73 Blazer No Start No Lights - Ignition Switch??

[cysko9]

Went out to fire up the blazer tonight and when I put the key in the ignition and turn to run I heard a pop. All the dash lights went out and the engine doesn't crank. The key still turns (actually it used to be kinda sticky at the run position but now turns much free-er) but no lights or ignition.

I took out the cylinder and it appears to be ok. It engages the wheel lock and everything still so i appears that the issue lies deeper in the column. Is this a ignition switch problem or something else in the column?

One thing i did notice is that the hazard lights still work, so the column is still getting power...

[68Timber]

I wouldn't suspect the switch, I'd be looking for the pop. Have you checked your battery and starter connections? It sounds like you have a short that popped a fuse when you energized the system.

[69chevytrucker]

my T/A did the same thing a couple weeks ago after messing around a buddy walked by and grabbed my positive cable and gave it a turn and she fired right up i felt like a dumb a$$ sometime its the easy thing i would check the battery cables

[cysko9]

The "pop" was more of a mechanical sound and not electrical. A little further digging today confirmed this. It looks like the ignition switch rod has become disconnected from the actuator inside of the column. I've got it torn apart down to the tilt mechanism but need to find a tool to get that part out, unless anyone has any tips on getting the rod back in place without doing that...

I'm worried I'm not going to be able to get it all back together again... :-(

I've seen a link to the tilt pin puller tool around here but can't find it right now. Anyone have info on that? The local auto stores don't have it.