1996 Chevrolet Blazer: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 23, 2001 · Engine · OH

The belt tensioner on my '96 blazer started to fall apart. I caught it because the belt started squeeling loudly and I was able to reach the dealer before it completely fell off. If it had fallen off, the alternator, water pump, fan and power brakes would have failed immediately. I am writing because I personally know 3 other people who have had this same problem. My friend had this problem on a '96 chevrolet silverado. It was repaired under warranty at the time. My father has a '98 blazer and he just had the same problem. It is being fixed under warranty. My father's co-worker has a '98 blazer. He had to have the belt tensioner and serpentine belt replaced 3 times already. The first 2 times it was replaced under warranty. The third time the warranty was up but the dealer fixed it because of the on-going problem. It seems that the belt tensioner design could be defective. As I said at the beginning, this should be considered a safety problem. When the tensioner brakes, you instantly lose power to all engine accesories being turned by the serpintine belt.

Filed Apr 17, 2001 · Engine, Steering · DE

Steering became hard to steer even though power steering. I was told by dealer p/s pump was leaking and lack of fluid made steering difficult. I feel with the low milage of 53,000 this should not be a problem and could have resulted in more severe problems if pump had completely leaked empty causing loss of power steering.

Filed Jan 22, 2000 · Brakes · WI

On july 18, 1999 I experienced a loss of power assisted brakes and a hissing noise coming from the master cylinder area. Vehicle was delivered to braeger chevrolet on july 19, 1999 and cause was reported as "internal vacuum leakage from booster assy h1220 booster assembly, vacuum power brake - replace 510 wpt4 1.90, 1 18029999 booster, fc: 2k, part#: 18029999". I contacted chevrolet and they covered 50% one time good will/ safety item. My cost $170.99. On august 17, 1999 I discovered a leak from the positive battery terminal which had been leaking small quanities of liquid for approximately a two month period of time on the garage floor, progressively becoming a worse leak based on the quanity of fluid found on floor. New battery was purchased on 08/21/99 and installed by myself, no further problems with leakage. Major concern follows: on nov 30, 1999 I observed a squeaking noise from the right front disc brakes and pads. On dec 01, 2000 I delivered my vehicle for a brake inspection and cause was reported as "premature wear to right front disc brakes and pads only". Brakes were serviced by machining rotors and installing new pads, and I was instucted to pay close attention to the right front disc brakes and pads in the future reference the same problem reoccurring and if this occures major front brake work would be necessary. In conclusion, I feel the premature brake wear to the right front only was caused by the battery leakage which also was located at the right front corner of the vehicle. Thank you.

Filed Nov 1, 1999 · Steering · CT

While driving on the highway there was a loss of power steering due to the power steering pump going out. Dealer replaced steering pump.

Filed Jul 27, 1999 · Engine, Suspension · VA

Car sputtered and lost power on two occasions. First time engine was replaced. Second time distibutor was replaced. Third diagnosis for the "check engine soon" light being on was that the cateletic converter is no good. Dealer is replacing it. This dealer also indicates that both lower ball joints are worn out. Must be replaced. This seems outrageous for a 3.5 yr old truck which has not been off-road. Summary: new radiator system, new engine, new distributor, new cateletic convertor, and soon to have new ball joints -- all prior to 45000 miles. I fear this vehicle may be dangerous.

Filed Jul 26, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · VA

Entire radiator system replaced, 4 mos later entire engine replaced, 7 days later, distributor replaced. No diagnosis for any of these problems. Closed dexcool radiator system was filled with black syrup and had no fluid but showed no signs of leaking!? Engine lost power and sputtered prior to engine replacement(which may have been unneccessary!) and showed identical symptoms 7 days later, for which a distributor replacement fixed symtoms. Now my "service engine soon" light is on for my engine with 600 miles on it! I am getting a 3rd dealer's opinion today. Please help if you can.

Filed Apr 11, 1997 · Brakes · TN

Brakes experienced power loss. Please descibe.

Filed Feb 11, 1997 · Electrical · NY

When driving at any speed vehicle will lose all power, ignition switch has been replaced/fuse/wiring, in for repair 5 times.