New Trailblazers not all the same

[trailblazzz]

Hi

I have recently bought two 08 Trailblazers. The first one, for my mom for Christmas, and the other I just picked up last week. They are almost identical, both 5.3, 4x4, 3LT Black on Black. The only changes are the first one has the off road package and the second one has the locking differential. I have the factory parts for the off road package for truck number 2 and will bolt them on myself.

Other than that, they SHOULD be the same. There are some changes though. First and foremost, the first one has decent Goodyear tires, and the second has Firestones. Can't say that I like the firestones at all. Also the first one has the chrome interior door handles and the second does not. As far as fuel economy, the first was steady at 26 MPG highway. I'm lucky to get 17 MPG highway on the second.

I mentioned the door handles to the dealer I bought them both from (Michigan dealer with a LOT of discounts. I drove both home to Florida) and we couldn't find any other 3LTs with the chrome handles on the lot. Were the chrome handles on the first truck a fluke, or are they standard with the 3LT? Do you think I can get a local dealer to put the chrome ones on for me under warranty? If not, do they sell the chrome interior handles/locks so I can put them on myself?

There's quite a lot of talk about the Goodyear tires in the forums, but I can't find anything about these cheap deathtrap Firestone tires I've got. Shouldn't they be Goodyear as part of the 3LT package? Noticed a lot of vibration on the drive home. I stopped in on a dealership along the way, and they said they couldn't even look at the tires until I put 1,500 miles on them. I think the tires/balancing/alignment (it pulls a little to the left) are contributing factors for the bad fuel economy, but maybe it's something else. Any ideas?

I bought the extra tire/wheel 5 year unrestricted protection plan when I took possession of the second truck. Maybe these Firestone tires will have a little "accident", and I'll get the tires I should have put on - that is if I don't get any co-operation from the local dealers here...

Other than the cruise control disengaging every time I go over a bump, and the above concerns, I do love the truck. After all, I did buy two of them.

Can anyone help with any of my problems before I head off to the dealer with my list of complaints?

Thanks in advance

Dave

[sctb]

Chrome could be a fluke, maybe done on a Monday morning...check the RPO codes, that may show up an error in the trim.

Mileage...if you're getting 26, I would say something is wrong there!!:D Recent trip to a baseball tourn, loaded with equipment and luggage, 3 people, interstate driving, I got about 18.

Tires...I'm the opposite. Dealer put Wrangler ST's on mine when I got it (used), and I could have shot them! Can't wait for these things to wear out, and fortunately, being GY's, I won't have to wait long. I'll drive them until they do since they are new. Opinions on tires are like a lower rearward part of the human anatomy, if you get my drift ;). Some are brand loyal, some are quality loyal and one bad apple does spoil the whole bunch. Get your use out of them and get what you want then. You've already paid for them.

[2002SLT]

They switched to the black door handles early on in the production year. Probably a cost savings.

If you're getting anywhere near 26mpg, don't tell anyone. GM will want it back, as it's a freak.

[Envoy Fan]

If you're getting anywhere near 26mpg, don't tell anyone. GM will want it back, as it's a freak.

:iagree: DO NOT let anyone touch that engine.

[MountainTblazer]

26MPG?? Wow - that is what I get in my 4 cylinder S-10! :)

[petevw]

I recently got 23.6 on a 220 mile highway trip....and I have 143,000 miles on mine, so maybe that figure isn't too far off.

[2002SLT]

I recently got 23.6 on a 220 mile highway trip....and I have 143,000 miles on mine, so maybe that figure isn't too far off.

He has an 8 cyl.

[ylab]

Could the DOD not be functioning on the second TB? Isn't there a light to let you know when the DOD is turned on or is that only on the Impala? But that sort of difference almost certainly must be partially due to the one running in 4cyl mode and the other not on the highway.

[petevw]

He has an 8 cyl.

