2003 Chevy Trailblazer p0128 Thermostat Replacement the EASY way !

[@isaiahmoreno3510]

It's guys like you who do a short but detailed way to do it and with tools needed ....thank you my good sir !!

[@mikediamond1522]

As far as having to use swivels, I have had to put two of them back to back on a certain troubling job before. They will flop all over and you probably won't be able to guide them with your other hand. Wrap some electrical tape or such on them. Works great! Mike

[@neillsouthwick8444]

What a PITA. Great video. At 76 I can't face going through all this but I applaud you for doing it yourself and sharing with us. My 1950 Chevy was so easy -- what the Hell happened that cars have become almost impossible for the do it yourselfers to work on anymore?

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Neill Southwick tell me about it ! I'm a classic car fan for sure, and would much rather work on them. Thanks for the comment my man 🍻

[@kevineich5029]

Neill, Government MPG regulations are what causes the automakers to do whatever they can to increase the fuel MPG by fractions as it all adds up.

[@markstcyr9274]

Rad_Richie, very nicely done. I have not attempted this yet but as you state it is basically easy Cheesy.....my thermostat is indicating about 160F at operating temp and my gas mileage is suffering badly......the 2002 Envoy I am working on is just broke in with 190K miles.....I am a firm believer the arm Chair Engineers who design this type of part placement should have to all replace the part during the design evolution........if done in this manner we all would have a much easier time working on our vehicles today since the Engineers would move them to places which were much more accessible.......Job well done Rad_Richie!

[@rageonimpuls]

Man u just took all my worries away I've been putting this off for a month gonna do it this weekend, maybe.

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+ComboTech get-er done ! I’m thankful I could help out.

[@johnmishjr599]

Nice work, I hadn't seen your video until I had already done the job last weekend by removing the alternator. Wasn't too bad until I had to remove the 3rd and final bottom bolt of the alternator and the head of the bolt started to butt up against the virtually unmovable A/C hose. It wasn't enough to unbolt the A/C hose from the radiator and lose all my freon, I had to put a crowbar in there to pry the A/C hose away slightly to be able to remove the last alternator bolt. I guess I'll find out if I damaged something when I go to get the freon replaced. All told that problem bolt took me almost an hour to remove and a couple of lacerations to the back of my hand and half a dozen assorted black and blues on my forearm. Next time I have to do the job I should have the clearance I need to remove that pesky bolt. I am a backyard mechanic BTW.

[@vidatomica]

I have the same year Trailblazer with the same code coming up on my OBD reader. This is going to be my next fix once I get home, thank you so much for this video.

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Vida Atomica you’re very welcome !

[@XHACKENBERGX]

Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video. You helped me out a lot and certainly saved me some time.

[@chrismeyers1348]

Thanks for the video....to make things a little easier I pull the hose from the thermostat to the radiator all the way up to the good so that I could replace the thermostat on the exact right angle and also I put the bolts in with a piece of tape over so I would not loose them when I fished it back down.

[@Dreccomel193]

@Rad_Richie, I can't thank you enough for taking time to make this video... Even though I didn't replace the thermostat (yet) your idea of removing the wheel to gain access to that part of the engine was brilliant... 👍👏 The negative battery cable on my 2002 gmc envoy was so bad (it was damaging the battery and the alternator) and I couldn't reach it from up top. So, it took some time annddd a lot of patience. I had downloaded your video for offline reference and with a swivel, a socket and 4 extension going back and forth until it loosened 😮. My next project is to replace the thermostat 😊😎👍

[@johndaff8510]

great job rad !! I did mine from the top ,,removed the alternator and Bam !!! but your right traditional clamps are the way to go !!!! took me about 2 hrs saved 150.00 $ !!

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+John Daff either way works and it's always nice when you can save some dough.

[@johndaff8510]

Rad _Richie thanx for the lesson Rad !! 😋

[@craftexpressionskate]

Thank you. Parts were much cheaper than a shop repair bill.

[@TheButcheredGarage]

You’re very welcome !!! Glad I could be of some assistance 🍻

[@jamesmartin3687]

Thank you buddy I'm going to watch video a few more times and give it a whirl, I do very much appreciate the views, the step by step, and tool list is great

[@HansJazz1]

I followed your method (as opposed to removing the alternator...). And although getting the upper thermostat screw back in and tightened is somewhat finicky, it worked out for me, just like in your case. Thanks for your video, it's been of great help!

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Hans Klein glad it worked out 🙌🏻

[@martinmanzano5245]

My first thermostat replace and you made it easy. Thank you very much.

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Martin Manzano 🙌🏻 glad I could be of some assistance my man ! You're very welcome 🍻

[@yamammaatrick]

Thanks man wasn’t too difficult and I saved a ton of time doing it this way!

