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Can't always get key out


no-logic
06-28-2005, 10:07 AM
Hi guys. I have a '97 Blazer and often times the key won't return all the way to the off position and I can't get the key out. After playing with it for awhile it will turn to the off position and the key comes out. Anyone have any suggestions as to where to start looking? Is there an interlock tied in with the console shifter? (Automatic) Or could it be the ignition switch or tumbler? When this happens the tumbler stops in the first position from the off position. In other words the first click from the off position. And it is solid....there is no forcing it any further.

Tangent
06-28-2005, 11:49 AM
Yes, there is an interlock which prevents you from turning the key entirely off and removing the key if you don't have the shifter in park.

no-logic
06-28-2005, 03:18 PM
Yes, there is an interlock which prevents you from turning the key entirely off and removing the key if you don't have the shifter in park.
Do you know if it is adjustable and if so where the adjustment would be?

Tangent
06-28-2005, 05:06 PM
'fraid not...

dirtty
07-05-2005, 08:46 PM
did you ever figure out how to fix the problem with the key? I have a 98 and the same thing has started to happen to me.

no-logic
07-06-2005, 05:30 AM
There is a switch on the shifter under the console that operates the solenoid in the column and I cleaned the connections with some electrical cleaner. It hasn't acted up again yet but it is too early to tell.

dirtty
07-07-2005, 12:34 PM
When you say you cleaned the connection are to talking about the plug? I took the console about last night and I saw the switch I think you are talking about but the only thing I could see attached to it was the plug on a wiring harness. This is starting to drive me nuts!!

no-logic
07-07-2005, 04:46 PM
When you say you cleaned the connection are to talking about the plug? I took the console about last night and I saw the switch I think you are talking about but the only thing I could see attached to it was the plug on a wiring harness. This is starting to drive me nuts!!
Yeah, the plug that goes into the switch from the front.

dirtty
07-08-2005, 07:41 AM
thanks, I will give it a try this weekend

no-logic
07-08-2005, 04:09 PM
thanks, I will give it a try this weekend
I'm still having trouble with mine anyway. Will have to look further.

wafrederick
07-08-2005, 11:18 PM
The key might be wore out.You can get a new key made at the dealer and it is about five dollars to get it made.Inspect the key also.All you need is the vin number off the vehicle,just bring your insurance slip,etc for the vin number.

no-logic
07-09-2005, 08:27 AM
The key might be wore out.You can get a new key made at the dealer and it is about five dollars to get it made.Inspect the key also.All you need is the vin number off the vehicle,just bring your insurance slip,etc for the vin number.
I tried a new key.....same thing happens.

bjanakos
07-11-2005, 12:21 PM
This happens to me too!

97 4x4

I will also note that this happens in conjunction with the check engine light and a slipping trans upon excelleration. I checked the fault codes once and I got something referring to the torque conferter. I will check the codes again and list them properly. This is certainly a mystery.

drdd
07-11-2005, 01:38 PM
bjanakos ...

This is most likely your ignition switch going bad. This happened to me. On mine it caused the whole engine to just shut off randomly and was very dangerous. Has also been known to cause false transmission codes and other strange problems. Do a search on this forum and the GMC Jimmy forum for '97 ignition switch' and you will see what I mean. It's a very common problem on 97's.

It's possible to fix yourself if you are mechanically inclined and have the patience (and the lower back) to be working under your steering column.

Good luck !



This happens to me too!

97 4x4

I will also note that this happens in conjunction with the check engine light and a slipping trans upon excelleration. I checked the fault codes once and I got something referring to the torque conferter. I will check the codes again and list them properly. This is certainly a mystery.

bjanakos
07-11-2005, 01:41 PM
Here are the trouble codes........

P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0174 System Too Lean (Bank 2)
P0740 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit
P1860 Unknown Powertrain DTC (Manufacturer Controlled; Transmission)
P0753 Shift Solenoid "A" Electrical
P0758 Shift Solenoid "B" Electrical
P0785 Shift/Timing Solenoid

blazee
07-11-2005, 02:03 PM
Here are the trouble codes........

P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0174 System Too Lean (Bank 2)
P0740 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit
P1860 Unknown Powertrain DTC (Manufacturer Controlled; Transmission)
P0753 Shift Solenoid "A" Electrical
P0758 Shift Solenoid "B" Electrical
P0785 Shift/Timing Solenoid
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=423434

drdd
07-11-2005, 02:05 PM
you said "in conjunction with a slipping tranny ..."

... can you feel the tranny slipping or are you just getting the codes with no other signs of tranny problems ?

have you ever changed the fluid and filter in your tranny?



Here are the trouble codes........

