Stress fractures in the transfer case aluminum intercooler loop of the automatic transmission cooling circuit caused destruction of the transmission due to lack of transmission oil. This same defect has been noted in at least three am general hummers, and a sudden loss of atf fluid may result in a catastrophic failure of the transmission at speed, possibly causing a crash. The transfer case intercooler loop is inside the transfer case of the hummer. Transmission fluid from the 4l80e automatic transmission circulates through this aluminum finned cooling loop and transfers heat to and from the transfer case fluid, which is physically isolated from the transmission fluid by the intercooler loop, to the transmission fluid, which is then circulated through the transmission oil cooler at the front of the vehicle and returned to the transmission. Due to improper design, the intercooler loop moves and vibrates inside the transfer case and over time develops stress fractures near the input nipple. This causes atf to be pumped from the transmission into the transfer case, and from there into the hummer vent system which connects the geared hubs, differentials and air cleaner. There is usually no external indication of fluid loss, and eventually, depending on the severity of the cracks, low atf levels cause the transmission to be destroyed, possibly catastrophically, and possibly at high speeds, which may pose a severe safety hazard. In my case, I noticed a cloud of white smoke behind my vehicle as I drove at 75 MPH down I-25 outside denver. I was able to stop before the transmission seized, but the only reason I noticed the problem was because a plastic vent line softened and ruptured, spilling atf onto the exhaust pipe...which created a significant fire hazard. My transmission was damaged and had to be replaced as a result, and the cause of the failure was traced to the defective intercooler loop in the transfer case. This intercooler loop failure has been ex
The worst 1994 Am General Hummer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Locks1
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Locks1
- Visibility1
Recalls 3
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
- What is wrong
- The coating used to protect the accelerator pedal shaft is incompatible with the bronze bushing through which the shaft passes. Over time, and in the presence of a corrosive environment (water, road salt), the shaft can corrode inside the bushing increasing the amount of friction between the rotating shaft and the stationary bushing.
- Risk
- A corroded accelerator pedal shaft can cause the engine throttle to bind and not fully return to idle when the operator's foot is removed from the accelerator pedal increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a revised accelerator pedal and shaft assembly.
Recall number 96V049000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Water can accumulate in the cruise control cable and if the outside temperature is below freezing and the cruise control is engaged, the water can freeze causing the cable to bind and not release as intended when the brake pedal is applied or the system is turned off at the master cruise control switch.
- Risk
- The engine throttle can stick open resulting in loss of throttle control with the increased potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove the current cruise control actuator and cable assembly and install a new assembly. Additionally, dealers will change the routing of the cable.
Recall number 95V023000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The oil pressure switch which controls the power to the electric fuel pump can fail. Failure is due to a missing rubber seal between the switch and the wiring harness. The missing seal allows contaminants to enter the switch causing it to fail in the open or closed position.
- Risk
- If the switch fails in the closed position, the pump will continue to run when the engine is off, draining the battery. If the switch fails in the open position it will cause poor performance and possibly stalling.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles for the presence of the seal. If the seal is missing, the switch will be replaced and a new seal will be installed.
Recall number 94V164000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1994 Am General Hummer 22
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Winch control pack
- Subject regarding cargo area liner
- Subject regarding revised front door armrest
- This bulletin mentions that starting with the september general motors tis update, hummer diagnostic...
- Subject on main HVAC unit servicing
- Subject on HVAC enhancement
- Exhibiting resonant frequencies causing the transfer case shift lever to vibrate or rattle
- Installation instructions for ventilation kits
- Instructions on installation of the swing-away sprare tire carrier kit p/n 05744642
- A heated windshield kit has been designed to accelerate windshield defrosting in cold ambient temperatures
What 1994 Am General Hummer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle rattling terrible, due to heat guard shield that had been put over the muffler .
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Questions about the 1994 Am General Hummer
Is the 1994 Am General Hummer reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1994 Am General Hummer, fewer than a typical Hummer model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 Am General Hummer?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 2 complaints. Next is body (1).
How many recalls does the 1994 Am General Hummer have?
3 recalls, covering vehicle speed control and fuel system, gasoline.
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