25th Feb 2008, 09:30
I'm glad I found these posts. I have a 2002 and currently have the same no start problems as described here: battery works, but won't start. I just had it at the dealership last week for some valve/gas cap service engine light problems. Then the very next time I try to drive it, dead. Now my question is how do I shift this out of park? It is in my garage a the the top of a steep driveway. Will the tow truck driver know how to do this? According to the manual there should be an orange lever next to to the shifter to unlock it, but there is nothing down in there.
25th Feb 2008, 20:10
I have a 2003 LT Trailblazer. I have about 96K. Last year I had the starter replaced. Had no problems since. However, today I sat in the car and used the cigarette lighter to power up my laptop computer. I didn't turn the engine on while doing it. So I decided I would take a ride to the store and get a soda. Well when I went to turn the ignition it didn't start there was a clicking noise, but the car still had power. All of the lights came on. Oh and by the way one of my headlights went out the other day. Also, my brake light went out. (I had to mention it as I heard someone else say that). Then I attempted to have someone jump start me and nothing. Still stubborn I decided that it was going to magically start. So I put the key in there and this time the clicking stopped no lights and all the power was gone. The key was stuck in the ignition (still in there I hope someone steals it after reading all these posts.) The power locks don't work. I had to manually lock each door. I planned on getting a battery tomorrow, but now I don't know. This is unbelievable. I will bookmark this site and post again if and when I resolve. First thing I will try is the battery and the ignition...
8th Mar 2008, 10:34
We have 2003 TB EXT with the V8... it started having the same problem of not starting about a year ago. Ask the dealer to look into it while they were fixing the instrument cluster problem (but that's another thread). Since it would start for them, they did could not diagnose it - no codes in the computer. Curious about how long will it last if the ignition switch is replaced?
8th Mar 2008, 16:29
02 TB Austin TX post above fix -
Hi all, well did not start yesterday when the weather warmed.
I called dealership and got a $194 quote plus $80 to tow. They would probably not have it out before Tuesday next week.
Got onto craigslist (www.craigslist.org), searched for a mobile mechanic, found several posts. Called a couple. They said the book says an ignition switch was 2 hours, but both I talked to said they had noted it to be really 1.5 hours. They both said that there were good switches available for $40 and they would bring it. One could come out this morning and the other was booked till Monday, so I had the Saturday guy come out. His total cost to replace the ignition switch would be $140 including part and tax.
He showed up with a GM ignition switch. I told him what I found here on this site, and he said he would replace the switch, but would like to troubleshoot it a bit. Fine by me.
He tore down the column. I told him about the yellow wire post and he said that was a wire for the theft system and it did not apply to my TB. He checked a plastic plug-in electrical part that was in a prior post here; they talked about it could have been just stopped in the wrong spot. It was fine.
He got an amp or voltage tester, and checked to see that power was coming from the ignition. It seemed fine to him. He asked if he could pop the hood. Well sure! At this point I am thinking oh boy here comes the starter-replace-$500 routine, but in another minute the car started!!
He said that he was going to check it to see if the starter was getting power, and noticed that the wire connecting to it was a little loose. Tightened it up and there you go.
He said he would replace the switch if I wanted him to, but he suggested not doing it. So I didn't.
Total cost was $50! What a great service. No tow, no jacking with me, No lying to me. My second Craigslist happy moment. Well my third, I guess. I sold my motor home there in two days.
Fight big businesses that just jacks us around, and give your money to someone who is just trying to pay their bills! I hope this helps someone.
10th Mar 2008, 14:26
Our 2003 trailblazer also doing the no start. It is at the dealers for the second time after stranding my husband at work. At least the first time it happened it was in our driveway. The dealers can't do anything because it starts when it is there. This is a HUGE issue for me and I am not quite sure what to do at this point. A lot of you are saying starter/anti theft. I will try to point them in that direction.
29th Mar 2008, 13:22
Hello all I have the same no start problem... it all started when my battery died so I replaced it and after this still no start had it towed to the dealership, they replaced the ignition and it works but 7 months later I disconnected the battery to install the battery cover...no start so I'm in the same boat I was in 7 months ago... its time to trade it in!
Morris.
19th Feb 2008, 11:49
Hello again: The 2004 Trailblazer here in Wisconsin has been towed to the local Chevy dealer. I just received a phone call from them wanting $485.00 to replace the starter, yeah $485.00. $315 for the part, $90 for labor, and $45 for the tow, plus taxes.
Most of you out there can get this done for a lot cheaper if you do it yourself. After market starters run about $110.00 to 130.00 before shipping etc.
Look at the warranty also. Chevy is giving me a 12-month 12,000 mile warranty. The tow charge is on me and the labor charge isn't too bad, but the starter charge is crazy. If I had the time I would do it myself.
Beware, my wife worked for GM/Chevy for a couple of years. If you don't ask them about a recall they won't cough it up and will take your money. ASK ASK ASK about recall.
Additionally do not buy a rebuilt starter unless you get a warranty. Rebuilt starters are good for hobby cars, but not for cars that must start when it's -15 and you have a child in the car. Don't chance it.
The biggest problem we have in getting our cars fixed is the fact we don't go down a list of questions before we commit to the fix. Ask a million questions if you must its your money and they know it. If you take two hours to make up your mind then take it.