Chevy Trailblazer Transmission Problems & Cost

Introduced for the 2002 model year, the Chevrolet Trailblazer was the marque’s entry into the hotly contested midsize SUV segment. Sales were brisk, and this Chevy truck won many awards, partly due to its innovative engines. Even though it was discontinued in 2009, you still see plenty of them on the road today. This is thanks to those innovative and reliable engines, and that durable Chevrolet Trailblazer 4L60E. But, Trailblazer transmission problems still happen. So let’s find out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Chevy Trailblazer Transmission Models

Chevy Trailblazer: 4L60E Transmission

Chevy Trailblazer Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement 4L60E Transmission:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
4L60E / 4L65E2100

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy Trailblazer transmission problems?

Trouble CodeDescription
P0706Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0712Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
P0713Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input
P0719Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit Low
P0724 Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit High
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0748Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0751Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off
P0753Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0756Shift Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off
P0757Shift Solenoid 'B' Stuck On
P0758Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical
P0785Shift/Timing Solenoid
P0894Transmission Component Slipping
P1860TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical
P1870Transmission Component Slipping: GM Transmission

Chevy Trailblazer Transmission Recalls

None Found

Chevy Trailblazer Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB PIP4051C – Harsh Shifting – Chevrolet Trailblazer 4L60E
Problem – Unusually harsh gear changes, combined with a P0717 DTC for an input shaft speed sensor error, are often caused by damage to the ISS sensor wiring.
Solution – If wire damage is found (usually to the white wire), the wiring and sensor will have to be replaced. The pump cover should also be examined for sharp points/edges that could damage the wiring. If any are found, they should be smoothed with a file.

TSB 01-07-30-002C – Transmission stuck in third gear with inoperable instrument cluster and multiple DTC’s – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65 Transmission
1999 – 2003 Cadillac Escalade – 2002 – 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT – 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Silverado – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Suburban – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Blazer – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Express – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet S10 – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT – 1997 – 2003 GMC Sierra – 1997 – 1999 GMC Suburban – 1999 – 2003 GMC Yukon XL – 1997 – 2003 GMC Yukon – 1997 – 2001 GMC Jimmy – 1997 – 2003 GMC Savanna – 1997 – 2003 GMC Sonoma – 2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy – 2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy XL – 1997 – 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
Problem – Vehicles equipped with the 4L60E and 4L65E transmission may become stuck in third gear, the instrument cluster may not function, and the following DTC’s may be set: P0740, P0753, P0758, P0785 and P1860.
Solution – The most likely cause of this transmission problem is a blown fuse or an open on circuit 1020 between the fuse panel and the transmission. If no battery voltage is found at the fuse, the ignition switch will need to be replaced

TSB 08-07-30-027 – No movements when transmission is shifted into Drive or third – 4L60E Transmission – 4L65E Transmission – 4L70E Transmission
1982-2005 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks: 2006-2007 Buick Rainier – 2006 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV & Escalade EXT – 2006 Chevrolet SSR – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Colorado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Express – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado Classic – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Suburban – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Tahoe – 2006-2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali XL – 2006-2008 GMC Canyon – 2006-2008 GMC Envoy – 2006-2008 GMC Savana – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra Classic – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon XL – 2006 Pontiac GTO – 2006-2007 HUMMER H2 – 2006-2008 HUMMER H3 – 2006-2008 Saab 9-7X – with the 4L60, 4L60E, 4L65E or 4L70E Automatic Transmission (RPOs MD8, M30, M32, M33 or M70)
Problem – It is possible to experience no movement when the transmission is shifted into Drive or the 3rd gear position. It is possible to experience normal operation when the transmission shifted into second, first or reverse.
Solution – Replace the forward sprag assembly

TSB 00-07-30-022D – No reverse, second or fourth gears – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65E Transmission
1993 – 2005 GM passenger cars and light duty trucks
Problem – Drivers may experience the loss of reverse, second and fourth gears. First and third gears will seem to function normally
Solution – The reaction sun gear may fail inside of the sun shell. It will need to be replaced with a stronger heat-treated 4L60E / 4L65 sun gear.