OOOOOPS.....I didn't see that :o that IS awesome mileage! DON"T TOUCH ANYTHING! LOL

[TXBlazer]

Awesome Mileage on the 5.3 DO NOT TOUCH THAT MOTOR!! I've got the same setup minus the 4wd and i'm averaging 18.2 mpg

[TBK]

I believe the reason why your cruise control is doing that is because the adjustable brake pedal is loose. I had the same problem but it went away on its own. no worries its because our roads need repair.

Hi

I have recently bought two 08 Trailblazers. The first one, for my mom for Christmas, and the other I just picked up last week. They are almost identical, both 5.3, 4x4, 3LT Black on Black. The only changes are the first one has the off road package and the second one has the locking differential. I have the factory parts for the off road package for truck number 2 and will bolt them on myself.

Other than that, they SHOULD be the same. There are some changes though. First and foremost, the first one has decent Goodyear tires, and the second has Firestones. Can't say that I like the firestones at all. Also the first one has the chrome interior door handles and the second does not. As far as fuel economy, the first was steady at 26 MPG highway. I'm lucky to get 17 MPG highway on the second.

I mentioned the door handles to the dealer I bought them both from (Michigan dealer with a LOT of discounts. I drove both home to Florida) and we couldn't find any other 3LTs with the chrome handles on the lot. Were the chrome handles on the first truck a fluke, or are they standard with the 3LT? Do you think I can get a local dealer to put the chrome ones on for me under warranty? If not, do they sell the chrome interior handles/locks so I can put them on myself?

There's quite a lot of talk about the Goodyear tires in the forums, but I can't find anything about these cheap deathtrap Firestone tires I've got. Shouldn't they be Goodyear as part of the 3LT package? Noticed a lot of vibration on the drive home. I stopped in on a dealership along the way, and they said they couldn't even look at the tires until I put 1,500 miles on them. I think the tires/balancing/alignment (it pulls a little to the left) are contributing factors for the bad fuel economy, but maybe it's something else. Any ideas?

I bought the extra tire/wheel 5 year unrestricted protection plan when I took possession of the second truck. Maybe these Firestone tires will have a little "accident", and I'll get the tires I should have put on - that is if I don't get any co-operation from the local dealers here...

Other than the cruise control disengaging every time I go over a bump, and the above concerns, I do love the truck. After all, I did buy two of them.

Can anyone help with any of my problems before I head off to the dealer with my list of complaints?

Thanks in advance

Dave

[petevw]

I'd love to get that car on a chassis dyno and see what kind of numbers it's making, just for the heck of it.

[zepcom]

Other than that, they SHOULD be the same. There are some changes though. First and foremost, the first one has decent Goodyear tires, and the second has Firestones. Can't say that I like the firestones at all. Also the first one has the chrome interior door handles and the second does not. As far as fuel economy, the first was steady at 26 MPG highway. I'm lucky to get 17 MPG highway on the second.


From what I remember hearing about the tires, GM only makes a distinction between WOL Tires (White Outline Lettering) and non-WOL Tires. From there, it's the truckload that pulls up to the factory to get installed combined with when the truck was actually manufactured. I went to my local dealership and there were a number of LS's that had Michelin blackwall tires, and yet others that had no-name firestone and others. The LT's had mostly white-letter tires branded "continental" (that's what's on our truck) but there were a few firestone and other manuf white letter ones as well.

I wish I would have gone with the michelin tires, but they were not offered on any LT's that I could find, so oh well. The Continental ones are softer and are not rated as well as the michelins that I've owned in the past, but I'll keep these on here until they wear out and then buy what I want.

It's kinda which tire manufacturer GM picked for that truckload of tires at the factory.

I'd definately say get that front end checked out quickly (before it potentially starts to wear the tires in a bad way) and get it fixed on that truck and see if the mileage improves. :undecided

good luck!!

