Crappy Trailblazer

Bart2500HD · August 25, 2005

My wife and I bought a 2002 Trailblazer LT with 58000 miles on it in May. After having it for 2 weeks, the light came on because the engine fan clutch control went bad. Now, my wife just called me and said the light is on again, but only bout half illuminated. She also told me that occasionally the airbag light and the seatblet light will come on (while she is wearing the seatbelt) for no apparent reason. Any idea what could be wrong?

holstbnet · August 25, 2005

Sounds like a faulty gauge cluster - there might be a TSB for that but I don't have access to them at the moment.

I wouldn't panic or call the whole truck a piece of crap because of a couple minor issues. The fan clutch is a known issue on the 4.2 I6 engines.

Bart2500HD · August 25, 2005

I wasn't saying the whole truck is a piece of crap, it's just that we caught this vehicle because we needed it, if the old car was a horse, I'd have had to shoot it.

It's just that you go out and buy a nice newer vehicle and have these dumb little problems with it.

BTW, I just heard from my wife and she took it to the dealer and they found that the gas cap was cross-threaded. That's what threw the error code on the light. It only cost $36 for them to tell us that. All is better.

03TRAILEXT · August 26, 2005

Did you get a warranty?

Since 2002 was the first year, it sounds like you have someone elses problem.

My '03, has had no major issues and she just turned 20k

Good luck

holstbnet · August 26, 2005

The gas cap being loose just turns on the SES light - that still doesn't explain why other lights were on dimly, etc??

Bart2500HD · August 26, 2005

Did you get a warranty?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nope. We put too many miles on that vehicle. A warranty to 100k miles would not be cost effective, besides, any major repair still might end up costing less than the warranty. Overall, the 'Blazer has been great. It was mentioned that the fan clutch was a known issue, no biggie. Gas cap, duh. Shoulda checked it first before going to dealer.

Bart2500HD · August 26, 2005

The gas cap being loose just turns on the SES light - that still doesn't explain why other lights were on dimly, etc??

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

??????????????? Your guess is as good as mine.

Bullethole · April 26, 2006

The fan clutch is no biggie until you go buy one. Around $300 at the dealer. Replacing it is a pain also. The upper radiator support and other radiator components must be removed so the radiator and condenser can be tilted forward because the fan and shroud must come out together. A fan clutch tool and a serious supply of cuss words will also be necessary. The cuss words are for the GM engineer who thought this was a good idea. Look for fan clutches on ebay. I got a brand new AC Delco (new improved part) for $40.00.

airwicka · May 1, 2006

The gas cap being loose just turns on the SES light - that still doesn't explain why other lights were on dimly, etc??

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My airbag light does that too... its always on, flickering dimly...

ChevyTech007 · May 1, 2006

This might apply. Also check under the UBEC (underhood relay center) for rodent damage. I have seen a few with wires chewed. They just love it under there for some reason.

Subject: 4WD Inoperative, Erratic Fuel Gauge, SIR Light, Service Stability Message - keywords 4.2 5.3 ABS C0327 C0455 case communication connector inop IPC LH6 lamp light P0452 P0453 P0461 P0462 P0464 sensor #PIT3208B - (10/31/2005)

Models: 2004-2006 Buick Rainier

2002-2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer, Trailblazer EXT, Trailblazer SS

2002-2006 GMC Envoy, Envoy Denali, Envoy XL, Envoy XUV

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada

2005-2006 Saab 9-7x

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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:

A vehicle may exhibit: 4WD inoperative, SIR lamp, erratic fuel gauge operation and/or a Service Stability Message. Possible DTCs are C0186, C0196, C0327, C0455, P0452, P0453, P0461, P0462, P0464 and/or U1088. A possible cause of these symptoms is a loose connection or backed out terminal(s) at the C101 connector, a 38-way connector mounted along the underhood fuse block. This harness may be routed tightly around the UBEC that could induce any of the concerns listed.

Recommendation/Instructions:

All terminal connections should be checked in this connector for integrity. Female terminals should be inspected for pin drag and Male terminal should be fully seated in the body cavity of the connector. Be certain that no terminals are bent or damaged in any way. Re-route the harness to prevent future harness and/or connector strain.

Note: When servicing this connector special care should be made not to damage other terminals. Fully seat the connector squarely with both hands and then latch the locking portion of the connector (CPA). Do not use the lock mechanism on the connector to pull the connector halves together as this may cause terminals to bend or a poor connection.