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Chevy TrailBlazer Headlight Questions

171 messages,  Last post on Oct 13, 2012 at 9:15 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet TrailBlazer, SUV

Messages Page 14 of 18

#122 of 171 Re: 03 trailblazer low beam head lights out [sar1127] by bdawson85

Jul 06, 2010 (10:40 am)

Replying to: sar1127 (Jun 26, 2010 4:58 am)
I have an 03 TBLTZ and the driver side headlight went out. When going to change it the light came back on as if there was a short in the connector. The connector is melted and when the light does get connection, the connector gets so hot you can't hold it. I'm assuming I need to just get a new connector somewhere but I was wondering what was the cause of this as well. should I check out the 45/46 relays? Thanks for the help everyone.

#123 of 171 Trail Blazer Headlight Problem by frstar

Jul 07, 2010 (8:39 am)

I have a 2004 TB with 20000 miles.
After going through all the messages on this subject I may have found the answer in switching the relays #45 and #46. My symptoms are somewhat different(I think). When I park the TB after dark and then start it sometime later, the headlights do not work, neither hi or lo will come on. Last night after driving 2 miles and arriving home(miracle) the headlights came back on as I entered my driveway.
It(the problem) may be related to the fact that I had parked under some lights before turning the engine off. This is a stretch but had happened before under those circimstances. Very frustrating and scary.

#124 of 171 Re: 03 trailblazer low beam head lights out [bdawson85] by bdawson85

Jul 07, 2010 (9:56 am)

Replying to: bdawson85 (Jul 06, 2010 10:40 am)
As a follow up, I swapped the 45/46 relays and it didn't do anything different. I think my problem may just be a short in the connector itself. Any input?

#125 of 171 Re: 03 trailblazer low beam head lights out [bdawson85] by burdawg

Jul 07, 2010 (11:39 am)

Replying to: bdawson85 (Jul 07, 2010 9:56 am)
You should probably replace the plastic connectors with ceramic ones. I did this very thing some time ago when I noticed that the plastic connectors were getting deformed from the heat of the bulbs. Also, I noticed that some corrosion was present on both the bulb and connector contacts, which equals resistance to current flow and more heat. The ceramic connectors don't seem to be an issue. I got them at a local auto supply (Pep Boys) and used butt splices to connect them to the harness.

#126 of 171 Re: 03 trailblazer low beam head lights out [burdawg] by bdawson85

Jul 07, 2010 (12:52 pm)

Replying to: burdawg (Jul 07, 2010 11:39 am)
Ok, thanks. I saw some high heat headlamp sockets on Autozone.com and they have them for several different bulb types. I'll just find out what the OE bulb is and use the matching socket.
 
Thanks again for the recommendation.

#127 of 171 Re: 2005 Trailblazer Headlight Problems [keithb5] by gatorlb

Oct 13, 2010 (6:46 pm)

Replying to: keithb5 (Oct 29, 2009 5:12 pm)
For owners who experience the "headlight dimming" problem described in an older post. Let the vehicle idle for 20 seconds after starting. This solved my problem. Below is the service bulletin that describes the issue in more detail.
 
Subject:Diagnostic Information on Headlamps Flicker or Momentarily Dim While Driving #05-08-42-001 - (03/07/2005)
 
Models:2004-2005 Buick Rainier
2002-2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
2002-2005 GMC Envoy
2003-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
with 4.2L Engine (VIN S -- RPO LL8)
A concern regarding headlamps flicker or become dim while driving may be easily mis-diagnosed. It is very important to capture as much information from the customer as possible. Below is a guideline to assist with diagnostics.
 
Verify the customers specific concern.
 
• What time of day does this occur (is it light or dark outside) ?
• What driving conditions (vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position, etc...)?
• What was the outside ambient temperature when the condition occurred?
• What accessories was the driver using when this condition occurred (A/C, heated seats, rear defogger, etc...)?
• If the concern is at dusk, could it be the automatic headlamps changing from DRL to Headlamp mode and possibly back to DRL again?
• Are there any other relevant operating conditions?
 
