When replacing the drivers side spark plugs on your Blazer, put a floor jack under the motor and raise it up an inch. This will make the job much easier.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd September, 2006
I will not be buying a Chevy next time
Currently it is in the garage, awaiting a part to be shipped from the US, so I will be without a vehicle for at least one week. With this being my only vehicle, and no buses available, you can just imagine the stress of it all (not to mention the upcoming cost!)
When driving along a fairly remote country paved highway, all of a sudden all of the gauge lights came on and within about 20 seconds before it died, I barely (but luckily) was able to steer it to the edge of the highway. It just died there, no steering whatsoever. This leads me to wonder what would have happened if this occurred on a busy 6 lane freeway! Upon exiting the vehicle I could see gas leaking underneath.
To make a long (2 ½ hours on the highway) story short, it turns out that the retainer on the fuel line is busted where the clip snaps together, which is my understanding. I’m told that this almost ‘never’ happens (aren’t I the lucky one?) so the part is not easily available ‘that’ is why it has to be shipped from the U.S.
Has anyone had this happen? If so, did you find a part anywhere in Canada?
Although I love the looks of this vehicle and it certainly serves my purpose, It seems that ‘some’thing is always happening. It was interesting to read about the ‘stopping on the highway’ episodes that people have had because it also happened to me a couple of times after I first purchased it. Scary. I never did find a mechanic who could figure out why. It hasn’t happened again recently, thank goodness.
Rides very nice.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 14th August, 2006
Fantastic!
Front and back wipers (just faulty manufacturing)
Brakes.
AC.
I absolutely love my 97 Chevy Blazer. My dad got it new back in 97 and its now basically a hand me down as a starter for me.
Its had its small problems here and there, but nothing unlike any car with close to 200,000 miles on it. This truck has not been babied by any means. Its been taken off road, through deep puddles, through fields, in the mud, red lined, oil not changed for thousands of miles past recommendations, brakes not changed until grinding, etc. I'm also just putting in new spark plugs tomorrow to replace the stock ones that came with the truck in 97... You get the idea I'm sure.
All in all, I wouldn't trade this truck in for the world, but I see that I'm one of the lucky ones after reading these forums. I just figured I would add some balance to the Blazer bashing...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th July, 2006
An "OK" car... with some problems!
Engine blew up at 138,000.
Antifreeze leak.
Replaced Radiator.
Gas pedal just started sticking.
Rear wiper blade hardly touches the window when on.
Paint on bumpers is fading off.
A/C needs a recharge often, AC smells bad when first turned on.
Passenger side mirror shakes bad when driving fast.
Oil pressure goes low at idle.
Oil pump went bad.
Lots of room inside.
Nice interior.
Not bad on gas.
Cruise Control works great.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 12th July, 2006
Has turned out to be a MONEY PIT
I am the original owner of a 1997 Blazer LT 4x4 with only 54,000 miles to date.
I just ran across this site while attempting to research my latest Blazer problem – oil cooler hoses/lines leaking. As another writer put it (in response to their Blazer problems) “it is like I wrote them myself"– I sure agree!!
I will not discuss every problem that I have encountered, as that would take way too long and be redundant with other comments on this board. The two problems that occurred in 2005 (at ONLY 49,000 miles) 1) Electronic Brake Control Module replacement ($$$) and 2) rusty transmission filler tube resulting in a complete transmission rebuild ($$$$) really earned it the name – MONEY PIT!!!
Both the Dealer and Chevrolet Customer Assistance insisted that since it was past the warranty in years (not miles) they would NOT provide any assistance. I was ensured that there was no recall or problem with the manufacturing of the product. I am interested in the message on 18th Feb. 2004 that talks about a recall for the rusty trans filler tube as I never received one and was told NO by both Chevrolet and the Dealer.
GM can count me as yet another loyal customer lost to the foreign competition!!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 20th May, 2006
I am a recent purchaser of a used 1997 Chevy Blazer LT... it has about 140,000 miles on it... I noticed the rust in the transmission filler tube as well... any input on this would be greatly appreciated...
Concerned Mopar fan with a last resort GM product.
Thank you all.
To author of “Rusty Transmission Filler Tube”… (dated 7/22/06 19:26)
Replace that rusty transmission filler tube NOW!!! The rust from the tube got inside the transmission and caused extensive slippage and wearing of the gears - per the Chevy Dealer. I have read other comments on this board that have had this same problem with their 1997 Blazer. The Chevy Dealer (and GM) insisted that there was no recall and they make a good product…RIGHT!!!
So…GET THAT TUBE REPLACED. GOOD LUCK!!
It is amazing you have 140,000 miles on your Blazer!!
I own a 1997 chevy blazer LT with 124,000 miles on it. The truck runs great. Never had a problem with it. A couple of months ago I drove it into and on top of a guardrail and the truck continued running.
Had the same problem turns out the EGR valve mounted on the front of the block was leaking... BAD... never the less all of the above problems rust dip stick, 6 heater cores, oil cooler lines, upper ball joints broke in half, rear end which may have been a fault of mine not chevy for once, oh and the Dex-Cool problem, there is a class action lawsuit involved in that ordeal... But the Rusty dip stick was recalled, along with the ball joints, but if you have over 100,000 they won't fix it...
18th Jul 2006, 20:24
To author of “Please do not waste time complaining about Rubber Hoses”… (dated 7/13/06 15:39)
Firstly, oil cooler lines are NOT a “Routine Maintenance Item” – check any GM maintenance program. Secondly, if that were the only problem I had experienced with this vehicle I would NOT have complained, written in, or given it the name MONEY PIT!!!
You neglected to comment on the two major problems I mentioned
1) Electronic Brake Control Module replacement ($$$) and 2) rusty transmission filler tube resulting in a complete transmission rebuild ($$$$) – I suppose you consider them routine maintenance as well, and would not mind paying for the replacement and rebuilding – if so, you deserve to own this vehicle and to be a GM customer.
Yes, I am realistic, and will be very realistic in my next choice of Motor Vehicles. It will NOT be a General Motors product!!!