Problems with 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer POWER TRAIN

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. while driving at various speeds, fluid was leaking from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was rust in the transmission line and fluid leaked on the catalytic converter. the local dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. the failure mileage was 120,000.

The cooling lines from the transmission of the 2002 chevrolet trailblazer exit the transmission next to the catalytic converter. a portion of the lines are covered with a protective and loose fitting cover which appears to be aluminum almost like a tin foil. this covering creates an area where moisture collects causing the lines to rust. eventually the lines start to leak transmission fluid. when the vehicle is in motion the fluid is blown onto the catalytic converter and could start a fire under the vehicle exposing the vehicle occupants to extreme danger. at first i thought the leak was oil from the engine, but upon checking closer, i found the transmission lines leaking. the placement of the transmission cooling lines are very close to the converter and if excessive fluid is splattered on the converter, a fire could result. the vehicle was stationary when the leak was noticed. however, the fluid was found after being on the highway at 70mph splattered on the undercarriage and surrounding area of the vehicle. speaking with aamco mechanics who replaced the lines, they felt it is a real fire hazard. this seems to be a design defect. what brought my attention to this is the fact i had a 1995 jimmy and had noticed a similar leak when it was 8 years old. i had given the truck to my son. after he had driven it on an interstate, another driver yelled at him that his car was on fire. the entire underside was on fire. fortunately he was able to exit the vehicle and get his family out before the entire truck was engulfed in flames. the fire marshal at the time thought a line of some type had burst. i suspect it was the transmission line similar to the trailblazer transmission line.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. while operating the vehicle, all the exterior lights randomly shut on and off. while driving at various speeds, the transmission would suddenly switch to first gear and caused the speed to suddenly reduce. the vehicle would not operate in reverse. after shutting the vehicle off and restarting the engine, the vehicle would operate normally. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failures. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 171,000.

2002 chevrolet trailblazer with 175,500 miles has leaking transmission cooler line on passenger side of vehicle near air filter box and windshield washer fluid reservoir. of the two lines in this area, one is heavily corroded while the other appears fine. only noticed after transmission had leaked >3 quarts of atf and was shifting rough.

Transmission cooling lines that run next to the catalytic converter/exhaust pipe are prone to 'rust-through' due to the insulation wrap that has been added because of being so close to the high heat source. this insulation traps moisture and salt in northern areas and causes the lines to corrode and leak transmission fluid. i feel this is a potential fire hazard as the fluid can drip directly onto the exhaust components. fortunately i could smell this after i pulled into my garage otherwise i would not have know of the leak. depending on when the leak actually takes place and the rate of leakage this could also result in transmission failure if the driver is unaware that the vehicle is losing fluid, ie: extended highway driving. from my understanding this corrosion and resultant leakage is very common and should be listed as a safety recall. thank you *tr

Driving on highway transmission blew, leaked 10 out of 12 quarts of transmission fluid... very common in 2002 trailblazers i feel chevy should have recalled the 2002 transmissions due to how many complaints people have had. *tr

I started the trailblazer and shifted it into reverse to back out of the parking stall and i heard a loud pop sound and when i tried to give the vehicle gas it didn't do anything but rev the motor. it won't move in reverse gear. the vehicle in front of me moved and i was able to shift into drive gear and it would move but it wouldn't shift from first gear. *tr

The reactive sunshell failed, causing the loss of 2nd gear, 4th gear and reverse. upon researching, found that the part is known to be defective from the factory, and fails regularly, with the only repair option is to replace the whole transmission at a cost of over $2,000.00. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was unable to switch gears. the vehicle was towed to a dealer. the technician stated that the transmission shifter cable needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 193,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, a strong odor of fuel emitted inside of the vehicle. the vehicle also stalled without warning. additionally, the gear lever would not secure into park until after numerous attempts. upon restarting, the vehicle began to function normally. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who tightened the shift cable. the vehicle was not repaired for the additional defects. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that transmission fluid was leaking onto the catalytic converter from the transmission line. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the technician stated the transmission cooler lines would have to be replaced due to corrosion on the insulated heat shield. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 122,924. *tr

