"Resetting" the engine on a Yukon?

[Narkonus]

OK. Here's my problem: i put my key into the ignition on my '97 Yukon, turn it forward one position to where it should turn on my electronics (stereo, fuel pump, etc.) and do the systems check where all the lights on the dashboard display come on. But, this doesn't happen. The fuel pump doesn't turn on, and the systems check doesn't run. When i try to start the engine, it turns over, and i can hear that the fuel pump turns on while i'm cranking the engine. This happens most of the time, but not always. Other times, everything works just fine. It's just a shot in the dark as to whether or not the truck will start. I heard that i might have to "reset" my engine somehow, and i was wondering if any of you could tell me if this would fix my problem, and how to go about doing this. And if that's just completely not the answer, let me know what is wrong and how i can fix it. Thanks alot guys.

 

P.S. I know it's not a problem with my fuel pump becuase we just replaced it and the fuel filter. It all works fine when the engine actually fires up. My problem is that sometimes the truck doesn't get the message to start when i put the key in it.

[Shaners]

You can try to disconnect the battery for about 15 minutes to reset the computer, but I doubt this will cure the problem.

 

A better guess would be a bad ignition switch. Do you carry alot of keys on your key-ring? The extra weight on the key-ring can cause problems with the switch over the years...

[badhammer]

sounds like the Ign. switch in the column is bad, GM had lots of problems in the smaller S-trucks with them. and what you describe is exactly what the S-trucks would do.