Hey there Y'all. Found the board while researching a problem I am having with my ignition switch. BTW I went back 20 pages and couldnt find it. My Blazer's ignition is messed up. Either the key wont come out or if it does it wont turn, I have to tap the switch with a mallot to turn the key. Well its a pain in the rear. We cant turn the key all the way off to make sure that it turns so I have to pull the posative battery cable so we dont drain the battery. Any way I have a switch I can use but dont know what wires to use when I pull the ignition. Any Ideas?
Thanks
Mike

 

Extreme caution, because you will working around the driver's side airbag.
First, you're not actually talking about the igition switch; rather, you're referring to the lock cylinder. The switch is a two-piece combination with one part directly behind and controlled by the lock cylinder and the other half at the base of the steering column. However, your lock cylinder is obviously toast.
Second, I'd recommend a low-priced repair manual from AutoZone, whatever. They give enough detail to get the job done. Frankly, if the money tree has enough green on it, I'd change the switch while you're at it. They have their issues, and your Blazer is old enough for this to be validly regarded as preventative maintenance.

 

Couldn't you just pull the fuse and disconnect the battery to make sure the air bags don't deploy?

 

Yes, which is what you're supposed to do anyway, and something I should have said. *image of dropped ball appears on screen*
Plus, there is a yellow wire - well, I guess it's still a yellow wire on the '97 - that is the 12 volt supply to the sodium azide pellet in the airbag. Disconnecting it is often the only safety measure referred to when you read the Haynes or Chilton manuals. Me? I want the wire disconnected, the fuse out, and the battery disconnected and sitting across the street in the neigbor's living room before I go near an airbag!

 

Thanks Guys this helps a lot.