Trailblazer will not start when steering wheel is tilted up. While holding key in start position and tilting the wheel down the engine will start. If left in that position it seems to start OK. If steering is tilted up, key in start position, lights will not dim and no attempt to engage starter. Battery has been changed.

Steering Wheel Adjustment .The lever is located under the steering column, slightly to the left. To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Pull the lever down. 2. Move the steering wheel up or down into a comfortable position. 3. Pull the lever up to lock the wheel in place. Do not adjust the tilt lever while driving.

Just the key or the whole lock cylinder with key ?

Removal Procedure
Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System
Position the steering wheel half way between the upper and lower tilt stops (if necessary).
Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
Roll back the shift lever seal from the upper and the lower shrouds.
Remove the tilt wheel lever (if necessary). Refer to Tilt Lever Replacement - On Vehicle .
Remove the 2 TORX® screws from the lower steering column shroud.
Remove the lower steering column shroud.
Remove the 2 TORX® screws from the upper steering column shroud.
Lift the upper steering column shroud to gain access to the lock cylinder access hole.
Using a bent tip awl, insert the tip into the ignition lock cylinder access hole.
Turn the ignition lock cylinder to the START position.
Using the bent tip awl, push down on the ignition lock cylinder retaining pin.
Release the ignition lock cylinder to the RUN position.

Remove the ignition lock cylinder from the lock module assembly by pulling the ignition lock cylinder away from the steering column.

There may be a video on youtube .

The electric part of the ignition switch for my '86 is under the dash at the base of the steering column, and it's actuated by a rod connecting it to the key lock. Sounds like either the rod's worn so it to longer engages the electric switch in all tilt positions, or it's a neutral switch problem. Rod wear is a high-mileage issue, but adjusting the switch (loosening bolts, sliding it microscopically back and retightening bolts, should improve it. If it's a neutral switch problem (automatic transmissions only) then the truck should start with tranny in neutral gear, regardless of tilt position. Problems there are adjusted out at the linkage adjustment under the hood at the firewall, where the linkage emerges. Good luck!

You must take the steering wheel apart and tighten the bolts that hold the tilt joint together, a 4 hour job.

Hi,

Usually, vehicles with tilt adjust steering, have a small lever just under the steering wheel column. Pulling this lever out, unlocks the wheel. Pushing lever back in, locks the wheel.

Have a look for a lever of this type and once you find it, have your Dad hold the steering wheel at his preferred position, then push the locking lever back up, to lock the wheel in place.

Let me know if you resolve this.....


Cheers,

turn steering wheel left to right or tilt steering if has tilt to windshield turn key

Hi there,

Removal

Disconnect the negative battery cable with the proper size wrench and place away from the battery.
Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to the run position.
Remove the steering column cover on a tilt steering wheel model by pressing the upper and lower section of the cover together and pulling free from the mounting plate. Remove the steering column covers on a non tilt steering wheel model by using a Philips screwdriver and unscrewing the mounting screws.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch by lifting up on the release tab and pulling.
Press the ignition switch actuator pin by pushing a small screw driver into the key lock cylinder, while doing this pull the ignition switch out of the ignition switch housing.

Installation

Insert the new key into the new ignition switch and turn the key to the run position. Insert the new ignition switch into the ignition switch housing. Wiggle the switch back and forth until the actuator pin mounting hole is aligned and falls into place.
Install the electrical connector back into the connector housing by pressing it in with your hands.
Place the steering column covers back onto the non tilt steering wheel and insert mounting screws. Tighten screws using a Philips screwdriver. Place the steering column covers over the tilt steering wheel and press the upper and lower portion together to snap covers back into the mounting plate.
Pull on the ignition key to ensure switch is locked into place. Turn key to the "off" position and remove the key. Insert the key and start the vehicle.

Hope these help.

Disconnect the negative battery cable with the proper size wrench and place away from the battery.

Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to the run position.

2 Remove the steering column cover on a tilt steering wheel model by pressing the upper and lower section of the cover together and pulling free from the mounting plate. Remove the steering column covers on a non tilt steering wheel model by using a Philips screwdriver and unscrewing the mounting screws.

3 Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch by lifting up on the release tab and pulling.

Press the ignition switch actuator pin by pushing a small screw driver into the key lock cylinder, while doing this pull the ignition switch out of the ignition switch housing.

Installation

1 Insert the new key into the new ignition switch and turn the key to the run position. Insert the new ignition switch into the ignition switch housing. Wiggle the switch back and forth until the actuator pin mounting hole is aligned and falls into place.

2 Install the electrical connector back into the connector housing by pressing it in with your hands.

3 Place the steering column covers back onto the non tilt steering wheel and insert mounting screws. Tighten screws using a Philips screwdriver. Place the steering column covers over the tilt steering wheel and press the upper and lower portion together to snap covers back into the mounting plate.

4 Pull on the ignition key to ensure switch is locked into place. Turn key to the "off" position and remove the key. Insert the key and start the vehicle.

hope this helps you

broken wire or loose connector common in tilt wheels remove lower cover have a look

your steering wheel adjuster is blocked or stuck up thats why it doesnt freely move to the max. take off cover/ check condition and or lubricate it.