5 Things I HATE About My Trailblazer SS!!!

The top five things I hate about my Trailblazer SS after daily driving for some time! Some of these items are annoying nuisances and some other items are...more severe!
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[@eddieceja7727]

Viper alarm w remote start 6.2 ls3 (Smiles per gallon) (: Ls7 lifters I don’t tow, I just haul ass 😎 Yeah mines is a perfect daily none of those issues.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Sounds like you have once nice unit!!

[@thatguy-oz9ib]

It’s just yours. Mine does not have that low of oil pressure, and the key fob thing is not an issue for me. All other things you are correct about lol

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Glad I was able to relate on some level! Haha

[@andrewfadely9524]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel I have a 08 TBSS that I bought a year ago, no issue with the key fob or oil pressure. I'm also getting a little over 16MPG, but I do about 75% of my miles on the highway and I don't let it warm up for 15 minutes just a minute or two. I don't tow, but I must agree the harness placement was not well thought out by GM. I also have the same issue with snow build up on the rear bumper which covers up the handle when opening, I hate that.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@andrewfadely9524 16 highway! That’s great! I’m usually at 12 highway or so. I always warm it up for ten minutes or so, and drive 70mph. 16 is awesome!

[@andrewfadely9524]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel I hope you get your key fob and oil pressure figured out, I really do enjoy mine it's turned into one of my favorite cars that I've owned.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@andrewfadely9524 they are good vehicles, when they’re good!

[@mikethegeneratorguy4244]

Greetings all, this is an older video, but I’m just seeing it for the first time. I’ve had my 06 TBSS for about a year and a half now and love it! Your low oil pressure is not normal. Mine idles at 42 psi when hot and purrs like a big cat. I don’t have the same thing you experience with unlocking with the remote. You might want to check your remote settings In the driver information center. Regarding trailer lighting, I have a round 7 to 4 flat connector permanently installed with the four flat connector zip tied to the Left chain loop with a few inches of slack. Normally it is tucked in by the hitch receiver. When I need it, pull it out and plug it in. No big deal. Work smarter, not harder. Mine is mostly stock except a K&N cold air intake and resonator delete and averages 14.9 miles per gallon. Not sure why yours is lower. When was your last tuneup? And regarding snow buildup, I keep mine in the garage. Funny how two people with the same vehicle can have totally different experiences.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Sounds like you have a great example of a trailblazer ss! My oil pressure issue was fixed by changing oil filter brands. Definitely different experiences, two different applications as well!

[@robertanderson4119]

I hear you bro, went to 5 stores and could not connect trailer lights! Had to order special parts that now don't work because I messed up the pins try to get the lights to work.

[@robertanderson4119]

not to mention I blew a lifter and bought a new cam. Dough!

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Oh man! The TBSS really testing your patience!!

[@factoryoffaith]

Do you by chance use fram oil filters? They can cause similar low oil pressure problems in the 4.2L trailblazers.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

I used a variety of different brands, Fram was one of them.

[@Br99klynINg24_8]

Im one of those guys that loves older vehicles. Just bought my wife a low mileage infiniti fx45. Now im trying to treat myself to either a tbss or a srt8 of those years. Your honest opinion bias aside. As far as reliability and fun what do u recommend

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

The TBSS is more modification and performance friendly, although I think the SRT is more reliable in stock form.

[@bradleybradley9650]

I just got rid of my fx45 low mileage and it cost me 9 k in repairs to keep on the road if I where you get rid of it

[@benjiboyle]

Something about a vet motor in a suv is dope, thats why I went chevy.

[@justpassingthrough3166]

Get a Melling High Pressure oil pump. When I did my cam, dod delete, new LS7 lifters, beehive springs, etc that melling got rid of tick tick it made before and that is even after stiffer valve springs which should tick more. Too each their own. My 5.3 is at around 430hp at 130k and has 50k of miles after I did all that custom engine work so these trucks are solid.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

These things certainly are solid! I loved it! Fun fact, I actually switched to an AC Delco oil filter and my oil pressure went up to 40psi at idle.

