Low voltage 97 Blazer

Lately, my Blazer has been running with a lower than normal voltage. I thought it was the battery, so I changed it. That however didn't fix it. The car runs fine at normal speeds, but it seems sluggish when it has just been started or is slowing down at a light or stop sign. For example, today, I started it up and while leaving the parking lot, it almost stalled when slowing down going toward a downward sloping hill. It is almost like the power goes out and then turns on really quickly. First, the air bag light starts blinking, the brakes sort of lock up and then all the lights on the dash light up like when you first turn it on. At first I thought it was a fuel filter, but I changed that. I don't hear any noises, so I don't think it is a fuel pump. My next step is to change the ignition switch, but I don't know If I can do it myself. Anyone have any other ideas? Also, this seems to happen only when it is wet outside.

Thanks for the help

Check your Alternator, it should give you at least 13.6volts at idle with out load.

probably your alternator. im having the same exaxct issue right now. ended up buying one of those self boosters for the batters just to make it home and to work. temp fix. reding your post further, i was kinda thinking like you, I thought the higher humidity had something to do with all of this.

....almost like the power goes out and then turns on really quickly. First, the air bag light starts blinking, the brakes sort of lock up and then all the lights on the dash light up like when you first turn it on. My next step is to change the ignition switch, but I don't know If I can do it myself. Anyone have any other ideas? Also, this seems to happen only when it is wet outside.

Thanks for the help

If it hasn't been done, replace your Ignition switch harness/module. These are all symptoms of the switch failing. (Are your brakes locking up, or are you losing the power assist). The unit is available from places like Autozone for less than $100.00. It's the same exact unit Chevy dealers carry for $150.00+.

Search this forum for "Ignition switch replacement). It isn't that hard to do, but you will require a special tool (M4 torx socket)

Good luck.

Your right, the breaks are not locking up, I lose the power assist. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but if it was the alternator, the car wouldn't just stall because I would still have battery power to run from. Not to mention, I replaced the alternator about 4 years ago. I will look at the ignition switch stuff, but for some reason, I think it might be way too involved for me to do. Sounds like I will have to take apart the whole front of the car.

Thanks

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but if it was the alternator, the car wouldn't just stall because I would still have battery power to run from. Not to mention, I replaced the alternator about 4 years ago. I will look at the ignition switch stuff, but for some reason, I think it might be way too involved for me to do. Sounds like I will have to take apart the whole front of the car.

Thanks

A bad alternator wouldn't cause intermittant power loss, you most likely need a new switch module.

If you're somewhat mechanically inclined, this really isn't that hard to do.
read the post I linked to below. You'll save yourself $300.00 by doing it yourself. You only have to remove the dash bezel and steering column cover plus lower the dask kick panel.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=287636&highlight=ignition+switch+replacement

Ok, I will post if I have any problems with it. I found the "how to" and printed it out. I just need to find the right tools, and get the part and I will be on my way. By the way, could someone give the the exact part number for the ignition switch. I found some things in Napa, but I want to be sure I have the right part and for the cheapest price. I have a 97 Blazer with tilt steering and 4x4 (although, it doesn't work currently, but that is another thread)

Thanks

Ok, I will post if I have any problems with it. I found the "how to" and printed it out. I just need to find the right tools, and get the part and I will be on my way. By the way, could someone give the the exact part number for the ignition switch. I found some things in Napa, but I want to be sure I have the right part and for the cheapest price. I have a 97 Blazer with tilt steering and 4x4 (although, it doesn't work currently, but that is another thread)

Thanks

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?UseCase=C001&UserAction=performSearch&Parameters=Auto+Store%7C%7EREGULAR+PARTS+LOOK+UP%7 C%7EIgnition+Switch

Crap. The porcalin part that sticks into the switch broke off. how am I going to replace that? I'm not even sure what that is called. could I glue it back on? Not sure if anything will hold it.

Mike

Hello,
I am having a low voltage problem too but mine is different. When idle my voltage is fine, but when I am accelerating, my voltage drops down to about 12 when I get to my speed I want it goes back up to normal. If I set cruise control it bounces up and down. It sounds like my alternator is bad or going bad (voltage regulator). Is that what you think or could it be something else? I just replaced my serpentine belt, battery is just over a year old. Belt tensioner isn't but a couple of years old either. Thanks

did you ever figure out what to do about the porcelain part that broke off? I broke mine off too replacing my switch, don't know what the part is called either but I have been starting mine with a screw driver temporarily until I can figure out what to do, I have been told that I have to replace the whole steering column.

You can glue the parts back together. It isn't porcelin, it is plastic. Any superglue or epoxy will work for you.

Hello,
I am having a low voltage problem too but mine is different. When idle my voltage is fine, but when I am accelerating, my voltage drops down to about 12 when I get to my speed I want it goes back up to normal. If I set cruise control it bounces up and down. It sounds like my alternator is bad or going bad (voltage regulator). Is that what you think or could it be something else? I just replaced my serpentine belt, battery is just over a year old. Belt tensioner isn't but a couple of years old either. Thanks
Did you ever figure this out? My 98 Blazer is doing the same thing. Alt tested fine. Trying to figure out where to check next.