Unknown driver message appeared?

WENDIEREHART

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
4.2L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
153,000 MILES

I have the vehicle listed above that has been immobile for almost a year now. It started saying unknown driver after the battery drained one day. I had to take the back of the steering wheel column off to push the button to release the key when I turn the key it does not crank and doesn’t start, and I’ve been noticing a buzzing sound sort of like a radio out of tune noise coming from somewhere I can’t really pinpoint where. Sounded as if it was coming from the door panel but I’m not sure thought maybe it could be the relay. The only way to get it to crank but not start is from a wire straight to the starter touching the positive side of battery.

8 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

This happens when the driver door module (DDM) goes out or the system needs to be reset, here is the location and how to replace it in the images below. And the instructions on how to reset the system.

Try to start the engine, then leave the key on. Watch the security light until it stops flashing (about 10 minutes) then turn the ignition switch from off to crank, turn off the ignition, and wait about 5 seconds. Do this a few more times until the message stops. The system will be reset.

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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Friday, January 13th, 2023 AT 11:05 AM

WENDIEREHART

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2 POSTS

I’ve tried to do that reset several times with no change because I thought it would help but what is weird is that the security system light is not on at all! But it does crank from the starter but there’s no gas getting to the motor because the security system I guess the security system has stopped the fuel to the motor.

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Saturday, January 14th, 2023 AT 9:28 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

Okay, it sounds like the DDM is out or the battery is low on charge, but we should check the security system fuses TBC1 (under hood fuse panel) and Fuse IGN0 in the rear fuse block under the rear seat before we go further.

Check the fuse for power with the key on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 12:12 PM

LFRALEY87

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4 POSTS

I had a similar issue to this last year. My car was immobile for two months. The shop that found the problem found something in my ceiling header that was causing the problem. I don’t remember what the part is that was replaced but that fixed the problem.

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Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 AT 6:11 AM

KEN L