CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer is known for many things, but perhaps it is most famous for its faulty fuel gauge.
This gauge flip-flops more than a politician during election season. Some report that the gauge says "empty" after a fill-up, while others report the gauge says "full" when they're running on fumes. Either way, there's one thing everyone seems to agree on: the darn thing is just wrong.
Following hundreds of complaints and a few accidents allegedly caused by the malfunction, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the issue in May 2011. Unfortunately for frustrated owners, no recall has been announced.
Like many other Trailblazer owners, the fuel sending unit started to give bad readings especially right after filling the tank fully up. I decided to set a weekend to drop the tank and open up the system to replace the sending unit. Upon seeing how corroded the state of the fuel pump was in I decided to replace the whole assembly ($300). The lock ring was badly corroded as well to the pump so that had to be replaced as well.
NOTE: When disconnecting the fuel lines, try to be extra careful on getting them to release. They are designed to release if you press "IN" on them, but sometimes they have to be pried apart and backed off. But more time than not they break and need to be replaced. Dorman does make replacements so you can anticipate buying those as well.
Trailblazer has several electrical problems. Rear brake light blows regularly. Windshield wipers only work on high speed, Fuel gauge bounces back and forth. Cannot tell how much fuel there is.
- Robert K.,
Northport, AL, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Like many other Trailblazer owners, the fuel sending unit started to give bad readings especially right after filling the tank fully up. I decided to set a weekend to drop the tank and open up the system to replace the sending unit. Upon seeing how corroded the state of the fuel pump was in I decided to replace the whole assembly ($300). The lock ring was badly corroded as well to the pump so that had to be replaced as well.
NOTE: When disconnecting the fuel lines, try to be extra careful on getting them to release. They are designed to release if you press "IN" on them, but sometimes they have to be pried apart and backed off. But more time than not they break and need to be replaced. Dorman does make replacements so you can anticipate buying those as well.
- Christopher B., Sherrard, IL, US