Chevrolet Repair: 97 S10 Blazer 4Dr Shift and Start Issue, s10 blazer, column c

Question
CJS,
I have a 97 S10 Blazer 4-door 4.3 automatic transmission.  My blazer will not shift out of park, but it also won't start.  The engine attempts to start -- the starter engages and runs but the engine does not start. When turning the switch on the fuel pump does not run.  Is this a problem with the BTSI or is it something else?  

Answer
Hi Justin,

The two issues are probably unrelated, though strange that they happened at the same time.  The shift out of park sounds like it could have to do with linkage.  The no start is probably a bad fuel pump.  You need to hear it run for a second when you turn the key on, or just after the starter stops turning and the motor didn't start.  

Here is a long shot.  If there is a problem in the steering column, that could affect the shift and the no start.  When you turn the key, you in operating the true ignition switch, and engaging the ability for the shifter to be operated.  There could be a problem inside the column.

C J S