1997 chevy blazer stalling ouy...

Has anyone else experienced this problem with their blazer...? It seems to inadvertantly just stall out, die, quit running either when coming to a stop, or just out of the blue while driving... Weird, it doesn't happen all the time, but it seems to happen on occassion. I took it in to the dealer and they, OF COURSE, could not find anything wrong. And of course today, it happens 3 times... Any suggestions?:bloated:

sounds like ignition module to me. Getting any codes?

Nope, No codes, it's weird though... I changed the air filter and thoroughly cleaned out the throttle body, and it isn't, or hasn't done it again. Maybe that's all it was? I dunno, I hope so. ???

OK, well changing the airfilter and cleaning the throttle body must have been a short time fix, because it is happening again. It went a whole week without occurring and then happened again twice in 2 days. No codes or anything, just dies. This last time it happened while turning in an intersection, was almost an accident , because the steering wheel locks up and I almost side swiped another car... Any more ideas?
:confused:

could be an electrical problems
Check the 2 big bundle wire harnesses just above the Brake booster. You will have to unclip the plastic cover. These are sometimes installed too tight and will unwork themselves. Theres a metal clamp to the left of that, that can be removed if those 2 big connectors are coming apart.
Also on the drivers side fender there is a square plastic cover. pop that off and you should see something like 6 studs with wires bolted on them. make sure these nuts and wires are good and tight they have to do with the ignition:flash:

I forgot to ask?
When the engine dies out, does the Check Engine light come on when the other dash light come on?
If it does then maybe the computer wire bundles are ok, but check anyway.

Another likely reason for this problem - EGR Valve - 2 bolts Flying Saucer Shape thingy

:alien2:

When the Blazer dies all the lights come on in the dash? Hmm... Thanks for all the great help. I will check all the above things out and let you know what I find... Thanks again!!:)

Where can I find the EGR Valve? ANd how do I determine if it is bad or not? Would this have generated a code? Please help. And I checked the connections on the wire harnesses and they all seem to be fine. SOmething I originally left out that might be a factor. The Fuel Gauge hasn't worked For years, COuld the Float or something in the fuel tank be "floating" around or something and occassionaly blocking fuel to the pump?:flash:

"When the Blazer dies all the lights come on in the dash? Hmm... Thanks for all the great help. I will check all the above things out and let you know what I find"

Question does that include the Check Engine Light???

Everytime you start your blazer you should turn the key to ON and before you crank the engine over you should hear the fuel pump come on for 2 seconds, the Check Engine Light should be ON including a few other lights as well. This should happen every time. Does it?
If it does keep an eye on it anyways, for as long as you have the car.

Question when the engine dies out does it start right back up again???

I forgot to mention the 2 bundle connectors. The bigger of the two is critical. Car won't run without it. The connector can have its clip on and still be backed out enough to cause a problem. Give it a good squeeze to make sure they are all in. I'd take off that metal clamp on the firewall too. Its not needed anyways.

Give a good visual at everything on top of the engine.
Look closely at all the electrical connectors and rubber hoses.

I have heard that the EGR goes bad on these vehicle ALL the time.
Let me look at my book because I honestly dont know where the EGR is becuase I never had an EGR problem yet. When I know I'll let you know.

:alien2:

"When the Blazer dies all the lights come on in the dash? Hmm... Thanks for all the great help. I will check all the above things out and let you know what I find"

Question does that include the Check Engine Light???

Everytime you start your blazer you should turn the key to ON and before you crank the engine over you should hear the fuel pump come on for 2 seconds, the Check Engine Light should be ON including a few other lights as well. This should happen every time. Does it?
If it does keep an eye on it anyways, for as long as you have the car.

Question when the engine dies out does it start right back up again???

I forgot to mention the 2 bundle connectors. The bigger of the two is critical. Car won't run without it. The connector can have its clip on and still be backed out enough to cause a problem. Give it a good squeeze to make sure they are all in. I'd take off that metal clamp on the firewall too. Its not needed anyways.

