Thanks in advance for any help on this - the best answer with a detailed explanation and solution will get 10 big ones!
I have a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer SUV and it has been having some sort of ignition/wiring-type problem for some time now. I just got the truck out of the shop for transmission work, this is all I need right now... for the last month or so at least, when I go to start the truck, it may start normally or it may start sluggishly, not quite sputtering, but certainly dragging into the ignition with a slight struggle.
The cherry to this lovely pie was this morning, when I finished putting some gas in the empty tank and went to start the car. It fired up fine but the meters (ALL of them - speed, gas, temp, etc) were suddenly all stuck at zero. The orange hands are still dead at zero and the electrical display underneath (for mileage) is black/"off". I made it home just fine, but with no meters - like driving an "off" car! Please help! What is wrong and how much to fix?
2007-12-26 06:54:55 · 7 answers · asked by FilmFortune 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Check the fuses. There should be one fuse protecting all the gauges and it could be blown. Also check for any loose or disconnected wiring to the instrument cluster. If it has been serviced recently it is possible the shop disconnected something and did not replace it properly, or broke the clip that holds the connection together. Vibration may have caused the connection to become loose. As for the other problems, have the vehicle connected to a scan tool to retrieve any fault codes in the computer's on-board diagnostic circuit. This will give you an indication of where to start looking for the problem.
2007-12-26 07:19:05 · answer #1 · answered by Wayne M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most likely, you have a broken wire that provides the 12 volts to operate the instrument cluster. It is findable, and a repair manual like those that the dealership repair shop uses would be your best aid in locating it. Short of that, an on line site called "ALL Data DIY" which is a fee required membership service is also a good help that was recommended by a mechanic that I know. The only 2 reasons that I can think of is no power to the instrument cluster, or the power connection was some how reversed, which I doubt. There is no way that I can tell you where to look, exactly, from Y-A. You need to get a book, or a good vehicle electrician, and start going through the wiring that is relevant to your problem. I say that you should do it yourself since the cost is going to be in the neighborhood of $80 to $100 per hour. It could take 5 minutes, or it could take 5 hours, or more. Get into it yourself, learn something first hand about the vehicle, boost your self image when you find and fix the issue yourself, and save some potentially large amounts of money.
2007-12-26 07:09:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is an electrical problem and you will be messing with wires, unhook your battery first. Check your fuses and relays. If that's good then when they replaced the transmission it is possible that a wire could have gotten wedged and often can separate the wire or connection. There are times too that wires can get wrapped around the steering column and pull wires apart. Electric problems are a pain on any vehicle. If no luck yet then I would say the vibrations from the transmission problem may have unscrewed a ground wire in the engine compartment somewhere. That's happened to me before.
2007-12-26 07:11:15 · answer #3 · answered by linked2gether 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not know what is wrong but I drive 2003 Chevy Silverado and ther was a recall for some Chevy's because the meter panel had this exact problem. You might want to check to see if your vehicle is on the list; if it is Chevy fixes it free!
2007-12-26 07:00:47 · answer #4 · answered by melt130 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm, if it has been you dream for the last 15 years since you were 4 to be a nascar driver; that would make you 19 years old and you would not need to ask your Dad. Hey I wanted to be a nascar driver this morning , but got talked out of it. Best of luck though.
2016-05-26 09:12:05 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the first place I'd check is ecm.Certainly needs some diagnosing.Sounds like multiple problems which very likely caused by problematic computer.Without a doubt you'll need to see if any codes are present.Good luck !
2007-12-26 07:05:48 · answer #6 · answered by Lenny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for the blown fuse. If it was this way when you left the shop after transmission work go back and ask the mechanic what's up?
2007-12-26 06:59:59 · answer #7 · answered by thebax2006 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