I checked the rotors and they were real smooth. No grooves at all. However once I got them all put back together and drove it, the front end shudders. Question: just because the rotors were smooth could they be warped enough to cause this? Didn't feel this with the old pads. I am thinking they need to be turned. Curious . . .
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Did it start with your brake job? Is it only when you stop? How many miles. 4wd?
  • mays_jlmays_jl Member Posts: 3
    mine did the same thing I spun my wheels and did everything. My hub bearings was bad but u couldn't tell till u got them off and spun them.real easy to change need a 36 mm socket and a pipe(lol) and a large 3 jaw puller to pull the hub off of the shaft. you can them on ebay for $100 with shipping do both sides if one is worn the other isn't far behind.
  • jpmccrjpmccr Member Posts: 31
    Sorry about that. 01 Chevy Blazer 4WD. As of this morning 86644. It started after I put on some new Bendix brake pads. It is a no brainer to install as to do the job, just remove the old ones after recessing the pistons, install the anti-rattle clips, pop the new ones in notches in the brake assembly, put some grease on the slide pin bolts, and reinstall the caliper assembly. I recess the pistons slowly using a C-clamp on the center of the old pad and push them back, nice and slow to make sure they go back even. The back brakes are the same way and I have had no problems with them. Easiest brakes I have ever changed (hate drum by the way). I am not real sure what changed except the pads. I am planning to replace the shocks as I noticed they look like they have never been replaced. I did buy this vehicle used. To me 5 years without changing the shocks seems to be a stretch, at least it is for me. Could this also be part of it?
  • impalacabimpalacab Member Posts: 11
    I got a Blazer S10 -98, with a non working 4WD. The transfer case works, the vacuum works and pulls the wire, the dash swithes works, the box and relays all work, everything seems to work except that the front wheels won´t drive. What could be wrong in the front axle? Is there some kind of "fork" that should activate the drive shaft or something taht could be broke or not in place??
    Please help, Magnus, Sweden.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Those Bilstins last along time and I have 4 Blazers all original shocks - over 150k. If the corners don't bounce they are probably OK - some have gone to reflex or sensatrac and that softens it up some but bet thats not the vibration cause.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Yes there is and the cable pulls it in and then that 2 wire electrical connector is to a sensor that tells the 4wd computer or TCCM that its engaged. You should hear the coupler engage and disengage as vacuum is applied and removed.
  • darrellwvdarrellwv Member Posts: 18
    Lost all power and engine shut down,then i noticed there was no oil pressure,checked oil level and was full .Could the oil pump make you loose power and shutdown if it goes out?And can it go out all of a sudden?Or can it jumping time cause this?
  • vw27278vw27278 Member Posts: 29
    Just wondering if anyone knew the location of the pcv valve on a '98 Blazer? I have 118k miles on it and have never had it replaced, so I guess it's about time.
  • vw27278vw27278 Member Posts: 29
    Has anyone had the experience of their fuel guage not reading correctly on a '98 Blazer? Mine goes up and down (slowly) and only registers correctly when the tank is full. In fact, it mostly seems to give incorrect readings when the tank is about half full and less.

    Any advice is much appreciated.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Yes, many have problems - the sender and pump are 1 piece so only way to fix is drop the tank and replace - Delco unit is $400 plus install - sorry. Many use the odometer to be sure. The new pump is an improved design - i.e. they finally made one that works right! No recalls.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Look at engine and its to the drivers side of middle - see the hose and it sits in a rubber grommet in the valve cover.
Sign In or Register to comment.