Ignition problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Oil pressure gauge became unreliable and had different reading each time the car was driven. Most recently the gauge needle moves past the upper limits of the gauge and points straight down at the fuel gauge. Two days ago, the speedometer began acting in the same erratic manner and will give various readings including exceeding 120 mph and will point straight down at the steering column. It may read anywhere from 30 mph to 75 mph at various time when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off. Bottom line is that I am no longer to check my speed in comparison to speed limits or speed warning signs when in mountainous terrain.

Repeated instances of speedometer failing to read correct speed. Often reads up to 120 mph while stopped. Random behavior. Has been occurring for last 8 months. Can be temporarily corrected by repeatedly turning ignition on and off without starting engine. Occurs when driving at normal highway speeds. Speedometer continues to climb until it hits its limit at well over 120 mph regardless of actual speed or when stopped. Very unsafe condition, particularly for people who are limited in their ability to judge speeds.

I own a 2004 chevy Trailblazer with 56k mileage. In December 2008, the speedometer stopped working. I would be at stop, and the needle showed 80 mph. I brought the car to the dealership right away and they told me that the cluster needs to be replaced - but they needed to order the replacement part. I finally got it fixed a week later and it cost me approximately $525. Now, for the past two weeks, the engine had suddenly shut off in the middle of driving. The "reduced power" & "check engine" lights came on. Both times, it started back up after I parked it, turned off the ignition, and re-started. But after the second time, I brought it in to the dealership. I had to have the accelerator pedal replaced. Cost me approx $360. These two issues are very concerning with me because if I were driving at higher speed (65mph) in the middle of the highway (instead of 30mph around town), I could have died from contacts with other vehicles because my vehicles stopped functioning!.

While driving smoke was coming into vehicle through the vents. Consumer was able to pull over to the shoulder. A few minutes later vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was called. Vehicle was totaled.