30th Jul 2003, 18:37

*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.

7th Aug 2003, 23:18

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.

2nd Sep 2003, 13:12

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.

13th Jan 2004, 12:00

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.

28th Jul 2004, 21:10

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?

18th Sep 2004, 08:11

We bought the 97 Blazer new and just recently replaced the fuel pump and wiper card. I figure after 8 years, $200 in parts is acceptable. I've been told to keep atleast 1/4 tank of gas as a heat sink and the in-tank fuel pump will run cooler and last longer.

10th Nov 2004, 13:34

Have had a recurring problem with lack of heat in my 1998 Blazer. The first time I was told it was a clogged heater core, the second time it was a bad thermostat, the third time it was the heater core being plugged again, same news the 4th and 5th time. I've been told by my local Chevy dealer that just one of those things that happens and I may have to have the heater core replaced. In reading different forums this seems to be a popular problem. I know I will never by a Chevrolet again.

30th Jan 2005, 16:13

I've got a 98' LS, 140K. Love it.

The tranny did go out at 94K so I got a new one for free under the warranty. My mother didn't raise any fools: I bought from dealer in 2001 with 80K miles... high mileage for a 3-4 yr old car so I insisted on new car warranty... paid off big-time).

Used cars are bargains at a certain age, but I would ONLY buy with a new warranty from a dealer, never from an independent or an individual. Warranties work.

The AC was a problem last Summer... bad news. Chev mechanics with AC expertise are apparently rare. Fixed OK, lots of hassle, cost me $800. Tough.

The way I see it, if you want an SUV you can suffer with a Chev or go for something much worse from Dodge or Ford or Nissan (or worse from Asia), all of which have bigger problems than Chev (bad fundamental engineering, bad suspensions, bad electronics), or you can buy a Toyota.

I DO use this car 4wd, haul trailers occasionally, and I don't baby it.

We have to remember that it's only a wussy SUV, not a real truck or off road vehicle. Two steps up from Explorer. Good for dirt roads and occasional getting stuck, nothing heavier.

If you think you have it bad, ask somebody with a Hummer and a few beers in him.