fustrated!

Hi all,

I have been pounding my head here trying to figure out why I have been having this issue.

This just started one day... no warning...
1997 Chevy Blazer 4.3 2 Door.

Sometimes, I stick in the key, turn forward and all I get is the accessories to turn on. No lights in the inst panel and no fuel pump kickin in. If I turn the key in the off position and back on serveral times, it will eventually work. What are the possibilities of problems? I have one buddy who says ignition switch... any other thoughts.

ThankS!

Rob

Dude-

I had the exact same problem on my 97 blazer.
The issue is with the "ignition wiring harness", which cost me $125 at the dealership.
there is a black box directly below where you insert your key into the ignition. Inside the box is where the wires from the harness connect when you turn your key. the contact points simply get carbon deposits and burn out. Of couse the ones that burn out first are the ones that control your engine starting. You can't just clean the contact points (it's not made to take apart, I broke my old one apart to see it). You have to replace the whole harness, which comes with the black box permanently connected to it.

Haynes manuals will tell you to take the steering wheel off, as it runs from the ignition, down the sterring column, to underneath the dash.
Instead I cut the plastic a little bit by the ignition to remove the covers behind the steering wheel. the black box portion is held on by 2 hard to reach external torx screws, which I could not find the socket to at any auto store (GM apparently wants you to take it to a dealer to pay labor for this). Instead I used a pair of needle nose vise grips to remove the screws, then used a hacksaw to file flat screwdriver slots in each screw.

Voila! it works like a charm.
My truck stopped in the middle of an intersection and wouldn't start again, and I had to have it towed home. I hope you replace it before something like that happens in your situation.

Good Luck!

External Torx sockets can be found at either Sears or Autozone. I recommend Sears because the brand is better. "Lisle" is the manufacturer. Or, if you can't find either of the two stores, try a 12-point socket.

yep you said the magic year.....97.....from watching this board I been finding out that just about all 97 blazers need a new ignition switch. That would definately be the thing to look at.

EDIT:
Just realized this thread has been posted in the forum should be of interest to you....
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=347050