Give a good visual at everything on top of the engine.
Look closely at all the electrical connectors and rubber hoses.

I have heard that the EGR goes bad on these vehicle ALL the time.
Let me look at my book because I honestly dont know where the EGR is becuase I never had an EGR problem yet. When I know I'll let you know.

Ok, This morning the blazer didn't even want to turn over... The battery was so low that all I could hear was the starter solenoid clicking. I charged the battery and tried again and it turned over, and eventually started. But it still isn't right. I am afraid it is still going to stall out on me in an intersection somewhere and leave me T-Boned!:eek:

My friend had the same thing happen in a 1998 Ford Windstar...
It would just stall for no reason, all the dash lights come on. We took it to the dealership he bought it from, they couldn't find anything wrong, gave it back, and on the way home it stalled again.
The dealership replaced the computer (at thier expense) now everthings been great for over a year.

Did you check those other things yet?
Why did the battery drain? Did you leave something on?
GM Computers sometimes goes bad too but that's probably the last thing I would think it was ($250)
But first things first. Check those other things first.
Let us know.

So whats new with this problem?
Questions
1. Did you check the two connectors inside the plastic cover on top of the brake booster.
2. With the Key on Engine off.
You should hear the fuel pump come on for 2 seconds?
You should see the Check Engine Light come on as well as a few other lights on your dash.
This should be the case every time.
3. Could be the EGR Valve sticking open.
4. Faulty Fuel Pressure Regulator
5. Faulty Ignition module.
6. Check all electrical connections around the engine compartment
7. Check all hoses.

EGR should be closed at Engine Idle (at a stoplight)
If it's stuck open even a little bit the engine will run rough.

If you want to say HI to your EGR Valve.
Prop Open Hood
Face Engine from the Front of the Car.
Right between the Alternator and the A/C Compressor you'll see the EGR Valve.
It's Shaped like a small motor with an electrical plug on top
and two bolts that hold it onto the intake manifold.
Right next to him you'll see a smaller Sensor.
Thats your coolant temperature sensor.
Say Hello

When Engine is at idle and running rough ......
Grab a small hammer and tap the valve.
Don't tap the motor housing.
Tap it real close to where it bolts up to the intake manifold
Maybe use a piece of pipe to hit it better.
Give it a good wack right on the EGR Housing.
But be careful not to break anything!
Did the Engine all of a sudden run better?

To Replace
Disconnect Wire Connector. CAREFULLY.
Remove the two bolts
Replace EGR Valve and it's GASKET
Tighten the Bolts evenly and carefully
Not too tight, the bolts are screwing into an ALUMINUM intake manifold
Plug it back in
Done

EGR - common blazer problem.
Don't bother cleaning it.
It has to be replaced if its giving you a problem.
Do it right the first time.

:)

Awesome info... Thanks. I will let you know what I find out. Thanks again!:)

Please help with 97 Blazer ! I am having the same exact problem. There is no pattern to this problem. It can happen at 60 mph or stoped with the transmission in park. It has happend slowing down, accelerating, and stopped at a light with my foot on the break. Hot or cold after 1 mile or 30 miles ( my drive to work ) The problem has been hapening for about a month now. I keep waitiing for something to go south so I can fix it and be done with it. It does not seem like it will let go any time soon.
The battery is pretty new but one morning it acted like it was not going to turn over. Don't think anything was left on but have not had that problem again.
Please keep me in the loop with this. Thanks

Thanks for all of the ideas and directions. I should have read all of this stuff before I bought the s10.
When the engine shuts off it happens very quickly and unexpectedly but, I think that I loose the dash. I can remember seeing the speedometer go to 0 and the gas gauge freak out. If it starts on its own the air bag light flashes like a normal start up. I have heard of some GMC truck having problems with ignition switches. Any other thoughts out there? Thanks again!

