Starts then dies sometimes

[cstiles90]

My 2001 Tahoe was having a problem when you turn the key It done nothing sometimes. It wasn’t hitting park on the dash when it done that so I adjusted the gear selector cable .it stopped that for a few weeks but now I am having a different problem. It it fires up sometimes and dies immediatly. Try it again cranks but nothing so I took the key out paused a min . Put the key back in and it fires up and runs fine after that. It has done that twice so far after setting all night both times. No service engine light for crank or cam sensor so I am wondering if it may be the ignition switch but I don’t wanna replace parts without knowing the real problem. Is there a way I can test the ignition switch or does anyone else have any ideas on this one? The vehicle runs fine other than the cranking problem

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Yeah, I think but don't quote me, you have to take off the steering column trim... There's a junction block if memory serves me right where the ignition wires come into. That or you can access behind the knee bolster... You could even probe ignition voltage in underhold junction to see if 12v power (battery power) shows up when you turn the ignition to ON, then fiddle with the key as you did to see if it appears / disappears. I'm not offering too many details as I've not tested this myself but seems quite reasonable to test prior to purchasing a new ignition switch.

A few more details maybe helpful though...

Does it just shut off IMMEDIATELY or sputter and die (ignition versus fuel)?
Also how many miles are on your truck?

I'm thinking of just replacing my ignition switch as I have nearly 270k on mine to make sure I don't get stranded. I think it's a rather sudden failure mode for those w/ little warning as to it going out.