PS -- how did you wind up driving two trucks from MI to FL? You must have really long arms... heheehhe :raspberry

--zepcom

[Envoy Fan]

Could the DOD not be functioning on the second TB? Isn't there a light to let you know when the DOD is turned on or is that only on the Impala? But that sort of difference almost certainly must be partially due to the one running in 4cyl mode and the other not on the highway.

No DOD light on TrailVoys. Must be an option like the Wench? :crazy:

[rbarrios]

wow, 26 on a V8 and 4x4.
time to calculate mileage by hand and compare to DIC.
those are really good numbers.
Maybe you had a tailwind too?:thumbsup:

[hatchet669]

i thought they discontinued the 5.3's from the '08.. or is it 09?

[petevw]

Must be an option like the Wench? :crazy:

That was too funny.....:laugh::dielaugh:

[CookieMan12]

26MPG in a V8? Have you checked your odometer to make sure it is correct? Sounds like it's rolling off 1.5 miles for every mile driven!

[SOMDTBSS]

26MPG in a V8? Have you checked your odometer to make sure it is correct? Sounds like it's rolling off 1.5 miles for every mile driven!

True that, are they the right sized tires?? The DIC sounds like it is havin a bad day...

[ylab]

26MPG in a V8? Have you checked your odometer to make sure it is correct? Sounds like it's rolling off 1.5 miles for every mile driven!

Good point, maybe he has 4.10 gears but was calibrated for 3.42s......that would have the DIC showing a much higher mpg reading than was actually being done. Get on a highway at 60 and see if it takes 1 minute (60 seconds) to pass between the mile markers.

[CookieMan12]

Good point, maybe he has 4.10 gears but was calibrated for 3.42s......that would have the DIC showing a much higher mpg reading than was actually being done. Get on a highway at 60 and see if it takes 1 minute (60 seconds) to pass between the mile markers.

That would test the speedometer, but on the same test, make sure your odometer only increases by 1 mile between mile markers. Opposite side of this: A buddy of mine had a mustang that we took on a 400+ mile trip to FL. When we got there, his odometer only showed us having gone about 70-80 miles. His speedometer was correct. Gas mileage sucked on that car, but his resale value was a little better than what it could have been. :rotfl:

[Envoy Fan]

i thought they discontinued the 5.3's from the '08.. or is it 09?

5.3L V8 killed in model year '09.

[hatchet669]

5.3L V8 killed in model year '09.

10-4 thanks for the clear up... i have nothing else to contribute to this conversation... so i bid ye all adue....

[blueblazer5_3]

The mileage is a difference in driving preference. I can drive my 07 TB and get 28 MPG if I drive like a grandma. If I drive it hard, get 12. The handles were a mid year production change. You could pusht he issue saying that you bought two IDENTICAL trucks and never noticed it. They should, under customer satisfaction, replace them.

The tires, well that's a great issue. I bought mine with the Continentials on it and what a piece of crap that tire is!!!! I went out and bought new tires, Goodyear Silent armor (Wranglers) and they are great, Heavy but great. The Firestones are OK. Remember, GM goes to vendors and says we'll take 1 million tires at this price. Whoever gets there first wins!!! The only way I found out to change the tires is BEFORE point of purchase. So kinda screwed there.


The 26 mpg I assume is on the mothers car correct??? The DoD only works under a light foot. I recommend that you purchase the DASHHAWK by MSD. It allows you to monitor all the engine functions including the DoD function. I learned by driving and watching the DASHHAWK that the certain throttle positions kept me in DoD therefore increasing my mileage.

Just a helpful .02


Good luck

Don

[LMMJ]

They should, under customer satisfaction, replace them.

I disagree. Unless they are broken OR there was an agreement that the trucks would be identical then why would they replace them? and for free? Yes it would be nice but they have no obligation to give stuff away. They are there to make money not lose it.