Check the Black plastic cover on the drivers fender
has two plastic bolts. Make sure all electric connectors are tight

Also
Check the 2 big connectors above the brake booster which is inside that plastic cover - 2 clips
Take them apart. clean and lube and snap them together really tight.
Use a zip tie on the bigger one and zip it tight.
Remove the Wire Harness clamp on the firewall.
check that - these wires have ALOT to do with the dash lights and stuff

I'm resurrecting this thread a year later! I have the exact same problem on my 97 Blazer. Just wondering if anyone has any news on this lately. Something I would like to add is that mine also has the problem where, when I try to start it sometimes, I noticed that when I turn the key no lights on the dash come on at all. If I wait a few seconds eventually they will come on and it will start. While the lights are off, it will not start. I also noticed that whenever I have had the stalling problem, it had happened right after the dash lights do that, however, every time the dash lights do that, I don't necessarily have the stalling problem. Are they connected in someway? The mechanics are baffeled right now. Suggestions? Should I try the things mentioned earlier in the thread? Thanks for the help. I'm $100 in and have no answer so far. Please help!!!!

shootsnlad

Has anyone else experienced this problem with their blazer...? It seems to inadvertantly just stall out, die, quit running either when coming to a stop, or just out of the blue while driving... Weird, it doesn't happen all the time, but it seems to happen on occassion. I took it in to the dealer and they, OF COURSE, could not find anything wrong. And of course today, it happens 3 times... Any suggestions?:bloated:

Yes -- same thing just happened to us, and it finally stalled for the last time... in the middle of an intersection. The dash lights did not come on in our case when it was acting up. The problem was the ignition switch, which for this vehicle is about $80. I replaced it myself and it hasn't acted up since.

My 97 4.3L is doing the same thing. I am hoping its the EGR as well. See my new post 30-Jan-2004. Did you solve this problem?

Shawn

I had the ignition switch replaced and I haven't had a problem since. Part was like $100, labor was like $60.

shootsnlad - any problem with a low idle? Mine seems to have a low idle and it searches a bit for the correct RPM.
Also, the 1st time this happened on my daughter the battery seemed weak (hard starting), checked it out and the alternator - the battery was bad. Thought that was the problem, after replacing the battery however it stalled out on my wife again.
I guess I can try the ignition switch, still shotgunning it is cheaper than taking it to the shop at this point, cause I imagine they will try everything I have(tuneup + some).

When you replace the ignition switch does that include the hole metal piece below the key cylinder? Mine has the problem where I tap on that black connector below the key where the tumbler is for connecting all the wires when you turn the key. Well in my haste I broke the little sucker off and springs went flying. I hope this is the $80 piece that can be replaced all at once with the ignition cylinder, which I still have to pull the steering wheel so I can get that bugger off.

It looked like it was all one assembly, problem is do I get new wiring to replace the one where all my springs went flying around? or do I have to buy that seperate also? Stupid electronic ignition crap!

Appreciate the info if anyone can help me on this.

Mav

I have a 1994 blazer that is doing the same thing. I would like to hear if your problem has been fixed!! It usually occurs when my gas tank is at 1/2 or below.

I am having Same Problem. I Have had it at Gm for one month and not computer not fuel pump, it happens at fuel tank was replaced. Would like to know if you solve problem.

The ignition module below the ignition key was the fix for the truck. It had a loose or worn connection in the tumbler box apparently so it would sometime cut off the power to items in the truck, the brain, the fuel pump... ect...

So check the little black box and and wires below the ignition key, it was fairly cheap to replace and truck runs great now... no stalling or no start conditions anymore....


mav

I am having same problem if something works please post it

ignition switch

I've got a 97 Jimmy that had the exact same stalling problem. I replaced the ignition swicth and all is fine now. Job is fairly simple. You can get the switch from GMC-PARTS-FOR-LESS.COM for a lot less than the dealer. You will also need an E-4 and E-6 torx socket to remove upper column cover and the ignition switch retaining screws. If you don't have one, get a repair manual and look up the procedures to the switch removal and lock cylinder removal.

