Chevy Blazer Transmission Problems & Cost

Back when SUVs were starting to become popular, the Chevrolet Blazer had to duke it out with midsizers like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee. That obviously didn’t go well, but the venerable Chevy Blazer became a fixture in American driveways nonetheless. But as reliable as they were, S10 Blazer transmission problems still happen. So let’s figure 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 Blazer Transmission Models

Chevy Blazer: 700R4 Transmission (1992-Down)
Chevy Blazer: 4L60E Transmission (1993-Up)

Chevy Blazer 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 / 700R4 Transmission:

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

Chevy Blazer Transmission Recalls

None Found

Chevy Blazer Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB PIP4051C – Harsh Shifting Chevrolet Blazer 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 01-07-30-023B – Harsh 1-2 upshift with P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission RPO M30
1996 Buick Roadmaster – 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood – 1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade – 1996-2000 Chevrolet Camaro – 1996-2000 Corvette – 1996-2000 Pontiac Firebird – 1996-2000 Chevrolet and GMC Light Duty Truck Models – 1996-2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
Problem – Drivers may experience an unusually harsh 1-2 shift because the ECU has commanded maximum line pressure in order to compensate for excessive wear in the bore that contains the TCC isolator and regulator valves inside of the valve body.
Solution – Replace the 4L60E valve body with revised TCC regulator and isolator valves.

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.

Common Problems with the Chevy Blazer Transmission

Intermittent harsh shifting – Chevrolet Blazer 4L60E
Problem – A common Chevy Blazer 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
Harsh shifts
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?

Yes is the simple answer. But continuing to drive it can make your Chevy Blazer transmission problems even worse.

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

If you maintain your S-10 Blazer transmission properly, it will last for quite a long time. However, design issues can shorten the service life, even with proper maintenance. On average, we’ve seen the Chevy Blazer transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. However, if you buy a high quality replacement transmission, it can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed.

How are Chevy Blazer transmission issues diagnosed?

Depending on the age, Chevrolet Blazer transmission problems can be diagnosed using an OBDII scan tool, or the old-school way: with some wrenches and know how.

How is a Chevy Blazer transmission replaced?

Because of the relative simplicity, a Chevy S10 Blazer transmission can be replaced by simply unbolting it from the engine, driveshaft and frame. Of course it’s not a simply a 1-2-3 type of job. But a little mechanical skill and some hand tools will allow you to get it done in an afternoon.

Recommendations for Chevy Blazer 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 Blazer transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy Blazer Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Blazer Transmission

If you want an affordable solution to all of your Chevy Blazer transmission problems, you could go to the local junkyard and pick up a used 700R4 or used 4L60E transmission. They’re plentiful, and most will come with a short replacement warranty. But you don’t know the actual condition of the internal components unless you tear it down. And that 30-90 day warranty probably doesn’t cover labor charges if something inside the transmission breaks.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Blazer Transmission

A slightly better idea would be to buy a rebuilt 700R4 or rebuilt 4L60E transmission. These have a lot of new Chevrolet Blazer transmission parts, and a slightly better warranty. However, taking that gearbox back to its stock form means that all of the inherent failures will eventually happen again. And that warranty may only be honored by the shop that built it.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Blazer Transmission

If you keep your Chevrolet S-10 Blazer maintained correctly, it’ll last you for a good long time. So if you want a transmission that’ll last too, you should strongly consider getting a remanufactured 700R4 or remanufactured 4L60E from a reputable company. Many of them will be modified to correct for factory design flaws. And if you get one with a nationwide warranty, you won’t have to worry about transmission repair bills sneaking up on you.

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 Blazer 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!