was driving and shutoff the '97 blazer, ignition wont turn back to release the key, and when I restarted it, it wont engage into first or overdrive. Everything was working fine. then the check engine came on. I waited awhile and then the key came out and the transmission shifted fine. a few days later it happened again, but the key wouldn't come out this time and the transmission wont shift properly again. I have had the codes scanned and it says that the torque converter clutch solenoid and another solenoid are triggering the check engine light. I talked with a few people and the ignition has been mentioned. that it could be the switch going out and is affecting the transmission from shifting properly. I have already done a motor swap 3000 miles ago and am trying to keep it on the road without having to tear into the transmission at this point. has any one heard of this or is a common problem?

 

Could be a shift linkage problem as in neutral safety switch. Cheap outside the transmission

 

Might not be the problem, but definitely worth investigating... 1997 ignition switch was unique to that year, and it is known to cause problems like you're experiencing. Check this link, it explains the problem: https://blazerforum.com/forum/articl...-switch-33465/

 

thanks for the link. it has given me some definite insight. the one thing I didn't see in the link was it affecting the transmission directly (unless I read it wrong). my question now is, with your knowledge, would you recommend changing the plastic gear under the switch as well, or just the electronic switch/box and wiring harness coming off of the ignition? I appreciate the help.

 

The trans is shifted electrically, so if the ignition switch can't provide constant power to the necessary circuits, you'll have trouble shifting. The ignition switch feeds several different circuits at different key positions as you turn it, and if all of the contacts are not good in the switch, electrical stuff will act screwy.

 

Thank you Captain Hook. so when you say ignition switch, I assume you are talking about the Plastic black box with the harness coming off the back of it. Unfortunately that was replaced approx. a year ago. I know things fail for numerous reasons, but that seems pretty quick for it to fail to me. however, I have already purchased the key part of the ignition with a new key. I did this because im not sure of why the key wouldn't release to begin with. I have the black box/harness on order.

 

This is the ignition switch:



The piece on the right is where the contacts are. Like I mentioned earlier, 97 is the only year that uses that particular part number, and it is prone to fail, even the replacement switches. It can get quite time consuming checking the function of each circuit in the switch, and it requires an electrical schematic specifically for 1997. The schematic in the link is NOT for 1997. If you need the correct schematic, let me know.

 

thank you for all your input. if you could forward that schematic I would greatly appreciate it. hope your holidays are good.