Please see my thread on the 2001 S-10 Instrument cluster. If you are have problems with gauges/dash lights not working etc. The problem was a bad solder joint in the ignition switch. Repalce the switch.

You are correct, that is what it took to repair it. I couldn't figure it out and I got mad and beat on the key in the ignitition and damned if all the gauges didn't come back on and the truck would start.

I replaced the not so expensive ignition switch and she works like champ.

Stupid Chevy, that's the dumbest looking design I have ever seen for an ignition switch.


Mav

Congratulations! But just for the record, did you replace the actual ignition switch (with the wiring harness attached), or the key cylinder?

I replaced the ignition switch with the wiring harness. The little black box with the wiring harness connecting all the way under the dash. I also replaced the key cylinder also just because I had all the shit apart. I buy GM parts wholesale so it's not such an expense to just change things out.

VERY happy that i found this thread! Thanks for all of the great info. I'm on my way now to pick a new ignition switch and lock cylinder for my 97 blazer!

Hold on there driver! Before you do anything rash, I'd suggest that you do a little preliminary work first. Please describe your symptoms and what you've done so far. If you buy a new Ignition switch and don't need it, you'll play Hell getting your money back. What have you done to verify that your existing switch is bad?

I'm having the exactl same problems as mentioned at the beginning of the thread
--
Has anyone else experienced this problem with their blazer...? It seems to inadvertantly just stall out, die, quit running either when coming to a stop, or just out of the blue while driving... Weird, it doesn't happen all the time, but it seems to happen on occassion.
--

1> No error codes generated
2> Shuts off and then right back on usually
3> Somteims shuts off completely when braking.
EDIT: 4> Also there is a delay in the gauges coming up when i turn the key (usually about 1/2 seconds for the dash to light up, but sometimes it can be as long as 3-4 seconds).. no problems when i use my remote start (clifford) remote.

Also, i've found several other threads similar to this one in these forums, and almost all fingers point to the Ignition switch.

I've done some basic stuff already, replaced the battery, checked the grounds and wiring, reset the computer, etc.. all to no avail. Issue comes up about 1x a day or so on average, sometimes not at all.

From my reading so far it looks like the ignition switch could be the likely problem. The auto-parts company i deal with is very good to me, and will let me return items w/o any problems.

Like I said before, do yourself a favor, verify that is is the ignition switch. You should be able to access it through the lower cover of the steering column. Wiggle the wires / tap on the block and see if that helps.

Point taken Rick, i'll give it a few taps to see if it's indeed the switch and not a loose wire or something like that. Thanks!

Poked around the ignition switch and there was defintily something wrong with it.. I wiggled it a bit and the dash cluster would come on, and then drop out again. (thnx for the tip Rick!).

I got a replacement switch and the truck seems to be running great now.! I'll post back after with a follow up after a week or so of normal driving. Thanks again everyone!

i have a 94 blazer with a 4.3 w that will stall when just driving down the road some most of the time it will fire back up if i push the excelerater down a little while it is still rolling down the road could this be part of my problem ?

It probably needs a new fuel pump.

I seem to be hearing the same complaint over and over about the Jimmy. I wish I knew this before my ex bought me mine. It stalled a couple of times and my brother checked it out for me. I needed a new battery - mine was shot. Then I put on a new distributor and wires, then a new fuel filter and it was still stalling. After I put the fuel filter on, it cranked and wouldn't start at all. Towed it - needs new fuel pump $1100, got it fixed, ran for 1 whole day and stalled - in an interesection with lots of traffic. Pushed it home, wont start, but cranks - any suggestions? We tried starting fluid, boosting it, nothing. I'm loath to take it back as I think I was rooked - you know being a girl and all..... any suggestions........ I'm out - short of setting it on fire

What year? What motor, anything more would be helpful. However, you ought to read more of this post.

i put a new fuel pump and injecters in it about 3 months ago

I had the same thing happen to me -- and all the other ideas suggested here were told to me too-- but what it ended up being is the Fuel filter.

