Transmission Failure problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Blazer

My customer complained of a transmission failure involving, but not limited to a dtc p0785. I asked my customer if the involved vehicle (2000 Chevrolet Blazer) had any dealer or after market accessories installed, customer adamantly replied: no, "bone stock gm. " my customer was not aware that the involved vehicle had a theft deterrent system, manufactured by "karr" and distributed by audiovox with installers nationwide. I have been actively involved with gm dealerships for over forty years and possess a wealth of experience in parts and service experience. I removed the suspect security system and repaired the damaged wiring which resulted in the improper installation. In the past week I have been confronted with four customer complaints which resulted from security systems, aftermarket radios and including aftermarket headlamps. These aftermarket components are the direct cause of system failures involving engine management systems, lights, and numerous electrical failures. I sincerely request immediate and thorough investigation which I remain confident will result in massive recalls of these inferior products.

My customer complained of a transmission failure involving, but not limited to a dtc p0785. I asked my customer if the involved vehicle (2000 Chevrolet Blazer) had any dealer or after market accessories installed, customer adamantly replied: no, "bone stock gm. " my customer was not aware that the involved vehicle had a theft deterrent system, manufactured by "karr" and distributed by audiovox with installers nationwide. I have been actively involved with gm dealerships for over forty years and possess a wealth of experience in parts and service experience. I removed the suspect security system and repaired the damaged wiring which resulted in the improper installation. In the past week I have been confronted with four customer complaints which resulted from security systems, aftermarket radios and including aftermarket headlamps. These aftermarket components are the direct cause of system failures involving engine management systems, lights, and numerous electrical failures. I sincerely request immediate and thorough investigation which I remain confident will result in massive recalls of these inferior products.

I parked vehicle after driving approximately 45 minutes on a highway. Began return trip approximately 1 hour later and abs light came on. Upon entering the highway the abs light went out and the engine began to rev and wouldn't shift into high gear. Was able to use local access roads to get home. Problem diagnosed by an independent garage and corroborated by transmission repair center as transmission failure. No apparent problem with the abs. Vehicle has 20,235 miles on it, and we were the original owners. Vehicle has never been taken off the road, has never towed anything, and has probably only been put into 4-wd 20 times. Complete transmission rebuild required at a cost to us of $2,000.

Transmission failure as reported by many other consumers. 4th gear inoperable.

Transmission failure while putting into reverse, no reverse or third gears. Transmission had to be overhauled.

Automatic transmission failure made it impossible for vehicle to go into the reverse gear. Also, consumer was unable to buckle the rear seat belt because the plate got stuck in the holster, and the holster was stuck in the seat. Dealership was notified of both failures, but was unable to resolve the problems.

While driving, the transmission failed without warning. The dealer was notified. The consumer was stopped at a stop sign on a side road, waited for traffic to clear and as he made the left turn onto the highway, a pop sound was heard and the lost power. The vehicle moved forward in a jerking motion. Then the consumer continued to drive in low gear slowly and could not get out of the driveway in reverse.

Transmission failed while pulling out of the driveway into the neighborhood. The Blazer would not go into reverse, 2nd and 4th gear. An independent transmission shop said that he has fixed at least six 1999 and 2000 model year Blazers in the past two months that had this same problem. Based on this information, I contacted the manufacturer at phone # 1-800-222-1020. Chevrolet's customer service representative said that this would not be covered. I contacted the dealer and they said that Chevrolet would cover the repair in full and if they didn't then Chevrolet would pay for half. Obviously if the manufacturer is willing to do this when the vehicle is out of the warranty period then they are admitting that there is a faulty part. The transmission should not go out in a vehicle that has 47,000 miles on it. The vehicle has not been four-wheeling. It is driven by my wife to the school where she teaches that is about 40 - 50 miles round-trip on the interstate. The dealer said the repair costs was $1,040. 86 and that they would split the cost with me. The reverse reaction shell part is less than $50 and if a seal kit was needed (which it wasn't) is another $160. Labor ranges from the "book" from 6. 6 hours at the independent shop to 8. 4 hours at the dealer. Besides being gouged on the repair costs by the dealer, my complaint is that this critical transmission part should not have failed under normal driving circumstances. I do not even want to think of the consequences if the failure would have happened on the interstate at 70 mph. The manufacturer needs to be made responsible for their products if failure could cost lives.