P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0174 System Too Lean (Bank 2)
P0740 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit
P1860 Unknown Powertrain DTC (Manufacturer Controlled; Transmission)
P0753 Shift Solenoid "A" Electrical
P0758 Shift Solenoid "B" Electrical
P0785 Shift/Timing Solenoid

blazee
07-11-2005, 02:09 PM
When the codes are set, the tranny goes in to limp mode. Limp mode locks it in to 3rd. Taking off in 3rd makes it seem as though the tranny is slipping, but it isn't.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=425697

bjanakos
07-12-2005, 10:08 AM
When the codes are set, the tranny goes in to limp mode. Limp mode locks it in to 3rd. Taking off in 3rd makes it seem as though the tranny is slipping, but it isn't.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=425697


Thanks blazee! I will look into this. It doesn't look like a recall though.

This definatley seems more of what it is doing instead of slipping. I will have to pay more attention to it the next time I drive it (it's the wifes car actually). It moslty resembles driving while pulling a big boat up a hill. I feel the trans slipping, but it is most likley the torqu converter compensation for driving around in third gear.

To answere the other questions, I did do a tranny fluid change. It was nice a red at the time I did it, so I didn't bother with the filter change and flush.

bjanakos
07-12-2005, 10:13 AM
bjanakos ...

This is most likely your ignition switch going bad. This happened to me. On mine it caused the whole engine to just shut off randomly and was very dangerous. Has also been known to cause false transmission codes and other strange problems. Do a search on this forum and the GMC Jimmy forum for '97 ignition switch' and you will see what I mean. It's a very common problem on 97's.

It's possible to fix yourself if you are mechanically inclined and have the patience (and the lower back) to be working under your steering column.

Good luck !


Thanks for the info and there is another great post on too. I have not had it shut off on me, but I just had to replace the alternator. Probably not related.

buckeyboy
07-12-2005, 12:47 PM
I'm still having trouble with mine anyway. Will have to look further.I had the same problem with my 97. I sprayed that plug you guys were talking about and also sprayed contact cleaner in the botton on the shifter. and mine has been fine for like 2 months now. try this get in the vehicle put key to on position with your foot on the brake when you push in the button on the shifter you should hear a selonoid click in the steering colum. wiggle the wires at the plug listen for the click and dont forget to clean the button itself on the shifter. hope this helps. :screwy: As far as the starting off in 3rd gear and engine light without a doubt ignition switch will fix this the white wire from the switch is not supplying the transmission with a necessary voltage.
:naughty:

no-logic
07-12-2005, 04:50 PM
I had the same problem with my 97. I sprayed that plug you guys were talking about and also sprayed contact cleaner in the botton on the shifter. and mine has been fine for like 2 months now. try this get in the vehicle put key to on position with your foot on the brake when you push in the button on the shifter you should hear a selonoid click in the steering colum. wiggle the wires at the plug listen for the click and dont forget to clean the button itself on the shifter. hope this helps. :screwy: As far as the starting off in 3rd gear and engine light without a doubt ignition switch will fix this the white wire from the switch is not supplying the transmission with a necessary voltage.
:naughty:
Cool. Thanks. I do what you are describing and don't always hear the solenoid clicking. But when it does, the key comes out. By button on the shifter are you talking about the one you push in to get it in and out of gear? I don't see what this would have to do with the electrics. The button just actuates a switch.

bjanakos
07-18-2005, 11:27 AM
I wish I would have tied this method (cleaning) first!!!! I probably should have, but it's my wifes car and she elected to replace the part. It is a real pain in the neck (legs, hands, and lower back) to replace. Have to remove the entire dash underneath and no garantee that you will not break parts. The lock tumbler must also be removed and some special tools (reverse torx drivers) are needed. Took about 5 hours to do, at least 3 of those were running around trying to figure out how to remove the tumbler and looking for tools.

However, so far, so good.

no-logic
07-18-2005, 04:36 PM
I wish I would have tied this method (cleaning) first!!!! I probably should have, but it's my wifes car and she elected to replace the part. It is a real pain in the neck (legs, hands, and lower back) to replace. Have to remove the entire dash underneath and no garantee that you will not break parts. The lock tumbler must also be removed and some special tools (reverse torx drivers) are needed. Took about 5 hours to do, at least 3 of those were running around trying to figure out how to remove the tumbler and looking for tools.

However, so far, so good.
So what did you actually replace? Was the initial problem that you couldn't get the key out because it would no turn all the way to the off position?

blazee
07-18-2005, 07:33 PM
I wish I would have tied this method (cleaning) first!!!! I probably should have, but it's my wifes car and she elected to replace the part. It is a real pain in the neck (legs, hands, and lower back) to replace. Have to remove the entire dash underneath and no garantee that you will not break parts. The lock tumbler must also be removed and some special tools (reverse torx drivers) are needed. Took about 5 hours to do, at least 3 of those were running around trying to figure out how to remove the tumbler and looking for tools.

However, so far, so good.
The cleaning wouldn't have helped with your problem. Your problem was inside the ignition switch not the lock solenoid.

leadman
11-06-2008, 11:28 PM
i got the same problem with my 03 blazer. the key will not return and stays in the ignition but if you let it sit for 5-10 min. it usually comes out with no hassle but very annoying. any suggestions??

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