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Chevy Blazer Car Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 2000 Chevy Blazer mileage 59,000: My Blazer has been bucking and jerking a lot lately. It's a 5 speed. Bucks and jerks as you gain rpms in each gear. It usually starts at around 1800-2200 rpms, but varies. I have had the service engine light come on a few times...it goes out after a while. I’ve tried new plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. I took it to the Chevrolet garage and they said it was a fuel pressure regulator leaking and replaced it at $382...it is still bucking and jerking. They then said it had plugged injectors... cleaned twice and still jerking. They said the codes said cylinders 1, 3, 6 were misfiring. They said bad gas...dropped tank and cleaned but then they said it wasn't the gas after all as the tank was clean. They replaced the fuel pump after breaking the sending unit on it and replaced the fuel filter. It is still bucking and jerking...service engine light on again. They said codes say cylinders 1,3,4,6 are misfiring now....needs injectors in all 4 cylinders. Would this be correct as it sometimes seems to run GREAT...other times it bucks and jerks. I'm at a loss as the Chevrolet garage “seems” to be guessing now and it is getting costly for a “no fix” so far...$643 for the 4 injectors replaced if it needs it as they say it does. Any suggestions?

Answer: We assume that you have been getting erratic gas mileage based on the description of your problem. After scanning the computer, we also would have replaced the fuel pressure regulator and yours was more likely than not faulty. Because your problem persists replacing the fuel injectors would be the next step.

Question: 1995 Chevy Blazer 4 Wheel Drive mileage: 120,000. Engine won't crank after filling with gas a day or so later, checked fuel pump pressure and I have 58 psi on fuel pump. No codes found on computer, disconnect battery and reconnect and it will start back up. Have replaced ecm, egr valve, fuel filter, and all ignition parts. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: You may have a fuel injector that is bad. Check the resistance of each injector. The alternator may be giving AC (alternating current) spikes into your electrical system. Try temporarily removing the belt from the alternator and see how the engine runs.

Question: 1996 Chevy S10 Blazer mileage: 94,000. The turn signal indicator lights stopped working. I have changed the fuse (15 amp) in the fuse box, and someone says it might be a "flasher"? The emergency lights DO work, and it doesn't seem to be a problem with any of the bulbs as the flasher's all work... any clue?

Answer: Your truck has two flashers, one for the emergency lights and one for the turn signals. It appears that the one for the turn signals switch may have failed.

Question: 1997 Chevrolet Blazer 4 WD mileage: 70,000. I checked the previous questions and maybe the solution to my problem is worn CV joints, but who knows? The truck is in excellent condition. The problem that I'm having is at high speeds say around 70-75 mph. There is a vibration in the front end with a little shimmy in the steering wheel. The vibration causes the passenger seat to shake a little, and I can feel it under my feet. The truck is in drivable condition though. The vibration is on and off and was not present when I bought the truck new. The truck has not been into an accident at all, has had several alignments; tires balanced over and over, front end checked (everything is tight) upper and lower ball joints replaced on both sides, etc. After having the ball joints replaced, it cured it a little but the vibration is still present. I know of a few customers that are experiencing the same problem. I've been trying to figure out what's causing this to happen. The front end has been looked at quite a number of times and everything is tight. I've put a lot of money into trying to fix the problem. I don't want to spend any more money until I really find out what's going on.

Answer: Assuming you do not have oversized tires, you might try rotating the tires front to back first. If that does not help, the CV joints are most likely your problem.

Question: 1997 Chevy Blazer: 94,700.  I took it in for an oil change and the mechanic came out of the shop and wanted to show me something. There was a huge amount of orangish/brown gunk - kind of, like sandy clay stuck to the inside of the radiator cap and all down in the radiator. He suggested that there might be a serious problem with the engine and that it might be all through the cooling system. He said to take it back to the dealership and have them look at it before doing anything else. Has anyone ever seen this before? They also checked the transmission fluid and it smelled burnt and there were some flakes in it (they think might be paint and suggested sanding off the paint on the stick and then oiling it and putting it back in) but put the particles in an envelope for me to take to the dealership. I'm worried!) Joe

Answer: The "gunk" you found in the radiator is possibly the result of not changing the coolant in the cooling system often enough (every two years.) A thorough flushing of the radiator and engine and refilling with fresh coolant should fix your problem. As far as your transmission is concerned, we would suggest changing the fluid and filter and observing it over the next several months for proper operation. If you continue to have problems, you could be in for serious transmission repairs.

