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2003 Blazer Battery Problems

9 messages,  Last post on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:16 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Blazer, Electrical, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#5 of 9 Replace starter. by duntov

Feb 23, 2009 (1:13 pm)

First, replace your "No Name" battery with a AC Delco 75-60 (60 mo.) Replace the positive and negative battery cables with OEM AC Delco side terminal battery cables while you are at it. The positive cable from the battery to the starter is difficult to replace but it is a good time to do it if you are going to remove your starter anyway. Second, don't pull the starter just to have it tested. If you go to all the trouble to remove the starter, go ahead and replace it with a NAPA rebuilt starter and new solenoid, after all, you starter has 130,000 miles on it. I feel sure your alternator is OK. However, you should check the internal regulator connector on the side of the alternator and make sure it is still attached and tight. Those GM weather-pack connectors can be damaged when removed with a screwdriver and vibration and air flow can blow the connector off the alternator especailly at higher speed. When that happens, your engine and accessories are running on just the battery alone and the alternator is not recharging it..
 
NAPA parts are among the best rebuilt parts you can buy, They have the highest quality control standards in the industry and their contract rebuilders must follow them. If you will notice, NAPA does not have "discount auto supply" in with their name or advertisements and that is why their prices are slightly higher than the parts from the "discount" auto suppliers" like Autozone, Pep Boys, etc. No, I have no financial interest in NAPA.
 
You can find the NAPA parts you need on-line (http://www.napaonline.com ). Print and take a copy of the web-page to the NAPA dealer and present it to the counterman. That will help eliminate any ordering mistakes. "Never trust a counterman." .AC Delco replacement parts can be purchased on-line from Rock Auto ( http://www.rockauto.com ) and are about 30% cheaper than the MSRP of AC Delco parts.
 
The batteries on all computer controlled vehicles have a constant parasitic battery drain due to the radio, digital clock, relays, sensors, ECM, etc., even when the engine. is not running.. With a 50 - 100 ma parasitic battery drain, a weak battery can be dead as a door nail in 24 hours. Example, my so-called " 36 month" Autolite battery was only 13 months old and was dead in two days because of a shorted power door lock relay. I did not fall for the hook by getting a battery adjustment and therefore get another Autolite battery It took me four years to get off the "battery adjustment" merry-go-round from Sears Die Hard batteries. I replaced the power door lock relay and replaced the Autolite battery with a AC Delco 75-60 (60 month) battery. I expect the AC Delco battery to need replacment in about 40 months. Normally a battery will last about 3/4 as long as the warranty. That scam keeps customers coming back for the same brand.
 
NAPA......"GET THE GOOD STUFF"

#6 of 9 Re: Replace starter. [duntov] by dtrevino80

Feb 23, 2009 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: duntov (Feb 23, 2009 1:13 pm)
Well like I said, I did replace the alternator Friday and battery yesterday. I am hoping to know by tomorrow whether or not this has worked. I will be sure to update and let you know how it goes. I am hoping to not have to replace the starter as I have not even had this vehicle a week and I am already at 200+ dollars in repairs. Thanks for all the help!!!

#7 of 9 Good start by duntov

Feb 24, 2009 (5:08 am)

The alternator and battery are the easiest and cheapest things to replace and those are the first things to consider, if you are going to keep the vehicle for a few more years. If those do not help your starting problems, the starter is likely the culprit.
 
Don't be too concerned about fixing a problem by the process of elimination on a vehicle with high milage. Professional auto mechanics sometimes do the same thing.......at your expense.

#8 of 9 1998 blazer battery/heater problem by gmbutkus

Jan 25, 2012 (2:59 pm)

I changed my battery and then the heat stopped working, I put some additional coolant in,just in case this was it--it wasn't and it's not the fuses either, any ideas?

#9 of 9 Re: 1998 blazer battery/heater problem [gmbutkus] by jlflemmons

Feb 10, 2012 (10:16 pm)

Replying to: gmbutkus (Jan 25, 2012 2:59 pm)
With the engine warmed up, carefully feel the two hoses going to and from the heater core. These will go through the firewall on the passenger side of the engine bay. Both hoses should be warm/hot, and the same temperature.
 
If one hose is hot, and the other noticeably cooler, the heater core is plugged up. Not an uncommon problem on the S series. Assuming there is no leaking from the heater core (check the carpet on the passengers side footwell) you can disconnect the two hoses from the heater core at the firewall, attach a length of heater hose to each side and use a pair of water hose repair ends (female side) to attach to a water hose. GENTLY run water through the core in the reverse direction and you should be able to flush the blocking sediment out of the core. Assuming the two hoses were of different temperature as described above, the hotter of the two hoses is the input side, the cooler is the return side. So, try flushing with the hose putting water into the return, and catch the water coming from the input side in a large bucket.
 
Sort of a shade-tree power backflush. Worked for me.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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