1997 Blazer P0175

[Doug77]

I own a 1997 Blazer. The check engine light has been going on and off. A buddy of mine with a scanner read the code P0175 (fuel mixture too rich bank 2). I ran fuel injector cleaner through it, changed the air filter, and reset the light. Still have the light. Recently I had the Cat. replaced because it was shot. (117,000 miles).
I broke down and took t to the garage and they told me that I had a leaking injector and also said that he recommended changing the front two O2 sensors. When leaving the garage the engine light came back on. Any suggestions? This truck has been giving me problems since I bought it. Water pump, alternator, cat converter, power window motor, rear windshield wiper fluid leak (inside), and the list goes on. Any suggestions with this new problem would be greatly appreciated!

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by Doug77

I own a 1997 Blazer. The check engine light has been going on and off. A buddy of mine with a scanner read the code P0175 (fuel mixture too rich bank 2). I ran fuel injector cleaner through it, changed the air filter, and reset the light. Still have the light. Recently I had the Cat. replaced because it was shot. (117,000 miles).
I broke down and took t to the garage and they told me that I had a leaking injector and also said that he recommended changing the front two O2 sensors. When leaving the garage the engine light came back on. Any suggestions? This truck has been giving me problems since I bought it. Water pump, alternator, cat converter, power window motor, rear windshield wiper fluid leak (inside), and the list goes on. Any suggestions with this new problem would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the Forum! Now take the truck back and make them fix it right.

How much did they soak you for?

[BlazerLT]

You will need to get your ignition switch changed first of all.

[Doug77]

They nailed me for $600 bucks!
An ignition switch wouldn't have anything to do with the problem I am having right?
A co-worker of mine has a 96. He just replaced his fuel pump. I am wondering if I have a problem with the sending unit or something. I do not own fuel pressure gauges, and I am still not sure where to start looking for the problem.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by Doug77

They nailed me for $600 bucks!
An ignition switch wouldn't have anything to do with the problem I am having right?
A co-worker of mine has a 96. He just replaced his fuel pump. I am wondering if I have a problem with the sending unit or something. I do not own fuel pressure gauges, and I am still not sure where to start looking for the problem.

Yes, the ignition switch can cause this.

It is that or the MAF sensor.

Ignition switch will cause this condition most of the times on a 1997. 1997 is the worst year for ignition switches.

I would be suggesting it if it wasn't the case now would I?

[Doug77]

I am not arguing...Please explain to me how the ignition switch would cause this. I would really like to understand it. Is an ignition switch something that I can change on my own?
Also, I bought a manual for the truck. I cannot find anything in the manual telling me where the MAF sensor is. Is it the same thing as the MAP sensor? Where can I find the MAF sensor. I am told that I should be able to clean it and not have to replace it. What are your thoughts?

[BlazerLT]

The MAF sensor is the sensor 1/2 way up between the air filter and the throttle body.

Also, yes, you can replace the ignition switch yourself.

[drdd]

my 97 had the same problems. see the following thread - read it carefully. After I did a complete tuneup, replaced MAF, replaced Cat (need done anyways) it turned out to be bad gas !!!

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...&highlight=maf

Blazer LT is right about the ignition switch. If you haven't replaced it yet, you may as well go ahead and do it - it's not a question of if it will go, it's a question of when. It can cause all kinds of strange codes, especially transmission codes. It can also cause the truck to completely stop and shut off for no apparent reason (losing brake booster and steering will lock). This can be dangerous so replace it.

Blazer LT has a point about the MAF, however, it wasn't the case for my truck. I'd recommend cleaning before replacing ... again ... read the whole thread carefully and see how it might apply to you.

if there are NO OTHER PROBLEMS with your truck, I'd probably start with some injector cleaner and change gas stations. No need to bump up to a higher octane, just use a different station/brand. I've had good luck with Chevron and Shell gas.

