[Daven]

and I'm not so sure that I like all the "fly by wire" and smart stuff that it uses. The other day, driving home from work, the transmission quit shifting... It's an '04, and it acted like it was stuck in 2nd gear. Took a long time to rev up to get the rod moving (a lot like starting a manual speed in 3rd by reving it up and gingerly letting the clutch out... not good for the clutch, and I'm pretty sure it's not good for the automatic either), and it was turning about 2800 to 3000 rpm to get to 55mph. Went to the gym and when I got out to go home, started the rod and there was nothing wrong with it... shifted normally. Really some spooky stuff going on:eek . Then in the morning, it wasn't shifting again, and this time the Check Engine Light was on... so it was straight to the dealer. The tech there knew right away what the problem was... THE IGNITION SWITCH:skep ... so I was wondering if I just needed to turn around and head for another dealer. I happens he was right. One of the poles in the switch was grounded and that pole powers up the transmission control module. Since it wasn't working, the TCM was not powering up, and the rod did not know what gear it was supposed to be in... evidently it defaults to 2nd gear so you can limp it somewhere to get it fixed. Also had a problem which many of you may not even realize... in the cold, we use the heated seats, and mine works like a champ... but last month, my wife's seat would not work, so I asked them to check this out since they replaced the carpeting last month and had the seats out and I thought maybe they just didn't get something connected properly. Well, it turns out... so they tell me... that the heated seats won't work unless the seat belt is fastened. So... no belt... cold buns:lol

Got the rod back tonight and all is well again... a happy ending to what I thougt was going to be a long sad saga.

 

[SA13355]

Daven

Question......
Did you try shifting it manually?

Not driving a Hot Rod
Skip

 

[wildcat66]

I have heard that the seats won't heat unless the seat belt is in also, but haven't checked it out. Any one know.? Do all states required seat belts to be worn?

 

[wingrider]

I replace alot of ignition switches in trailblazers and ssr's use the same switch. I keep a spare switch in my ssr just in case i need one on the road.

 

[Whitewolf]

Weak Link

I replace alot of ignition switches in trailblazers and ssr's use the same switch. I keep a spare switch in my ssr just in case i need one on the road.

I guess this is another one of those weak links... ......You would think they (GM) would up grade this switch....since there are so many Trailblazers on the road....:smash

 

[WOW_FCTR]

I have heard that the seats won't heat unless the seat belt is in also, but haven't checked it out. Any one know.? Do all states required seat belts to be worn?

It's true....heated seats only work if seat belt is plugged in.....

States seat belt laws as of 2004
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/state_laws-belts04/safeylaws-states.htm

All but New Hampshire had Adult seat belt laws

 

[Peaches]

This has been an interesting thread. I wonder if I should buy an ignition switch for a spare?:confused

 

[Mike in AZ]

What's the price for one?

If it's not $250,:eek then I'd consider it.

 

[Ricochet]

The heated seats work that way READ THE MANUAL

 

[Ricochet]

This has been an interesting thread. I wonder if I should buy an ignition switch for a spare?:confused

This has been an on going issue with the Trail Blazers as well. Im sure this is why the service department knew right away what the problem was and why they had a switch in stock. This is whats wrong with GM and Ford. There designs are good but they take only the cheapest of suppliers and thats what makes owners turn to Toyota and Honda will they ever learn? A great car with junk parts is Ahhh JUNK!

 

[Danko]

Ricochet, You are a Japanese cheerleader and American smasher! I suggest you read the reliability reports that show whose vehicles hold up best AFTER the warranty period. You would be astonished at just how cheap the parts are that are used overseas and how often they fail after warranty, not to mention rustthrough of thin metal panels. Here in Michigan we see no older Japanese or Korean vehicles. They do not have what it takes for reliability. If you think I am a nationalist, you are correct. I appreciate what GM and Ford have done for this country and I also appreciate how their vehicles hold up. Did you see Barrett-Jackson? Datsuns? Hondas? Kias? CHEVIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Daven]

Nope... tried that too...

Question......
Did you try shifting it manually?

Not driving a Hot Rod
Skip

It would not go into any selected forwared drive gear manually... At least there is a forward and reverse gear so you can get it to a shop So at least you are not stuck when this happens.

I know that I read the manual... just a little detail that did not stick with me on the seat belt and heated seat connection.

