1997 Chevrolet Silverado problems

Filed Jan 17, 2015 · Airbags · 144,289 miles · MI · 1 injury

Parked in my driveway warming up, bag engaged. Left ear hurt by blast and ringing in left ear.

Filed Oct 23, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 89,000 miles · SD

Engine is a 6.5 turbo diesel. I bought this vehicle used so have no previous history whether it happened before I owned it. Vehicle engine started to die while driving, occasionally at first. It would restart immediately sometimes and sometimes it had to sit for a while. This problem started in years previous to 2010 intermittently but became more frequent in 2010- 2011. Didn't matter what speed I was traveling, it would quit on the interstate going 75 MPH or in driveway going 5 MPH. Shut off without warning and immediately like someone turned the key off. All power steering and power brakes failed but fortunately I was able to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and stop it when it happened, only because I knew how to steer with out power steering and had the strength to do it. With others this could easily cause serious accidents. Multiple attempts were made over the years with a mechanic to find the problem with no luck. Finally someone suggested replacing the pmd module which I did in 2011 and it solved the problem for 3 more years. It is now happening again. I was told the pmd module needs to be located outside of the engine compartment because it gets too hot and causes this failure. I believe this constitutes a poor design and a defect that needs to be rectified. Since this happened to my vehicle I have talked with several other people just in my area who own the same type of engine and have had the same problem and others in other areas.

Filed Oct 20, 2014 · Electrical · 30,000 miles · TX

Approximately in 2006, with only 30,000 miles, I noticed antifreeze pooling under my 1097 silverado pickup. I took my vehicle to an auto repair shop and was told that it needed a new radiator. The radiator was replaced. Approximately one month later the same problem. The radiator was again leaking. The radiator was replaced three times until the owner of the repair shop stated that he would no longer replace the radiator and explained that the 1997 silverado pickup was known for a condition called. Electrolysis. It was suggested that I remove the battery cable after each time I drove the vehicle. I started to removing the positive battery cable and within 3 weeks the same problem. I then contacted rudolph chevrolet dealership in el paso, texas. They refused to tackle the problem and referred me to emmitt radiator shop, also in el paso, texas. They advised that they would charge $80.00 per hour with a minimum of 10 to 12 hours with no guarantee. They did suggest that I remove both positive and negative battery cables. This is where the problem with the exploding battery comes to light. When I would try to remove the battery cables after each trip, even to the movies or out to dinner, the battery would be so hot that it would burn my hands. I also kept replacing the batteries and finally ask a saleswoman at auto zone supply house what was wrong with the batteries and he pointed to the battery and said, "look at the sides of the battery, how it is extending outward it could explode". Again I was told me that they did not have the equipment to fix the problem. This falls into the category of a lemon and general motors knew of this problem or should have known of this problem the 1997 silverado pickup and have placed consumers in harms way.

Filed Aug 22, 2014 · Electrical, Locks · 187,600 miles · AZ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while parked, the driver's side panel caught on fire. Also, the contact mentioned that the power locks and the power windows failed to operate properly. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer had been notified. The approximate failure mileage was 187,600. Updated 9/29/14*cn updated 2/26/2015

Filed Mar 28, 2013 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · KY

Brake line rusted into on left rear wheel was repaired, every since this happened brake pedal is very spongy stopping power is not what it used to be or should be. I have also replaced front calipers,rotors,pads,master cylinder,powerbrake booster,rear drums, shoes,cylinders,emergency brake cable .cannot get the air out of brake system very annoying situation and dangerous because I cannot stop truck very quickly due to spongy brakes.

Filed Jan 18, 2009 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · WI

When going 10 MPH or less, applying the brakes either produces a very hard pedal or anti-locks kick in. This has happened on dry roads with light to moderate pedal pressure. Was instructed that only 1999 and newer silverados are included in a campaign.

Filed Aug 19, 2008 · Visibility · 89,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado. While driving approximately 50 MPH in rainy weather conditions, the window wipers failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the failure was related to a cracked joint in the motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage was 113,000.

Filed Mar 10, 2006 · Body · 112,000 miles · GA · 1 injury

Dt*: the contact stated while standing on the tailgate of the vehicle broke causing minor injuries. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 06v066000 concerning the tailgate: hinges: attachments. The vehicle has the same problem as indicated in the recall; however is not included in the recall due to the VIN and the year of the vehicle. The dealer has been notified however, the vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer has been alerted.

Filed Feb 14, 2006 · Brakes · 107,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated the ABS engaged while stopping at speeds of 10mph or less. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Although the problem persisted, the vehicle was not seen by a dealer.

Filed Jan 17, 2006 · Steering · 170,000 miles · NC

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle pulls to the right intermittently. The pulling occurs suddenly and last for only a second. The contact had the vehicle inspected for the problem by an independent repair shop in 2000. The repair shop was unable able to determine the cause of the pulling. The problem continued and the contact called the local dealer yesterday. The dealer was able to determine a possible cause by phone and suggested repairing the steering sensor. *nm updated 03/17/06.