'98 Jimmy won't start, key stuck, electrical dead.

[keck321]

I have a high mileage 98 Jimmy. Twice now when I go to start it, the entire electrical system is dead. I cannot shift it out of park, no matter what the key position and I cannot remove the key. I assume this is due to the ignition interlock, for theft, but I do not know how to get it started after this.

Could this be due to a worn or damaged, key, a bad switch, or something else and how to I get the thing going. So far I have just had to leave it for a while and magically everything works.

[rlith]

Ignition switch most likely. Very common for our trucks. If you remove the lower cowl, you will see a small hole underneath the lock cylinder. Simply use a paperclip and push it in, that will allow the key to release.

[keck321]

I found the problem. Of all things it was a loose connection on the battery. Damn those side terminals. I have given the bolt a tiny turn and voila I have power again. It also explains a few other issues I have had lately.