 

[Ricochet]

Ricochet, You are a Japanese cheerleader and American smasher! I suggest you read the reliability reports that show whose vehicles hold up best AFTER the warranty period. You would be astonished at just how cheap the parts are that are used overseas and how often they fail after warranty, not to mention rustthrough of thin metal panels. Here in Michigan we see no older Japanese or Korean vehicles. They do not have what it takes for reliability. If you think I am a nationalist, you are correct. I appreciate what GM and Ford have done for this country and I also appreciate how their vehicles hold up. Did you see Barrett-Jackson? Datsuns? Hondas? Kias? CHEVIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No and you dont see any LATE model US made cars going through Barrett Jackson? YOU NEVER WILL. Think about this now... When was the last time you saw a 1987 Cadillac FWD Fleetwood with the explode-a-matic HT4100 powering it? GMs "Crown Jewel" of the 80s?.. :glol Then we have the Lumina APV, Aztek, the Catera etc. to take that crown over in the 90s. I wont even start with Ford the first generation Taurus and Sable rusted away faster than you could pay it off. The reason the big TWO are in the toilet today is because they served up to many lemons "yesterday" to first time buyers and after that bad taste they decided to go AND STAY elsewhere. GM and Ford wont admit to that however. Make a GREAT product and it will sell and the public will come back to you for more. Make defective CRAP and get a bad reputation and lose your market share, its REALLY that simple im afraid. I would invite anyone to take a CLOSE LOOK at the paint job on my $48K SSR and compare it to a $20K Toyota and tell me what looks better. I rest my case. GM and Ford may think the car buying public is stupid but there loss of market share proves otherwise.

 

[WOW_FCTR]

Ricochet, You are a Japanese cheerleader and American smasher! I suggest you read the reliability reports that show whose vehicles hold up best AFTER the warranty period. You would be astonished at just how cheap the parts are that are used overseas and how often they fail after warranty, not to mention rustthrough of thin metal panels. Here in Michigan we see no older Japanese or Korean vehicles. They do not have what it takes for reliability. If you think I am a nationalist, you are correct. I appreciate what GM and Ford have done for this country and I also appreciate how their vehicles hold up. Did you see Barrett-Jackson? Datsuns? Hondas? Kias? CHEVIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok Danko....post where we can find these "AFTER WARRANTY RELIABLITY REPORTS"

I'll post this.....this is from Consumer Reports...

Best in class: Owner satisfaction
These vehicles are Consumer Reports' top recommended models in their categories.

Consumer Reports has the most comprehensive, consumer-oriented autos-test program in the U.S. We anonymously buy our tested cars from dealerships and conduct more than 50 evaluations on each vehicle, focusing on performance, safety, comfort, convenience, interior quality, fuel economy, cargo capacity, and more.

Our owner-satisfaction Ratings are derived from responses to our Annual Questionnaire. We asked owners in our survey if they would buy their particular vehicle again, considering price, performance, comfort, and reliability.

Here, you can see several vehicles that are rated high in owner satisfaction and are among the top recommended vehicles in their categories in our testing. Not only did each earn a high overall score in their class, but they also met our stringent requirements to be recommended.
FAMILY SEDANS
Honda Accord
The Accord features agile handling and a steady, compliant ride. The Accord Hybrid delivers quicker acceleration than the Accord V6 with the fuel economy of the four-cylinder model–25 mpg overall in our testing. The cabin is roomy and controls are intuitive. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly and responsively. Crash-test results are impressive. More

UPSCALE SEDANS
Acura TL
The TL is among the few upscale sedans that effectively blend comfort, convenience, and sportiness at a reasonable price. It delivers taut, agile handling and a firm, but comfortable ride. The TL is very quick yet attains commendable fuel economy. Crash-test results are excellent. More

LUXURY SEDANS
Infiniti M35
The M35 is a nearly ideal balance of luxury and sport. The potent and responsive V6 feels like a V8 engine, and can be mated to optional all-wheel drive. The luxurious interior has many high-tech electronic features. On the road the M35 corners very well, while delivering a comfortable and controlled ride. More

SMALL CARS
Mazda3
The Mazda3 has precise, sporty handling. The ride is firm, yet still very comfortable. The driving experience is particularly enjoyable with the lively 2.3-liter engine and slick-shifting manual transmission. The 2.0-liter engine is also quick and fuel-efficient. Interior quality is very good, and the rear seat is roomy for a small car. We recommend purchasing the side-curtain air bags for additional side-impact protection. More

WAGONS & HATCHBACKS
Scion xB
Owners have embraced the cubelike xB and its space-efficient design. The interior is roomy and rear-seat room is sedanlike. The low floor and high roof make access very easy. The 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine produces a respectable 30 mpg overall. More

