2001 Blazer runs after key is turned off. - Problem Solved!

CEBRANDE

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER

I have a 2001 S10 Blazer 4WD that contiued to run after turning off the key. The headlights remain on as well as the brake light (brake lights on bright as if you are pressing the brake). Turning the key from the run position to off will eventually shut off the vehicle, but on Jan 2 a small puff of smoke came out of the top of the steering column. I replaced the ignition switch (not the key cylinder) and the vehicle ran with no issues for about a week. 3 days ago it continued to run after the key was turned off, and the headlights and brake lights remained on as well. I think the old ignition switch must have been good. The battery is now disconnected.

Any suggestions?
Thanks.

2 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Check the rack in the column, it might be falling apart internally

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Wednesday, January 11th, 2006 AT 3:12 PM

CEBRANDE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

This was pretty amazing to me. I was playing around, pulling fuses to try and determine why the headlights and brakelights were on when suddenly the vehicle would not shut off again. Eventually I started messing with the turn signal and suddenly the car stopped running! Prior to this happening I noticed a small glow at the "P"indicator (Park) under the speedometer, which seemed strange, but I could get it to go on and off by messing with the turn signal. After messing with the turn signal longer, the interior console temerature and radio light would come on while moving it around, even with the key in the off poition! (Which should never happen) Replacement of this turn signal has been on my list for a couple of years due to the intermittent wipers not working correctly in a good soaking rain. It seems the first intermittent position would work, but after that position the wipers were just in the "on" position.