2003 TrailBlazer 4WD problems - how to get TSBs
Mike Brancato
case indicator lights were all out, and the transfer case switch didn't
work at all. I turned the car off for a minute and back on and still
the same. So I went inside where I was parked and just decided to take
it to the dealer on Monday. When I left to go home a couple hours
later, everthing worked fine and has since. I noticed about 6 or 7 TSBs
for the 2003 TB's listed with the NHTSA, 4 of the descriptions sound
just like my problem. Unfortunately I wasn't able to throw an OBD-II
reader on it before the code went away. Can anyone get me these TSBs or
tell me how I can?
The dealer says I need to come in and have my system flashed with
updated firmware.
Here is a list of some I think I may be experiencing:
02-04-21-006/A/B/C/D keep showing up when I look around.
From NHTSA:
01410 - POOR PERFORMANCE FROM A STOP IN 2WD, AUTO OR 4WD HI. 2003, 2003
CADILLAC EXT ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
030421005 - SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ON, 4WD INOPERATIVE, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODES C0300 AND/OR C0305 SET. *TT
From AllData:
02-04-21-006D - AWD/4WD System - Lamps/System Inoperative
03-04-21-005 - Transfer Case Control Module - 4WD Lamp ON/DTC'S Set
02-04-21-002A - Indicator ON/DTC B2725 Set
From Edmunds:
01459 - SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ON NO CODES BESIDES U1000 CODES. *TT
Regards,
--
Mike
shiden_kai
> The dealer says I need to come in and have my system flashed with
> updated firmware.
Your dealer is correct. There have already been about 2-3 software
updates on these vehicles for 4WD type problems. The first thing
you should do is take it in, get the software updates, get any codes
(usually history) removed, and then just drive the thing.
I see so many of these type of complaints. In most cases, the software
update fixes the problem. This is the way things are going in the
automotive world.
Ian
Mike Brancato
$80 software upgrade cuz I'm out of warranty period.
can someone get me detail on this TSB?
01410 - POOR PERFORMANCE FROM A STOP IN 2WD, AUTO OR 4WD HI. 2003, 2003
CADILLAC EXT ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
Regards,
--
Mike
shiden_kai
> From what the dealer and Ian said, I think the firmware will fix it.
> $80 software upgrade cuz I'm out of warranty period.
I would go in and talk to the service manager about this.
Yes, you are out of warranty.....but really, why should
you pay for a software upgrade? Obviously, the software
code is/was faulty from the factory. Software doesn't
"break"....it's either right or it's wrong. In the case of
the Trailblazers, it has been wrong a number of times.
Obviously, you want to be nice, but firm. Perhaps you
can use the example of computer motherboard manufacturers
providing free bios updates regardless of whether the
board is under warranty or not.
> can someone get me detail on this TSB?
>
> 01410 - POOR PERFORMANCE FROM A STOP IN 2WD, AUTO OR 4WD HI. 2003,
> 2003 CADILLAC EXT ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
That number doesn't compute.
I did just look at the bulletins for "driveline/axle"
on your vehicle. Out of 7 bulletins, 4 of them include
software updates for various transfer case related
complaints.
I'll include them below....just the relevent info so that
you can see if it matches your complaint.
Delayed Engagement of Front Wheels During a Slip Condition (Reprogram
Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)) #04-04-21-001 - (May 14, 2004)
Delayed Engagement of Front Wheels During a Slip Condition (Reprogram
Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM))
2004 Buick Rainier
2002-2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer EXT
2002-2004 GMC Envoy, Envoy XL
2004 GMC Envoy XUV
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
with New Venture Gear (NVG) 126 (RPO NP4) or NVG 226 (RPO NP8) Transfer Case
Condition
Some customers may comment on a hesitation or delayed engagement of the
front wheels during a slip condition.
This condition may manifest itself in the normal AWD mode for the Bravada
and Rainier models, and in the Auto 4WD mode for the TrailBlazer and Envoy
models.
Correction
Reprogram the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) using normal SPS
procedures using TIS software version 11.5 released November 10th, 2003 or
newer. Refer to Transfer Case Control Module Reprogramming for additional
information.
2002 vehicles will require the replacement of the transfer case control
module prior to reprogramming.
Inoperative 4WD/AWD Lamps, Inoperative 4WD/AWD System (Reprogram Transfer
Case Control Module Using Labor Operation Code N8521) #02-04-21-006D - (Mar
24, 2004)
Inoperative 4WD/AWD Lamps, Inoperative 4WD/AWD System (Reprogram Transfer
Case Control Module Using Labor Operation Code N8521)
2004 Buick Rainier
2002-2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer EXT
2003-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2002-2004 GMC Envoy, Envoy XL
2003-2004 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
2004 GMC Envoy XUV
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
with Electronic Shift or Active Transfer Case (RPOs NP1, NP4 or NP8)
This bulletin is being revised to add information to Step 5 of the
procedure. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-04-21-006C (Section
04 -- Driveline/Axle).