The indicated vehicle is my wife's. we bought it brand new on 09/26/2001. she has never towed anything and has city and highway miles. we have had numerous problems: instrument cluster, rear tailgate strap, right rear brake light, (3) solenoids, spare tire dropdown and deteriorated transmission lines. i have repaired all of the previous out of pocket (except for the strap and the spare tire dropdown). now, my wife was on the way to the bicycle store in her truck, with the bicycle on the back. she was making a turn onto the main road when she heard grinding and squealing, and the speed dropped drastically. luckily, it was around 10am when there is not much traffic on the road. reading numerous posts on this website, it is the same problem everyone has had, the transmission sun shell, and no reverse. with 98911 miles, i was about to spend the weekend changing the fluid in the transmission to keep it to spec. now, i'm looking at a very expensive bill of which i cannot afford. $30 is easier than $1200. and, i'm a manufacturing engineer, so i check fluids regularly, even though the oil change stations check them. seeing that there are problems with these components, i think that general motors should produce a recall. i'm very disappointed that with all of the complaints, nothing has been done to remedy the situation. we will be calling the dealer that we bought the vehicle from first thing monday morning. *tr

When i start my vehicle, the abs and brakes lights go on, security light, and radio shuts off, or is on with no sound, the 4 wheel drive light flashes back and fourth between 4 wheel and 2 wheel drive, engine shuts off, while driving, then turns back on, this is the same problem all the recalled gm cars are having why is the 2002 trailblazer not part of the recall? *tr

We just left the house to take the kids to get so food and we made it like fifty yards from the house and the tranny made a popping sound and so we stopped and tried to go and it wont move either way so i pull it back to the house and i start it up and the tranny is whining and i put it in reverse nothing happens so i put it in drive and it goes forward but wont shift. *tr

I started my trailblazer and let it warm for a few minutes. the truck idle was louder then normal but did not knock or miss. i put the truck into drive and pulled out of my driveway. as i was driving down the street i noticed the rpms shoot up and the truck slow, i pulled over and put it into park, the truck idled loudly. i put the truck into drive again and the rpm would rise with little power to the wheels. i nursed it up to highway speed and at higher speeds around 60 the problem seems to not be there. the truck continues to do this in the lower gears and at lower speeds. i notice the oil pressure goes up when this happens and i worry of doing more damage. i have already had a wiper module replaced that was recalled but never replaced before the vehicle was sold to me. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. while driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission shifted out of gear and the anti-theft lock and battery warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the contact also mentioned that the fuel gauge displayed an inaccurate reading when the fuel tank was full. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

I own a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer that has a defective transmission. the transmission has been completely replaced twice at approximately 24,000 miles and 45,000 miles. i learned recently on august 7, 2012, at just under 75,000 miles, that the transmission hoses were leaking fluid and that the transmission would need to be completely replaced again. i think general motors released a defective sports utility vehicle if the transmission needs to be replace approximately every 25,000 miles and these automobiles should be recalled as it could cause a safety hazard if the transmission stops working when someone is driving a chevrolet trailblazer. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the transmission would not shift into third and fourth gears. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who filed a report and offered no further assistance to the contact. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 186,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that the four wheel drive warning light illuminated on the instrument panel as the four wheel drive failed. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the transfer case control module needed to be replaced. the contact spoke with the manufacturer in reference to nhtsa recall campaign id number: 01v334000 (power train: transfer case: 4-wheel drive), but was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was unavailable and the current mileage was 90,000.

Tsb #pit-4722 -- gmc: fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. all 2000-2006 light duty trucks equipped with the light duty automatic transmission. *pe (nhtsa id #10026804, october 01 2008)

Automatic transmission sunshell failed, driving and the truck didn't go into gear. slowing went in gear, cause struggle driving...as i turn to held back home the suv refused to go in to rear.took to transmission shop failed sunshell need new transmission. costly..start slipped in and out of gear week before engine light came on. the slippage of gear have almost caused several accident when enter highways or lans. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that the vehicle violently jerked while changing gears. in addition, there would be an increase in the engine rpms while driving at various speeds. the contact also stated that the vehicle rolled backward two and a half feet after being parked. the vehicle had not been inspected and had not been repaired. the manufacturer had not been notified. the failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

I had to replace all my transmission cooler lines due to the lines being corroded and leaking. these were the only lines that were corroded or showed signs of corrosion. there is no reason this should happen to almost every gmt360. this should be a recall. *tr

