1997 Chevy Blazer Ignition switch

Tiny
MOUNTAINMAN09
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I bought a 1997 Chevy Blazer from my sister-in-law last week. I went to the store this afternoon and when I shut off the engine I could not remove the key. It moves back one click, but to pull the key out it has to click twice. My sister-in-law said it has been doing this on and off for about a year now. She said sometimes it stays stuck like that for a day or even two, and sometimes it's fine for weeks at a time. I'm afraid it is only going to get worse. My questions are: (1) Can I fix this problem myself, or do I have to have a new ignition switch installed by a mechanic. (2) Do I have to buy a factory switch from GM or do auto parts stores carry ignition switches. (3) About how much is the cost for the switch and about how much is the cost for labor. Thanks in advance and I appreciate any help you can provide.

Ernie H
Thursday, April 16th, 2009 AT 6:45 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
Move the transmission gear selector back and forth through the gears a few times.
You cant turn the key to the LOCK position until the selector is in park as a safety feature.

Some cars use a cable from the shifter, some are controlled electrically.
It will either need to be cleaned, adjusted or replaced.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2009 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
RICEBALL
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Look carefull u have to see under steering small whole (close key) eazy to open & put the button that all u can do it good luck
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Sunday, April 26th, 2009 AT 11:27 PM
Tiny
MOUNTAINMAN09
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Where is the hole? Directly under the steering wheel? Or is it right near the key? Is there a button I must push? Or is there a hole where I have to insert something to release the key? Please let me know. Thank you very much.

Ernie
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Friday, May 1st, 2009 AT 5:45 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Like Buddy stated its not in park all the way
shifter cable need to be checked and adjusted as a 1st step

*****************************************
need manual CHECK IT @
http://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm
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Friday, May 1st, 2009 AT 6:32 AM
Tiny
RICEBALL
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Near the key llittle bit of under the key do u see the whole should be close with rubber eazy to open and press button, u get a key back, I get it same prb man
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Friday, May 1st, 2009 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
MOUNTAINMAN09
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks riceball, you were right! There is a hole with a plastic "punch out" underneath the steering wheel. I popped it out and there is a button inside. I used a long key that I had on my key ring and pushed the button and the ignition turned and the key came right out! Thanks to everyone for all of your suggestions, I appreciate you all taking time out to help. But riceball, you had the answer to my problem pegged perfectly! Thanks soooo much!. P.S. I wish I could leave you some feedback points but I don't have any yet.

Ernie
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Friday, May 1st, 2009 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Great, that gets the key out but does not fix the problem
make sure you use the E brake if you park your truck on a hill
until you decide to fix it
best of luck
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Friday, May 1st, 2009 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
MOUNTAINMAN09
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I planned on using the E brake, actually I have been all along. At least I can get the key out so it won't be easily stolen until I can afford to have t fixed. Thanks again.

Ernie
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+1
Friday, May 1st, 2009 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
RICEBALL
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
That ok buddy mountainman09
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Saturday, May 9th, 2009 AT 12:54 AM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
What's ok?
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Saturday, May 9th, 2009 AT 1:40 AM

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