Condition
Some customers may comment that the 4WD/AWD indicator lights on the selector
switch do not work, or the 4WD/AWD system may be inoperative and/or the
service 4WD light is illuminated. The condition is typically intermittent
and always occurs at key-up.
Cause
The Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) has not received the wake-up call
during key-up and has remained in the "sleep mode".
When the TCCM is in the "sleep mode", it will not communicate with the class
II bus or the Tech 2®.
Correction
1.. Try to communicate with the TCCM. If no communication, go to step 2.
If communication is possible, go to step 5.
2.. Remove the underhood (ATCM or TREC) TCCM fuse.
3.. Wait 30 seconds.
4.. Reinstall the fuse. The module should "wake up" and communicate with
the Tech 2®.
5.. Check for codes in the TCCM. If a C0550 is found current or in history
with or without other codes, replace the module and go to step 6.
6.. Reprogram the TCCM using normal SPS procedures, using TIS software
version 3 released March 8th, 2004 or newer.
7.. Verify operation and that no codes are present.
Service 4WD Light On, 4WD Inoperative, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) C0300
and/or C0305 Set (Reprogram Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM))
#03-04-21-005 - (Jun 5, 2003)
Service 4WD Light On, 4WD Inoperative, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) C0300
and/or C0305 Set (Reprogram Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM))
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, TrailBlazer
2003 GMC Envoy, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
with 4WD (RPOs NP4, NP8)
Condition
Some customers may comment that the Service 4WD light is on and/or the 4WD
is inoperative.
Cause
Condition may be caused by a TCCM calibration issue.
Correction
Follow the service procedure below for diagnosis and repair of this
condition.
1.. With a scan tool, select the TCCM DTCs.
a.. If TCCM DTCs C0300 or C0305 are present in the TCCM, continue with
TCCM reprogramming in Step 2.
b.. If TCCM DTC C0374 is present with any of the above codes, disregard
and clear the DTC and continue with TCCM reprogramming in step 2.
c.. If TCCM DTC C0374 is present alone with none of the above listed
codes, additional diagnosis is required. Refer to Service Information (SI)
for proper diagnosis of the applicable vehicle.
d.. If TCCM DTC C0550 is present, refer to DTC C0550 in SI for proper
diagnosis of the applicable vehicle.
2.. Clear all DTCs and reprogram the TCCM with TIS version 3.5 or newer
released to the dealers on 3-22-03. Refer to Transfer Case Control Module
Reprogramming (SI Document ID #727487).
Shudder, Rocking Motion, Binding, Feels Like Vehicle is Stuck in 4WD (Crow
Hop) When Turning at Low Speeds (Replace Transfer Case Encoder Sensor and
Reprogram TCCM) #02-04-21-008A - (Feb 13, 2003)
Shudder, Rocking Motion, Binding, Feels Like Vehicle is Stuck in 4WD (Crow
Hop) When Turning at Low Speeds (Replace Transfer Case Encoder Sensor and
Reprogram TCCM)
2002-2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
2002-2003 GMC Envoy
2002-2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
This bulletin is being revised to update the service procedure and
incorporate the fluid exchange. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number
02-04-21-008 (Section 04 -- Driveline Axle).
Condition
Some customers may comment that when turning, the vehicle feels like it is
binding, or the vehicle feels like it is stuck in 4WD (crow hop), or that
the 4WD system is not working correctly. A shudder type sensation is felt.
Technician Diagnosis
This intermittent condition may be difficult to duplicate. The potential is
there at all times for the Bravada. The potential is only present in the
Auto Mode of the transfer case with the TrailBlazer or Envoy.
Correction
Important
It is extremely important to check all of the tires before repairs are
attempted for these types of customer concerns. Mismatched tires may cause
these type of customer concerns. Inspect the tires in the following areas:
a.. Ensure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire pressure as
listed on the tire placard on the driver's door.
b.. Use a tire tread depth gauge to determine the tread depth. The tire
tread depth must be nearly equal on all four corners of the vehicle.
c.. Ensure that the tires are all the same brand, size, and tread design.
Important
Pay particular attention so that the proper parts are replaced. The parts
terminology is somewhat confusing. You will be replacing the encoder
(sensor) and gasket not the complete motor assembly.
Currently, the General Motors Parts Catalog lists the following names:
a.. Motor Asm, Trfer Case Encoder (This is the Encoder (Sensor). It looks
like a donut with three (3) contacts on one side).
b.. Gasket.
c.. Actuator Asm, Trfer Case Four Whl Drv (This is the complete motor
assembly consisting of the Motor and housing, the Motor Asm, the Trfer Case
Encoder (Sensor), and the gasket).
Use the following procedure to replace the Motor Asm, Trfer Case Encoder
(Sensor) and Gasket.
Nice, eh?
Ian