1997 Chevrolet Blazer transmission problems

Filed Mar 29, 2015 · Electrical, Transmission · 25,100 miles · OH

97 blazer with original low miles had engine stop both on and off the highway several times but it would start back up. In jan while driving down the highway the service engine light came on and rpms went up. We pulled off and found the transmission was stuck in 3'rd gear. Also key would not release to remove. Errors came up p1860 p0785 and p740 that refer to transmission. The problem was not transmission but ignition switch contact block commonly called the ignition switch, it is the contact section and not the key or lock cylinder. This ignition switch had already been replaced once. Gm has a service bulletin #17006264 on the ignition switch and this appears to be a big problem across many years and models but no recall was issued. An ignition switch problem can cause engine to die, lights to go out and other problems but the contact for the transmission power seems to be a common failure point. I replaced the ignition switch and everything worked fine for one month and then the problem recurred with errors p1860 p0758 p0753 p0740 and p0785. I tested the ignition switch power from red/white to white wire and got no power when switch was on so the new switch failed. I tested by temporary jumping a fused line to fuse 24 output and then transmission worked fine and the key released. I again replaced the ignition switch contact block under warranty and new switch worked fine except the errors came back on p0740, p0785 and p1860. Transmission worked ok though so I took the blazer to a chevy dealership to check it. They reset code errors , checked wiring, connections and switch. The technician said my work was correct and everything checks out fine and he was not sure why codes came back. Now ok. I examined the original switch and there was no problem with contacts or wires evident. This could be a switch design issue or there is another issue causing this.

Filed Jul 2, 2007 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · FL

Had to replace transmission at 140,000 miles. Servicing per the owner's manual was always done, including dealers recommendations for transmission flush. Transmission suddenly failed to shift to 1st gear, then failed to shift to reverse shortly after that. 3rd party repair shop stated transmission was beyond economical repair, so replaced with 3rd party transmission to the tune of $2800.

Filed Apr 25, 2005 · Brakes, Fuel system · 107,000 miles · OR

I bought my rig under a year ago and have been haveing problems with the trasmission,I have run out of gas many times because it doesn't register,my air conditioner doesn't work right,my brakes have locked up a few times and when I turn a corner it sounds like something crahing under my rig.I have had nothing done yet because it is going to cost me a whole lot to have all this replaced.my stereo went dead about a week after I got it also.I thought I was buying a good rig but,now I am finding out different and I paid good money for and am still paying for it.I have replaced the heater core it went out 3 weeks after I got it,the window went out a few day's after I got it and ford barely replaced that for me.

Filed Dec 17, 2004 · Transmission · 98,455 miles · PA

Interior metal of gear shift connecting it to the steering column snapped this does not allow for shifting to any gears including park. In turn, the key cannot be removed from the ignition and parking brake needs used to park.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · OH

The reaction shell of the transmission failed, causing transmission to go bad. Reverse/first gear, and fourth gear were defective.

Filed Aug 8, 2004 · Transmission · 77,010 miles · PA

Transmission is bucking, shifting hard thru gears while driving. Service light dosn't want to go out.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Body, Electrical · 96,194 miles · CA

The consumer experienced multiple problems with the vehicle. The wiper motor failed and was recalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs but they didn't have the parts available. The radio would go off and on, the overhead display and map lights would go off and on, the cd player no longer worked, the rear window latch failed, the mirrors would only move to the left and there was rust in the transmission. *la

Filed Jan 25, 2004 · Transmission · 102,465 miles · NY

Transmission has shifted hard from 1st to 2nd since I bought the vehicle used 10/7/03 also get intermittent check engine light used car dealer coded out to trans component slippage but didn't know what to do on 01/16/04 was on extended trip and transmission failed completely - rpms started to climb so pulled over to shoulder of road - kept slipping gears - finally lost all forward motion. On stopping and checking found dip stick showed no fluid but had rust and grit on the end fluid appeared to have been leaking out of the top of the tube and there was trans fluid all over the bottom of the vehicle had the vehicle towed back to used car dealer he put in 8 qts of fluid to get it to move his mechanic said it appeared that the fluid "boiled" out of the dip stick tube but didn't know why in checking the internet it appears that these symptoms are common but unsupported by chevy on this model year of blazer.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · MD · crash

The 1997 and 1998 blazer has an inherent defect in the valve body in transmission. Code 1870 found after vehicle is warm the transmission slams into second gear causing the rear wheels to loose traction. I was told the transmission most likely needs a valve body. The chevrolet dealer and a very reputable transmission repair shop advised that the 1997 and 1998 blazers are notorious for this inherent defect, and they have replaced the defective valve body with a larger one which fixes the problem. The dealer advised that there hasn't been a recall probably because no one has complained about the problem.

Filed Dec 23, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · 59,000 miles · OK

Wiring bundle holder above transmission one of which goes to the transmission switch fails and lets wiring bundle fall on transmission and rubs the coating off of the wiring causing electical shorts; daylight headlights, transmission failure ( nothing wrong with transmission)interior lighting goes out or stays on all the time causing battery to go dead overnight, burning of wiring especially under dash and at fuse box and transmission switch (no fire resulted, unhooked battery removed fuses,and had wire replaced to transmission switch then trasmission worked; no failure of swicth just wiring,wiper and night light failures and more. Transmission auto repair says it is number 1 failure and happens all the time. The dealer said I needed a new transmission. This is a 1997 chevrolet blazer. I still have electral problems I have to get fixed. Some recalls were made on this auto that may be due to this shortage caused by wiring bundle falling above the transmission.