[@gabbi47karason]

I'd guess the low oil pressure and the key-fob is mostly limited to your Trailblazer getting older. Is the trailer hitch factory? and the trailer connector also factory? I've seen some vehicles come with the factory option trailer hitch and no trailer connector.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Likely consequences of an older vehicle. Crazy to imagine this rig is 15 years old already! The trailer hitch and electrical connector are factory on the Trailblazer SS models.

[@gabbi47karason]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel My jeeps do the same with lifter tikking at idle once warmed up. Guess thats the upside of running 15-40 in the cold climate of Iceland. Just keep the throttle pinned once its warm 👌

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@gabbi47karason haha right!

[@priceblaster412]

Depends on the filter and pump your running for oil pressure a decent pump with a car quest filter is best for higher oil pressure trailer hitch wiring just remount onto the new dual exhaust lower valance key fob don't matter go after market alarm before someone steals it and the sniw/ice/salt build up who the fuck let's there car get that dirty

[@maddmarkscars]

I’m tuned in bro and I just subscribed I have trailblazer also

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

That’s awesome! How do you like yours? Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@maddmarkscars]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel not all the way done with it yet but I love it it’s my baby

[@LaserLuther]

Cam plate and pickup o ring are usually the cause.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Good call! I didn’t know that actually. Thanks!

[@74mythos]

That so called lifter noise could also be a broken exhaust manifold bolt. Once it heats up the MLS gasket expands and it goes away. If you hate it that much sell it and get something else.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

I love it, my favorite daily driver! I’ll have to look into the exhaust manifold. It ticks even when warm, but not at cruising speed. Only at idle.

[@74mythos]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel Look at the rear bolts all ls engines are notorious for breaking those. Mine broke 2 bolts each side. I figured since I'll have to remove the manifolds to fix it I'll just put headers on. For me that same tick you have went away. It is a commonly misdiagnosed issue, its not always the problem but it's a quick easy inspection.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@74mythos I’ll have to check that out! Thanks for the tip!

[@invisableobserver]

I thought my lifters was going bad in my truck, it turned out to be a small exhaust leak where the manifold connected to the pipe

[@juggsie520]

@@invisableobserverdid yours look wet at all

[@DansGarageNC]

Sucks about the SS, But I love that barn and that trailer, lol.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

They are both really nice to have!

[@themrjones]

The idle thing is not normal, that thing is ragged out. You need the melling high volume oil pump.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

My most reliable daily driver! 😁

[@robertomedrano312]

Do you think trailblazer ss wheels and tires fit any trailblazer without issues or rubbing

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Yes, I believe they do!

[@victorhoover1198]

My SS 2 has all wiring to the hitch just plug and go and never had issues with oil pressure and it has 129000 on it. Gas mileage is what it is because I didn't buy it for that. It has never let me down and the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

It’s been very reliable for me too! Even with 240,000 now on it. My favorite daily driver!

[@marlinknable3543]

Get a harness from the parts house that you can leave in there!!

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

I really should!

[@charliejonesjr5518]

Sounds like the wrist pin on Cyl 1 is a little loose. Had one. Disconnect cyl 1 wire and listen.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

I’ll give that a shot. Hopefully that’s not it!

[@charliejonesjr5518]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel i can hear the low end clap. LS2 notorious for excessive wrist pin play. People constantly mistake it for "piston slap" but it isn't. These engines are all over the place with survival rate. One piece of advice I would give you is make sure you run 1 extra qt (7) all the time. Google why if you don't know. And as for low oil pressure that's just worn bearings. Use Lucas oil stabilizer and switch to Rotella 15 w40.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@charliejonesjr5518 great tips! I appreciate that! I didn’t know LS2’s had wrist pin issues. Not looking forward to that problem! 😬

[@151bradhatt]

Oil pressure issue is probably from a plugged screen on the pickup tube

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

I actually changed oil filters to a genuine AC Delco, and the oil pressure went up to 40 pounds at idle.