I seem to be hearing the same complaint over and over about the Jimmy. I wish I knew this before my ex bought me mine. It stalled a couple of times and my brother checked it out for me. I needed a new battery - mine was shot. Then I put on a new distributor and wires, then a new fuel filter and it was still stalling. After I put the fuel filter on, it cranked and wouldn't start at all. Towed it - needs new fuel pump $1100, got it fixed, ran for 1 whole day and stalled - in an interesection with lots of traffic. Pushed it home, wont start, but cranks - any suggestions? We tried starting fluid, boosting it, nothing. I'm loath to take it back as I think I was rooked - you know being a girl and all..... any suggestions........ I'm out - short of setting it on fire
Try Fuel Filter -- it worked for me -- cheap - it has been 6 months since it has happened for me

Try Fuel Filter -- it worked for me -- cheap - it has been 6 months since it has happened for me

fuel filter is new would a vacum leak make it just shut down and then fire back up by just giving it a little mor gas peddle

After reading these posts it seems my problem may reside in the Ignition Switch... Yesterday I started my Blazer to go to a doctor's appointment. I backed out, put it in drive, and started forward. About 3 sec after acceleration the engine lurched and shut-off and would not restart. The only thing that caught my attention in the process was that the fuel gauge immediately jumped to Full and is now stuck there. I got out and pushed the Blazer into a parking space. I put the truck in park, got out and checked - Spark Plugs, Fuses, Relays... anything that would be keeping it from restarting. When I got back in I decided I would straighten it out, as I was diagnal in 2 parking spaces... but the truck will not come out of Park now. I can hear the normal "click" from engaging the brake to disengage from park, but it won't let me shift. So, now, my truck won't start and I can't move it. It turns over fine but will not start. Everything else seems fine. Radio, Windows, etc. all working. What should i do? I really want to keep from towing it as I usually do all the work myself... but I'm lost.

I have the same truck that had the same problem. It's the ignition switch wiring harness. Get the plastic off under your steering colum and If I remember I got mine restarted when I would yank lightly on the pink wire in the harness. I had to drive the thing for a week pulliing on that harness to restart it when it would die. got the ignition switch harness at advanced for 70 bucks.

Jkdon

After reading these posts it seems my problem may reside in the Ignition Switch... Yesterday I started my Blazer to go to a doctor's appointment. I backed out, put it in drive, and started forward. About 3 sec after acceleration the engine lurched and shut-off and would not restart. The only thing that caught my attention in the process was that the fuel gauge immediately jumped to Full and is now stuck there. I got out and pushed the Blazer into a parking space. I put the truck in park, got out and checked - Spark Plugs, Fuses, Relays... anything that would be keeping it from restarting. When I got back in I decided I would straighten it out, as I was diagnal in 2 parking spaces... but the truck will not come out of Park now. I can hear the normal "click" from engaging the brake to disengage from park, but it won't let me shift. So, now, my truck won't start and I can't move it. It turns over fine but will not start. Everything else seems fine. Radio, Windows, etc. all working. What should i do? I really want to keep from towing it as I usually do all the work myself... but I'm lost.







Check this post out if you havent already


Need help!!!!!!! BLAZER NO START


There is a link in there to that tells you how to fix the switch :)

i need to know how to install ignition switch in 1997 blazer 4.3 v6?
can anyone help me?????????????????:banghead:

i need to know how to install ignition switch in 1997 blazer 4.3 v6?
can anyone help me?????????????????:banghead:

Start by using the search feature and OMG, the FAQ READ ME FIRST THREAD AT THE TOP OF THE BLAZER SECTION

Start by using the search feature and OMG, the FAQ READ ME FIRST THREAD AT THE TOP OF THE BLAZER SECTION

:iagree: There is a link to the replacement procedure in the "Important: FAQ and How to's Inside! READ ME BEFORE POSTING!!!!!!!!! (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=496966)" thread at the top of the forum. :banghead:

If you need further assistance, we will be glad to help, but please start a new thread this one is 1 1/2 years old.