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Chevrolet Blazer GMC Jimmy Transmission Problems

382 messages,  Last post on Apr 12, 2013 at 10:12 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Blazer, Transmission, SUV

Messages Page 36 of 39

#345 of 382 Re: 97 Blazer Transmission Key switch location by dgcaller

Sep 18, 2011 (1:14 pm)

The electric part of the key switch is a black plastic box about 1 x 1 x 1-1/2 inches and is lkocated in the steering column right behind the mechanical part of the key switch (where you put the key in). There is a multi-wire harness attached to the box that goes down the steering column and plugs into a connector at the bottom end of the steering column.
 
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

#346 of 382 Re: 97 Blazer Transmission Key switch location [dgcaller] by tony_7991

Sep 23, 2011 (7:32 pm)

Replying to: dgcaller (Sep 18, 2011 1:14 pm)
Could the problem with the key switch also cause other problems with sensors, anti-lock brakes, etc? And also, is "key switch" the technical name for the part? I couldn't find a result for it on NAPA's website.

#347 of 382 part you seek is GM by duntov

Sep 24, 2011 (6:01 am)

The ignition switch and harness assembly is part number GM- 26061329 or AC Delco D1498C . It is available at any Chevrolet dealership (probably a special order) or any auto parts retailer that sells a complete line of AC Delco parts. It costs $183.70 MSRP with a jobber price of $90.00 to $98.00

#348 of 382 Re: 97 Blazer Transmission Key switch by dgcaller

Sep 24, 2011 (11:59 am)

Answering two messages at once.
 
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

#350 of 382 Re: typo in my message [dgcaller] by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Sep 24, 2011 (11:58 am)

After posting, you can edit your post for 30 minutes.

#351 of 382 Re: 97 Blazer Transmission Key switch [dgcaller] by tony_7991

Sep 27, 2011 (7:50 pm)

Replying to: dgcaller (Sep 24, 2011 11:59 am)
Ok got the new ignition switch put in, but unfortunately after a few mile test drive, the transmission started acting up again. Same problems as they were originally. A little discouraged, but any other suggestions out there? Time for a newer vehicle maybe. haha

#352 of 382 Re: 97 Blazer Transmission Key switch by dgcaller

Sep 28, 2011 (2:04 am)

Sorry Tony, but I don't remember what the original problems were and I could not find your original messages in the past threads. Can you tell me again what the symptoms are?
 
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.

#353 of 382 Re: 97 Blazer Transmission Key switch [dgcaller] by tony_7991

Sep 28, 2011 (4:42 am)

Replying to: dgcaller (Sep 28, 2011 2:04 am)
Hey! The initial trouble started about 3 weeks ago. I was about 30 miles into a trip, and out of no where, I dropped D and OD and the speedo crashed to 0. 1st and 2nd still worked so I was able to limp it off the road. From P or N, it still shifted perfectly in to R or 1st. Transmission oil is full, and smells normal. After time to cool off, everything seems to work like normal. After replacing the ignition switch, I took it for a test drive, and problem came back. There actually was a check engine light on before, but after reconnecting the battery, it hasn't came back on...yet. I believe it was on before for an oxygen sensor.

#354 of 382 Cylinder Lock Removal by rd2769

Nov 02, 2011 (9:16 pm)

In the process of removing the cylinder lock in a S-10 blazer, the steering wheel and cylinder lock lock up and will not turn in either direction. How do you unlock the steering wheel and cylinder lock to complete the removal of the cylinder lock?

Messages Page 36 of 39

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