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Comments
Does anyone have an answer to how this can be fixed?
To replace the switch, you have to remove the lower part of the dashboard so you can get at the plug, and remove the plastic covers around the key switch. You need a really small star (not phillips) screwdriver to unscrew the screws that hold the switch in place. The plug on the harness has two screws that hold it into the connector. You have to unscrew them to unplug the plug.
The switch and harness cost from $108 to $130 depending on where you get it. If you get it from an auto parts store it's less expensive but they may have to order it. A chevy ddealer will have it but they charge more
Let me know if you have any questions.
Diane
1. Re the ignition switch causing other problems: Yes, probably. The center of a switch is a rotating plastic cam that opens and closes the six contacts in varioius combinations, depending whether the switch is in Acc, Off, Run, or Start. The harness contains ten or twelve wires, connecting two sides of the 6 contacts to several places in the electrical system. Depending on which contacts are worn or burned, you can have a variety of problems, such as cranking but not starting, engine shutting off at random times (both caused by the ignition contact) transmission shifting problems, etc. These are problems I have seen.
2, Regarding where the assembly can be purchased, in addition to a Chevy dealer, you can buy aftermarket versions of the switch from NAPA for about $130.00 or Karagen/O'Reilly for about $108.00. I don't know what the differences in quaility or durability are. Both NAPA and Kragen were special order (2 days).
A couple of additional notes.
1. Chevy sent out a notice to all it's dealers about 4 years ago, telling them that when customers reported transmission problems i this vehicle, to FIRST check the ignition switch. Most reported transmission problems were caused by the switch, not the transmission itself, even though the DTCs from the OBDII indicated failed solenoids in the valve body. There was nothing wrong with the solenoids. They simply were not getting power.
2. I've had my blazer since 1997 (14 years). I first had the ignition switch problems about three years ago when the car was 11 years old. I replaced it with a NAPA unit and then took the GM switch apart to find out what was wrong with it. Two of the contacts were badly burned, two were dirty, and two seemed to have no wear at all. I assume that the burned contacts were the ignition and transmission, because that is where the problems were. I have the service manuals and could check the circuits but have not done that. Incidentally, the NAPA unit failed about 18 months after installation. Then I got a unit from Kragen. No problems with it since I installed it.
Diane
Check the electrical connector at the transmission. The plug is on the drivers side of the transmission. Claen the area around the plug, then pull it out and plug it in again. You did not mention if the SES (Service Engine Soon / check engine) light is on. If it is, you can take it to a shop and have them check the DTCs and turn off the light. It will cost about $100.
I do this myself now with a laptop and a kit I bought that includes a connector that plugs into the OBDII connector on the car and a software app. Cost about $150, but has paid for itself several times over.
If your problem is only the transmission try replacing the TPS. it could be the problem
but if your problem is the transmission not shifting properly and some other electrical problems like door locks coming in and out alone, key does not come out easy, ect., you must replace the ignition switch. It is a cable coming from the ignition key lock going all the way below the wheel.
You have to remove top and bottom cover from wheel to access the screws that need to be remove for the replacement. I did it without remove the wheel but you must be carefull othewise you can break the top cover
The ignition switch (cable) cost is between $50 to $100, depend wher you buy it. You will need a Thor male drives or thor screw driver small sizes.
I hope you can solve the problem
I did it on my 97 Blazer after having it for one full year stopped
Short Story: A transmission shop lost my np203 transfer case. They want to replace it with an np205 but I would have to buy an adapter. They say that every thing else will be the same. If I insist, they will find me a 203 transfer case.
I am the one who will have to take all of this home, assemble it and put it back it the vehicle.
I'm a shade tree mechanic but I don't know squat about drive trains. I also don't have the money for parts.
Questions:
What is involved in this swap in terms of adapters, linkage, drive shafts, etc?
Am I better off with a part-time gear driven or a full time chain driven.
Any advice or suggestions you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
i coasted over to the side & i didn't have any gears at all, no foreward or reverse gears!
I know it isnt the transfer case because when you put it to drive, you would hear noise from it,
no unusual noises no matter which gear you put it in?
Could this be the front pump going out, or possibly the torque converter,
It was real strange, it went from fine to no gears at all just like that! thanks Would appreciate
any input on this. Mike!
Hope this helps.
Diane
My problem is intermittent and if it starts messing up I turn off the engine ad then re-start and normally the problem goes away.
Thanks
Are you experiencing the same 2 to 4wheel drive problems? If so, do you think it is an electrical(connection)problem? Need help to trouble shoot. thxs
I have a 99 Blazer automatic with the auto 4wd, 4 buttons 4.3 vortec.
Last night I was driving home and heard a loud squeal and felt like I lost power. The engine was still running it just didnt feel right. So I parked it and left it overnight.
This morning I got in started and Reverse does not work at all. I can go forward in all four gears 1,2,3 and D. I checked the fluid both hot and cold and it is fine. I disconnected the battery and tried to find the trans. fuse as was suggested in another post. I couldn't find the trans fuse so I just checked the onesthat the owners manual said were engine, selenoid etc. Still no reverse.
I looked for the plug and neutral button but couldnt find them. There is what appears to be a kevlar plate from the front bumper almost all the way back to the back 2 doors. It has some type of oily fluid all underneath it.
I am not a mechanic and don't know a whole lot about newer cars. I am not in a huge rush but I would like to use my only car.
Thank you all in advance.