Starting, Stalling problem

[shawn62279]

For a few months my car(97 chevy blazer) about a third of the time when I start it I have to give it gas to get it to start then when it is started I have to let it run for at least a few minutes or it will stall out. It doesn't matter if the car has been off for 5 minutes or 5 hours, and it happens on cold and warm days. It has been happening more often lately and I am starting to have to keep on the gas for a few minutes not just a few taps on the gas pedal. I also have to let it run longer before driving to keep it from stalling. Also just yesterday for about 5-10 seconds it feels like the car is in first gear(it is an automatic) and the airbag light comes on. It has only happened twice, but could it be related to the previous problem? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[OverBoardProject]

Welcome to automotive Forums shawn

Airbag is a different problem.
I don't really know what you mean about it feeling like it's in first gear. Automatics do still have first gear, and they'll stay in there longer if they think that it's required (extra drag situations... your park brake might have been draging)
And you might want to get the fuel pressure tested for your main problem.

[shawn62279]

By it feels like its in first gear, it feels kinda like its dragging but I never use my parking brake. Also both times it has happened it was at a low speed, but the main problem is the stalling issue. Its just that I have heard about problems with the egr valve having to be replaced( I've heard of some replacing it several times) and was hoping for a possible solution other that that or something that would be causing problems with the valve. I just can't afford the cost of troubleshooting, replacing many parts to see if it "fixes" the problem. Thanks for your help.

[berniescout]

when was the last time the fuel filter was changed? any check engine light? tune up? what kind of milage does it have? did this just start doing this?

[OverBoardProject]

Well the EGR very rarely requires replacing. Most people just clean them.

If you do a search on this forum you should find out how to.
If you can't find it look in the FAQ thread in 2 or 3 days. It might end up in there as well

It sounds to me like the transmission problem might still be a sticking brake part.
You might want to jack it up 1 wheel at a time, and spin the wheel.

[shawn62279]

Originally Posted by berniescout

when was the last time the fuel filter was changed? any check engine light? tune up? what kind of milage does it have? did this just start doing this?

It is at about 90000 miles and it has been doing the stalling thing since before christmas. At first it was 1x a week, now 5+ times a week. No check engine light is on, when it stalls out all the dash lights come on. I will change the oil filter though, I haven't done it but i've only had the car for a year.

[BlazerLT]

1997 guys, ignition switch failure.

Guide is in the FAQ.

[shawn62279]

Hello and thank you for all of your responses, there is a new developement. Now when I try to start it, I have to turn the key to the on position for 5-10 seconds before trying to start it or it won't start. This happens about half the time now, it does start the rest of the time. Also once it gets going on the road for at least 5 minutes it never stalls.

[berniescout]

i vote for ignition switch. see faq section. also when was the last tune up fuel filter etc, start with the ignition switch and then the fuel filter.

[shawn62279]

Hi, just wanted to say thanks everyone, just got it fixed yesterday. It was the ignition switch. They also replaced the tumbler and it starts like a champ now!

Thanks!

[BlazerLT]

Glad to have helped you.