I too have encountered some of the same problems. I would also like to add to the list of problems: hood release latch is broken, driver's seat recline handle broke completely off, and air bag light stays on.
Right now, I cannot drive my 1997 Blazer. If I idle too long at an intersection, it dies. I found out that I need a new computer, which is supposed to be in tomorrow. This is after I had a new fuel pump installed. I hope that this fixes the problem. I cannot afford to maintain this vehicle.
Chevy 1999 S10 Blazer, deluxe package, bought new, "maintained" by a local chevy dealer.
Recurring transmission slip, until 15K past warranty,
then... transmission code (comes on and stays on with
the "clunk" that accompanies shift 1st->2nd gear. Looking
like major rebuild.
Vehicle useage: 99% on-road, city driving.
Other goodies:
Front end replaced.
Rear wiper non functional.
Interior door panels and mouldings ill fitting.
Engine oil coolant hoses leaking.
My Last vehicle was a '94 tahoe, strong as a tank, no problems.
Time for a new vehicle, thinking maybe a Toyota.
:(
I have a 97 chevy blazer and like most of you, I have encountered the same problems... I have changed the alternator out twice (once in 2000 cost me $299 at exxon station where it was towed, and again in April 2003, while driving from houston to austin, made it austin, payed $153 for part, $60 for labor) the paneling on the drivers and passengers side doors are falling apart... My drivers side mirror just broke off, I replaced it ($145 for part, had a body shop put it on ($30 for labor) and it looks like the passenger side mirror is on its way also... the brake light on the top of the tailgate just "cracked" all by itself ($90.00 for part, put it on myself)...now, the windshield wiper motor has failed numerous times and since I have 117,000 miles, its not covered by warranty... that will cost me $130 today... like some of you, the front end doesn't seem stable, the hood release latch works when it wants to and my ac compressor mysteriously developed a leak in it, which I never fixed, I just added sealant and coolant... and they (the government) continue to ask us to purchase american made and owned vehicles? Go figure.
Hi, I have been reading all the comments about the 97 Blazer and guess what? I have one too. I have had just about all these things break on my Blazer too. Right now, I am trying to decipher a new noise that sounds like a grinding when I get above 40-45 mph, so I am putt putting around town just to get where I am going. Someone said that my transfer case might need lubrication. Does anybody out there know? I have replaced wheel bearings all the way around, ball joints, and even the bushings, but to no avail. At least you know you are not alone.
http://pub76.ezboard.com/fchevyblazerownersfrm7.showMessage?topicID=1130.topic
General Motors 4L60E Preventive Maintenance Tip
The pressure regulator boost valve and it's sleeve should be replaced every 40,000 miles to avoid major damage that occurs when accumulated wear in the boost sleeve causes insufficient pressure to be made available in reverse. We are seeing too many major repairs of the 4L60E at around 50,000 plus miles being traced to this boost valve and sleeve. The valve and sleeve can be replaced easily during a routine service of the transmission at an additional cost of around $50.00. This should be considered a must do maintenance procedure on the 4L60E.
http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/edit/CFB/1/TID/462560/reply/yes/origpost/458383.cfm.
http://forums.pickuptruck.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB24&Number=145116&page=2&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1.
http://www.transbuilder.com/tour_forum.html.
http://www.usatransdoctor.com/DomesticCHEVYSELECandAnswers.htm#4L60E.
http://forums.vmag.com/ptck1500/messages/3960.html.
I purchased a 1997 Blazer about a year ago and it has been nothing but trouble. I've had the water pump replaced and major oil seals, valve cover and manifold leaks along with loose oil cooling water lines. The transmission shifts rough and I have a service engine light that stays on. This is because of a bad fuel injector pack that every 96,97,98 Blazer chronically has to replace. The going price is $587 for the pack and $360 for labor. I also have a passenger side mirror that just fell off. All these thing have been a problem since I bought the vehicle. I've talked to everybody up the ladder, but these people will not stand behind the product. All I can say is Never Again!
On my 1998 Blazer (purchased new), I've had to replace the passenger side front wheel bearing, I'm on my 3rd water pump and the windshield wipers (front & rear) quit working on occasion. There has been a grinding noise from the rear end or transmission since I bought it new and after taking it to 3 different dealers, they wouldn't do anything because they couldn't figure out what is wrong. I bought this vehicle for the 4x4 and size because I commute. My next vehicle will be used and hopefully these 'bugs' will have already been taken care of. Needless to say, I'm disappointed with GM & their dealers.
