I'm new to the forum and just picked up a 2002 trail blazer for my wife. I knew that reverse did not work when i bought it but i'm very mechanical so it did'nt scare me i just need some direction to help me fix it. It shifts into forward/high and neutral but not reverse the last owner said they were ocationaly able to get it into reverse. what should be my next move things to check ect.... Also what oil should i use in the gear case and how much cause i want to change it out since i have no clue when it was last done.

 

you might wont to check the shift dogs or the shift fork.

 

so split the gear case?

 

If adjusting the shift rod doesnt fix it try taking the rod loose from the lever on the tranny and put the tranny in gear with a pair of pliers.If it still wont go in reverse you have to pull the tranny out.There is a snap ring that holds the reverse gear in place on the shaft and they have a habit of coming loose.Put on a new snap ring and use a file to clean the groove where it rides.Have seen guys spot weld the clip to the shaft too.
I recomend Polaris AGL fluid in the tranny.It is expensive but saves the internal chain.BTW if you split the cases replace the silent chain to save trouble down the line.

 

we had a trailboss do the same thing but there wasnt anythign wrong with the tranny or linkages..it was the battery. dont know what it does to it but we put a new battery on it and it never gave us another bit of problem.

 

Thats what i thought i'll pull the case does it come out the back with the swing arm attached? i looked at it and just want to know the tricks so i don't waste time doing stuff i don't need to I guess i'll change out the swing arm bushings wile i have it out too

 

What ftwflh described is exactly what happened to the wifes 03 blazer. Had it at the dealer, and the mechanic said it looked like the groove the snap ring goes into had worn. Of course, he listed a multitude of other parts that needed replaced too.

Long story short, they had it in the shop for over 3 weeks, and promised it would be ready for a planned ride. 3 days before, they decide it wouldn't be. Told them to put a new ring on, and put it back together. Ran fine ever since.

 

Get you a Polaris manual for the TRAilblazer and follow the directions.You dont pull the swingarm but you do have to pull the clutches and covers off.Need a puller for the front cluitch.

 

Got the gear case out and the clip was slid up the shaft and it looks like some one tryed to tack weld it at some point but prob didn't clean it good cause it didn't hold i'll give it a good cleaning and weld it in place. I looked in the book and it gives a stretch limit on the chain of 3.0904" for 8 pitches. what exactly are the talking about 8 pins or 8 links cause with dial indicators 4 links are about 1/8" less than that measurment. is there a typo and if so wht is the measurment to check stretch. Thanks,Ken

 

On a tranny I havent had apart before I ALWAYS replace the chain to be on the safe side.Also check the bushing inside the reverse gear for excessive wear.