2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT 4.2 Vortec

Summary:

The best SUV I've ridden in for comfort and the nicest looking one

Faults:

Noise in front upon start on a cold morning; sounds like a grind or a squeal to me. On a 0 degree morning the noise lasts about 10 seconds, gradually getting quieter until no sound. On a somewhat warmer day (10 degrees or so) the noise lasts a shorter time. I think at about 30 degrees there is no noise.

General Comments:

Dealer/mechanic has had the vehicle in 3 times to fix the problem; first put in a drive belt, second a belt tensioner, third changed out the power steering fluid to some 'Arctic' fluid. Now he claims the noise may still be there, but not nearly as bad. He also claims the noise will cause no damage down the road. In other words, he is telling me there is no problem. First day I had it home it was 0 degrees and the noise was every bit as bad. Now what?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th February, 2003

6th Jan 2004, 08:26

I just had the same problem with our 2003 Chevy Trailblazer. I never heard it until this morning. It sounds like the transmission or the transfer case. I did have it in AWD and 4Hi at times yesterday. The problem wouldn't go away even after I warmed it up. It took about a mile of driving to clear the sound. Coincidentally, it was 2 degrees outside this morning. I am researching it now and will take it to the dealer under warranty. Has this been a recurring issue with trailblazer owners? It is horrifying sound for such a new vehicle.

27th Jan 2004, 10:19

We've experienced the same problem on our 2002 Trailblazer. The dealer mechanic thinks it's in the power steering pump. He also went out into the lot and started a couple of 2004 Trailblazers and every one had the same problem. It doesn't manifest itself until the temperature drops below 10 or 12 degrees and seems to be directly related to engine RPM. You can hear the whine/grind/squeal increase in pitch as the engine RPM climbs. When the engine warms up, the problem goes away. We're considering a block heater or electric block heating blanket to alleviate the problem temporarily until a permanant fix comes available.

5th Aug 2004, 13:47

I live in Dallas Texas, our average temperatures are 80 to 100 degrees and I have had the same problems with my 2002 Trailblazer. The problems began after 25,000 miles and has gotten increasingly worse every month. The technicians do not seem to know how to fix the problems. I've taken it in for service twice.

17th Nov 2004, 11:44

My 2002 Trailblazer has a similar sound, but it is almost like the ticking you would hear when the oil is low. I brought it in to the dealer, and he tried to tell me it was supposed to sound like that because of some crazy named part that I would not have any understanding of. Anyway, has gotten worse since the transmission was replaced a few months ago at 29000 miles...

29th Nov 2004, 20:15

I have the same ticking noise on my 2002 Trailblazer. Ticking occurs anytime, doesn't last long and only started after 25,000 miles. Took to dealer they advised that GM said it was normal for the engine and was not detrimental to the engine. Going to continue to check on this problem, worried may cause problem after warranty is up in 2005.

2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LTZ 4.2 in-line 6 cylinder

Summary:

The vehicle is good, but the extra money to upgrade to the luxury LTZ is not best spent

Faults:

The heat only works when the digital temperature is set at 90 degrees.

The power mirror recall button fails to consistently function properly.

The rain sensing windshield wipers are sporadic.

General Comments:

The lateral support of the leather drivers seat is poor. The driver feels like they are leaning to the right and to the back. This is surprising based on the comfort of the top of the line leather seats in the Chevy Avalanche.

The noise of the heater fan is very distracting.

The seat belts are in a very difficult position to reach.

The running boards add to the appeal of the vehicle looks, but are in the way when trying to exit the vehicle.

The sunroof is extremely noisy when open in either position.

The vehicle has a smooth ride, but is a bit noisy at high speeds, wind noise, tire noise.

The v6 provides more than enough power for normal driving conditions, as well as, towing a boat.

The vehicle handles exceptionally well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th December, 2002

23rd Feb 2003, 18:47

You stated the vehicle had a V6 engine. That's wrong.

The Chevy Trailblazer came with only the one engine L6 4.2L. In 2003 the optional engine is a V8. The L6 4.2 liter engine has 270 hp, while the 2003 L6 4.2 has 275 hp. Odd the 2003 V8 only has 280 hp. and is available in the extended model.

Otherwise the article was very well written.

18th Mar 2007, 22:48

I'm thinking that this must be your first sunroof, because every sunroof is going to be noisy while open. If you don't like the noise keep it closed.