1996 Chevrolet Suburban electrical problems

Filed Jan 19, 2006 · Electrical · TX

The battery cables leak acid, . When the battery becomes corroded, there is no power to the vehicle. The dealer has told me that the battery cables are bad, which we have replaced, and the problem continues. We have had the batteries (replaced more than one) checked, and they are fine. We have had the posts replaced, and the problem gets worse. The latest, (im stranded right now) seems to be the worst yet. At first when this started happening, it was a couple of months apart, now its every week. Also when it started the cables where really corroded before the engine quit. Now they can be wiped off with a dry towel. Also, the A/C has stopped working due to cracks in hoses. (from the acid) being as I live in texas, even if the truck is running I cant drive it in the summer, even if we fix the hoses it happens again. When I had the vehicle towed to the dealer the last time, they told me the battery was fine, but I needed to spend 400.00 to have the cables replaced again. How is this problem really corrected. Talking to other people who had suburbans I have found that a number of them have had vehicle fires due to the acid problem!!! Having children in the car, im terrified to drive my truck. (when it even starts) I cannot sell it to someone else and put them in danger. The fuel pump has failed. We were told that we have to keep a 1/4 tank of gas in the truck. Well it is going out again and I keep it full! Also, something to do w/ the ABS booster being bad. Well my brakes are failing again. (less than a year later) the pads are fine. The acid leaking has caused damage to our driveways, not to mention the kids and animals in the neighborhood getting into the acid on the ground. Please send me any info that might help me. Im am going to contact the dealer and talk to them again about the information the I have found, re: im not the only one this is happening to.

Filed Jan 20, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · 174,000 miles · MO · fire

Driving from work-snowy/icy conditions. Smelled a strange odor in vehicle going from I-270s to I-370w ~ 1/4 mile from ramp. Traffic moderate. Traveling 45 MPH I tapped brakes, they went all way to floor. Turned off electrical equipment. Used engine braking selecting 3-2-1 to slow vehicle. Vehicle slowed, applied emergency brake - drove to brake down lane. Vehicle stopped-white smoke coming around edges of hood. Lower portion of windshield had couple of heat discoloration marks about 1/4 size of a penny in the middle lower portion. Air bag light came on. Dash did not feel hot, nor the instrument panel - no smoke inside vehicle. Hood would not open by hood release. Power windows worked. Egressed vehicle and driver sdie air bag inflated. Called 911 awaited fire/polcie dept. Opened driver's and passenger doors. Flames coming from steering column where it enters fire wall. Flames underneath vehicle from engine near skid plate/transfer case. Used small fire extinguisher on flames in cabin and under vehicle to no avail. Front driver's side from center console to driver's side door melted away at about 45 deg angle from top to bottom of console. Inside engine the thydraulic drive unit and barke master cyclinder had melted. Significant burn damage from fire in engine. Vehicle-total loss. Very fortunate to recognize bad smell, id brake malfunction, use engine braking to control vehicle; use emergency braking to stop - moderate traffic. Minimized potential hazard to single vehicle-no injuries or fatalities.

Filed May 24, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 50,000 miles · NY

Fan switch located on the dashboard that controlled the air ventilation melted the wiring harness. Dealership replaced the switch and the wiring harness twice. Dealership indicated that this was a high demand part.

Filed Mar 20, 2004 · Electrical · 125,567 miles · CA · fire

1996 chevrolet suburban, side mirror remote control in drivers door panel caught on fire. I tore out the panel and cut the wires to remove it before the truck caught completely on fire.

Filed Nov 13, 2003 · Electrical · CA

Consumer stated that while driving vehicle cut off. Consumer took vehicle to a chevrolet dealer/mechanic, and each time was told that vehicle needed new battery cables. The battery cables were replaced twice, but vehicle kept doing the same thing.

Filed Dec 1, 2002 · Electrical · VA

Problem: engine shuts off at any speed. Will restart. After numerous visits to dealer between april 99 and jan 2000 and fuel pump replaced 3 times and problem continued. Problem would occur on interstate at high speed, or in the middle of an intersection during acceleration, or while idling. Loss of control a problem on winding roads or while engaging an intersection. Dealer finally replaced ECM (computer) in jan/feb 2000 after a letter to dealership problem corrected. Mfg. Extended warranty to 120,000 mi. Engine shut off and would not restart in march 2002 rear transfer pump replaced. In nov. 2002, engine has begun to shut off again (at least 5 times) since 11/20. I anticipate a large bill from dealer to correct a recurring problem. Will take to dealer this week (12/2/2002). Dt

Filed Jul 6, 2001 · Electrical · MD · fire

Vehicle caught on fire on driver's side door due to an electrical short in wiring. Vehicle was totaled. Manufacturer has been notified. Please provide additional information.

Filed Feb 3, 2001 · Airbags, Electrical · UT

Original battery leaked acid, replacement battery leaked as well. Acid corroded airbag sensor and wiring, causing airbag system failure.

Filed Jan 4, 2001 · Electrical · CA

Consumer was traveling about 60 MPH on major highway and vehicle just shut off without prior notice while pulling a trailer. There were no injuries.

Filed Oct 16, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · IL

Transmission shaft housing cracked in half because the casting was too thin.