Originally Posted by Doug77

I own a 1997 Blazer. The check engine light has been going on and off. A buddy of mine with a scanner read the code P0175 (fuel mixture too rich bank 2). I ran fuel injector cleaner through it, changed the air filter, and reset the light. Still have the light. Recently I had the Cat. replaced because it was shot. (117,000 miles).
I broke down and took t to the garage and they told me that I had a leaking injector and also said that he recommended changing the front two O2 sensors. When leaving the garage the engine light came back on. Any suggestions? This truck has been giving me problems since I bought it. Water pump, alternator, cat converter, power window motor, rear windshield wiper fluid leak (inside), and the list goes on. Any suggestions with this new problem would be greatly appreciated!

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by Doug77

I am not arguing...Please explain to me how the ignition switch would cause this. I would really like to understand it. Is an ignition switch something that I can change on my own?
Also, I bought a manual for the truck. I cannot find anything in the manual telling me where the MAF sensor is. Is it the same thing as the MAP sensor? Where can I find the MAF sensor. I am told that I should be able to clean it and not have to replace it. What are your thoughts?

Do a google search on this number:

01-07-30-002c

or

01-07-30-002d

These are the GM service bulletins that cover your problem. Yes the ignition switch WILL cause these issues.

[Doug77]

Thanks for the info guys!
I am headed out as soon as I am done typing this to clean the MAF sensor. I already tried fuel injector cleaner. And I have also tried different brand gases. I have a Mobile station less than a mile from my house. I thought maybe it was bad gas. I have since tried two other brands. Same problem. I will try the MAF sensor cleaning and I have already scheduled to get the truck back to the garage that nailed me for $600 bucks. I am going to mention the ignition switch to him. I've worked on alot of vehicles before...but I am a little hesitant to replace the ignition switch myself. Unless I have it fully broken down, I won't touch it. I am mostly concerned about the airbag. My haynes manual does a pretty poor job of giving me a good replacement procedure.

[maxwedge]

Blazerlt, how does the ignition switch short of causing intermittent stalling or loss of power to the pcm/trans controls, when the truck has no obvious, driveability symptoms cause p0175? Help here.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Blazerlt, how does the ignition switch short of causing intermittent stalling or loss of power to the pcm/trans controls, when the truck has no obvious, driveability symptoms cause p0175? Help here.

It does.

It controls the computer power etc.

Replace it and listen what we are talking about.

[drdd]

d'you clean that MAF?

how'd it go?

Originally Posted by Doug77

Thanks for the info guys!
I am headed out as soon as I am done typing this to clean the MAF sensor. I already tried fuel injector cleaner. And I have also tried different brand gases. I have a Mobile station less than a mile from my house. I thought maybe it was bad gas. I have since tried two other brands. Same problem. I will try the MAF sensor cleaning and I have already scheduled to get the truck back to the garage that nailed me for $600 bucks. I am going to mention the ignition switch to him. I've worked on alot of vehicles before...but I am a little hesitant to replace the ignition switch myself. Unless I have it fully broken down, I won't touch it. I am mostly concerned about the airbag. My haynes manual does a pretty poor job of giving me a good replacement procedure.

[maxwedge]

Blazerlt, I do this type of work every day. If the ignition switch fails to power the pcm, either for the trans controls or main power to the pcm, other symptoms would occur outside of p0175, this person claims no driveability issues. I can handle a more precise and comprehensive explanation of what is happening.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Blazerlt, I do this type of work every day. If the ignition switch fails to power the pcm, either for the trans controls or main power to the pcm, other symptoms would occur outside of p0175, this person claims no driveability issues. I can handle a more precise and comprehensive explanation of what is happening.

I am not going to explain it to you in full.

Do a search for ignition switch and you will see how the 1997 4.3L is plagued with a bad ignition switch which causes the following:

engine control problems
transmission problems
fuel problems
dash gauge issue

And some others.

If you don't want to swap it out, that is your choice, enjoy your truck.