I have had multiple issues with my 2002 chevy trailblazer where the 4x4 selector switch will not work, or while driving at highway speeds the vehicle will be put into four wheel drive while the selector switch is still turned on two wheel drive. the selector switch at times has not worked when i wanted to make the vehicle go into four wheel drive. i have found out the vehicle is in four wheel drive by having a hard time turning the front wheels and seeing the front tires spin on loose gravel even though i never switched the vehicle into four wheel drive and the selector switch states it's still in two wheel drive but the yellow light is lit up that it's in four wheel drive. i have complained multiple times to gm and have had the selector switch replaced 3 times but it still continues to happen. everytime that gm looks at it they say that it is working just fine. i have seen and heard that many other people are having the same problems with this. i feel there should be a safety recall put out for this drive selector switch. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that the vehicle would shift automatically without activation or warning and at any speed. in addition, the contact would hear a grinding noise when the failure occurred. the dealer made two attempts to duplicate the failure but to no avail. the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the current mileage was 104,370 and the failure mileage was 102,000. the vin was unavailable.

I started my vehicle to leave a parking lot and as i put it in reverse, it made a very loud screeching noise. i applied the brake and immediately turned off the vehicle. i looked under the hood trying to see if there was anything noticeably wrong, nothing. i restarted my car again and put it in reverse and the screeching noise started again when i put the vehicle in reverse and it would not move. with the help of another person, we pushed it back then, put i it in drive and it did move forward and the noise stopped after awhile. i spoke with several people and i was informed that it was the transmission. i looked online, spoke with several mechanics, and they all informed me that it was a common problem for the trailblazer that the sun shell failing. i also found several discussions regarding the transmission problems of the sun shell failing all with varying mileage. i have received several quotes and they all vary in range. i also called the dealership that i purchased the vehicle from and they denied any knowledge of the transmission failing. i was told it was because of my high mileage. they quoted the highest of everyone with $2868 for a replacement. if it is common knowledge among the mechanics not associated with the dealership, i don't understand why the dealership denied any knowledge of the problem. the amount of money paid for these vehicles, gm should acknowledge all problems of their product and fix the problems. *tr

was driving to school to pick up sick child and with no sound truck acted like it was in neutral, slowed down and eased on gas it took back off. this happens so much, now its is parked in my driveway. *tr

Transmission lines corroded. *tr

I have a 2002 trailblazer that is currently getting it's 3rd transmission installed due to failure. the first one was replaced in 2005 at 48,000 miles. i was told by gm it was replaced with a new one, which i understand has a 100,000 mile warranty. i am now having another one put in after 80.,000 miles being put on the new one at a cost of $3000. when i contacted gm regarding this i was told: "at some point the customer has to take responsibility for their own vehicle, gm is not going to assist you with this issue". this will absolutely be the last gm product i own. *tr

I'm driving down the road with traffic behind me. suddenly my rpm jolt up to five a horrible noise comes from engine and i loose all power. if i even touch gas a little rpm jump to five and transmission whines very loud. car behind me slams on brakes to avoid hitting me. i throw on cautions and have to push my car off road while cars are trying to ger around me at ten at night on my way home from work. i have to have my husband load our three kids in his tiny eclipse well after bedtime to drive the 40 minutes to come get me and pay 150 dollars to have car towed off side of road back to my house. where it now sitting with blown transmission and broken transmission lines. *tr

Since purchasing this vehicle new i have had continuous problems with the 4 wheel drive! in fact the very 1st time i had to use the 4 wheel drive it did not work! the dealer, chevrolet of hershey would keep the service ticket open for a month at a time and now i expect i know why since this could have come under the lemon law. i have more recently had problems with not being able to release the 4wd and this caused, without a doubt caused the need to rebuild my transmission! i also have been without a vehicle and time off from work not to mention the safety issues. there is evidence of many '02 trailblazer owners having these same problems!

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 mph, the wheels suddenly locked up and the vehicle stalled. the service four wheel drive warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel prior to the failure. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that he needed to replace the transfer case as it was fractured. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 137,000.

I have a problem with my fan clutch. transfer case and suspension problems. *tr

First the left side of my temperature control lighting went out, a week later i got a steady service engine soon light, it then went out after a few minutes, it then stayed steady for a period of 2 days, then went out. then 3 days later my indicator light above my 4-wheel drive control went out, i attempted to change the fuse, then got a service four-wheel drive warning. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle violently jerked while shifting gears. the vehicle only shifted to first gear and failed to go into third and fourth gear. in addition, there was an increase in engine rpms while driving at various speeds. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 205,338.

