Ignition switch Problems???

[mountie1982]

I got one of those famous 97 blazers. I am having trouble with it. When i go to start it the key turns over and the starter clicks then i lose all power to the truck. Power locks, dome light, head lights, dash light everthing no juice. I then become angry, fly off the handle and began to beat the crap out of the steering wheel. After a hit or two the power comes back on. Sometimes its nice and will start but sometimes it likes this game and we play no start punchy punchy for 5 minutes and then on road again. so what do you all think? Is it the ingnition switch? If it is how do you change it?

Thanks

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by mountie1982

I got one of those famous 97 blazers. I am having trouble with it. When i go to start it the key turns over and the starter clicks then i lose all power to the truck. Power locks, dome light, head lights, dash light everthing no juice. I then become angry, fly off the handle and began to beat the crap out of the steering wheel. After a hit or two the power comes back on. Sometimes its nice and will start but sometimes it likes this game and we play no start punchy punchy for 5 minutes and then on road again. so what do you all think? Is it the ingnition switch? If it is how do you change it?

Thanks

From someone who had the bad switch, I'd say you have a bad battery connection.
On '97s, major indicators of a bad switch are:
1) Truck cranks but doesn't start.
2) No dash lights, gauges don't work. Headlights and interior lights do work.
3) With key on, can't take transmission out of park.
40 No fuel pump priming with key in on position.

A clicking starter, then loss of all power is usually a strong indicator of a loose connection at the battery.

(edit)
As for the switch, If yours is still the original, you might want to replace it now (you'll probably do it later anyway). With a name like Mountie, I'll guess you're North of the Border. I paid $95.00UsD at Autozone for the same switch Chevy dealers sell for $125.00. It took me 1.5 hours to change it, and it's not that hard. Some special tools are required (M4 and M6 Torx sockets, plus T15, T25 & T35 or 40 drivers).
Search this forum for "Ignition Switch", you'll find many "how-to's" on it.

[mountie1982]

Well thats what i thought. I was having problems with no contact before. I was told by rilth to put a washer in between the cable and battery. I did that. Its nice and tight now. No play at all. The contacts are clean and from what i can see there is good contact between the battery and the cable. I will check the cable at the starter. Is it possible that the termial inside the battery is broken?

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by mountie1982

Well thats what i thought. I was having problems with no contact before. I was told by rilth to put a washer in between the cable and battery. I did that. Its nice and tight now. No play at all. The contacts are clean and from what i can see there is good contact between the battery and the cable. I will check the cable at the starter. Is it possible that the termial inside the battery is broken?

I've found that anything is possible with these trucks. Check my previous post, I edited it while you were replying.

[mountie1982]

Yea i live Langley BC an hour east of Vancouver. I boought the truck about a year ago now so I not sure if its been changed or not. As far as this problem. The only thing I can think of is the battery is no good. I just bought it but I am think its broken on the inside or something. Thanks for your help man.