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Asked: Jan 26, 2008 - 06:30 PM

Status: Closed

after changing the battery in a 2002 chevy trailblazer when i turn on the heater the car has a rough idle

after changing the battery in a 2002 chevy trailblazer when i turn on the heater the car has a rough idle and will die

In Maintenance & Repair > Heating / Cooling
1 answer - 309 days ago

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kiawah

Date: Jan 27, 2008
Time: 09:28 AM

Turning on the heater, draws a relatively small amount of power to turn the blower motor. That normally should easily be replaced by the alternator, even if you had a weak battery. My guess is that you either have something putting a very heavy load on the engine, or the
electrical system is sooo weak, just the act of putting on the blower motor draws down the available voltage and the engine sparks become too weak.

I believe you need to do a little bit more work to get the problem symptoms isolated.
- Get the vehicle to an autoparts chain, where they can do a free alternator and battery check under electrical load. This will verify that your base car electtical power is eliminated as being a problem. Also be sure the battery and wire connectors are free from corrosion, and tight on the battery.
- On your heater, make sure that the heater selection is only on heat (no defroster or automatic settings where the A/C compressor would be energized). Heat only.
- If you turn your headlights on, does the engine die? They put a greater electrical load on the system than the blower motor.

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