TSB 08-07-30-008B – Diagnostic information for P0894 and P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission | 4L65 Transmission | 4L70E Transmission
2003-2007 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks – 2003-2007 HUMMER H2 – 2006-2007 HUMMER H3 – 2005-2007 Saab 9-7X – with 4L60-E, 4L65-E or 4L70-E Automatic Transmission (RPOs M30, M32 or M70)
Problem – This relates to drivers who experience unusually harsh 1-2 shifts, along with a P0804 and/or a P1870 DTC.
Solution – It is possible that a leaking TCC solenoid, a torque converter clutch valve or damaged turbine shaft O-ring seal could cause these two diagnostic trouble codes. However, it could also be caused by a failed torque converter

PIP5071 – Squawking noise on the 2-3 shift – Chevrolet Trailblazer 4L60E
Problem – An unusual squawking or groaning noise may be heard on the upshift from 2nd to 3rd gear.
Solution – The 3-4 friction and steel plates, clutch plate, apply plate, and selective backing plates will have to be replaced.

Common Chevy Trailblazer Transmission Problems

Intermittent harsh shifting -Chevrolet Trailblazer 4L60E
Problem – A common Chevrolet Trailblazer 4L60E transmission problem is an intermittent hard 1-2 shift, often accompanied by engine bogging. This condition can be caused by the torque convertor clutch applying during the shift.
Solution – To remedy the problem, the wiring harness needs to be inspected from the transmission case connector to the rear of the engine on the driver side. It’s possible that the wires for the TCC solenoid and pressure control solenoid have become frayed on a body seam. If this is the case, the wiring will need to be repaired, and the harness repositioned.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems generally start out small, which may tempt you to keep driving the truck. However the continued strain of driving will eventually cause damage to other components, leading to a much higher repair bill. So you should really have a mechanic check the truck out at the first sign of trouble.

How often does a Chevy Trailblazer transmission need to be replaced?

Obviously, you will get a lot more life out of a transmission if you maintain it properly. Driving style and factory design flaws also play a part. That said, the average Chevrolet Trailblazer 4L60E transmission usually lasts between 130,000-180,000 miles. A remanufactured transmission on the other hand, can sometimes last a lot longer.

How are Chevy Trailblazer transmission issues diagnosed?

Although you might be able to guesstimate the cause of your Chevy Trailblazer transmission problems, you actually need the right tools and experience to figure out what needs to be fixed. An OBD2 code scanner is a good place to start, followed by a thorough visual inspection.

How is a Chevy Trailblazer transmission replaced?

To replace your Chevy Trailblazer transmission, it needs to be lifted up off the ground to access all of the parts that need to be unbolted. After the transmission is lowered to the ground (usually with a transmission jack), the new transmission can be installed in the reverse order. However, the ECU will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission.

Recommendations for Chevy Trailblazer transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Chevy Trailblazer transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy Trailblazer Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Trailblazer Transmission

For a quick solution to most severe Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems, you may consider buying a used 4L60E transmission from the local junkyard. They’re cheap and easy to find. Plus most of them come with a warranty. However, it may have even more problems than you have right now, and you wouldn’t know unless you tore it apart.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Trailblazer Transmission

A less risky option would be to get a rebuilt 4L60E transmission from either your mechanic, or a local transmission repair shop. These typically have a lot of new transmission parts, like seals and clutches. And they usually come with some sort of warranty. But many mechanics won’t know how to modify the transmission, so it won’t have the same inherent problems that stem from the factory design flaws. Plus, the warranty you get might only be good at that one shop, leaving you without warranty coverage if you travel.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Trailblazer Transmission

To keep your truck on the road for as long as possible, you should strongly consider a remanufactured transmission. These typically contain higher quality transmission parts, and the whole build process can create a much better transmission, provided there are quality control checks in place. The warranties are usually much better too.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Chevy Trailblazer Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

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mandy
4 years ago

no codes at all. my 04 trail blazer will not move in any gear and my tach and speed od. isnt working stuck at 120 mph. and tach at zero help

My codes read to random fire Miss i
4 years ago

My codes read to random fire Mrs. and converter issue I believe it seems to be trouble switching into the higher gears and kind of putters it doesn’t takeoff fast as it should

Cheryl
4 years ago

My 2004 trailblazer , I just bought this SUV drove great , went shopping turned into Walmart I heard a noise like a branch was in the belt,, I stopped looked , didn’t see anything I get back in my truck it goes in gear but won’t move! !? I have it towed home they used a code tester it showed solenoid 2,i got the switch installed it with a new pan gaskets etc,, cranked it up still want move,, goes into all gears but want move ,, do I need a new transmission or it is just another solenoid? When I got it it had no shifter they said they had trouble with the shifter and replaced the harness ,, could that be the problem? Please help I’ve been with out a ride sence Dec 6 ,,

William
4 years ago

All my lights work i can hear it enguage but 4 hi and low still dont work.

david
4 years ago
Reply to  William

doing same thing

david
4 years ago
Reply to  William

did you find the problem

Jim
5 years ago

2007 Chevy trailblazer my trainsmission when put in drive it has a small vibration back in neutral it go a way it shift fine but when I stop at a red light it has a small vibration so I shift to neutral till the light changes .

