New to the Trailblazer

[taxman82]

I just recently purchased an 03 Trailblazer with the 4.2 L6. It has a bunch of miles (169,000) but was a one owner and was a steal for the price. It replaced an aging 1990 GMC Jimmy (K5 Blazer) with so much rust it got dangerous to drive. This is our third vehicle and basically takes me to work and back.

Anyway I have had a few problems including the need to replace the thermostat because of the low temperature code. The rear shocks were shot and the throttle body needed a good cleaning. Runs great now.

Other items of concern are the front struts, the front stabilizer bushings, and possibly the front hubs. Apparently there is a stored code for a lost single on the front right speed sensor but no ABS or SES lights. So I am holding off on those for the moment.

Without knowing much else about the history of this ride what else should I look out for?

Finally I wanted to say thank you to everyone that has posted their results because they have been extremely helpful.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by taxman82

I just recently purchased an 03 Trailblazer with the 4.2 L6. It has a bunch of miles (169,000) but was a one owner and was a steal for the price. It replaced an aging 1990 GMC Jimmy (K5 Blazer) with so much rust it got dangerous to drive. This is our third vehicle and basically takes me to work and back.

Anyway I have had a few problems including the need to replace the thermostat because of the low temperature code. The rear shocks were shot and the throttle body needed a good cleaning. Runs great now.

Other items of concern are the front struts, the front stabilizer bushings, and possibly the front hubs. Apparently there is a stored code for a lost single on the front right speed sensor but no ABS or SES lights. So I am holding off on those for the moment.

Without knowing much else about the history of this ride what else should I look out for?

Finally I wanted to say thank you to everyone that has posted their results because they have been extremely helpful.

Replace stat.
You maybe in for a shock change.
Some stats and a pipe/housing that comes with it are high priced and take over several hrs to replace on Trail Blazer.
Clear ABS code and see if it comes back.
Look over belts and hoses and spark plugs and filters and brake pads.
Transfer case fluid and transmission fluid should be serviced if not done.
The coolant should be changed /flushed ever 3 years or 50K not the GM 5-7 year 150K to long service.

Do you regular maintiance and drive it.
Good Luck

[Schurkey]

If it's a 4X4, you can pretty much expect to have to replace/rebuild the actuator bolted to the side of the engine oil pan.

The gears and bearings inside are a known trouble spot. Initial symptoms are whine/growl especially when in 4 wheel drive; sometimes with much reduced whine/growl when in Automatic 4 wheel drive but not completely engaged.

The typical "fix" is to buy a rebuilt unit, and simply switch the defective one for the rebuilt one. I think the replacement cost me about $425 two years ago; and I installed it myself. Prying the old one out of the oil pan is the worst part of the job. It's a loose "press fit", but the two aluminum parts corrode together and become a bitch to separate.

[chevy_29]

Originally Posted by taxman82

I just recently purchased an 03 Trailblazer with the 4.2 L6. It has a bunch of miles (169,000) but was a one owner and was a steal for the price. It replaced an aging 1990 GMC Jimmy (K5 Blazer) with so much rust it got dangerous to drive. This is our third vehicle and basically takes me to work and back.

Anyway I have had a few problems including the need to replace the thermostat because of the low temperature code. The rear shocks were shot and the throttle body needed a good cleaning. Runs great now.

Other items of concern are the front struts, the front stabilizer bushings, and possibly the front hubs. Apparently there is a stored code for a lost single on the front right speed sensor but no ABS or SES lights. So I am holding off on those for the moment.

Without knowing much else about the history of this ride what else should I look out for?

Finally I wanted to say thank you to everyone that has posted their results because they have been extremely helpful.

I have a 03 trailblazer LS 4.2 4x2 and i am going to have to replace the ends on the stablizer bar on the front. every bump u hit it pops real loud from both sides. One thing i have found out from several people is to not fill up with gas with engine running and to make sure temp is right. I did not know the motor havin the wrong temp could cause sucj a ruckus. I started using synthetic oil in the motor and I think that makes some what of a differance too. The front stablizer ends cost me $22.00 a piece. Have you cleaned the throttle body yet? All in all i am pleased with the small inline 6 banger. I have to try to get the gas mileage up on this one. $10.00 will take you about 35 to 40 miles. Thats with gas being $3.30 here.

[taxman82]

Thanks everyone. I have a few things left to do. Like Chevy 29 I have to do the front stabilizer ends. I have already cleaned the TB because it was stalling with the air on after I disconnected the battery. It was pretty nasty in there.

Thermostat was done Friday. God is that a pain.. Somebody at GM really screwed up that placement. Yuck..

Upcoming this weekend or next:
1) Front brakes including rotors.
2) Fuel Filter.
3) Front stabilizer ends.


Overall for almost 170,000 miles now it runs really well. The motor is perfectly smooth and my wife likes it better than the 2011 Malibu we bought. Hum.. almost makes me wish we bought a newer one with less miles. Oh well see how far this takes me. Thanks for all the suggestions.