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:

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

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!