2003 Trailblazer Recalls

[Chris Murphy]

To all who are interested, GM has recalled some trailblazers for a variety of reasons. For example, I recently was sent a letter regarding my child safety restraints. My truck was being recalled. However, whatever database the dealerships use the information was not be uploaded. GM will not update the systems so you might need to call the customer service telephone number.

[burly]

One such example:

My parents own a 2003 TB LS that "shimmied" so to speak at about 60mph, it wasn't a lot, but definitely noticeable, especially through the gas pedal. After several trips to the dealership, GM was contacted and apparently there is a recall for the rear springs, that cause vibrations to pass through the transmission at around 60mph. This recall wasn't mailed out to TB owners and is simply on a "if you have this problem and find out there is a recall, then we will do something about it" basis. Anyways, the dealership replaced both rear springs under warranty and the problem seems to be a lot better if not totally gone.

[Bullethole]

This is why I like these forums. My new TB will shimmy at about 60 mph behind a truck or other large vehicle. It is very noticeable but I thought it was just me. It feels like the back end is "wagging" and the idea that the springs are too soft makes sense. I have never had a vehicle large or small act this way. Thanks for the info.

[Chris Murphy]

Originally Posted by Bullethole

This is why I like these forums. My new TB will shimmy at about 60 mph behind a truck or other large vehicle. It is very noticeable but I thought it was just me. It feels like the back end is "wagging" and the idea that the springs are too soft makes sense. I have never had a vehicle large or small act this way. Thanks for the info.

Thanks for that information. I have noticed my will do a little dance around 45-60 mph. I will take it to the dealership to have them change the springs as well.

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by burly

One such example:

My parents own a 2003 TB LS that "shimmied" so to speak at about 60mph, it wasn't a lot, but definitely noticeable, especially through the gas pedal. After several trips to the dealership, GM was contacted and apparently there is a recall for the rear springs, that cause vibrations to pass through the transmission at around 60mph. This recall wasn't mailed out to TB owners and is simply on a "if you have this problem and find out there is a recall, then we will do something about it" basis. Anyways, the dealership replaced both rear springs under warranty and the problem seems to be a lot better if not totally gone.

Well I hate to be the one to burst your bubbles, but what was done to your vehicle wasn't a hidden recall...as matter of fact it wasn't even a recall at all....The repairs to your rear springs were done in accordance to a GM tech bulletin..TSB..
A TSB is information for technicians to repair problems identified by GM engineering...it is NOT a recall!
Here is the TSB
Intermittent Boom, Rumbling Noise and/or Disturbance Heard in Passenger Compartment While Driving at Highway Speeds (Replace Rear Coil Springs) #02-03-09-002A - (09/16/2002)
Intermittent Boom, Rumbling Noise and/or Disturbance Heard in Passenger Compartment While Driving at Highway Speeds (Replace Rear Coil Springs)
2002-2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

2002-2003 GMC Envoy

with Rear Coil Springs (Refer to Parts Information table below for applicable RPO Code usage)

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2003 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-03-09-002 (Section 03 -- Suspension


If the dealer tech had checked for TSB's while your vehicle was in for this complaint, it would have been fixed the first time....matter of fact, checking for bulletins is one of the first things that is to be done during the diagnostic process.

[burly]

You are correct, I mispoke in calling it a recall (probably because its my fathers vehicle and not my own, so I wasn't dealing with it directly?). However, when he was dealing with it, it was not on a TSB. GM was contacted and they told the dealership to replace the springs and that it was known recent problem that hadn't been fully addressed yet (I'm guessing, meaning it hadn't made it to a TSB yet.) I believe this was going on about 8 months ago, so the 2003's were still new. Either way, TSB or recall, the problem does exist on *some* (???, not sure if there were different rear spring specifications on different 2003 TB models) and be aware that there is a warranty fix for the issue.

[GMMerlin]

No fault,no foul...many people misunderstand and misuse the term "recall" as opposed to "TSB"

I just wanted to make sure everyone understands the terms.
Also as you can see by the date on the TSB, the revision was made on 9-16-02 to include the 03 models....sometimes the dealer tech doesn't check for bulletins pertaining to problems you may be having...although GM preaches bulletin searches constantly.
A bulletin search is one of the things I do before answering questions on this forum.

[ILv2Xlr8]

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

No fault,no foul...many people misunderstand and misuse the term "recall" as opposed to "TSB"

I just wanted to make sure everyone understands the terms.
Also as you can see by the date on the TSB, the revision was made on 9-16-02 to include the 03 models....sometimes the dealer tech doesn't check for bulletins pertaining to problems you may be having...although GM preaches bulletin searches constantly.
A bulletin search is one of the things I do before answering questions on this forum.

Where is a good place to search for or download bulletins?

[Nor Cal LTZ]

I am looking to lift my 02 Trailblazer. I have found some very helpful people on another forum. I would like to hear any pros/cons on what I am attempting to do. I plan on installing some aftermarket springs from Japan that will give me 2" on front and 1.5" on rear. In addition to that I plan on upsizing the tires. This is only accomplished by either installing 1.5" wheel spacers all the way around, or by getting custom wheels with a different from stock offset. I have seen photos of a couple of Trailblazers that this has been done on. It really makes the truck look more aggressive and gives it much needed ground clearance for the off road stuff. Any comments? Any recommendations on a different approach?

[anna9292]

Originally Posted by ILv2Xlr8

Where is a good place to search for or download bulletins?

www.nhtsa.dot.gov will give you all TSB's and Safety recall information....

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by anna9292

www.nhtsa.dot.gov will give you all TSB's and Safety recall information....

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

The information contained in a TSB does not automatically make the repairs contained within a warranty repair nor does it entitle the consumer to the repair being performed under warranty. Also TSBs are NOT and I repeat NOT recalls

[tom3]

General idea is that a TSB will save the dealer time and money by pointing out a possible common repair procedure for a particular vehicle. That's about it. Recalls are a different deal altogether.