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trailblazer freeze frame data
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teamchevy8
Novice
Sep 21, 2009, 2:33 PM
Post #1 of 12
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trailblazer freeze frame data
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So here my issue. I got a used car from a certified gm dealership. 5 days after i got the car the check engine light comes on. So of course the day it comes on is a sunday and nothings open. So before i get to the dealership in the morning the light went off. Either way i thought it would be a good idea to take it there anyway and they just say well if it comes on again come back and we'll look at it. So a week later it comes on and i take it there and well i guess they were to busy to hook it up to the computer and check it. So i had to make a oppointment. so the light goes off again but i guess they can look into the freeze frame data. turns out they say its the thermostat. so anyway basically i was wonder if theres away to prove that they should have seen the thermostat was bad before selling me the 04 chevey trailblazer 3.6l LT 75,500. I mean dont they hook it up to the computer and check and see if there are any codes even if there isnt a check engine light isnt that way you pay like 175 service charge when you buy a vehicle. also is there away to see in the freeze frame data now to look up and see at what mileage it went off on? I mean they want like 300 to 400 to replace the thermostat. I wouldnt care if i had the car for more then 5 days before the check engine light went on. I mean the chance of the thermostat just failing 5 days after i bought have to be so slim. thanks again for helping! btw i havent repaired the thermostat yet if thats what it even is.
(This post was edited by teamchevy8 on Sep 21, 2009, 3:18 PM)
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 21, 2009, 11:04 PM
Post #2 of 12
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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Freeze frame data is a tool to help the tech duplicate a failure. All it is, is a pid list of data when failure happened, coolant & air temp, fuel trims, engine speed & load, etc, so the tech can drive the car under those conditions to try to duplicate the problem or at least know when it's happening. The info you want to see isn't there and just doesn't exist
I have to agree that 5 days is pretty soon to have a problem but when a part fails it fails, just because it happened a few days after you purchased the vehicle doesn't mean that nothing can break in that period.
You have to be aware that all used car sales are "as is" meaning if you didn't get a warranty on the vehicle and something broke the next day, they aren't responsible for it. With that being said I know some places, even though they have no responsibility to fix a problem, will take care of something if it happens right after a sale just for customer satisfaction.
I'll just offer this. You didn't mention a code but I'm guessing it's a P0128--Coolant Temp Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature. This is usually caused by a stuck open T stat. It would probably be a good idea to fix it. This indicates you may have a sticking t stat and while a stuck open t stat isn't a serious as a stuck close one, do you really want to risk the stat sticking closed and doing some serious engine damage?
Just so you know, it the stat had stuck closed on you a few day after the sale and ruined the motor, they still wouldn't have been liable for the repairs, but now they have documentation that you are on notice you have a t stat problem and haven't fixed it. If something serious happens now, what little sympathy you might of had in court will be wiped out with the notice of the problem and neglect to fix it.....
Don't take this wrong and I agree with you, the "moral" & decent thing for them to do would be to fix it....I mean we are talking about less than a week and a t stat at that (minor repair). I would just hate to see this go from a minor problem to a major one. You've tried to get them to do the right thing but they won't. Best thing to do is fix the problem and let them know they just lost a customer over an inexpensive repair.
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teamchevy8
Novice
Sep 22, 2009, 1:07 PM
Post #3 of 12
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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Thanks very much for the reply! Great advice too. I kinda figure something like that but it was worth a shot to ask someone who knows better then me. Also the thing is i dont really think i believe that it is the thermostat. I mean how exactly can you tell if it is? The reservoir is still full after about a 20min ride in the city and on the highway. and the Top hose out of the raditor is warmish hot not to bad and the bottom one is a bit warmer then the air temp. Also the temp needle stays right around 200 which i believe is real good and it doesnt take very long to heat up, and no back and forth from hot to cold. i guess what do you think? what else could it be? Does the test they do tell them exactly its the thermostat? Thanks again!
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speed
User
Sep 22, 2009, 5:49 PM
Post #4 of 12
(3741 views)
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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are thermostats really that expensive to change? thats like one of the easiest parts to get to from the engines ive done its right where the hose enters the block. so i mean it should be like a quick easy fix shouldnt it sidom? and if you can get the thermostat out you can look at it for one thing and read the temp it says on it and possibly if low enough you can place it in boilng water to see if its opening and closing.
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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teamchevy8
Novice
Sep 22, 2009, 5:52 PM
Post #5 of 12
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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Not so much for a trail blazer you have to from what online says remove the alternator but i mine i think it has to be the powersteering pump. So idk why online it says alternator. anyway the dealership wants like 300 to 400. I personally would do it myself but i dont want to have to do it if there isnt anything wrong with it. and if i have to remove the powersteering pump not sure what that in-tales.
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speed
User
Sep 22, 2009, 5:54 PM
Post #6 of 12
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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yeah thats the only way i can think of to test the thermostat i dont think it can be tested from installed point but im just and amatuer
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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teamchevy8
Novice
Sep 22, 2009, 5:58 PM
Post #7 of 12
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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Well i know theres signs of the thermostat going out but like i said it doesnt really show any signs from what i can tell. So i am kinda wonder why the dealer thinks its even the thermostat. I am kinda wonder if its just a sensor like the ect sensor that would be an even cheaper fix i think. but ya i know the only true test would be to put the thermostat i like boiling water and see if it opens up and closes. i think i am right about that anyway. i am sure there might be another test too. but ya thanks for the reply atleast.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 22, 2009, 6:18 PM
Post #8 of 12
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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If we had the code number, we could probably answer your question. There are a few different codes that relate to engine temp. one of them says that it's just not coming up to temp fast enough. just a couple degrees too low on temp will prevent the computer from going into closed loop which will mess up all kinds of things. Your first step is getting the code number but you likely need a new thermostat and should get it changed. You can use a lazer thermometer to see what the T-stat is doing but the code will tell you what to look for.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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teamchevy8
Novice
Sep 22, 2009, 6:21 PM
Post #9 of 12
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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Well i guess that answers my question then. Thanks very much!
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 22, 2009, 7:51 PM
Post #10 of 12
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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Yea HT is right. If the temp gets just a little low where the stat needs to close and does it will set a code. During the summer it's warm enough outside where a lot of the time the t stat just stays open. You really see these codes more in the winter time...
Personally I'm surprised they didn't just fix this for you considering the time involved. I know they weren't required to but still.... I guess business is so good for them they aren't concerned about repeat business from their customers or they are just barely hanging on and just can't afford the perks like they use to...... Given the state of the economy and how it's hit the automotive world, the latter may be true in this case.......
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speed
User
Sep 22, 2009, 9:08 PM
Post #12 of 12
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Re: trailblazer freeze frame data
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i thought that it sounded a bit expensive. and im kinda surprised how much coolant exchanges are i understand to do it properly you need the machine and all but it just doesnt seem like itd be that hard. then again tools are pricey especially specialty equipment.
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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