We all have a limited amount of time and it's very difficult to diagnose a problem on a car that is hundreds or thousands of miles away. Please keep all postings PUBLIC (not on email, PM, or IM) so that other members can benefit from the knowledge.

Please follow these guidelines for posting mechanical problems; most of which can apply to all types of topics:

1. Before posting a thread on your problem, please use the SEARCH feature on the site or through Google's site specific search (Google ex. 'no start site:blazerforum.com'). There is a wealth of information available within the forum and chances are your problem has occurred in the past to someone else. Use the tips found in the SEARCH Guidelines post to refine your search and try again. It often takes a few searches & less than 10 minutes to find similar posts. If you find posts that are similar, but not exactly the same and wish to post your own thread; link to the threads you've found, cite the differences that concern you, and generally put as much information as you can into your post. One liners like "my truck won't start" probably won't get the attention you desire.

2. Put your year and trim level/model/drivetrain in your signature before you post. If you own more than one Blazer, state clearly which one it is.

3. Post these problems in the proper forums. They may not be found by the people who can help if you post them in the Lounge, General Chat, or the wrong mechanical forum.

4. Give a FULL description of the problem, what conditions it occurs in, and what you've done so far.

5. Never underestimate the value of a full tuneup using high quality parts. For ignition components, these trucks have been known to prefer AC Delco caps, rotors, & spark plugs. For some reason, aftermarket caps just don't work correctly out of the box in the majority of cases.

6. If you are posting about a problem you've been working on, keep us FULLY updated on what you've tried since your last posting.

7. Have patience if you don't get an immediate reply. We all help out around here on our 'free time' at no cost to you. Getting impatient isn't going to help your case and will tend to push members away from your thread, exactly the opposite of what you really need to happen.

8. Pull PCM codes as soon as possible, preferably before posting your problem. This is invaluable, and we need this information.

9. Buy a maintenance manual. We can't detail every procedure you may need. While the FSM (factory service manual - available at HelmInc.com or used on eBay.com) is the best, Chiltons/Haynes manuals do cover the basics. Online tools like Mitchel's OnDemand & AllDataDIY.com are also good resources if you have a computer handy.

10. Use a descriptive topic title for the problem. Titles like "Big Problem", "Need Help", or "ARghhh!" should be avoided. Try to sum up the nature of the problem using at most 10 words.

11. Above all, DO NOT let your frustration with your vehicle boil over into your thread towards those that are trying to help you. No one here gets paid to offer the assistance that we do. We certainly do not need to be chastised or berated while trying to help you with your problem. You are looking for help and everything that you can do to make it easier for those willing to read your thread and offer up their opinions/experience/thoughts will help you in the end.