I just had a customer come in that had OE Michelins on there car and "was told" that Michelin will give tires away if you complain. NOT TRUE. Only if the dealer decides to replace the tire. Michelin takes our, the tire dealers, word for the damage to the tire if any exists. That is a very shady thing to do and then get pissed about it afterward? :m2:

[SteveTB03]

Dont the V8's shut down 4 cylinders when not in demand could that be why he has high MPG??

[Nukedog]

Dont the V8's shut down 4 cylinders when not in demand could that be why he has high MPG??

My 06 5.3 (2wd) with 3.42 gears got 19mpg best before tune and CAI and 20mpg after tune CAI with DOD shut off. DOD does NOTHING on a 5000lb vehicle unless the land is 100% flat and you are only going 60mph.

[trailblazzz]

Sorry I haven't gotten back to everyone that has commented here - out of town...

I just checked with my mom (who now drives the first Trailblazer). She's still getting 25.3 MPG highway, and she's got a heavy foot. On the fence about swapping the trucks back before I MOD this one out. I suppose I'll leave it alone. My mom could use the savings at the pump.

I'm getting low 16 HWY and 10 city on the second truck. Just me driving, nothing in it, and I'm babying it. Could it be that my active fuel management isn't kicking in on the second truck? This truck has the added locking differential. Could this be a factor in the terrible mileage?

Thanks for the news on the door handles. Looks like I'll have to buy the chrome ones and put them on myself (along with the new AVIC Z2 NAV, XM NavTraffic module, rear view mirror w/compass, clock and UV sensor, HID headlights w/ballast, gas hood struts, factory off road package - all sitting in boxes waiting for me to put them on).

I guess I'll have to just bite it on the tires - for now. Thanks for the info. I just had a bad experience with Firestones (double simultaneous tread separation), and would choose any other manufacturer over them. I did buy the added "no questions asked" tire and wheel insurance from the dealership, so these tires could have an un-fixable "accident" in my driveway. I'll be bringing it in for a look-see on the balance/alignment in the mean time. I heard that if the truck is sitting on the lot for a while that the tires will need re-balancing, or even breaking the bead and rotating the tires 90 degrees - then re-balance. Any truth to this?

Again, thanks for all your help. It is most appreciated.

Dave

[MathewHarris]

That kind of gas mileage is awesome I would not change a thing and don't let anyone you don't know yourself touch that truck. I have the 4.2 and don't get that kind of mileage.

[bartonmd]

Something's wrong on your MPG on the good one... How are you getting that number? The DIC, or pump and calculate? This vehicle will not get that mileage in stock form, and I've only heard of one guy getting 25-26 with a mileage tune, CAI, exhaust, E-fans, etc... Well... MAYBE at 50-55mph without stopping, from full-empty on the highway, but it doesn't sound like that's happening... Something is calibrated wrong. How much did you spend in gas on each one coming down? Was one on "E" when the other one was at 1/4 tank when driving together?

Mike

[trailblazzz]

Mike,

Actually, I did drive both vehicles no faster than 65 MPH on their trips - from full to empty. What gets me is that the first Trailblazer is still showing about 25 highway. Do you think something is wrong with the DIC on the first Trailblazer? There have been absolutely no modifications to either truck - yet. Going to put in a CAI on the second truck and do the exhaust this fall. Wasn't aware until now that putting in an electric fan could really improve fuel economy...

Dave

[Envoy Fan]

Mike,

Actually, I did drive both vehicles no faster than 65 MPH on their trips - from full to empty. What gets me is that the first Trailblazer is still showing about 25 highway. Do you think something is wrong with the DIC on the first Trailblazer? There have been absolutely no modifications to either truck - yet. Going to put in a CAI on the second truck and do the exhaust this fall. Wasn't aware until now that putting in an electric fan could really improve fuel economy...

Dave

To rule out a lying DIC, you will have to figure out mpg the old fashion way. Take miles driven and divide them by the gallons it takes to refill the tank.

[bartonmd]

To rule out a lying DIC, you will have to figure out mpg the old fashion way. Take miles driven and divide them by the gallons it takes to refill the tank.

