Purchased this 97 Blazer LT a little over a month ago.
After a week or two started having issues with the key being stuck in the ignition. At first it was hit or miss. Then became more prevalent.
About the same time noticed that it was very sluggish from a stop. I heard/read that these are related, the truck is taking off in second gear. I'm confused as to what one has to do with the other. I have the new ignition cylinder and will be replacing it this weekend. I'm in a part of Wisconsin that requires emission testing. I took the truck to testing station and although all engine systems passed, it failed due to some bad transmission codes showing. When I have the battery unhooked to change the cylinder, will this clear the tranny codes?
Will this also solve the shifting issues?

Thanks, any help is appreciated, don't want to and can't afford to put a lot into this one. I bought it mainly as backup/extra vehicle while I do some work on my real truck. 88 k1500.

 

So I changed the ignition cylinder and the key still will not turn back to the lock position.
Not sure how the two things are related but starting to get an idea. Since the transmission is not starting in first gear from a start, and the ignition apparently doesn't think the tranny is in park, which is why the key will not turn back, do I have an issue in the console with the shifter and/or the linkage?

 

So I've done some searching of old threads from this forum.
There is a closed thread from 2011 where they had a similar issue and eventually changed the ignition switch.
I so far have changed the ignition cylinder, do I need to order a new switch?
I am someone who's older than most. Pretty good with mechanicals but electrically and electronically challenged.
Guess that's why I can keep my farm equipment going, not much if any electrical on a haybaler, just on the tractor.