Question: 1999 Chevrolet Blazer v-6 Vortec mileage: 12,000 We were driving on the interstate last week after an ice storm and had 4-wheel drive engaged. We hit a patch of ice as we were accelerating to avoid a motorist who lost control and all wheels slipped and spun causing the speedometer to "bounce." After all the excitement the gauges were "bouncing" and we noticed the odometer had approximately 20,000 more miles on it than it had. Why would this have happened? Isn't the odometer tied into the revolutions of the drive shaft? Our dealer said it was impossible and we even had an invoice where we had our Blazer serviced a week prior but with 20,000 less miles.

Answer: What probably happened is when the wheels spun on the ice the electronic speed sensor sent a voltage spike to the speedometer causing the odometer to gain the extra mileage. The odometer is driven by the drive shaft but electronically. We have heard about similar problems on other cars.

Question: 1988 S-10 Blazer.  Where is the VSS, vehicle speed sensor, located? Speedometer is jumpy. Electrical short dash, tail and marker lights. Check engine light comes on periodically.

Answer: The VSS is located on the transmission tail housing.  The “check engine” light will “light” when there is a malfunction in the engine management system.  The fault code is then stored in the computer.  The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component. Because the check engine light indicates something is wrong, a trip to you neighborhood automobile service center sooner rather than later is recommended.

Question: 1989 S-10 Blazer 4.3 mileage: 143,000 My manual 5-speed transmission will not shift into fifth gear. It works and shifts fine except gear 5?  Before I take it in for what I am sure will be a huge wallet lightening experience, do you have any suggestions.  I have auto mechanic experience and have replaced a few transmissions in my day. Is there anything I can try on my own before taking it in for service?

Answer: It sounds like an internal problem in the transmission.  Not much to try on your own.

Question: 1982 Chevy Blazer mileage: 15,000.  I bought this Blazer from people I have known for many years, they used it for their second home car and had it serviced on a regular basis. It had 13,500 miles on it when I got it. It never did seem to have a lot of power, and last time I went over a mountain pass it was really bad, would only go 30 mph.  I had my mechanic give it a tune up; he checked the compression (120) replaced the plugs, and wires.   Ran a little better.  He said there was gas in the oil, that the secondary barrows in the carburetor would not kick in and would sputter and gas was getting in to the oil, he checked the valve adjustment and now thinks it might be the cam shaft. Is that possible?

Answer: Check the catalytic converter to make sure it is not “plugged” or restricted.

Question: 1995 Chevy/S10 Blazer mileage: 65,000.  When I turn on the blower for the motor, I think, makes a whining noise.  After some time its does stop but most of the time I have to turn the blower on and off a few times.  What is wrong with it?

Answer: Sounds like it is time to replace the blower motor.

Question: 1988 S-10 Blazer mileage: 127,000.  I am not getting fuel to the throttle body injectors. I have replaced the fuel relay located in the engine compartment.  I replaced the computer unit.  I used the noid test light on each injector connector. I am getting no power to the connector.  I can prime the throttle body, and the engine starts and runs perfect. After the car has run for about 20 minutes, if it is shut off, it has to be primed before it will start again.

Answer: Check the fuel pump pressure when the engine dies. Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system.  An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the malfunctioning components.

Question: 1987 Chevy Blazer 4 wheel drive mileage: 130,000.  Upon warming up, the truck stalls out every 2 to 3 miles.   After a complete stop, the truck starts right up again and goes for a few miles before stalling again.  I replaced the catalytic converter, and the muffler thinking the truck could not breathe, but there is still no change.  I noticed when it stalls that you can smell exhaust around the truck, that’s why I changed the exhaust system.

Answer: Your stalling problem may be cause by the fuel pump.  Replacing it and the fuel filter should fix your problem.

