The starting system on your 1996 Chevy Blazer consists of two circuits. The circuit that supplies power to the starter motor starts at the positive terminal of the battery and goes directly to the starter solenoid. The control circuit runs from the positive terminal, through a 40-ampere maxi fuse to the ignition switch, then to a neutral-start switch, then to the positive terminal of the starter solenoid control coil. An issue at any place in either of these circuits will cause a starter problem.
Inspect the starter circuit connections at the battery terminals, starter solenoid and starter motor. Check the wiring for damaged insulation or broken wires.
Measure the battery voltage using a voltmeter. It should be about 12 volts. A lower voltage indicates a bad battery or a problem in the charging system.
Stand near the starter to listen to its operation. Have a helper put the vehicle in "Park" or ensure that the clutch is fully depressed, then turn the ignition switch to "Start." Listen to the starter and starter solenoid. If the starter spins but does not engage the engine, the problem is the starter pinion gear. If the starter does not turn but you can hear the solenoid "click," the problem is the starter. If nothing happens, the problem is in the control circuit or the starter solenoid coil.
Disconnect the wire from the starter solenoid positive terminal using an open-ended wrench. Place one voltmeter connection on the end of the wire and the other on the negative battery terminal or a grounding point on the engine. Have a helper, with the vehicle in "Park" or the clutch fully depressed, turn the ignition switch to "Start." Read the voltmeter. If it registers 12 volts, the problem is the starter solenoid; no voltage indicates a problem in the control circuit.
Find the fuse block on the left side of the engine compartment. Remove its cover using a screwdriver. Pull out the starter maxi fuse (marked "Starter Relay"). Examine the fuse visually to see if it is blown. If it is, replace it with one of the same amperage. If the fuse is OK, use the voltmeter to check the voltage at the fuse. Twelve volts at the fuse terminal indicates that the problem is in the ignition switch or the neutral-start switch.
Find professional help to fix a problem in the ignition switch or neutral-start switch as getting to these switches may involve some disassembly in the passenger compartment, finding and adjusting linkages and/or raising the vehicle.