I own a 2002 trailblazer which the transmission has failed twice since i have owned it. the first repair was september 2010 amount was $ 2000 and went out again in august 2011 costing me $1,500 the second time. this has been an ongoing problems with the trailblazer and they have not yet chosen to recall this problem. hopefully no one has gotten hurt or will get hurt. i was almost hit from the rear the day my truck just stopped in the middle of the road no warnings or signs. this is a serious problem and what will it take for gm to recall this i guess they hope the problem will just go away. gm knows this is a problem if they changed the sunshell material on the newer models ones that are more heat resistant why make the part more sturdy if there is no problems or safety concerns. i am now trying to get rid of my truck and will never purchase another gm automobile. *tr

Driving my son home from football practice and heard a weird sound and noticed the gears would not shift in the transmission. i tried to put the vehicle into reverse and it would not work. i had no warnings about this and just about got hit due to having to try to pull off the road quickly. this is the first time it has happened and we are going to try to buy a new transmission. *tr

2002 chevrolet trailblazer with 86,000 miles on it, noticed a large amount of fluid under vehicle while parked in my driveway. took the vehicle to our mechanic and was advised that two of the four lines that carry the transmission fluid are cracked/corroded. *tr

Driving at posted 55 mph our 2002 chevrolet trailblazer with 50,000 miles on it started to blow smoke behind it. before we could pull off the road safely, the engine rpm went crazy and the transmission stopped working. it was later found that the transmission cooler line failed due to corrosion and sprayed oil on the exhaust system resonator. on careful inspection, the trans cooler lines are corroded in many places. the lines are so close to the exhaust system that an insulation material had been placed over the lines and may have contributed to holding moisture and accelerating the rust through. i am waiting for new lines and do not know if the transmission is destroyed. *tr

2002 chevy trailblazer transmission cooler line leak due to corrosion! *tr

My 2002 trailblazer transmission cooler line are so corroded that they started to leak and cause a smoke condition .. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. while driving at 40 mph, there was an unusual increase in engine rpms to 4,000 and the vehicle decelerated. the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the contact was informed that the third gear was burned out. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact believed nhtsa campaign id number: 03v075000 (power train: automatic transmission) was the cause of the failure however, she was unable to confirm if her vin was included in the recall. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 105,570 and the current mileage was 105,580.

2002 chevrolet trailblazer my 4-wheel drive indicator lights up sporadically. it also jerks from 2-wheel to 4-wheel. i am in agreement that this needs to be recalled. *tr

I have an 02 chevy trailblazer. i purchased it in 08. the 4 wheel drive is defective. i took it to the dealership 3 months after i bought it to report that the 4 wheel drive indicator light was switching around on its own and causing the truck to put itself in 4wd while i was driving. i was told that it wasn't a problem and the 4wd box needed to be reset but it was nothing that would cause any problems. today while driving to work i was almost in a wreck because the truck jumped from 2wd to 4wd by itself and my truck started jerking and slowed down (on the highway). after doing some research it seems that a lot of people (especially those with the 02) have this same problem. they need to do a recall and fix the problem before people get hurt. i'm sure i'm not the only person to report this problem. please help us. if you have time please at least read through the thread on the first link. this is not an isolated incident. http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f173ba0 ......................... http://www.automotiveforums.com/t329462-4_wheel_drive_problems_w_02_trailblazer.html. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. on may 10, 2010, the contact attempted to shift gears to the drive position but the gears would not function properly. the contact pushed the vehicle to a repair shop. he called the dealership and was informed that the vehicle was not included in recall 01v283000 (power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)). the current and failure mileages were 184,224.

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2002 chevy trailblazer at 38,000 transmission went out was told it is caused by 3 different shops the sunshield (sun gear) assembly is defective and gm knew about it. was rebuilt in sept. 2005. 3/1/2010 vehicle now has 82000 transmission went out and was again told same thing. vehicle makes a loud popping sound then shakes violently and reverse, 2 and 3 go out with out warning. vehicle revs high then struggles upon acceleration from traffic light. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer 4wd. while driving 5 mph in reverse into the garage, the vehicle failed to accelerate. the driver then put the vehicle in park and the vehicle drove in reverse on its own. the driver also stated that sometime his inside overhead light shut on and off when no one was inside of the vehicle. the failure mileage was 88,000. the current mileage was 88,500.

Transmission fluid began leaking from under my 2002 chevy trailblazer in large quantities. i took it to a repair shop and was told that my transmission lines were rusted through, thus the reason for the leak. i was told that this is a problem with the trailblazers and that it would be about $500 to replace the lines. the lines have been redesigned since 2002 and instead of only having to replace the two that are bad, all four will need to be replaced. *tr

Fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. *tr