2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT

Introduction:

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT is a mid-size SUV with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was offered with the following engine options:

• 4.2L Vortec 4200 I6 (273 hp, 277 lb-ft)
• 5.3L Vortec 5300 V8 (290 hp, 325 lb-ft)
• 6.0L Vortec 6000 V8 (345 hp, 355 lb-ft)

Transmission options included:

• 4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission
• 4L65-E 4-speed automatic transmission
• 4L80-E 4-speed automatic transmission

Engine

4.2L Vortec 4200 I6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, engine overheating, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace ignition coils
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+ per coil
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L Vortec 5300 V8

• AFM Valve Lifter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine ticking noise, reduced engine power, engine failure
  • Solution: Replace AFM valve lifters
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light illuminated, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace oil pressure sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L Vortec 6000 V8

• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, engine overheating, engine failure
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leaks, engine noise
  • Solution: Replace exhaust manifold studs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission:

• TCC Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, delayed or harsh shifting
  • Solution: Replace TCC solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Overdrive Band Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping in overdrive gear
  • Solution: Replace overdrive band
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

4L65-E 4-speed automatic transmission:

• Input Shaft Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission noise, grinding, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace input shaft bearing
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Lock-up Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, overheating, shuddering
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $900+
  • Recalls: None Found

4L80-E 4-speed automatic transmission:

• Valve Body Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, harsh shifting, loss of gears
  • Solution: Replace valve body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Output Shaft Speed Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission speedometer not working, incorrect gear selection
  • Solution: Replace output shaft speed sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Steering vibration, clunking noises, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling, sagging rear end
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• BCM Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical issues, no headlights, no gauges, no power locks/windows
  • Solution: Replace BCM
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical issues, battery not charging, engine stalling
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Lens Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracked or broken tail light lenses
  • Solution: Replace tail light lenses
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Bumper Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust and corrosion on rear bumper
  • Solution: Replace rear bumper
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Temperature control issues, air not blowing from correct vents
  • Solution: Replace HVAC blend door actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working, display issues
  • Solution: Replace instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT has a variety of issues that can be costly to repair. The most common engine issues include intake manifold gasket failure, ignition coil failure, and AFM valve lifter failure. Common transmission issues include TCC solenoid failure, overdrive band failure, and torque converter lock-up failure. The suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior also have their share of problems. Overall, this vehicle has a lot of potential issues that can make ownership expensive.