Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-90, 91-105, 106-117
I thought I was going crazy until I saw this site. A couple of weeks ago I started my '02 Trail Blazer to a dead control panel. My gauges were all stuck on "0", no odometer. My turn signal lights would come on, that's it, so I drove to work that way. Started it at lunch time, it was fine after that. The other day I pulled out of my drive and it died on me. Turned the key, all my power would come on, the gauges were going all over the board. I couldn't get it in Neutral to push it. I finally got it to start back up so I could get it back in my garage. Took it to the shop the next day, the computer pointed to a bad ignition switch. Replaced that ($191 total). We will see how long that fix lasts. I did have my headlight go out on me about a month ago. Had to replace the whole light for about $350.
I was just about to purchase a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer with 65k miles for about 6k, but now I'm having second thoughts. Has anyone been able to fix the starting up problem??? Wow, I guess my next option will have to be a Nissan Pathfinder or Ford Explorer; too bad since I like the look of the TB :(
I have a 2006 Trailblazer. It has the same problem. Took it to the dealer when I was having trouble starting it and the car wouldn't act up. Then finally it died at the store and would not even come out of park to get it on the tow truck. It was the ignition switch.
I was able to fix mine by getting the starter switch or ignition switch replaced, no problems since then. I will never by another Chevy though if/when I get a new car. 6k for a 2003 with 65k miles sounds cheap, is something wrong with it?
2004 Trailblazer -- Have been too many chevy dealers --ignition switch replaced twice and starter replaced. Go out today and it won't start again. Need to replace Trailblazer.
Has anyone had engine problems on their 2003 Trailblazer? At 64,000 miles I just had mine replaced for $8000. I was told the #2 piston exploded in the engine necessitating replacement. I was out of state and at their mercy. Any similar problems?
I came to this website looking for answers regarding my 03 Trailblazer and its alternator issue.
In May the alternator spontaneously caught on fire as we were leaving a restaurant shorting out a battery cable. Luckily we were in the driveway of the restaurant and not on the highway and my husband was able to get the fire out.
It was towed to the dealership, the alternator was replaced along with the battery cable. No problems and running fine for 7 weeks then on my way home from the lake the "battery not charging" light came on. I called OnStar and the diagnostic determined for some reason the battery was losing power and not charging. I made it home and let it sit on Sunday. On Monday morning I headed to the dealership and made it to within 1 mile before it died. It had to be towed again. The battery and alternator had to be replaced that time. I had the dealership check out the electrical system to see if there was something shorting out the alternator. They said nothing was wrong with it. They also checked with GM to see if other dealerships were having a lot of issues with alternators. There were none. At this point I am just hoping to get past the 2 month mark. I have not had any other problems with the Trailblazer before this.
I own a 03 Chevy Trail Blazer, I believe we purchased it in 04. I go to turn the vehicle on today, and nothing happens. Then my husband thinks I'm joking and he tries...NOTHING!! I drove it on Friday and I don't recall leaving anything on. Even though my husband is telling me I left a light on. But, I don't remember turning on any lights especially during the daylight. And, I know the lights come on automatically. So, I have no clue what's wrong it. My keys are stuck and won't come out. I really don't feel like spending thousands of dollars just to tow the vehicle. So, my husband is going to buy a battery and hopefully that's the problem. We've never had a problem wtih this vehicle until today. Even though the cd player won't play my burnt or purchased cds.
I have a 2003 Trailblazer V6 engine.
Battery died a few months ago after listening to the radio while mowing the lawn (not too smart I know).
I had a company come out and jump start the truck. Ran fine for 2 months, then suddenly (note cold weather outside) this morning it wouldn't start at all. Had a company come out to jump start the truck (not the same company), the technician put the leads on and the posts sparked but the truck started.
Great! I think. Until I drove to work. Windows wouldn't roll down, no radio, cannot lock the truck, no interior lights, air conditioning won't work (by then it was warming up outside).
At work I had our Maintenance tech's look at it. We checked all fuses, none blown. Then one of the tech's looked on automotive forum and found someone else with the same problem. The 125 amp "mega" fuse was blown. Drove it to the dealer, part costs $15, drove it to the auto repair shop where a nice guy replaced it for me for $10 after a long conversation about how it couldn't possibly be the main fuse.
Aside from that, other issues I've had with this Trailblazer; gear shifter won't transfer gears without slamming it up and down (something must be stripped), keys won't come out of the ignition periodically, tail lights & head lights frequently blown, weird sounds coming from the engine, the "service engine light" has stayed on for about 3 years (dealer can't find the problem), strange grinding noises when I stop the truck, and lastly the gas mileage is HORRIBLE.