[@justinchaidez645]

Stupid clamps. I'm actually doing this job later this week in my driveway. I'm not reusing those clamps I'm replacing with traditional to make it easier.

[@normzabala9912]

Thanks for the info and effort you put into this. I don’t have any codes going but apparently my thermostat is stuck open and the gauge is not working. But if I plug in the ODB reader via Bluetooth and see that the sensor is working fine so will use your process right now to swap out the thermostat. Thanks again nice job!

[@ryanthyberg8120]

I'll be tackling this in a few days! This route looks much more straight forward than going through the top!

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Ryan Thyberg I felt it was easier than the the top side method. Just be patient

[@kevingaddis7276]

Thank you for your time and help.

[@TheButcheredGarage]

You are welcome!

[@scottfirman]

I had to sell my TB It had 300k on it and was very , very worn out when I got rid of it. Strangely I NEVER had to change the water pump or thermostat I did have to replace the fan clutch twice. Those things were known for having issues. I also went through two blower fan solenoids. The connector melted just enough to cause wires to sneak out the back, so I soldered all the wires into the solenoid. I could have replaced the wiring plug( $44) but still would have had to solder wired. Never had another issue. I replaced the ball joints once, front bearing hubs once too. The front transfer case had the typical seal leak but I fixed that by swithing to 80w90 gear lube and drove it like that for another 200k. When I sold it, everything I replaced was toast and then some. Just worn out.

[@iggyz01]

Outstanding video. I also have my mom's to do. This video is going to be a great help. Thank you.

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Martin Ed thanks ! Glad I could be of some help and good luck ! 🍻

[@robertjohnson4003]

Broski, I’ve watch this video at least 13 times, 💩 I even talked to GM before I finally gave in and tried it. They quoted me $311.06 btw, so I got the part from autozone for $26 some decent cool, and watched the video one more time and blamoo I did that 😩😂. The only issue is obviously getting the bolt back in once your done.

[@peterstarich4183]

This is a great procedure. It saves a ton of time. All went well until the lower t-housing bolt sheared off at the head flush to the top of the housing (this was on removal I did mot try playing Mr torque). Snap (insert colorful expletive here). the car is a o4 with 150k and Wisconsin rusty. Not worth pulling the motor to extract stud ( no room for vicegrip heat drill ect...). I bowered a set of high dollar snap on thin wall extractors but was still afraid to use them on the left over bolt stud as if more went wrong the stud would snap flush at the block and at minimum mess up the threads. Solution .I jigged up the old T-housing in the drill press centered on the hole with a 3/8ths drill and bored half way down finished with a chisel bit to set a ledge. Plenty of meat to tighten to 11 Ft -Lbs . Next I used a thread coupler ( this is a tall nut like 6 nuts stacked in to one as seen on a fence or door turn buckle) .Then I ground the points off the flats and made the bottom half round and small enough to fit in the 3/8ths hole. It caught 5 threads and torqued to spec. Wow what a save!!! Hope this helps folks to not give up and scrap a car with a few more years left. Pete

[@johnedwardkeoniambrose1151]

this is exactly how I'm doing mine on my '02 Envoy next sunday, you are a saving grace my friend..thank you so very much😄👍👍🍀🍻🍻

[@hiselectmedia]

I think I'll give it a try this week before I head out of town. My check engine light has been coming on and the A/C stopped working. I plan to replace the sensor and thermostat at the same time.

[@Monkmaster1969]

Rich, the folks at the CHEVY garage are really pissed at ya for making this video, and like Neil below, I miss my 64 Chev 327/300. Could replace JUST the thermostat in about 9 minutes. Thanx again for a great video.

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+CHI-Town Monk damn stealerships ! Thanks for the comment, and I surely miss the days of simple fixes.

[@Monkmaster1969]

Haven't been under my 2008 Trailblazer yet (I'm 71 Y.O.) but isn't there a petcock to drain the radiator?

[@stevestarr6395]

Thanks man, got this job coming up!

[@captain150]

Did mine last year. I went through the top (by removing the alternator). That way was a major pain as well. Honestly I'm not sure which way would be easier, though I'd say your way is faster.

[@manbearpig2164]

I'm gonna do this on my friends, but I'm going in from the top, it's straight forward and no hassle

[@burtwakabayashi1021]

Bro thanks! your method worked.

[@RingZero]

Great video but I have done the thermostat on my TB thrice in its lifetime and none of them were easy. All methods were frustrating and time consuming, it all looks easy peasy in videos, but it’s worth saving money then taking it to the crooks✌🏻

[@paulg444]

Great video, I think I will choose his first option, taking out the alternator. The skill level for his approach is too high for most of us, also I think I would put two jackstands on the driver side rather than one on either side for this job.

