OT - 97 Tahoe Ignition Switch Replacement (3rd?? Time)

Kirk Grau · Apr 30, 2014

This is really becoming a problem for me.

Probably a year back I had an issue with the transmission on this truck that turned out to be the Ignition Switch. Below is a link to the previous posts that helped with the diagnosis and replacement.

Several months ago had the same issue come up and replaced the switch for a second time (it"s much easier/quicker the second time.) NAPA replaced the switch under warranty, so can"t really complain other than the time involved.

Fast forward to yesterday and we have the same problem... Have a switch waiting on the shelf at NAPA, but thinking there must be some sort of underlying problem that is not being repaired causing the subsequent switch failures. Or is it possible that the switches are that bad and have not been improved over the years? This is apparently a common issue in these trucks.

As usual, any and all insight is appreciated.

Thanks in Advance,

Kirk
Link to Previous Posts

Allan in NE · Apr 30, 2014

Could your underlying problem be the NAPA switches? Think I'd be heading to the Chevy parts counter on this one.

Allan

Mike M · Apr 30, 2014

GM has been all over the news lately about faulty ignition switches. Better check with the dealer to see how far back they are admitting to.

johndeere720GA · Apr 30, 2014

Does there happen to be a lot of keys or other items on the keyring(s) that is/are used for this vehicle? If there is a bunch of stuff on the keyring it may be causing the issue. There should only be a couple of keys and a small fob (remote, etc) on the ring that is hanging from the ignition when in use. Some people have tons of stuff on their key rings and that is often the cause of problems.

farmer boy · Apr 30, 2014

Best bet would be to try a different brand. Rock Auto has an AC Delco switch for 152.79 #D1496C

Heath72 · Apr 30, 2014

Try a GM switch. A local mechanic here will no longer buy aftermarket electrical components to use in his or his customers vehicles because they are so often poorer quality than OEM. These parts were giving him a bad name so he said enough.

I don't know how many times I've bought a set of points and condenser for a tractor tune-up, and the condenser is dead...very frustrating to say the least. I usually end up using the new points and the old condenser, then it runs.

As a side note, I've had 3 Chevy trucks of that late 90's vintage and never had any ignition switch trouble(or much of anything else besides intake gaskets). The last one was a '98 I sold last fall with 206K. Best truck I ever had.

jeremy in NE · Apr 30, 2014

I had the same problem. 3 switches in a year. Bought a new gm switch off eBay for less money and has worked for 3 years now.

Sprint 6 · Apr 30, 2014

I have this same problem on a customer's truck. Replaced original with a Standard high end, died four months later. Warrantied a second, called Friday saying it is doing it again. I normally only use factory, but the Delco for 96-97 is discontinued. The Standard switch is likely the same as an Eichlin. I am going to drop the pan to check for rubbed wires in the trans causing an intermittent high current load since they say the fluid needs changed anyway. I doubt that is the problem, as there is only a 10 amp fuse on that circuit, but I need to check. If nothing obvious I am going to try a Delco for a '98 and modify it.

504 · Apr 30, 2014

My brother is a locksmith,he will only install the aftermarket switches he buys(I do not know the brand)he claims the rest are junk or will be junk quickly.

OT - 97 Tahoe Ignition Switch Replacement (3rd?? Time)

Kirk Grau

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Allan in NE

Well-known Member

Mike M

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johndeere720GA

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farmer boy

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Heath72

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jeremy in NE

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Sprint 6

Well-known Member

504

Well-known Member

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