Why doesnt my trailblazer crank as it should?

Asked by Terri Sep 10, 2019 at 09:13 PM about the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

On some days it starts fine. Somedays I have to
turn the key 5 times to start. I get the clicking
sound as if the battery is dead. But it starts.
Yesterday after i got out. All was completely dead.I
played with negative on the battery and all power
was fine. The issue seems intermittent to me. I had
a alternator test right after a jump. I was advised
the alternator. But what bothers me is why if i adj
the negative cable I'm fine?

1 Answer

585

You know since you can move the cable and it starts, it almost sounds like a build up of corrosion possibly under your negative cable or inside the cable itself. Disconnect the batter Negative cable first. See if the posts on the battery are corroded, cables too. If that works great! if not, I have had to cut the end off of one of my cable before and replace just the end. See if there is any corrosion in the cable itself. If so, replace it or replace the entire cable itself if you feel comfortable doing that. If you do just the end clamp, get some cable grease from your local parts store. Disconnect the battery, negative cable first. Cut off the suspect cable end. Strip back the insulation only far enough to go into the new clamp hold down. soak the end of the cable in warm water with baking soda until it stops fizzing. Blow the water out of the end and spread the strands into a fan shape. Brush them with a clean wire brush. Apply the terminal grease onto the strands. Twist them back together and attach the clamp. Connect your battery cables positive first. See if that was your problem. Hope this helps

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    FJ4072
    Reputation
    7,870
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    3,190
  • #3
    bigdogracer
    Reputation
    2,770
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Equinox
2,522 Great Deals out of 57,741 listings starting at $1,200
Used Chevrolet Traverse
897 Great Deals out of 24,728 listings starting at $2,250
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,251 Great Deals out of 23,886 listings starting at $1,550
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,371 Great Deals out of 51,864 listings starting at $994
Used Toyota RAV4
2,249 Great Deals out of 33,901 listings starting at $1,495
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,475 Great Deals out of 117,521 listings starting at $995
Used Honda CR-V
2,081 Great Deals out of 40,796 listings starting at $1,500
Used Ford Escape
1,982 Great Deals out of 48,624 listings starting at $1,200
Used Dodge Durango
875 Great Deals out of 18,697 listings starting at $2,999
Used Nissan Rogue
2,053 Great Deals out of 57,451 listings starting at $1,550

Used Cars for Sale

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer For Sale
38 Great Deals out of 11,833 listings starting at $18,935
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer For Sale
55 Great Deals out of 1,135 listings starting at $18,890
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer For Sale
131 Great Deals out of 1,690 listings starting at $11,900
2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer For Sale
92 Great Deals out of 1,348 listings starting at $9,900
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer For Sale
61 Great Deals out of 915 listings starting at $11,618

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.