[@chrisj479]

Would not run it like that with low oil pressure. Be best if you put oil pump in now before you really do some damage if you haven't already. Just my opinion

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Probably the safest solution!

[@11onejay]

The start up thing isn't that piston slap like all most all gm v8s engines?

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

It’s possible, but the tick I noticed was coming from under the valve covers and happened when the engine had low oil pressure at idle.

[@cliffweatherbee6914]

Add thicker oil and/or Lucas oil additive! Older engines wear out over time. If you're Really complaining about mileage on a TBSS, sell it and get an economy car! You have something fucked with your trailer lights. You should replace it with the proper bracket.

[@woog74]

How does the TBSS do in the snow?

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

It does decent with the factory wheels/tires. The wider tire size from factory is a little slippery due to the size of the contact patch. I thought it did well. When I put 17” steel wheels and snow tires on, it was absolutely fantastic. It would truck through TONS of snow and felt planted on snowy and icy roads. By far the best winter vehicle I’ve owned with the snow tires.

[@woog74]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel TY For the reply.

[@robertomedrano312]

What size tires do you have on

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Snows are 245/65R17. Stocks are 265/50R20.

[@MortskeRepair]

I hate that it's a minivan!

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

😁

[@tylerherron2978]

It's guaranteed going to take a shit soon mine sounded just like that before it lost a rod bearing

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

I just lost it last Thursday! Something in the valve train let go…who knew! 😂

[@tylerherron2978]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel mine had 3 spun rod bearings valve train was fine I had mine rebuilt getting ready to put it back in with the added oil girdle

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@tylerherron2978 dang! Sounds like you’ll have a fun driver!

[@tylerherron2978]

Just to drive the kids around!

[@gregallen9065]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel hey, so what let go on your LS2 TBSS? And what did you do to fix it?

[@invisableobserver]

I hate where the spare tire is. Chevy should have made them lighter & with the 5.3 instead of the 6.0 , & 373 gears instead of 410 for better gas mileage. I have a 65 C10 with a 5.3 swap & 373 rear, it gets really good gas mileage but it would slide all over the road in the snow.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

GM made trailblazer and Buick versions with 5.3’s and more fuel efficient gears.

[@invisableobserver]

Do you remember what the Buick Version is?@@MickelsonRacingChannel

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@invisableobserver Buick Rainier

[@noltec420]

Rust for dayzzzzZ

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Daily Driver! 😁

[@mikekendrick4586]

Hate the front differential that broke 3x Hate the AWD

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Three front diff’s? Dang dude!

[@mikekendrick4586]

Yup a 2007 Racing

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Dang, I thought the front diff’s were stronger than that! That’s a shame...

[@mikekendrick4586]

You and me both Likely the rebuilt and used diffs didn't hold up. Last time I fixed the truck which wasn't cheap the trans starting slipping. I got frustrated and sold it.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@mikekendrick4586 oofta, I don’t blame you there. I haven’t had any big issues with mine, but I’ve considered selling it just out of fear for a catastrophic failure.

[@southernslipping4225]

Just buy the split plug for trailer connector problem solved

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

I did not know they made one, I will have to check that out! Thanks!

[@gregallen9065]

hi, happen to have a part number or link for the split plug for these TBSS's?

[@Emoney700xx]

Wouldn’t even drive this thing in the winter .. there getting rare and expensive

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

If this one was a nice example of one, that might be true. It’s not a nice example so I’m not upset about it.

[@burb17]

Rebuild in 3,2,1

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Ha!

[@carrera1up]

You need oil in your truck bro

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

It’s got seven quarts 😊 what it really needs is a new oil pump.

[@chiefbanish]

It’s all very simple. Don’t like it, sell it and buy something else!!!!😎

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

You’re right!

[@carrera1up]

Mines is great

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Mine has been doing well also!

[@t3chninja_official]

I can solve your 5 issues. Just give me the keys and ownership and I'll be glad to resolve those issues.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Haha, that would work!

