1997 Chevy Blazer Blazer not starting

1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
152,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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REM_JMILLER
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I have a 1997 Blazer. I turn the key to start it up and it turns over, but will not fire and start. I replaced the spark plugs, distributor cap, spark plug wires, fuel filter, and put water out and fuel injector cleaner in the gas tank. After I did so, the Blazer turned over a couple times and then started on the third try. When I tried that third time, I noticed that the lights on the instrument panel lit up before it actually started. I drove it around the block a couple times and then parked it and turned it off. I came out a half hour later and it started again and I thought the problem was fixed. But, when I came out the very next day, it wouldn't start again. I noticed that the lights on the instrument panel were not coming on again and it wouldn't start again. By the lights on the instrument panel I mean check engine, abs, oil, and all the lights that usually come on, but then go off once started. Could this be an electrical or computer problem, or does it sound more like ignition switch problem? Please help!
Sep 15, 2009 at 10:02 AM
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JDL
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Check the circuit at the gage fuse, instrument panel fuse box. Use a testlite see if the circuit is hot when you turn on the key?
Jan 29, 2021 at 12:49 PM
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REM_JMILLER
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I tested the fuse in the fuse box like you asked me and there was no juice to that fuse. I even tested the fuse in another car to see if maybe it was the meter, but it was not. No juice to my fuses. My battery is great though. I can put up and down the windows and turn on the lights. Somewhere in between?
Jan 29, 2021 at 12:49 PM
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JDL
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Are you saying none of your fuses have voltage or just the gage fuse? There are several fuses that get their voltage from the same leg as the gage fuse. The turn/ back up fuse 15 amp is one of them. See if that fuse circuit is hot with the key on, if it is, then the wiring on the back of the fuse box may have a problem?
Jan 29, 2021 at 12:49 PM
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REM_JMILLER
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I checked the back-up/turn signal fuse along with about 3/4 of the rest of them and none of them were getting juice when the key is forward. I spoke briefly with another mechanic who mentioned that it is probably the ignition fuse under the hood along the firewall. I looked but could not find it. Is this a possibility and if so, where can I find this fuse? If that is not it, what other possible solutions do you have? Thank you very much for your help thus far.
Jan 29, 2021 at 12:49 PM
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JDL
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The fuses I mentioned, get voltage from the ignition switch, the ignition switch gets feed from fusible links at battery junction block, under the hood. My info says left rear of engine compartment. I'd have to check for voltage to and from the ign switch for the circuits I mentioned.

You can check fusible links by using a testlite, should be hot on both sides of link.
Jan 29, 2021 at 12:49 PM
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REM_JMILLER
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I took a test light and found out that the main fuses in the fuse box inside are not working. #4,5,10 These fuses run ignition, fuel sender, sensors, air flow, PCM/VCM ignition, injectors, more sensors. What powers these fuses to work? Because when these fuses work, my instrument panel lights up, and it starts. Is there another fusse in between the fuse box and battery?
Jan 29, 2021 at 12:49 PM
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JDL
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fuses 4--5--10 get voltage from the same leg. That leg comes from the ignition switch. The ignition switch gets feed from a fusible link.
Jan 29, 2021 at 12:49 PM
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REM_JMILLER
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Turns out hat we have a bad fuse box or wire to the fuse box. We at least got it running for the time being until we can get it into a garage. We hot wired that row of fuses from another row. Thank you so much for your help.
Jan 29, 2021 at 12:49 PM
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JDL
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I'm glad you got it going your way.
Jan 29, 2021 at 12:49 PM
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