[@MrBigR928]

I saw that also! Makes me nervous having my legs under that rotar like that😳

[@MrBigR928]

I have to change my coolant temperature sensor which is right net to the thermostat & i was wondering if i could take the wheel off instead of pulling the battery & alternator & moving AC lines to the side. I know the Atlas engines have a lotta potential for performance but dawg gone GM put parts you will have to eventually change in the worst spots on this engine! It's bad enough they didn't build it like the badass Ford Barra motors in Australia 😁 Glad i kept my three long 1,2 & 3ft extensions from when i was an Owner operator truck driver👍🏿 Appreciate the video ✌🏿

[@polopagliacci6917]

Watched video thought oh this is genuis seen he had 299 subscribers said I am leonites and this is Sparta subscribed and became 300

[@philthetank1]

Thanks for the video! Helped me out a ton. I didn't know you could dodge taking off the alternator until now.

[@matthewflakes1481]

I would remove the fan after I drained the radiator. That’s going to give you much more comfortable room to work. I did that a few months ago and changed the VVT solenoid at the same time.

[@ALPHAJACK78]

Excellent video man ! One question, where's your BEER ? I'm gonna have to pay somebody to do this< thanks

[@JohnSmith-xs8bs]

I really did enjoy that video thank you so much.

[@TheButcheredGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@themachine5372]

I see this trailblazer is a 2wd, for all those with 4wd remember there will be a diff down there in your way.

[@NextLevel1978]

Dude i have a 2002 trailblazer 4.2 INLINE 6 cyl. And my thermostat is located behind the power steering pump on the passenger side of the motor. Explain this to me!?

[@alfredmartinez1134]

Wheres my socket lmao you kno you just went to get a sip of some beer 👍😎

[@jkreviea]

Wow, not one curse word. Impressive.

[@dustindeyagher]

Does the thermostat separate from the housing or is it a complete unit? Be nice to just replace the stat and keep the original housing.

[@deniseprzybylski7682]

All one housing and thermostat..

[@niveklor1456]

I'm done at the point where you jacked it up without breaking the lug nuts loose

[@mikeferretti7422]

do you have to flush the coolant in order to replace thermostat?

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Mike Ferretti if I remember correctly All coolant needs to be drained out.

[@fizagui]

I just replaced my thermostat on my 05 trailblazer. Got a mile down the road and it started over heating. Any ideas?

[@14paste14]

frank izaguirre replace the water you lost

[@suecooper6803]

May I ask what was the total time it took you to do this?

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Sue Cooper it took me about 2 hours with filming if I recall.

[@suecooper6803]

thank you

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Sue Cooper for sure

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Sue Cooper total time including filming was maybe 2 hours

[@JohnSmith-ui9kv]

I didn't see a front diff. No 4wd?

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+John Smith shoot.... it's my moms ride, and I'm not sure if it's 4wd. I think it is though... 🤔

[@paulevanson9947]

All TB are 4x4

[@zachmerrill6131]

2hi Awd 4 hi 4 lo

[@somarleor911]

Pretty sure this is 2wd. There was not an axle going through the oil pan or the nrake drum. Great video.

[@scottfirman]

@@paulevanson9947 no they are not all 4x4.

[@bshaw1979]

Not sure why you didn’t remove the plastic wheel well.

[@wavydavy0389]

I’m doing this right now and the coolant just keeps on leakin out

[@Saikocity]

O yeah.. got my 24 inch extension at harbor freight for $15. It also came with two long 1/4 inch extensions

[@RedLegs13B.]

Great video brother

[@R3DD1823]

Lost damn bolt to the thermostats housing anybody know the size of it

[@scorps9398]

You are right about the beer lol.

[@Saikocity]

Great video.... Got to do this for my mom too... I though it was going to be a quick job... Fack.!! lol

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+Pedro Hernandez the initial thought of hell yeah mom I got this is the biggest mistake ever ! Lmao 🤣 then you find out the stupidity of the design and how much life is about to be wasted. Hahaha It’s not to bad though. GL 🍻

[@zackjalamani]

A good smart job

[@jtorres698]

that was really good your good kid your good

[@TheButcheredGarage]

+jtorres698 thanks !

[@goodears100]

Rad _Richie Man you are one bad ass dude. I can't believe you got that done doing it like that great job man.

[@vbvini]

good job ! didnt cuss once.

[@deniseprzybylski7682]

Just decided to never own a chevy trailblazer again..in fact trading mine in this week....

[@tttrain9172]

beautiful

[@jimkalfakis9893]

Thanks dude

[@dannyhenderson5337]

Video good

[@MilwBuckZ]

1

[@therealjackieheezy]

5:11 pretty sure that's a cuss word since everybody want to comment on him not cussing a single time Just sayin

[@adamfleehearty782]

The easy way would be to shut up and work on the vehicle bub