Time for a new vehicle, this time NOT a GM product and NOT a GAS HOG.
Good afternoon all.
I ran into the same issue as everyone else with my 2003 Trailblazer two weeks ago and then again yesterday and today. The truck would not start but after 10 minutes of trying the car would go on. I called GM and they were clueless. After reading this whole post I'll be taking my car tomorrow to have the ignition switch replaced. Will keep everyone posted...
Thanks again for the great info from everyone.
2003 Olds Bravada -- NO START -- only 60,000 miles
This was a one owner with an excellent record history -- all records since it had 10 miles on it from the dealer! Plus I've spoken with the service manager who's "taken care" of this Bravada; and that's why I bought it. That said, we drove it home 3+ hours away -- had no problems whatsoever...
THEN, about 3 weeks later, got in started it... and suddenly just died about 20-30 seconds after starting it -- realized the speedometer needle "jumped" as did the other gages' needles (I believe -- seems like I saw them jump out of the corner of my eye). Anyway, it was as if I just turned it OFF. I have power to everything else -- lights, radio, horn, etc. I have pulled the battery, checked cables and checked voltage to fuse blocks. Absolutely no sign of life in the start position. Of course, like I think I read in a write up, I too can't get it out of Park. (With the ignition switch on and foot on brake -- nothing -- still locked in park!)
I've had two different dealer service departments say that it may well be the anti-theft system -- "we've had some problems in that area, and sounds like that might be your problem..." AND then they say they'll have to haul it in, hook up a scan tool to override it and reprogram it..." But then one said: "... or it could be a bad ECM, Body Module, etc."
OK, so this is my 3rd OBDII vehicle and I'm now at the point of upgrading my shop to an OBDII scan tool to accommodate these vehicles, HOWEVER, I'm still looking around for the "best" scan equipment without spending "too" much. Any suggestions out there?
Has anyone else had a similar problem that ended up being the anti-theft program? Seems like most of the posts that I have read so far have had to do with issues involving the ignition switch. Of course, having read of all that have had that problem, I will certainly be looking at mine now too. That would certainly be an easy fix if that's all it is -- and that's relatively easy to check. Guess I really got tunnel vision after 2 dealers sent me down the anti-theft path! IN all my GM cars (and I've been almost exclusively GM since the 60s) I've never once had a bad ignition switch (other than to replace one that I've kept -- '73 Toronado -- from just plain wear n tear of 30 years of use!) Thanks! skramer879@aol.com.
Have a 2003 Trailblazer, will not start at all, have turned over, replaced electric ignition switch and this didn't cure the problem. Also noticed the reverse lights will not come on when put in reverse gear and the gear indicator does not show, but checked all fuses and relays and all are good. The battery was tested and charged and so was the alternator. Can someone help me with this as I am lost and can't not afford to put in a shop. You can contact me at cap051660@yahoo.com, Chris Pope.
2003 Chevy Trail Blazer, melted wire harness on low bean passenger side. Anyone know of a recall or TSB for this?
Tom, 201-218-2709.
OK, This is just crazy. I think I will contact GM and try to get assistance - I noticed one poster said GM said they would pay for repairs.
I have an '03 Trailblazer which was bought in '04 resale. I love the truck and have had NO problems at all with it. It now has approx 85k miles on it.
Today, I got in the truck, using remote entry, and when I put the key in the ignition, the seat started moving to its "memory" position, then everything just died. No Nothing! Not even hazard lights. And the key was stuck in the ignition. I thought I had done something to the security, and the manual was NO help! My husband came and jumpstarted it, so I then went directly toward WalMart to get a new battery... I noticed on the way that display lights were flickering slightly, then got to a red light and the thing just died. My husband wasn't far behind, so jumpstarted it again. Bought a new battery, now when you turn the key, all electrical turns on, but the car just won't start. No clicking or any funny noises, just no spark.
We are going to try some of the "tricks" posted here, including searching craigslist =) and will post results. I am SOOOO frustrated that so many seem to have the same problem and can get no recall from GM.
Please let me know if there are any other tips out there and good luck to all of you!
Hi GM Lovers :)
I own a 2003 Chev Trailblazer with the same ignition problem... I think. Lots of battery power, everything lights up like Xmas before each start with the exception that I don't know if we're going to have lift off or not. It's hit and miss when this will happen; sometimes mornings when the engine is cold and others when it's mid day and the vehicle has been driven for hours...??...
I've had it to the dealers several times and they have not a clue because they can't replicate the problem, so they say.
The vehicle is unreliable and will be my last domestic. After reading the posts, which I sure appreciate, I don't know what to do next... maybe sell the truck. Good luck to all.
TJC.