1995 CHEVROLET BLAZER

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between 1st and 2nd gear under load, Delayed engagement into reverse, Metal shavings in pan during service, No 3rd or 4th gear, stuck in limp mode

Fix: Complete rebuild or reman replacement typical. 8-12 hours labor for R&R and rebuild. Cooler lines often corroded and need replacing simultaneously. Expect 2-3 days downtime at most shops.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant mixing with oil, milky dipstick, External coolant seepage at intake valley, Overheating with no obvious external leaks, White smoke from exhaust on cold start

Fix: Lower intake gasket set plus upper plenum gaskets. 6-8 hours labor. Must remove distributor, fuel rails, and upper plenum. Always replace coolant and flush system afterward. Some techs do head gaskets at same time if mileage over 150k.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: No start, no fuel pressure, Intermittent stalling when fuel level below half tank, Whining noise from rear, especially on hot days, Fuel gauge erratic or pegged at empty

Fix: Drop fuel tank to access pump module. 3-4 hours labor. Tank straps often rusted, add time if they snap. Replace entire module assembly, not just pump, to avoid repeat failures. Check fuel lines for rust perforation while tank is down—NHTSA recall item.

Estimated cost: $600-950

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps at low speed, Steering wander or pull to one side, Visible separation or play during suspension inspection, Tire wear on inside or outside edge

Fix: Replace both upper control arms with ball joints pressed in (most techs don't press new joints into old arms anymore). 3-4 hours labor for both sides. Alignment mandatory afterward. NHTSA recall covered some VINs, verify recall completion before paying out of pocket.

Estimated cost: $500-850

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: ABS light on with codes C1232 or C1233, Grinding or chattering from modulator under dash during ABS events, No ABS function, normal braking still works, Brake pedal pulsation even on dry pavement

Fix: Replace Kelsey-Hayes EBCM modulator assembly under hood or Bosch unit inside frame rail depending on build date. 2-3 hours labor. Bleed entire system after replacement. Used units from junkyards often fail within months—buy reman or new.

Estimated cost: $600-1,100

Symptoms: Rough idle, especially when damp or cold, Misfire codes on multiple cylinders, Hesitation during acceleration, No-start after sitting in rain or high humidity

Fix: Replace cap, rotor, and plug wires as a set every 30,000-40,000 miles. 1 hour labor. Carbon tracks inside cap cause crossfire between terminals. Use OE AC-Delco parts—aftermarket caps crack prematurely.

Estimated cost: $150-280

Typical onset: 150,000-220,000 mi

Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart of oil every 500-800 miles, Blue smoke on deceleration or startup, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders, Fouled spark plugs on regular basis

Fix: Engine rebuild or reman short block. 16-20 hours labor for complete teardown and reassembly. Machine work adds cost. Some owners opt for junkyard engine swap (8-10 hours) if high mileage. Expect ancillaries like water pump, timing chain, and gaskets while apart.

Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500