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.
Upon inspecting the tires for air pressure I decided to also check the spare. In order to check the spare you need to lower it from it's secure position due to the fact that the valve stem is inaccessible otherwise.
What I learned was that the safety drop mechanism that is located at the wheel rim had corroded itself to the point where it would not release itself and allow the wheel to be removed from the hole/frame of the vehicle. Some people have posted videos on YouTube that show how you may be lucky enough to coax the mechanism with rust penetrant and force to get it to release.
In this matter I also had followed the instructions to first try tightening the hoist until click was heard (they engineered a pre-set torque limit to the shaft, as if you prevent over torquing). Unfortunately, the plastic housing that these hoists are made of are susceptible to cracking and indeed mine cracked and was ruined.
I proceeded to cut the cable in order to get the wheel down.
A new hoist was purchased from the dealer for about $150 and went in well. The new hoist was pretty much just like the old one but what I to to help ensure that I don't get into this same problem is to treat the cable and mechanism with White Lithium grease. I use this because I don't want the product to break down any plastic or rubber parts like petro-based lubricants can. Also, regular exercising of the hoist and mechanism about twice a year is good practice, do it annually at the very least. So far it's been a few years with the new hoist and naturally if there's any corrosion problems they won't arise until later.
This is quite a frustrating issue to deal with since it's an important part of having a vehicle that's got a flat by the side of the road! A stuck, stubborn tire issue like this can render your day ruined! Best of luck!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Upon inspecting the tires for air pressure I decided to also check the spare. In order to check the spare you need to lower it from it's secure position due to the fact that the valve stem is inaccessible otherwise.
What I learned was that the safety drop mechanism that is located at the wheel rim had corroded itself to the point where it would not release itself and allow the wheel to be removed from the hole/frame of the vehicle. Some people have posted videos on YouTube that show how you may be lucky enough to coax the mechanism with rust penetrant and force to get it to release.
In this matter I also had followed the instructions to first try tightening the hoist until click was heard (they engineered a pre-set torque limit to the shaft, as if you prevent over torquing). Unfortunately, the plastic housing that these hoists are made of are susceptible to cracking and indeed mine cracked and was ruined.
I proceeded to cut the cable in order to get the wheel down.
A new hoist was purchased from the dealer for about $150 and went in well. The new hoist was pretty much just like the old one but what I to to help ensure that I don't get into this same problem is to treat the cable and mechanism with White Lithium grease. I use this because I don't want the product to break down any plastic or rubber parts like petro-based lubricants can. Also, regular exercising of the hoist and mechanism about twice a year is good practice, do it annually at the very least. So far it's been a few years with the new hoist and naturally if there's any corrosion problems they won't arise until later.
This is quite a frustrating issue to deal with since it's an important part of having a vehicle that's got a flat by the side of the road! A stuck, stubborn tire issue like this can render your day ruined! Best of luck!
- Christopher B., Sherrard, IL, US