Trailblazer Acceleration

DougS · August 5, 2002

I have a new '02 Trailblazer EXT. The engine just does not seem like it wants to go from a dead stop. When I push down the accelerator, it is not smooth at all. It's like it wants to think about it for a second, at then it kicks in. Once the thing is moving down the road, it accelerates immediately.

Anybody else with this, or is it just me? I will be having my dealer check it out soon, as I need a couple of other things looked at, but in the mean time I just wanted to see if this was common.

Thanks.

deruch · August 5, 2002

I havent had a problem with what you are stating on my 2002 Trailblazer LT (build 12/01). I do know if you dont let the engine idle calm down to normal (this is only when engine is cold - takes about 45 secs) you will get a hesitation taking off, but only on the first time. After that it works wonderfully.

FIRECAT · August 6, 2002

Haven't had anything like what you are describing. Over 10,000 miles on mine. To me the motor is smooth, stong and quiet. I definately would have it checked.

fawaz · August 6, 2002

I think I know what you mean and I do have the same with my 2002 TB LT. It only happens if you don't push the accelerator much thinking it's a V8 and it will push itself using its magnificent torque.

I think it's different with an I-6 engine. If you really press the accelerator softly, the car will push smoothly then the Vortex will just kick in and that is what you're feeling (sudden acceleration).

If you start accelerating with a slightly harder press, you will feel that the car is accelerating comfortibally without this "sudden" jumpy feeling.

I'm not sure if that is right or wrong but my 5000km (roughly 3000 miles) service is up soon and I can ask the guys at the service center and see what they think of it.

It doesn't bother me much though

gmcjoe · August 6, 2002

This setup should cure your Trailblazer acceleration problems :0

http://motortrend.com/mar02/blazer/blazer_f.html

fawaz · August 6, 2002

This setup should cure your Trailblazer acceleration problems :0

http://motortrend.com/mar02/blazer/blazer_f.html

Yummmmmmy! (In Jim Carrey's Ace Ventura's voice)

FIRECAT · August 6, 2002

This setup should cure your Trailblazer acceleration problems :0

http://motortrend.com/mar02/blazer/blazer_f.html

I WANT ONE!!!! Love those rims, wonder if I can get a hold of those for my TB???

bowtie_pasta · August 7, 2002

Yeah, those rims are pretty tight!

DougS · August 7, 2002

Fawaz, that is how it feels, it starts to move slowly, and then it seems to pick up speed suddenly.

Maybe I just need to pounce on that accelerator when the light turns green! ;)

drew · August 9, 2002

Doug,

I think I know what you are talking about. It has happened to me a few times. One time I was driving and had to stop on my brakes and go in reverse quickly, and when I went to accelerate nothing happened, then all of a sudden I was burning rubber in reverse. And a couple other times when I pull out of my driveway and pop it into drive on my street which is on a hill, it won't accelerate for about 1 second then just takes off. However, mine has only done it in between quick shifts between drive and reverse or the opposite. But, it hasn't done it in awhile so I'll let it go for now rather then let the dealer mess something up.

fawaz · August 13, 2002

Fawaz, that is how it feels, it starts to move slowly, and then it seems to pick up speed suddenly.

Maybe I just need to pounce on that accelerator when the light turns green! ;)

I got the car out yesterday from its 5000km service and they said that acceleration thing is normal. If you notice, most of the time, it happens when the engine is not fully warm yet (i.e. close to 210).

You also bring it up to your dealer when you service your TB. A second opinion is always useful ;)

tblazer503 · August 14, 2002

actually, IMHO, most of this is caused by the way the PCM was set up. The triplets do not have the standard hydraulic clutch, this is an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch(sorry, torque converter). I am waiting for a reprogrammer like the PPIII to come out and see if it helps, if it does, its probably just the way that chevy programmed it. For a comfortable, smooth acceleration. BTW, even when you pounce on it, it still takes a while to feel like there is some serious power... probably the stall speed setting on the TCC or something..... Any one else have any ideas? This is my best guess from reading the information available from Chevy on the triplets.

DougS · August 14, 2002

Well, it just looks like that is the way it is then from the sounds of it. Yes, I have noticed that it seems worse when the engine is cold, and not quite as bad once up to operating temp.

My wife was driving it last night, and I even felt the slight hesitation sitting in the passenger seat.

Doug.