2000 blazer starts when it wants to

[plumber31]

i have a 2000 blazer that wont start sometimes ... wait ten or fifteen minutes it will start and run very well ... gas gauge didnt work so i replaced the pump and sending unit ,and it still has the same problem. could it be the fuel regulater or the spider? any help is appreciated.

[old_master]

Most likely NOT the regulator or spider. When it acts up, try a shot of carb cleaner in the air intake, if it starts, we can diagnose the fuel delivery system. If it doesn't start, we need to diagnose the ignition system.

[plumber31]

i have done that and it does not start

[old_master]

Have you checked fuel pressure and leakdown and spark at the ignition coil and spark plugs? What were the results?

[plumber31]

fuel pressure is good... i was reading one of the other threads and came across one about the ignition switch and the passlock.. so it did it this morning ... the security light flashed for ten minutes then it started right up ... so now my question is how diy friendly is that to fix

[old_master]

You might try to synchronize the transmitter first, here's how:
Simultaneously hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for 7 seconds. The door locks should cycle to confirm synchronization.

If that doesn't work, try programming the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) module, here's how: When you program it, you are assigning the remote transmitter to the RKE module. This is why you must program each new transmitter.

*When you program a transmitter, it will erase all previously programmed remote transmitters*

Close all of the vehicle doors.
Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder.
Press and hold the door unlock switch on the door panel.
Cycle the ignition ON, OFF, ON, OFF.
Release the door unlock switch.
The doors will lock, then unlock confirming the receiver is in the programming mode.

Hold down the lock and unlock buttons on the transmitter simultaneously until the receiver responds by locking the doors, then unlocking them.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position to exit the transmitter programming mode.

[plumber31]

ok ill try that first... ill let you know if that works.. thank you

[skyzend]

Passlock security system ...

Detects something not correct between the key and the ignition and locks out the ignition capability turning off the fuel to the engine.
Simply put, you need to replace your ignition switch.
Your 2000 is about the right age to have this kind of problem.
This has happened to me twice on my 1999.
The security light will flash for 10 mins until it resets and then you can try and start again.
This problem will be intermitant at first but become more cronic and frequent as time goes on, until the car basically won't start.
Don't try and defeat this system as it is basically foolproof.
I have tried and even used a GM technote which gave steps how to do it with no luck.
Not sure how easy this the new ignition switch repair is to do and get it right yourself ...
If its not done correctly you will be no further ahead.
I had mine done at the dealer.

Hope this helps as my comments just cut to the solution in this case.
Usually I analyze more symptoms to get the solution but the flashing security light and intermittant failure is pretty good at narrowing the cause to the ignition switch.
Good Luck

[plumber31]

thanks skyzend ... i tried to do the sync the transmitter thing ..and it hasnt done it in a week but its done that before.. but im sure your right so if or when it does it again it will get fixed

[wirenut699]

Originally Posted by skyzend

Passlock security system ...

Detects something not correct between the key and the ignition and locks out the ignition capability turning off the fuel to the engine.
Simply put, you need to replace your ignition switch.
Your 2000 is about the right age to have this kind of problem.
This has happened to me twice on my 1999.
The security light will flash for 10 mins until it resets and then you can try and start again.
This problem will be intermitant at first but become more cronic and frequent as time goes on, until the car basically won't start.
Don't try and defeat this system as it is basically foolproof.
I have tried and even used a GM technote which gave steps how to do it with no luck.
Not sure how easy this the new ignition switch repair is to do and get it right yourself ...
If its not done correctly you will be no further ahead.
I had mine done at the dealer.

Hope this helps as my comments just cut to the solution in this case.
Usually I analyze more symptoms to get the solution but the flashing security light and intermittant failure is pretty good at narrowing the cause to the ignition switch.
Good Luck

This sounds like the solution to my problem with my 1999 - It's been getting progressively worse until I got totally stuck today and had to take the train to work. (got there late)

At this point (in my opinion) the truck is only worth about $1500. I wouldn't care if it gets stolen. I care about getting stuck - having to tow it - and changing an ignition switch that otherwise still works bacause of some damn PASSLOCK system.

Why can't a tech just re-program the computer to forget about the passlock?

It's no longer needed once a vehicle gets to be low in value. Should I spend upwards of $1000 fixing a vehicle that only worth $1500?

[skyzend]

Actually replacing the ignition switch is not that costly, if this is in fact the real problem.
The only way to tell is the flashing security light. If its there then this is the problem.

I think I paid for the switch and no more than the min 1 hour labour.

If your problem is intermittant ... I'd get it done as it will only get worse and happen at the most inappropriated time

[wirenut699]

Thanks fo the reply

Unfortunately it's already too late it wont start two days in a row. It must be the SECURITY feature because the SECURITY light flashes for ten minutes and it has been getting progressively getting worse, and it has the "cranks but no fuel, flashing light" symptom

Maybe I exaggerated the $1000 potential cost of repair, but it still is annoying.

Do you think auto repair person or Locksmith would be best?

[skyzend]

I would get it done at the dealership.
Yes it costs a bit more but ...
This security crap is like a black art, Its nearly impossible to disable ... at least I've never been successful and I've tried. If its not set up correctly you will be back again getting it fixed or worse ... you'll be stuck somewhere with a perfectly good vehicle that won't start because of some remote technicality.

Just my opinion ... I would leave this one for the pro's.
Good luck

[wirenut699]

sounds like good advice; I'll keep you posted; I will put the VOO-DOO doll in the glove compartment just in case

[wirenut699]

After 4 days of sitting in the driveway IT STARTED
I drove it to the local CHEVY dealer (saved a tow)

$495 later it is fixed

Thanks to my buddy George for sharing rides and to all on AF for your help