96 Chevy 4X4 Tahoe Electrical Issue??

[jcruzan]

I must say I am at a dead end and wanted to know if anyone had any ideas about an issue I am having with my vehicle. When the vehicle is running, either driving or idling the ABS and Parking lights will come on, the cruise will shut off (when driving of course) and the HVAC control panel with become non-responsive. All occurs in approximately 1 second (or instantaneously). It appears to cycle, meaning nothing seems to be permanent but sometimes the cycles are longer than others (e.g. 10 seconds to 3 days). Like I said, I am at a lose b/c of the HVAC Control panel, normally I would go through and check out the braking system but why would this go off with the rest of it. Any suggestions will help.

Also, I thought that it might be the computer so I replaced it due to other issues with the vehicle but this didn't fix the problem. Any thoughts will help and thanks in advance.

[777stickman]

All of the items you mentioned are powered by one of the contacts in the ignition switch. Lots & lots of posts about this. Try turning the switch to the run position and messing with it. Knocking on the column, moving the shift lever, moving the tilt, etc to see if you can duplicate.

[jcruzan]

Sorry, I looked for some posts but didn't find anything, must have looked in the wrong place??? Anyway, did what you suggested and couldn't duplicate the situation, what should I do next? I pulled the cover from the steering column and moved the wires trying to duplicate the problem but still couldn't get the situation duplicated?? Any suggestions will help, thanks.

[777stickman]

Keep in mind I'm looking at a '98 manual, but I don't think your '96 is any different. There are 5 different switches contained in the ign switch. All of the stuff you're talking about comes off of one of those 5 switches and all are protected by separate fuses. So if it was me I'd be changing the ign switch. Maybe someone here has different thoughts??

By the way, I've experimented with the search function also and have found it a little unforgiving. So, no "sorries" necessary. Also, welcome to the forum and I hope you will post back what you find for a fix or to ask any more ?'s.........Steve

[jcruzan]

Sorry for the delayed response but I haven't been around the computer in a while! Anyway, just wanted to let you know that your suggestion worked; replaced the ignition switch and I am no longer having any problems. Thanks again for all the help!!!!