JasonSpaeth

While driving down the road, the raidio and dash lights will suddenly quite working (both the dash/interior lights and the radio) at the same time. Then, suddenly they both will come to life at the same time as well.

Any ideas what I should check in order to solve this problem?

This all started when I took the Blazer out of storage and the battery was completly dead. The battery was only 6 months old at the time and I was able to recharge it. However, I am having the problem with the radio and interior lights going on and off.

Any help with troubleshooting this problem would be appreciated. Thanks!

cbec1999

Sounds like the ignition switch solenoid problem. It's a harness connector from the ignition switch to the main harness.

Give it some time, to make sure. It can throw the tranny into limp home mode / 3rd gear only. If it does that, you can re-set the computer and clear the history.

Costs about $70 - $80, under 2 hours to change.

Make sure first...

JasonSpaeth

Thanks for the reply. So, this is a wire harness that plugs into the ignition switch? I assume it is in the steering column? Is this a dealer only part or can I get it at the auto parts stores? Do you have a picture of what it looks like? Thanks again.

mike2004tct

HuH?

The ignition switch solenoid only stops/enables the key to be removed from the tumbler.

The Ignition switch harness, on the other hand, is a series of switches that are enabled by the key itself.
The harness is a known problem on '97s, so I can't say if this is also the problem listed here.

__________________
It's my opinion, don't take it personal.
'04 T&C, '97 Blazer, '97 Sunfire, '85 Vette, '79 Civic, 94 FLSTC

cbec1999

Yup, it's in the steering column. 'Solenoid' was the wrong word to use tho'.

Do NOT get one at the dealer; chances are you will get a defective one. I did; it lasted a year. Used on MANY vehicles, not only '97.

I got a pic of the thing posted in forums.corvetteforum.com , http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...8&postcount=64
You're gonna have to register to see it. Only reason I know that's it is cause I posted it (I can't see pics (banned).

JasonSpaeth

Thanks for the responses. My wife had told me that the radio and the interior dash lights had quit at the same time. However, I was driving it today and only the radio quit - dash back lights were still on. This leads me to believe that it is a problem with the radio itself or the wiring going to the radio - maybe a loose ground. The radio only quite for about a minute or so then started back up. I guess I will have to give this more time to see if it quits all together or to see if the dash lights do, in fact, go out sometimes as well.