Reading all of the complaints and issues concerning the Chevy blazer- mine is a 1997- I am very disappointed to learn that- I too, am a "victim" - As I read each comment, I felt very much depressed to learn such bad concerns- My car just "shuts off/dies out when it is moving or idling @ a light/stop sign- For all I know- it might be the start of more problems- God, please help me. I would like to add, to all the following people that have submitted their comments- "thank you" for confirming -I have made a wrong decision and I can only pray to God that this car does not put me in a "major financial set-back" just to get it fixed- just to have another problem arise. I am speechless. I believed in "Buying American" and Believed in Chevy's Slogan "Built Chevy Tough!" I gave up on my "Korean Made Car -Dew Woo 2002" - Maybe, I should of kept my "Korean Car". How Depressing : (
My mom has a 1997 Blazer. Her transmission went out on it. Guy I now says the reverse gear that has a spline is fretted out. He says that GM had a different supplier on this certain gear and the properties of the gear was not correct. He was saying that the part was not annealed enough or something of that nature.
Just some good Info to pass Along.
Good Day.
Shane.
*Fixed transmission problem before it became an Problem***
I purchased a used 97 blazer back in 1999. I was originally looking at a 96 blazer and had my trusted repair shop look into it. What they found surprised me and them. It looked like someone had forced mud into the transmission. It was on the dipstick (as reddish muddy looking oil) and in the fluid itself. I took it back to the dealer, only to discover it was a known problem on 94-98 models. What would happen is that the tube and I believe dipstick actually would disintegrate into the oil! This *is* a known service bulletin type problem as known to GM.
The 96 blazer I was looking at was definitely a case for a transmission problem due to it, (my opinion), and I looked at a newer 97 (2/3 years old at the time) on the lot. It was just beginning to show the same affects as the 96 but to a much lessor extent. I made the dealership replace the tube, dipstick and do a transmission flush at 39K.
Since then the car has been my snow/beater car and has followed me out to California and driven the heat of the summer of 03. No major problems, except for a serpentine belt tightener breaking apart around 60K.
The doors seem to get a lot of vibration and the door panel rattles... but its not my show car. I have had no problems, but if I hadn't done the above work before buying the car, I would bet the transmission would have failed for me after 4 years of service easily.
I am still driving it; and today at 73K the alternator went out... but all GM alternators, fuel pumps, and water pumps begin to go out at 70K'sh miles... as per my experiances...$159 rebuilt 90 warranty btw.
I am the owner of a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4 Door, 4wd 4.3 vortec V6. The problem that really concerns me with my truck is the transmission. The service engine light is on/off now for about 1 year and 40,000 miles. Whenever I drive a trip longer than 30 miles, my trans will kick hard into second, sometimes even 3rd, which sounds more like a nasty clank when shifting to third. Although if I turn the truck off, then back on, the kicking stops temporarily. I don't have $$ yet to fix the problem yet. Does anyone have the remedy for this problem so I don't get scammed out of money by a mechanic? Please post any/all remedies for this problem. I realize I'm not alone, and everyone would appreciate remedies. The problem began around 80,000 miles, just outside warranty, and I'm now at 127,000 miles. PLEASE respond. GM should stand behind their products!!! I was a die hard Chevy person, now am considering everything, but Chevrolet-Way to go GM. Sincerely, J.M.R.
I have a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer that has had to have 3 water pumps, fuel injector, fuel pump, passenger side mirror replaced, driver's side is ready to tumble off, transmission leak, fan clutch, etc. I have spent numerous dollars on this vehicle. I have been a life long Chevrolet owner as well as all 11 of my siblings and parents. My brother-in-law is a fleet salesman for Chevrolet and has been for over 25 years. He said that they have had numerous Blazer's in the shop and traded in for the same reasons. However, I am jumping ship the first of next year into a foreign vehicle because of its reliability and excellent ratings received.
98 Blazer 4door LS 4x4, 83000 miles. I had the tranny looked at for the same reason as everyone else. Seriously hard clunking from 1st to 2nd gear. Local tranny shop said it's the valve body and took care of replacing it and flushing the system for just about $300. I had the radiator fluid flushed which was so choked full of black Dex cool I'm surprised it worked. Ball joints and springs are shot. It has never been off road although I pull a small (1200lb) fishing boat with it. It's allegedly rated for 5000lbs. 3rd GM I've owned and 3rd with tranny problems. Last GM I'll ever own.
I am a very happy owner of a 1997 Chevy Blazer with 165,000 miles I have had to change the transmission at 145,000 miles. I tune the truck up on shedule and change the fluids at regular intervals. The egr does seem to be a problem about evey 20,000 miles. Don't CHANGE IT. Try removing and cleaning it with carburetor cleaner it works and only cost $3.I love this truck chevy for life.
My husband was tricked into buying a 1997 4x4 blazer by an greedy and deceitful car dealership in August. We have had so many problems with the car that I can't even begin to name them off. It began giving us trouble upon the FIRST day, the dealership refused giving us a refund and said they would fix the problems, but of course this was a lie. I kept on them to stand by their promise and they responded by threatening to sue me for "harassment"!
We now have a $9000.00 bank loan hovering over us which we have to pay on for years to come, plus the monthly repair expenses that continue to arise. This thing is a total nightmare! Has anyone thought of filing a class action lawsuit against GM?