Yep...

Could be a faulty fuel pressure sensor telling the ECM is has less fuel pressure than it actually does, so it thinks it's putting in, say, 20cc's of fuel when it's actually putting in 25cc's of fuel... The DIC is a calculation based on sensor inputs, and if they're not 100% perfect, they will be wrong.

Do the test of gallons/miles driven...

Mike

[BigRobSA]

All your MPG are belong to us!

http://img2.putfile.com/main/5/12512374512.jpg


It's hard to read, but my DIC said 82.1 on my trip back from the KC TBSS Nationals a week and a half ago.

:rotfl::woohoo:

It was in N, going down a HUGE hill on one of the backroads.

[Gunz]

So the 5.3L option for the TBZ was only good in years 06-08? Wow. That makes it limited, then. Anyone know why the 09 is back to the I6? I s it because of the gas thing?

Also, what is the off-raod package parts kit? Are they ust different shocks, or are there otehr pieces ike skid plates? What were your costs, if youu can share?

I get 18 mpg combined city and mostly highway on a tank of gas. On flat highway, I can get 20 mpg max with cruise at 65-70 mph. It seems there is no difference in gains from 60-75 mph.

Also, I use synthetic Mobil 1 oil.

[bartonmd]

So the 5.3L option for the TBZ was only good in years 06-08? Wow. That makes it limited, then. Anyone know why the 09 is back to the I6? I s it because of the gas thing?

Also, what is the off-raod package parts kit? Are they ust different shocks, or are there otehr pieces ike skid plates? What were your costs, if youu can share?

I get 18 mpg combined city and mostly highway on a tank of gas. On flat highway, I can get 20 mpg max with cruise at 65-70 mph. It seems there is no difference in gains from 60-75 mph.

Also, I use synthetic Mobil 1 oil.

The 5.3 was only an option in the short wheelbase trailblazers in 2006 and up. It's been in the long wheelbase TB's for several years.

The "off road" kit consists of skid plates, period. A metal one under the ratiator (mounted to the rad mounts, so it's just to stop sticks and rocks and stuff, it will still push the rad back into the fan on a good hit), a plastic skid plate under the oil pan, and on the SWB models, a plastic one that covers the bottom of the oil tank, and extends to the trans mount crossmember to cover the low part of the transfer case. The EXT models are the same on the front 2, but just have a small metal skid plate sticking back over the T-case.

The skid plates are different between the SWB I6 and V8 models, because the frame is different and the crossmember is in a different place.

Mike

[rcam81]

The T-case skid plate fits all models. I had it on my 2003 and moved it to my 2007 when I got it.

[bartonmd]

The T-case skid plate fits all models. I had it on my 2003 and moved it to my 2007 when I got it.

Correct, the stand-alone T-case skid plate fits all models. It's the gas tank/t-case skid plate that is model and engine specific.

Mike

[longhorn262]

dont get the chrome door handles that fake chrome peels so fast

[denny]

that's great,put a lock ont he hood,
i'd be happy with 17on my 07 vortec I 6.only getting 10 mpg.

[WOOLUF1952]

that's great,put a lock ont he hood,
i'd be happy with 17on my 07 vortec I 6.only getting 10 mpg.

:eek: There is somthing wrong with your truck or your foot needs a serious diet.:rotfl: The worse mileage I ever got was 11.9 in the middle of winter. I feel better now. BUT NOT MUCH.

[denny]

foot s not heavy. babied car only get 10.added seafoam, went 11.5,.
lot of black soot in tail pipe that should'n t bethere.going to dealer again,i'm going to ask for a factory rep. if possible
have hunch something could be wrong with throttle body operation.
it's electronically controlled.possible shutter not opening the way it should.
i'll find out fri.

