I hope someone can help..... I have a 96 blazer with a 4.3l vortec that will not start, will not crank. All the fuses are good as i checked them with a continuity tester. The yellow wire on the steering column comes hot when the key is in the start position. The neutral safety switch has been replaced, i broke it trying to remove the pigtail to test across switch.the starter solenoid ,small post, does not get 'hot' when the key is in the start position. With the key in the on position you can jump out the solenoid and it will start and run. I assume, and i hate to do that, that it is a wiring issue, but here in lies another question. The wire on the column is about a 12 guage, the wire on the solenoid is about an 14? And the wires on the safety switch are 16s maybe. Where do they transition. It would be nice if the yellow wire went right to the safety switch and the purple wire right to the solenoid. This vehicle has 177k on it and its just broke in not broke down would like to put another 177k on it its the best 4x4 ive owned any help or ideas are appreciated thanks

 

In the underhood fuse panel, remove the starter relay:

One terminal should show battery voltage at all times. (from battery)
One terminal should show battery voltage in the START position only. (from neutral safety switch)
One terminal should show less than 5 ohms resistance to ground. (relay coil ground)
The last terminal goes to the starter solenoid. Applying battery voltage to this terminal should engage the starter.

Post your results.

 

I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO FIND THIS 'UNDER THE HOOD FUSE BLOCK' WITH NO SUCCESS. I COULD POSSIBLY BE IGNORANT OR BLIND OR BOTH. IS IT LOCATED ON THE FIREWALL, LEFT/RIGHT FENDER WELL, BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX, OR RIGHT UNDER MY NOSE? thanks for your qiuck response

 

Sorry, on 1996, it might be behind the glove box.

 

And I think on the '96 the starter relay is on the firewall at the rear of the engine compartment.

 

Update..... Kevin, the starter relay is on the right side of the fire wall, there are three relays there, only one for the starter
captain hook, the relay was just as you described it except for the fact that there was no battery voltage present... The red wire was broken about six inches into the wire loom
because of your help this was an inexpensive, although time consuming, fix i thank you both and look forward to the next 177k

 

You were right on in your first post.... you suspected a wiring issue! Good job, glad to help.