[@BigTony2436]

I have an 07 AWD ss with 103k I daily I get 12.8 mpg but its still garbage lol and I'd switch to a better oil like royal purple or Castrol Edge is what I'm using right now.. I noticed with the Mobil 1 it says to use it was louder... When I changed to RP.. WAAAAY quiter. My pressure sits right in the middle too, may be some issues with yours LOL

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

That’s an awesome suggestion, I’ll have to switch up the oil!

[@BigTony2436]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel I'd suggest Royal Purple though, the Castrol is a tad louder than RP but still quiter than mobile 1

[@BigTony2436]

Oh also.. Use 7 quarts, if you step on the gas fully a lot, these engines in the TBSS.. Have area in the engine where the oil sloshes back. Iv always run 7, everyone on Facebook TBSS forum says to run 7 quarts if you don't want to get a baffle kit installed.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@BigTony2436 I’d like to get the revised pickup tube! That would make my peace of mind increase significantly!

[@BigTony2436]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel I'm actually trying to sell mine sort of.. Its a pig with gas I'm sure you know that.. I always use 93 were I'm at in MA almost $4 there are other gas stations that's less but I like Shell or Mobile ect. Only have almost 104k on mine I want to get a 4Runner. No issues either, EVAP code, tire sensor (tire shop busted it) was working before I took it there.. Needs a tie rod soon and some better tires.

[@rodneyslinger6316]

What engine comes in these minivans?

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

This minivan has a 6.0 LS2, 395hp.

[@rodneyslinger6316]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel I guess that would make it a manvan then. 👍

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@rodneyslinger6316 heck yeah!

[@sullivan448]

That SS should hate you for treating it like shit

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

It’s a trooper! 😁

[@joeyrodriguez6021]

my dad has a built tbss and it has a ton of issues but damn is it fun😂

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

It’s pretty awesome for what it is! They definitely have their low points though!

[@joeyrodriguez6021]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel yea the check engine light always comes on, the tires lose air, and the service stabilitrack comes on sometimes, but other than that it's a perfect car

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@joeyrodriguez6021 I can relate to all of those! Haha!

[@tylerwanner9690]

Buys a awd 6.0 v8 with a 4 speed and 4:10 gears and bitches about gas mileage.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

There are pros and cons to everything! 😊

[@r.n.6515]

I'm confused, it's supposed to be a "racing channel" and you're whining about lifter noise on a vehicle that according to you has over 250 thousand miles on it. Then you complain about the gas mileage on a 5 thousand plus pound vehicle that has an LS2 with 410 difs. Moving on to the key fob, I'm not a rocket scientist but I'd say the 250k miles might be a big part of your unlocking problem, since it was used just about everytime to unlock it to drive 250k miles. Suck it up and spend 75 bucks and buy a key fob from Auto Zone. The liftgate issue is pretty simple, look at the ground around you, every vehicle will get snow build-up in the winter. Lastly the vehicle came with a wire harness in the left rear compartment, plug it into the QD under the truck and since you decided to buy the SS to use for farming zip tie to the trailer receiver. Obviously from the looks of yours (rear compartment view) it been rode hard and put away wet but if you don't like it you be surprised on how quick it would sell. You never know someone may need it to haul hay.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

I just like to make videos so people can listen to me complain 😂 thanks for the feedback! 😊

[@r.n.6515]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel And that you did. If you were female I'd ask if we were married once.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@r.n.6515 nice!

[@SJDionSR]

You shouldn’t drive it in snow it’s American muscle suv that for joy ride and car show what it for. You not happy with it the sell it fool!

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

This rusty 250K mile SUV has been driven in snow long before I got it. I’m glad to drive it in the snow. I just get to enjoy it that much more during the year, plus these things are way good in the snow.

[@jacobhall643]

You should sell it to me

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Everything is for sale…

[@jacobhall643]

@@MickelsonRacingChannel $2000

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@jacobhall643 Nah, it’ll take more than that to take away my favorite daily driver!

[@sturdyboyvo]

How much ?

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

@@sturdyboyvo I’d probably take $6,000. $6,500 with both sets of wheels/tires.

[@Viralbayarea]

Weak video none of those problem were that serious

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!