2nd time a charm, replace ign switch

[Legacy Man]

I'm having the same symptoms as the first time. Turn the key and get no cranking, no dash lights, can't move the shifter. It was the electrical portion of the ignition switch. Now, this time I'm getting the same symptoms with a new twist. For some odd reason if I step on the brake pedal and then turn the key everything starts working. I don't see how the two are related but it has happened three times and every time it acts up I will step on the brake pedal and the turn the key and the blazer will start. I would like to replace it myself this time. Can somebody fill me in on the procedure. It looks like this is something I'll be doing every three so years. I'm wondering if the last mechanic replace it with aftermarket, I'll be sure to use OEM this time. Thanks, LegacyMan

[maxwedge]

Is this a 2002 or newer Trailblazer?

[Legacy Man]

Oops, sorry about that. Yes, it is a 2002 Trailblazer. We replaced the ignition switch around late 2005, early 2006. Now it's acting up again. LegacyMan

[maxwedge]

Step by step is going to require a shop manual or a subscription to alldata.com, you will need a tamper proof torx set to get the switch out though. Maybe some one can paste some info they have handy.

[Legacy Man]

I just noticed another symptom. The keyless door locks don't work if the switch is acting up. What on earth does Chevrolet have running through this switch? There are no aftermarket accessories on this vehicle and I am baffled as to why this is going bad, again. Is this a common problem with Trail Blazers? It's acting up more and more. I'm going to have to replace it this weekend before it costs me a tow bill. I used to work on Honda's and I have the tools, I'm just not sure if the switch is located behind the key cylinder or somewhere else on the column. LM.

[maxwedge]

Right behind the key cyl, yes it is common but not in multiples.

[Legacy Man]

"not in multiples" meaning it's rare that it happens more than once on the same vehicle? I purchased the switch yesterday but since it snowed here in Denver I didn't get a chance to install it. I did search through older threads and found one that told of how to remove the key, now it's not sitting in the driveway with the key in it. Thanks for the reply. LM

[maxwedge]

Yes rare for a 2cnd failure, GM parts?

[Legacy Man]

When I got home from work, just for grins, I tried to start it. It started so I pulled it into the garage. Turned it off and tried to restart it and got nothing. Hows that for luck. I removed the two screws for the toe panel (black plastic above pedals) and removed the 4 screws for the large lower dash trim panel under the steering column. I could see where there should be screws holding the two halves of the column trim together but they were not reinstalled by the previous tech so after pulling off the tilt lever (a good pull and it unclips) I removed the lower trim. This exposed the electrical portion of the ignition switch. After moving a small wire harness out of the way I noticed that the switch is just held in with two spring loaded white retainers so I pulled the switch straight down and it poped out of the switch housing. I unpluged the harness and pluged it into the new switch and snaped it back into the housing. The trail blazer fired right up but the key felt funny so I pulled the switch back out and played with the alignment of the geared ring that mates up with the ring inside the switch housing untill I got it aligned just right. I put the trim together in reverse order. It took me about 2 hours from start to finish. The only tools needed was a 10mm socket. I'll have to hunt down the screws and plastic cap that are missing from the column lower trim the next time I'm at the salvage yard. The part I removed appears to be an OEM part. I forgot to ask when I purchased the new one but is there a warranty on new parts that are purchased at the dealer? LM

[maxwedge]

12/12.