[Robert1101]

Black soot is way too much fuel. The O2 sensor tells the PCM how much 02 is in the exahust gases and the PCM corrects the injector dwell time. If the O2 is reading the O2 level incorrectly then the injectors are staying open too long and the black soot. Or the PCM is having a bad day and you still get black soot. Either way Chevy should fix the problem.

[nor391]

I Just Bought The 08 Tb 3lt They Are Not Making The V8 In O8 So I Think 26mpg Is Fake Just The V8 In 08!

[Super 88]

I Just Bought The 08 Tb 3lt They Are Not Making The V8 In O8 So I Think 26mpg Is Fake Just The V8 In 08!

Are you sure about that? If so, someone forgot to tell Chevy. They still have it listed on their web site for the 08 models. I found a dealership less than 15 minutes from me that currently has an 08 with the 5.3 V8!

[bartonmd]

Are you sure about that? If so, someone forgot to tell Chevy. They still have it listed on their web site for the 08 models. I found a dealership less than 15 minutes from me that currently has an 08 with the 5.3 V8!

Me thinks somebody's dealer lied to them in order to sell what as already on the lot...

Mike

[LMMJ]

Me thinks somebody's dealer lied to them in order to sell what as already on the lot...

Mike

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-Trailblazer-2008-Chevrolet-TrailBlazer-LT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34430QQihZ011QQitemZ 320255335977QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[03LTTB]

I own a 03 lt i6 and i get 30-40 mpg highway at 60mph cruise control.
I will try to make video.

[bartonmd]

I own a 03 lt i6 and i get 30-40 mpg highway at 60mph cruise control.
I will try to make video.

Looking at the "instant" readout, right? It's not uncommon for those to say 99mpg when going to down a hill...

Mike

[bartonmd]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-Trailblazer-2008-Chevrolet-TrailBlazer-LT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34430QQihZ011QQitemZ 320255335977QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Yep, I was agreeing with Super 88, that they do make them, and saying that NOR391's dealer lied to him in order to sell what was on the lot...

Mike

[LMMJ]

Yep, I was agreeing with Super 88, that they do make them, and saying that NOR391's dealer lied to him in order to sell what was on the lot...

Mike

I quoted the wrong person my bad

[03LTTB]

are BOTH interior and exterior handles available in chrome from dealer or do i have to ebay it?:hissy:

[bartonmd]

I quoted the wrong person my bad

It's cool.

[LTDr]

...

The "off road" kit consists of skid plates, period. A metal one under the ratiator (mounted to the rad mounts, so it's just to stop sticks and rocks and stuff, it will still push the rad back into the fan on a good hit), a plastic skid plate under the oil pan, and on the SWB models, a plastic one that covers the bottom of the oil tank, and extends to the trans mount crossmember to cover the low part of the transfer case. The EXT models are the same on the front 2, but just have a small metal skid plate sticking back over the T-case.

The skid plates are different between the SWB I6 and V8 models, because the frame is different and the crossmember is in a different place.

Mike

Just came across this thread looking for info on the chrome handles (my '08 came with black :( ).

As a small point of correction, for '08 the off road package also includes front recovery hooks, which are otherwise unavailable on '08 TB's.

[kscarsdale]

i am lucky to get 17-18 and most people here probably get around the same 26 is definently a fluke.....interested in a trade

[zepcom]

As a small point of correction, for '08 the off road package also includes front recovery hooks, which are otherwise unavailable on '08 TB's.

Yea, I bought a set of recovery hooks on ebay ($30 bucks for the set iirc) for my 2007 LT and installed them about 2 months after buying the truck. Our old 2002 truck had them and I was quite surprised that this truck (and all others when we were looking to buy our truck) didn't come with them.

Just used them yesterday with a tow-strap to yank something out in the backyard. Love 'em!~

[Brian P]

It's a long shot (sorry to bring up an old topic) but could it be possible that the off-road skid plates are helping with aerodynamics under the vehicle, thereby increasing MPG? I've heard of those "Hypermiler" guys using shields underneath and it's supposed to help a bit.