1997 Chevy Blazer not starting

Tiny
AZROCKMONKEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
My blazer will sometimes have problems starting. The starter turns but will not fire over occasionally. When it is not starting, none of the dash indicator lights are on and the fuel pump is not making any noise. If I leave the keys on for long enough, the dash lights will turn on and so will the fuel pump and the truck will start.
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 10:38 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Sounds like there might be problem with the ignition switch? I can't tell without testing. You could pick one circuit to test at the key on position, no crank. Like the mil lamp is not on, check the gage fuse, use a testlite, there is usually a bare spot over each fuse leg, you don't have to pull the fuse to check, but, you can, whatever. There should be voltage there with the key on. That feed comes from the ignition switch. Can't tell if it is the switch or the feed to the switch?
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
AZROCKMONKEY
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  • 8 POSTS
I tested some of the fuses that might be related to the problem and the fuses are in fine condition, but they're not getting power. Does that mean its the switch its self or some relay for the switch?
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I don't know what fuses you checked? What circuit does the fuse control, they should be labeled, and the amp rating? We can probably track it down.

A fuse circuit that is hot all the time, will track back to a fusible link.

A fuse circuit that has ignition feed, goes hot when you turn on the key. Because I don't know what fuses you checked, we need to know if the circuit is hot all the time, or goes hot when you turn on the key. You can check fuse circuits both at key on and off.
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
AZROCKMONKEY
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Ok, here's the fuses that aren't working that normally are working: Airbag 10amps, turn 15amps, ecm 20amps, gauges 10amps and eng-1 20amps. I hope this helps. I tested all of the fuses and these are the only ones that are off when they should be on. These fuses are in the box on the left side of the dash.
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
JDL
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All those circuits show to be ignition feed, goes hot when you turn on the key. You did check those fuse circuits with the key on?

I'd check the fusible links first, there should be a junction block, several fusible links, usually close to the battery, but, my info shows the feed for the junction block comes from the bat terminal on the alternator. If you can't find the junction block, you can trace that wire.

The way to check a fusible link, both sides should be hot. If one side is hot and the other isn't, the link is faulty.

If everything checks out, the next stop is the ignition switch, although I can't rule out the wiring circuit from the link to the switch.
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
AZROCKMONKEY
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Yes. Those are the readings with the key on. I'll try to locate the link and check it. Thanks for your help again.
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
AZROCKMONKEY
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There are 3 wires leading from the battery, one goes to the altenator directly, one heads out left into the body. I disconnected this wire when the truck was working and it had no change. The 3rd wire runs under the vehicle and is very difficult to follow. I can't see any fusible links nearby the battery and the entire wire is covered with a plastic sleeve. My haynes manual doesnt show what their fusible links look like either. I know some are small boxes and some are inline bulges or cylinders. Any idea what i'm looking for? The engine bay is a little cramped and full of wires. I'm trying to do 10 things at once around home too, so i'm a bit distracted right now
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
JDL
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You may have to get at the wiring connector for the ignition switch, and check circuits. The fusible links I fool with, look like a bulge in the wire.

The three wires going to the bat terminal on the alternator, --to battery--to starter solenoid--to junction box. I don't know the location of junction box. Yes, tracking a wire through a wiring harness is a pain. It might be easier to go to the ignition switch. The database I usually look at for wiring circuits, is down right now.
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 12:46 PM

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