Question: 2001 Chevy, Blazer mileage: 43,000. Last week while driving through some nasty weather, I tried to engage the four-wheel option in my Chevy Blazer, and nothing happened.

Answer:  The front differential actuator may need replacing.

Question: 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer mileage: 89,000. Hi. My name is Amanda, and I am a new "used" car owner.  When I first purchased the vehicle, a 1991 Chevy S-10 Blazer 4.3L (Tahoe Package) 2WD Automatic, I had noticed that the check engine light came on while driving and then went off.  Having spent some time working as an automotive parts person in retail, I knew how to check a GM's ECM codes, and did so.  The code came back as 13 (Oxygen Sensor Circuit)--thanks to my fix-it manual. Anyway, having had this problem in the past with other vehicles I had delayed in rushing out and buying the part, thinking it would be a minor problem, I could attend to later.  As I was driving home last night, I had been running for about ten minutes, when the car seemed to lose power and the alternator gage dropped, it recovered itself and a few seconds later when I came to a stop at a light, it cut off.  I restarted the vehicle fine, and continued.  Coming to a stop a few seconds later, it cut off again. I once again restarted the car and made it home.  Figuring this must have something to do with the O2 sensor, since the check engine light had come on once again before cut off; I drove down to my local auto parts place to purchase one this morning.  I had been running about five minutes when I came to a stop at a light and the car once again died.  Ignorant in thinking it would restart, I tried to crank it.  The engine rotated but would not start.  I proceeded to do the frustrated person thing of continually trying to turn the engine over to no avail.  I had noticed the check engine light had once again come on before cut off, and once again checked it, but there were no new codes, still the 13.  I had to be towed home, where the car started fine and I left it.  I have not been able to replace the O2 sensor today because in difficulty in getting to it, and the fact that I haven't the strength to turn the darn wrench!  (Which only further frustrates me) But, the car has started numerous times since then, although I am paranoid to drive it anywhere for fear that it will cut off.  I intend to replace the O2 sensor and spark plugs today...but have this dreaded thought that the problem surely cannot reside there alone.  I can't imagine the car would cut off because either are faulty.  Can you please help?  Could this be the problem, or am I looking at something more serious?  With thanks, Amanda

Answer: Your stalling problem may be cause by the fuel pump.  Replacing it and the fuel filter should fix your problem

Question: 1994 Chevy s10 blazer mileage: 140,000.  My 4-wheel drive won't shift into 4 wheel. It has the button that shifts on the fly; it has a vacuum diaphragm under the battery that pulls on a cable to the actuator on the front differential.  I pulled off the sensor on the actuator and can see the cable move, but the plunger doesn't come back far enough to be seen by the sensor. Does this mean the actuator is bad?  Also, there is a sensor on the transfer case that has a magnet on this sensor, But after pushing the button the transfer case sounds like it activates. But, nothing moves in front of this sensor to touch the magnet.

Answer: Yes, the actuator has failed.

Follow-up: Thanks, guys for a good web site. I'm no mechanic, but, the guys at work convinced me I could do this small job. I Picked up the new version actuator from the dealer - so much faster it's like magic! The story wasn't that short...though. Turns out I had a bad switch on the transfer case that was the real culprit. Same symptoms as a bad actuator. Also, the new style actuator needs a new wire harness. Trouble is, no directions come in the OEM box as to where to hook up. I finally found the right spot...brown wire (one of three wires) coming out of the cab under the 4WD shift lever. (Probably a common sense thing to all you smart guys)Then, the actuator worked, but, alas, it was too short. There's a small, about an inch long, plug that needs to be inserted into the front differential prior to the new style actuator. (It should come in the box with the wires.) Once all the pieces were in place, it's like having a new toy. Thanks again.

Question: 1997 Chevy s10 blazer 140,000 miles. I have to float the throttle to keep my power to drive also it starts hard for a fuel-injected engine TBI.

Answer: (1). Start with a major tune-up which includes plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor (if applicable) compression check, fuel injection service (if applicable) fuel filter, air filter, oil change w/filter, cylinder balance test, (2). Check fuel filter, (3). Scan PCM computer, (4). Check fuel pump pressure.



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