Check a VIN

1997 GMC Jimmy: ABS light or ABS activating

20 of the 273 complaints about the 1997 GMC Jimmy describe ABS light or ABS activating.

owner complaints
20
of this car's complaints
7%
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

ABS light or ABS activating by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 10, 2001 · Acceleration, Suspension · WI

Upper ball joint separated and the wheel was cut through causing the tire to go flat. The vehicle has been well maintained and the front end had been checked a few months earlier by a competent mechanic when new shocks were installed. Two weeks later a friend alerted me to "gm product safety campaign" # 01048. This was an alert to upper ball joints separating without warning on some '96-'97 jimmys, bravadas and blazers. I inquired at my dealer to see if my vehicle qualified and was told "no, there are no open recalls on your VIN.". I called the gmc customer assistance center at 1-800-gmc-8782 and spoke with "lisa" who assigned me reference number 056 42 894. Gm confirmed they "can do nothing for me, as there are no open recalls on your truck." "it was built at a different plant and a different supplier provided the ball joints than the ones in the recall." sounds like a load of crap to me. If I sound overly angered by a ball joint failure it might be because I have had nothing but grief with this vehicle and am tired of being a victim. The transmission was pulled under warranty at 28000 miles, yet I had to have it pulled again at my expense ($1474) at 52500miles. Two of the four o2 sensors have failed, the radiator was full of the infamous "missisippi mud" dex-cool sludge, the service engine light comes on at least once a month, the serpentine tensioner fell apart at 37k miles and had to be replaced again at 58k, the wipers frequently won't turn on unless you hit the mist lever as you hit a bump (common according to the edmunds.com site), and last week my ABS went out from what the trouble code diagnosed as a bad left front speed sensor. I'll have to drive it with the sensor unplugged for now because I've already put over $2000 in repairs into this thing during calendar year 2001 alone, and I'm tapped out. Same with the wiper condition.

Filed Aug 29, 2001 · Brakes, Visibility · OH · crash

Accident on ABS failure about $2800. $850 out of my pocket for ABS repair. Windshield wipers work sometimes and sometimes they dont. Mentioned windshield wiper not working to the tech at dealer. He said "we have quite a few wiper problems on that model, I expect a recall soon." please let me know if there is anything I can do. Thank you.

Filed Jul 12, 2001 · Brakes · OR · crash

While attempting to stop on wet pavement ABS brakes fail to release, resulting in a rear end collision.

Filed Feb 8, 2001 · Steering · PA · crash · 1 injury

When applying ABS brakes when on a icy surface, power steering locks up until you come to a full stop. Also air bag did not deploy upon direct frontal impact at 30 MPH into slate mountain. When changing a tire, jack slipped out of the locked position and dropped the vehicle.

Filed Jan 28, 2001 · Engine · TX

I had complaints of engine knock since purchase new, dealer comment could not duplicate, finally took to another dealer and the could hear knock, dealer installed new crankshaft, vehicle still has knock in engine, also had to have radiator cleaned and coolant jug replaced due to rusty contamination, ABS causes skids at slow speeds on wet pavement

Filed Sep 13, 2000 · Brakes, Transmission · RI

Ea94-038, under any braking and upon depressing brake pedal ABS system kicked in, causing extended stopping distance and poor braking ability. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has yet to replace parts. Also, transmission has been replaced three times. Please provide any further details.

Filed Aug 7, 2000 · Brakes · PA

Abs problems: during normal braking vehicle did not stop properly, which could cause a crash. This happened on dry or wet pavement. This problem has been reported to gmc. Owner was told that there were no recalls on the truck for this reason. Problem has not been corrected. Please list any other concerns.

Filed Jun 30, 2000 · Brakes · TX

When applying brakes, ABS would engage intermittently and cause front wheel to grab, and brake pedal would go to the floor. This problem caused vehicle to continue on before stopping. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide further details.

Filed Jun 29, 2000 · Brakes · TX

I applied my brakes as I was coming up to an intersection. The ABS engaged and the pedal was thrown to the floorboard the front tires then locked up and I skidded into the intersection. This was the second time this had happened. Contacted gmc and was told there was not much I could do except get a new system.

Filed May 5, 2000 · Brakes · WI

When consumer applies brakes pedal is hard, brakes make a streaking noise, and wheels lock up. Also, ABS brake light comes on.

Filed Aug 12, 1999 · Brakes · TX

Abs intermittently operates on turns, bumps and quick stops. In rain it will cause the vehicle to swerve ito other lane. Dealer says they don't know whats wrong.

Filed Jul 22, 1999 · Brakes · PA

Intermittent ABS brake problem. Sensor light would come on, indicating brake failure. Brake pedal felt spongy, and when applied, vehicle pulled to the right. Vehicle has been in / out of dealer shop on several occasions. Major repairs were made by replacing all major parts. However, problem still occurs. Can the federal safety agency help in this matter.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 1997 GMC Jimmy abs

Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1997 GMC Jimmy?

20 of 273 owner complaints about the 1997 GMC Jimmy (7%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1994.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 GMC Jimmy?

There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1997 GMC Jimmy

Ball joint 50Wipers 40No deployment 12Brake failure 12Fuel gauge 10Stalling 9Fire or smoke 7Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Grinding brakes 5Power steering loss 5Pulling 5

All model years of the GMC Jimmy

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1997 GMC Jimmy?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history