People tend to use their Chevrolet Trailblazers as the motoring equivalent of a Swiss army knife, because they can do pretty much anything. And, of course, they look rugged while doing so. But owning and running a Chevy Trailblazer comes at a price, because as with most SUVs, it isn’t the cheapest to run. Problem. However, it’s a problem that Haynes can help with, because we’ve stripped down and rebuilt a Chevrolet Trailblazer so can help to guide you through any issue it may have. And that means that you don’t have to spend out your hard-earned on labor charges at your local workshop.
What recalls has the Chevrolet Trailblazer been subject to?
The Chevrolet Trailblazer has been back to the workshop a few times.
One time it was recalled because of a potentially faulty driver’s airbag. Worryingly, a whole load of early cars were recalled because of some missing welds in the floorpan.
Faulty turn signal control units caused more than 268,000 vehicles to be recalled, and then a faulty windscreen wiper module caused another trip back to Chevy dealerships.
Child restraint anchorage points that failed to conform to specifications prompted another recall, then GM decided that some vehicles had front brake pipes that had been damaged during manufacture, so wanted to replace the pipes.
What common problems does the Chevrolet Trailblazer Mk1 have?
Some examples have drawn complaints because they have tailgate glass that proves difficult to close.
Then, at precisely the opposite end of the car, the Trailblazer can develop a rattle from under the hood.
The front end is the source of another issue, because the steering can emit a groan and can shudder when you’re making low-speed turns, such as when you’re parking. Not ideal, because everybody has to park somewhere at the end of every single journey.
The electric windows of the Trailblazer have also been known to have the odd glitch, most notably a popping noise when the window is raised.
It’s great when the blower motor is running to keep you cool on the move, but not so much if it keeps going even after you’ve shut off the ignition. But that’s what happens in some Chevy Trailblazers.
Does the Chevrolet Trailblazer have tailgate problems?
It can do, yes. The main issue is that the weather strip around the tailgate can become stiff over time, and prevent the glass from closing. You don’t want to keep trying ever harder to shut the glass because at some point it’s going to break.
However, help is at hand. Chevrolet has developed a repair kit that includes a new, softer weather strip and a shim for the for the window handle.
All you need do is consult your Haynes Trailblazer manual for the procedures on how to replace the weather strip and how to remove the handle and insert the shim. We’ve done both, so you don’t need to worry. It’s all there.
Does the Chevy Trailblazer have rattling problems?
We’re afraid so. Any Trailblazer can develop a rattle from under the hood, which becomes worse when you’re driving on rougher roads.
The problem is that the hood latch can become improperly adjusted, which allows the hood to vibrate slightly, causing a deeply irritating rattle and clunk from ahead of you.
The solution is to prop up the hood, remove the grille and the left and right rubber bumpers, loosen the hood latch bolts then to shut the hood as normal. Apply pressure to the hood and retighten the hood latch bolts to the3 specified torque.
All of this is covered, with illustrations, in your Haynes Trailblazer manual, so there’s no need to feel apprehensive.
Does the Chevrolet Trailblazer have steering problems?
Unless you’re fortunate enough to just be able to drive straight up to your front door, every journey is going to end with you turning the wheel to park you Chevrolet Trailblazer. And that’s when the steering system has been known to moan, groan and cause the odd shudder. Not a great lasting impression to be left with every time you get out of your pride and joy.
The only solution is to replace the steering gear with a redesigned part (no 88965356 for short-wheelbase trucks, and no 88967181 on long-wheelbase trucks).
We at Haynes have carried out this procedure, so we’ll be right there, helping every step of the way. It’s a pretty long job but you’ll save a ton of money by doing it yourself.
Does the Chevrolet Trailblazer Mk1 have window problems?
When you pull the switch to raise the electric windows on your Trailblazer, you don’t want to hear a popping noise. A popping noise and glass make very uncomfortable companions.
The problem lies with the plastic guide portion of the window regulator. And the good news is that you don’t even have to replace the regulator.
All you need to do is invest in some BSR tape (part no: KT13485), which will cost less than a dollar, then just remove the relevant door trim, put some tape over the part of the regulator that is contacting the glass, and hey presto – no more popping.
We’ve removed door trims and windows in the Haynes Trailblazer manual (and we’ve even put them back again, too!), so just follow what we did and away you go.
Does the Chevy Trailblazer have blower problems?
It’s fair to say the blower motor in the Chevrolet Trailblazer can be slightly ‘independent’ in its thinking sometimes. That’s because on occasions it refuses to work at all, and on others it keeps going even when everything else has been shut down. Basically, it’s like an electrical teenager.
The problem lies with the blower motor control module, which needs to be replaced. But we’ve been there, done that, and it’s no big deal to swap it out for a new one. Just follow the words and pictures in the relevant procedure in the Haynes Trailblazer manual and it should present you with no problems.