I have a 96 2.2 Sonoma and the other day it started doing something very strange. The engine will just stop while driving, as if you turned it off. When this happens, the gauges/dash shut off. I've noticed that when you turn on the key you don't get the warning lights/etc. sometimes. When that happens, it won't start. I can turn the key off and turn it back on and if the warning lights come on it will start fine, otherwise it will crank but not start.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Intermittent starting/running issue
- Thread starter garyft
- Start date
Molson02536
New member
I have a 96 2.2 Sonoma and the other day it started doing something very strange. The engine will just stop while driving, as if you turned it off. When this happens, the gauges/dash shut off. I've noticed that when you turn on the key you don't get the warning lights/etc. sometimes. When that happens, it won't start. I can turn the key off and turn it back on and if the warning lights come on it will start fine, otherwise it will crank but not start.
Ignition switch and that is your problem. I just replaced an ignition switch on my son's 96' blazer a couple weeks ago. No, the steering wheel doesn't need to be removed. Also, I bought my switch at Autozone for about $70-80.
Here are couple of tips:
Make sure you disconnect the negative battery cable and remove the airbag fuse before working around the steering column wiring. I believe you are suppose to wait about 15 minutes after disconnecting also before working around the electrical.
I pulled the front of the instrument panel off that holds the air vents, rear window and 4wd controls. I pulled it loose (by pulling towards you if you are sitting in the driver's seat) and then used a bungee cord to the rearview mirror to help keep it up an inch or two. I found I needed to do this to remove the top steering trim piece.
I found that the hardest part of this job for me was removing the trim around the ignition cylinder! When removing the trim around the steering column and ignition, there are tabs in the back and two screws that connect the top and bottom pieces together. Also, there is a bolt that holds the top trim piece to the steering column itself. You need to look from under the steering wheel next to the ignition cylinder to see it. Once you remove it and have the dash pulled out, the top piece will come off and then the bottom piece.
When you pull out your old ignition switch, note the location of the white "gears" on the portion of the switch that goes to the steering column / ignition cylinder. Match the gears on the new switch to the location of the gears in the old switch.
Install the new ignition switch and test your key to make sure it turns to all locations (accessories, on and start) before reassembling everything. The last thing you want to do is put everything back together only to learn that your key doesn't work right. If something doesn't feel right (mine didn't go all the way into "accessories" the first time), then pull it out and check the gears.
Hope this helps. http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/Chevy_GMC_Trk_Ign_Switch.html