Diagnostic Information
 
• Service Bulletin - 02-06-03-008A - Info - Low Voltage Display on IP Gauge, Lights Dim at Stop Lights, Battery Discharged, No Start, Slow Cranking, Dim Lights at Idle, Low Generator Output (SI Document ID #1540541)
• Service Bulletin - 02-06-03-006B - No Start, No Crank, Battery, Batteries, Generator, Gages, SES, SIR, Brake, Security, Theft, ABS, Hot, DIC Messages, Lamp, Light, Battery and Generator Diagnostic Testing and Cadillac Roadside Service (SI Document ID #1563904)
• Service Information - Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (SI Document ID #826321)
• Service Information - Battery Inspection/Test (Non-HP2) (SI Document ID #653410)
• Service Information - Charging System Test (SI Document ID #1468059)
• Service Information - Inspect for aftermarket devices that could affect the operation of the system. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems (SI Document ID #816776)
 
Important:
• Keep in mind high current draw items may cause a noticeable dimming of lights and a fluctuation in the voltmeter may be noted and is a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle.
 
• For 2004-2005 TrailBlazer, Envoy, Rainier and Bravada with the LL8 4.2L engine only, the Secondary Air Injection (AIR) pump activation is thought to be the main contributor to this high current draw condition and is a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle. Refer to Secondary Air Injection System Description (SI Document ID #1298539).
 
For customers whose driving habits tend to run the AIR pump diagnostic test that leads to concerns with the headlight flickering, if the vehicle is allowed to idle for 20 seconds prior to driving, this should allow the passive test to pass and prevent from running the active test that may dim the lights. The passive test should/will usually pass 99 percent of the time, and by allowing the 20 second idle period, it should almost eliminate the active test. Be sure to check for codes and correct related concerns if this condition repeats.
Additional high current draw items are rear window defogger, HVAC blower motor, rear air suspension pump along with other components.
For easier diagnostics, it may be possible to control or monitor these components with a scan tool.
It is important to inspect all related connections, grounds and battery terminals for integrity . A loose or corroded connection may exaggerate the concern, and may cause other symptoms. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (SI Document ID #1470165).
Corrections/repairs should only be made for specific concerns identified and not related to characteristic of high current draw components.

#128 of 171 Re: same here [jhornsby] by bigproblems33

Nov 16, 2010 (2:26 pm)

Replying to: jhornsby (Jan 30, 2008 3:01 pm)
I have a 04 Trailblazer. I have had problems with my low beam lights going out very often. I take my truck to firestone and when I first started taking it it was over $100 because they had to remove the whole front panel to get to the lights. But now they have lowered the price drastically, but I hadn't had to pay the last couple of times because the light goes out in 6 mths or less which is within the warranty. It is ridiculous!! I need to check the bulb socket the next time to see if this resolves my problems.
 
I have experienced problems with cluster panels, low beams, actuators, heating/cooling system, etc. Every problem I have had I came on this forum and it shows people entering tons of problem with the same or related issues. I have even seen reviews from people that has '07 or higher chevy models and they are having these problems and it is ridiculous. I will NEVER buy another chevy/GMC vehicle again. These forums have really helped me to get to the bottom of some of my problems so I could go to a dealership like I know what was going on. But this is ridiculous and chevy does not do a recall on any of this.

#129 of 171 Re: same here [bigproblems33] by burdawg

Nov 17, 2010 (8:38 am)

Replying to: bigproblems33 (Nov 16, 2010 2:26 pm)
If your paying them over $100 extra just to remove the "front panel", they are taking advantage of you. It took me about 1.5 minutes to remove the grill (what I assume the front panel is). It just pulls off. Then removing the headlamp assemblies only requires pulling up two locking tabs on each one.
I replaced both low beam sockets a long time ago on our 02 with ceramic ones due to the heat causing the plastic ones so soften and deform.

#130 of 171 Contact GM... by c118fe

Nov 18, 2010 (6:16 am)

is there a way to email corporate? Dealer kept putting me off on certified used car and when 12 mo B to B over finally said ok to re-paint my bumpers but being its out of warranty I would pay for rental.Went there 5 x over 1 year including day before warranty expired--We will call you--famous last words.Hoping corporate can help.Grey Chevrolet in Stroudsburg,Pa.

#131 of 171 Low beam not working by cck3

Nov 22, 2010 (9:16 pm)

I have tried everything. When the key is turned once i have low beam, turn it twice to where everything powers up, fuel pump gas gauge etc.. lights out and will not come back on. I have tried changing #45 and #46 relays all other fuses and micros ok. I drive with highs on all the time.

Messages Page 14 of 18

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