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Chevrolet C/K Pickups jerking problems

11 of the 382 owner complaints about the Chevrolet C/K Pickups describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 1997 model year.

owner complaints
11
worst model year
1997
typical mileage
61,860
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2000
    2
  • 1998
    3
  • 1997
    3
  • 1996
    2
  • 1991
    1

Often reported together

Wipers 1Brake failure 1

What owners say

Filed Jun 8, 2010 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · FL

When applying brakes the ABS system kicks in and then releases when the brake system is needed the most. The brake failure happens mostly when the brakes are engaged suddenly or when it is or has rained. The rotors were turned down, new rear brake drums were installed, the system was flushed out, new front brake pads, and rear shoes were installed. It helped a little, but the problem still exists and is only getting worse. The vehicle jerks like the rotors and/or drums are out of round, and they were also turned down twice already. I have removed the fuse for the ABS system so I at least have some sort of braking power. My brother inlaws truck was recalled for this problem but mine wasn't. No one around here seems to know how to fix the problem, even the chevrolet dealership couldn't fix it, all they did was adjust the rear brakes and when the drums got hot the brakes locked up. They loosened the adjustment so the brakes wouldn't lock up but the problem still exists. I've had 3 near mishaps trying to stop the vehicle in time.

Filed May 19, 2008 · Steering · 39,000 miles · WA

Steering: I am having problem with the steering when turning right during a long turn, it feels like I hit a patch of ice or like someone grab he steering wheel & jerk it to the right. This problem does not seem to be getting worst but I do not like the feel. Someone who does not know about this problem when driving the truck could over steer.

Filed Jul 26, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · KS

Truck stalls when driving at any speed without warning for no reason. Steering has sudden fast jerk to right then we have to over correct to left, hazard lights wouldn't turn off now they are not functional, driver side window has a mind of its own. Wiper fluid motor doesn't work, gas gauge doesn't work it just vibrates really fast. There are wires in dash that have burn marks and other components are melted. Its amazing that this truck even runs! We have spent 1200 on this pile and still haven't even fixed any of these problems.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · PA

Diesel engine unexpected and violently shut off in middle of busy intersection and would not restart. Engine finally restarted, then raced and ran erratically. It then shut off repeatedly at highway speed resulting in severe jerking and bucking, and nearly resulted in being rear-ended by a large truck. The dealer reports that this is the pump driver module and expressed that it is well known failure. I consider this to be an extremely dangerous condition and a latent defect that must be addressed. In a diesel, it is an extremely startling and violent shutoff that could easily result in an accident. There are reports of this problem posted all over the internet and especially throughout the professional repair circles. This is the second failure of this part since I have owned the vehicle...now I am expected to pay $2,000 to repair it out of my pocket.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Steering · AL

I've had this problem since I bought my truck 4 years ago. I've put on 2 new power steering pumps, new lines, new sensor. The problem started with what seemed like slack and an occasional phantom jerk. It will run fine for a while and then all of the sudden the steering seems to bind with no warning. I guess it won't get noticed until it a few people die. I've had several close calls myself.

Filed Apr 21, 2004 · Acceleration · 61,860 miles · AL

Accelerator pedal requires excessive effort to move. This has resulted in several near accidents when my vehicle lurched forward upon the pedal un-sticking. Most recent incident involved my wife, un-familier with the problem, having to stomp on the pedal while in heavy traffic on a rainy day. The result of the pedal un-sticking was that the vehicle lurched forward towards another vehicle. My wife barely avoided hitting another vehicle but only by swerving off of the road and into a ditch. Our 6 year old son and 6 month old daughter was in the vehicle at the time.

Filed Apr 13, 2004 · Steering · 37,500 miles · VA · 1 injury

Steering wheel position sensor: steering will jerk when driving straight. Was told that the sensor had a "worn" spot and that the power steering boost was being added at pull power because the system did not know what the steering wheel was doing.

Filed Mar 11, 2004 · Steering · 107,000 miles · TX

The steering locked up and jerked while driving. The consumer experienced the same problem with a 1997 chevrolet he owned. *ak

Filed Jun 24, 2003 · Electrical, Fuel system · 55,000 miles · OH

1) burnt electrical wires for the electric fuel pump. Location is inside the gas tank. Had to replace the fuel pump to rectify the problem. Explosion hazard. 2) power steering- wheel would jerk vehicle towards oncoming traffic. Happens without warning. Noticed many complaints on this problem without anything being done about it. Even by the ntsb! Is someone receiving a kickback on this thing or what? 3) burnt electrical connection-connector between the HVAC cooling fan and the selector switch inside of dash. 4) clunking noise/hard shift, from transmission 4l60e-happens constantly from 1st to 2nd gear. More noticeable when vehicle is warm.

Filed Jul 31, 2000 · Fuel system · TX

Begins with hesitation and jerking, then shuts down while driving on the highway or parked. We have been told the fuel injector pumps are defective as well as an array of other excuses. When the engine shuts down, steering and braking becomes extremely difficult and we believe this is a safety issue. This truck is currently in the shop for the 10th time in the last 15 months.

Related recalls

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported January 7, 2005 · 98,221 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Some pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles equipped with a hydraulic pump driveshaft that can fracture, resulting in immediate loss of hydraulic power steering assist. On certain vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, the same condition can result in loss of power assist for braking after the reserve pressure is depleted.
Risk
An inoperative pump can cause increased steering effort, and in hydro-boost equipped vehicles also increased braking effort, but does not completely eliminate the ability to steer or slow the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hydraulic pump. The campaign began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 05V005000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet C/K Pickups jerking

Which Chevrolet C/K Pickups years have jerking or lurching problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1997 (3 complaints), 1998 (3 complaints) and 1996 (2 complaints).

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