SMALL SUVs
Honda Element
This versatile small SUV can handle a wide variety of cargo, but it is limited by a low load capacity of 675 pounds. Opening both side doors creates a wide path for loading and unloading cargo. The plastic-covered floor is easy to wash. The rear seats can fold up against the side or be removed. More

MIDSIZED SUVs
Honda Pilot
The Pilot combines the best of a wagon, SUV, and minivan at an affordable price. The V6 is smooth and quiet, and it delivers reasonable fuel economy. A comfortable ride and secure handling are assets. Crash-test results are impressive. More



MINIVANS
Toyota Sienna
The Sienna has the quietest, most comfortable ride of any minivan, while delivering secure, predictable handling. Its flexible interior and impressive crash-test results make it an excellent family vehicle. More
[/FONT]

 

[WOW_FCTR]

Also

Daven....sorry about hijacking your thread :jester

Danko,
I see more "foreign" cars on the good list and more US cars on the bad list:

CR Good Bets
The best of both worlds

These are models that have performed well in Consumer Reports road tests over the years and have proved to have several or more years of better-than-average Used Car Verdict. They are listed alphabetically.


Acura Integra
Acura MDX
Acura RL
Acura RSX
Acura TL
BMW Z3, Z4
Buick Regal
Chevrolet Prizm
Ford Crown Victoria
Ford Escort
Mustang (V8)
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Honda Odyssey
Honda Pilot
Honda Prelude
Honda S2000
Infiniti FX35 (V6)
Infiniti G20


Infiniti G35
Infiniti I30, I35
Infiniti QX4
Lexus ES300, ES330
Lexus GS300/GS400, GS430
Lexus IS300
Lexus GX470
Lexus LS400, LS430
Lexus RX300, RX330
Lincoln Town Car
Mazda Millenia
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda Protegé
Mercury Grand Marquis
Mitsubishi Galant
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
Pontiac Vibe

Subaru Forester
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza
WRX, STi
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry Solara
Toyota Celica
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Echo
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Matrix
Toyota Prius
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Tundra

CR Bad Bets

These models have shown multiple years of much-worse-than-average Used Car Verdicts in the 1998 to 2005 models. Listed alphabetically.

BMW 7 Series
BMW X5 (V8)
Chevrolet Astro
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Express 1500
Chevrolet S-10 (4WD)
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Chevrolet Venture
Chrysler Town & Country (AWD)
Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD)
GMC Envoy
GMC Jimmy
GMC Safari
GMC Savana 1500
GMC Sonoma (4WD)
Jaguar S-Type
Jaguar X-Type

Kia Sedona
Land Rover Discovery
Lincoln LS
Lincoln Navaigator
Mercedes-Benz CLK
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (V8)
Oldsmobile Alero
Oldsmobile Bravada
Oldsmobile Silhouette
Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana
Saturn Vue (AWD)
Volkswagen Cabrio
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen New Beetle
Volkswagen Passat Wagon (V6)
Volvo XC90

 

[LOSSR]

Hey Wingrider

How difficult is it to change the ignition switch,where is it located ?

 

[Joe Schuhriemen]

Daven,

When the SA told you it was the ignition switch, why did you think you had to turn around and try another dealer. Don't you think that he is the expert and you should at least give them a chance to fix the problem JUST TO SEE IF THEY ARE RIGHT?

 

[wildcat66]

The ignition switch happens a lot more than you realize on all types of vehicles. same sympthoms on all should make it easy to trouble shoot and fix!

 

[comley]

front brake rotors

This has been an on going issue with the Trail Blazers as well. Im sure this is why the service department knew right away what the problem was and why they had a switch in stock. This is whats wrong with GM and Ford. There designs are good but they take only the cheapest of suppliers and thats what makes owners turn to Toyota and Honda will they ever learn? A great car with junk parts is Ahhh JUNK!

You might want to do a check on your front brake rotors also. I bought new tires for the front today and while changing them I noticed several fissures (cracks) in the surface of the rotors where they come in contact with the disc brake pads. I am taking it to the shop tomorrow to have it checked/repaired.:cry :mad

 

[Daven]

Maybe a little sceptical...

Daven,

When the SA told you it was the ignition switch, why did you think you had to turn around and try another dealer. Don't you think that he is the expert and you should at least give them a chance to fix the problem JUST TO SEE IF THEY ARE RIGHT?

Actually, the guys in the service department have always done a pretty good job... just didn't seem right until they explained that the TCM is powered up through the ignition switch. So my initial reaction was "how can the ignition switch mess up the transmission... didn't seem that logical... :smash I'm old... :eek and forget about all the "fly by wire" stuff on the rod. And true to form, the guys did a great job again. I'm totally satisfied.