Cordelyia
5 years ago

I have a 07 trailblazer when I m driving my truck it be pulling like I’m going up a hill so I have to give it gas so it can catch up. Could this be my transmission about to go.

Chad everett redd
5 years ago

06 trailblazer leaking fluid out where the torque converter is held

Joe
5 years ago

I was driving at night going to my daughters check engine light came on po894 shifted funny twice I stopped. Shifting hard into first gear stop at her house later that night went home car drove perfect what do you think is the problem transmission fluid is perfect and clean

Ricky McCausland
5 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Did you find a solution? Mine is doing the same thing.

james
5 years ago

my trailblazer stopped pulling all of a sudden while driving like I just knocked it out of gear will not pull in any gear

Elise K.
5 years ago
Reply to  james

2003 here, same exact thing just happened to me on the freeway.

Scott
5 years ago

I have a 2005 trailblazer with 219,000 miles on it. I was driving down the interstate when all of a sudden it felt like the transmission was bumped into neutral. Reverse and all drive gears are slipping. If I let it sit a minute and start it it will go, but then it’ll start slipping again. Any ideas?

L plumley
5 years ago
Reply to  Scott

Your filter in the trans.pan is stopped up from burnt clutch plates you will need major trans repsirs

Rober
4 years ago
Reply to  Scott

So what did it just felt like I put it in neutral

Steve L
5 years ago

2005 Chevy Trailblazer LT. At 126,000 miles my check engine light came on. Upon having the code read, (P0894 “Transmission Component Slipping”) the estimate was $2100 to have the transmission replaced in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The only problem that was noticed was a hard shift (1-2) after the truck was driven at highway speeds.

Terrie
4 years ago
Reply to  Steve L

Mine is doing the same thing! What can I do before it gets worse?

Nancy
5 years ago

Changes gears but sounds like a manual transmission ready to change

danny wall
5 years ago

my trailblaser wont shift into any gear

Latoya
5 years ago

My Chevy trailblazer will go in reverse but bill not go in drive what could be the problem

Sharon
5 years ago
Reply to  Latoya

Mine did this and it was the shift selonoid

Terry
5 years ago
Reply to  Latoya

I have a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer last night I changed both shift solenoids on it and a filter and oil pan but it’s still give me the same problem which is it will go into reverse it’ll backup but when I shift it into any of the other gears Drive first second third it won’t go anywhere but the light on my Dash is changing like it’s in that gear

Rod
4 years ago
Reply to  Terry

Check the connector that attaches the cable to the transmission . I had the same problem and it was the plastic connector dryrotted n broke .

Cindy
4 years ago
Reply to  Terry

I have a 2004 trailblazer it shifts fine but won’t move in drive or reverse. It is an automatic. Please help

Ellis
6 years ago

When u first start it,it shifts out good. But when it gets hot it goes to first an second,then its like it goes into nutrual,then I have no gears until it cools down,then it does it again. Its a 2002 Chevy trailblazer, the milage 233338.

Scott
5 years ago
Reply to  Ellis

Mine is doing the same thing. You found the problem yet?

floyd
6 years ago

my 2003 trailblazer is slow to shift gears. it winds out to like 2500 rpms before shifting

Frankie
6 years ago

My trailblazer goes into drive, but not in reverse. There is also a huge leak of oil. What can I do to fix the problem?

Marilyn
6 years ago

My trailblazer 2004 make huge transsmision leak, what can I do

Robert
6 years ago

What can I do to get in gear

Jim
6 years ago

My 2005trailblazer4x4has a tapping near the transmission area in gear and out of gear and a chatter or shudder in drive around forty to fifty mph but not constantly.

Joy Mason
6 years ago

I stopped to turn around. When I put it in reverse, the transmission went into reverse but the gear shift went all the way into park. It would not let me take the gear shift out of park or even push in the button on the side of the handle, which has to be done before you can move the gear shift. When I took my foot off the break, it was still in reverse. Luckily, I was still near my house so I literally backed down the road to my driveway. After the car motor ran for a few minutes in my driveway, it died without me doing anything. My trailblazer is a 2004 with 230,000 miles. It has been a pretty good car and not given me too many problems. I’m not sure what went wrong today. I’m willing to spend some money on it because I feel like it is still in pretty good shape, but I don’t want to spend more than it is really worth. Not sure what to do.

Scott
5 years ago
Reply to  Joy Mason

The plastic clip the connects the shifter cable to the transmission has broke. Mine has done this twice

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