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Intermittent Electrical Power (Ignition Problems)


Subrosa
12-03-2006, 06:48 PM
I own a 1997 4.3L 4x4 GMC Jimmy. As of recent, I have been encountering electrical problems during starting, as well as when driving. The issue is as follows:

When I turn the key to the "accessory" position, the dash indicator lights do not light up and I seemingly receive no power to the accessory 1 wire. As a result, the ignition will crank infinitely, but not turnover. As mentioned above, this will occur sporadically as well while driving, causing my vehicle to "power off", if you will, and force me to re-start the vehicle (though in some instances, it will instantly power back on, allowing me to continue driving). However, with that said, the following factors also come into play:

-Countless tests with my multimeter have confirmed that there is in fact power being supplied to the aforementioned accessory wire at all times (regardless of dash lights or no dash lights)
-The second accessory powers the radio every time with no such problems
-I have a remote start installed in my vehicle, and when used, the above problem is never encountered when starting (I have also taken the remote start out the equation to short-list the possible problems, and as such, no difference was observed with the original issue)
-If after multiple attempts, during the starting phase, I can not get the dash lights to come on in the accessory position to allow my vehicle to start, I can remedy this problem by tapping either on, or around, the ignition key barrel with a screwdriver (almost the entire dash panel is removed so I have access to all wires and parts)

Any and all help regarding this issue would be immensely appreciated.

Thank you all for your time and help.

muddog321
12-04-2006, 05:35 AM
Welcome.
97 all have a known ignition switch defect so change that. Its called that but its really the igition module assembly in the steering column with a large connector and wires and Not the key/tumbler. Do not confuse this with the ign module that is a smaller chip like assembly that fires the spark.

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