4th Sep 2008, 22:12

2003 Olds Bravada -- NO START -- only 60,000 miles

This was a one owner with an excellent record history -- all records since it had 10 miles on it from the dealer! Plus I've spoken with the service manager who's "taken care" of this Bravada; and that's why I bought it. That said, we drove it home 3+ hours away -- had no problems whatsoever...

THEN, about 3 weeks later, got in started it... and suddenly just died about 20-30 seconds after starting it -- realized the speedometer needle "jumped" as did the other gages' needles (I believe -- seems like I saw them jump out of the corner of my eye). Anyway, it was as if I just turned it OFF. I have power to everything else -- lights, radio, horn, etc. I have pulled the battery, checked cables and checked voltage to fuse blocks. Absolutely no sign of life in the start position. Of course, like I think I read in a write up, I too can't get it out of Park. (With the ignition switch on and foot on brake -- nothing -- still locked in park!)

I've had two different dealer service departments say that it may well be the anti-theft system -- "we've had some problems in that area, and sounds like that might be your problem..." AND then they say they'll have to haul it in, hook up a scan tool to override it and reprogram it..." But then one said: "... or it could be a bad ECM, Body Module, etc."

OK, so this is my 3rd OBDII vehicle and I'm now at the point of upgrading my shop to an OBDII scan tool to accommodate these vehicles, HOWEVER, I'm still looking around for the "best" scan equipment without spending "too" much. Any suggestions out there?

Has anyone else had a similar problem that ended up being the anti-theft program? Seems like most of the posts that I have read so far have had to do with issues involving the ignition switch. Of course, having read of all that have had that problem, I will certainly be looking at mine now too. That would certainly be an easy fix if that's all it is -- and that's relatively easy to check. Guess I really got tunnel vision after 2 dealers sent me down the anti-theft path! IN all my GM cars (and I've been almost exclusively GM since the 60s) I've never once had a bad ignition switch (other than to replace one that I've kept -- '73 Toronado -- from just plain wear n tear of 30 years of use!) Thanks! skramer879@aol.com.

21st Sep 2008, 22:44

Have a 2003 Trailblazer, will not start at all, have turned over, replaced electric ignition switch and this didn't cure the problem. Also noticed the reverse lights will not come on when put in reverse gear and the gear indicator does not show, but checked all fuses and relays and all are good. The battery was tested and charged and so was the alternator. Can someone help me with this as I am lost and can't not afford to put in a shop. You can contact me at cap051660@yahoo.com, Chris Pope.

29th Sep 2008, 15:37

2003 Chevy Trail Blazer, melted wire harness on low bean passenger side. Anyone know of a recall or TSB for this?

Tom, 201-218-2709.

4th Oct 2008, 19:46

OK, This is just crazy. I think I will contact GM and try to get assistance - I noticed one poster said GM said they would pay for repairs.

I have an '03 Trailblazer which was bought in '04 resale. I love the truck and have had NO problems at all with it. It now has approx 85k miles on it.

Today, I got in the truck, using remote entry, and when I put the key in the ignition, the seat started moving to its "memory" position, then everything just died. No Nothing! Not even hazard lights. And the key was stuck in the ignition. I thought I had done something to the security, and the manual was NO help! My husband came and jumpstarted it, so I then went directly toward WalMart to get a new battery... I noticed on the way that display lights were flickering slightly, then got to a red light and the thing just died. My husband wasn't far behind, so jumpstarted it again. Bought a new battery, now when you turn the key, all electrical turns on, but the car just won't start. No clicking or any funny noises, just no spark.

We are going to try some of the "tricks" posted here, including searching craigslist =) and will post results. I am SOOOO frustrated that so many seem to have the same problem and can get no recall from GM.

Please let me know if there are any other tips out there and good luck to all of you!

5th Oct 2008, 10:32

Hi GM Lovers :)

I own a 2003 Chev Trailblazer with the same ignition problem... I think. Lots of battery power, everything lights up like Xmas before each start with the exception that I don't know if we're going to have lift off or not. It's hit and miss when this will happen; sometimes mornings when the engine is cold and others when it's mid day and the vehicle has been driven for hours...??...

I've had it to the dealers several times and they have not a clue because they can't replicate the problem, so they say.

The vehicle is unreliable and will be my last domestic. After reading the posts, which I sure appreciate, I don't know what to do next... maybe sell the truck. Good luck to all.

TJC.

5th Oct 2008, 10:38

Additional starter comments...

Sorry GM & Chev Fans... forgot to also support a total recall of the ignition switches on all GM and Chev products with this problem.

Please someone tell me that GM & Chev don't read this stuff? Also, their mechanics surely must go to the net when they can't resolve a problem like this?? Duh!!

We as consumers of their products deserve better service and no crap.

TJC.

5th Oct 2008, 16:31

I can put my key in an out of the ignition switch but it will not turn at all. The inside lights will come on but that's it. I cannot turn the key at all. Any answers?

6th Oct 2008, 21:11

I have a 2003 Trailblazer LT. I got in it tonight and a terrible screeching noise was coming from the drivers wheel, it sounded like metal scrapping the pavement but there was nothing there. Forward and backward it did this, and it stopped as quick as it started. Any ideas? Just had brakes put on last month.

9th Oct 2008, 18:35

Hi,

Found this page while trying to find an answer for our '03 Trailblazer problem. We too have intermittent starting problems. I get in turn the key, lights, radio, everything except power. If we leave it sit for a while, turn the key, it starts right up. Had it to our Chevy dealer. At first they thought it was an ignition switch, but when they were trying to install it, they said things went crazy and it wouldn't start for them. By the time they got the computer hooked back up to it, it started again. They tried it again about 100 times and it started every time. I know it's going to let me sitting somewhere again. Any suggestions at all?