here's a weird one. when i turn the key part way, all the dashboard lights come on like normal. when i go to start it, it just clicks once and then nothing. does this have something to do with the starter? or is there something else that won't allow it to fire up? i just got a tune up a year ago, so it probably isn't the spark plugs.

Could be a starter problem or a weak battery.

i recently had the same problem. i started with the battery and that work for like 3 days and then it stopped working again. so then i changed out the alternator. i jumped it and that worked until i turned it off and tried it the next morning. so then i changed the starter and its been working fine so i say change the starter, charge the battery and it should be back to normal.

i appreciate the responses. the guy at the garage i take my blazer to said it was most likely the starter as well. i had the alternator replaced within the last 6 months and the battery a few years ago. he's telling me to do the starter (if that is the problem) will run about $300-350 parts/labor. is this a normal price? i'm not a car guy.

Call the parts store and price a good starter and add a hrs labor to it.
I would go with a brand new starter over a rebuilt.
Good luck
MT