1997 GMC Jimmy: wrong fuel gauge reading

Filed Feb 16, 2008 · Fuel system · 68,500 miles · TX

Fuel gauge does not indicate accurately at low fuel states. As fuel approaches empty (with 1/8 - 1/4 actual fuel remaining in tank), gauge begins to erroneously indicate progressively higher fuel quantities in the tank until a point where the gauge is indicating almost full, when in reality, the tank is almost empty. The obvious implication is that a motorist who is not paying close attention could be left stranded without fuel in the vehicle.

Filed Jul 8, 2005 · Electrical, Fuel system · 70,000 miles · FL

Dt: on 5/24/05 caller was driving at 40 MPH on level ground on the highway and the spare tire fell out from underneath the vehicle. The cable that holds the spare onto the vehicle broke and allowed spare to break away and fell onto the highway. *ak the windshield wipers have caused many problems in the past as well. The wipers would start and stop unannounced and had to be repaired and the blinkers would come on and go off on their own. The consumer believed there was a general problem with the electrical system. The car was regularly maintained. Each time the consumer filled the vehicle with gas, the inside of the vehicle would smell like gas and for a couple of days, the gas gauge did not work. *sc

Filed Aug 29, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · 68,000 miles · GA

Windshield wipers do not work all the time. I was in a bad rainstorm last night and had to pull off the road because we couldn't see anything. Scary - this is a potential big law suit for gmc if anyone dies in an accident due to this common complaint. My gmc mechanic revealed that this happens on almost all gmc jimmy's, yet there is no recall to replace the defective part to date. Transmission - slipped badly. I paid to have it replaced and sometimes it still slips. This transmission repair shop said that this is common with the jimmy, as well as a faulty gas gauge, faulty ball joints and oxygen sensors. I did have to replace the oxygen sensor, but I consider that normal repairs.

Filed Jan 9, 2004 · Electrical, Fuel system · IL

Upper & lower ball joint snapped while driving had to replace both along with idler arm pitman arm & tie rod ends , had received notice about possible failure on these when I called gmc they reported my car was not included in this possible recall. Cost of 1500.00 also fuel pump failed cost of 700.00 now driver side door is defected will not close , probems with electrical system locks ,windows, lights interior & exterior,wipers will only work occasionally, fuel gauge sticks.

Filed Jun 25, 2003 · Fuel system, Visibility · 00

Consumer called complaining about having problems with windshield wipers stopping in the middle of real bad rain storms. Also, gas gauges are not working properly. Manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call.*ak **new information** consumer called back in on 08/05/03 and advised that dealer serviced vehicle for recall remedy 01i018000/ball joints in 07/03. At that time, dealer was supposed to check wiper problem but did not. Consumer also added that vehicle was purchased in the united states.

Filed May 7, 2003 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · NC

Fuel gauge would read full or half full even though tank would be empty. I set my trip mileage for more than a year and would put more gas in about every 300 miles. Dealer charged me $400 to remove the tank and replace a sensor that sits on top of the tank. Had vapor lock problems a few days after that.

Filed Feb 15, 2002 · Fuel system · CA

Please be sure and cross-reference gmc jimmy with chevy blazer!! This is the 4th time the fuel pump has failed. I've had related trouble with the fuel gauge and system with no further info from the dealer. The last time it occured, I was driving when the engine failed. Good thing it was a side street and not the highway. This time, it was stopped and failed to start again. This situation is not only ridiculous but also dangerous.

Filed Sep 25, 2001 · Electrical, Fuel system · MA

This vehicle has been a nightmare...unfortunately it was a spur of the moment purchase. Although used, with only 39,000 miles, I thought I would be ok since it had an extended warranty till 72,000. I have replaced both upper and lower ball joints, idler arm, alternator, belt tensioner, ignition switch, 4wd sensors, gas gauge sensor, left rear axle shaft and both rear axle bearings. At least these were all covered under the warranty, but not the rental cars for all the time the truck spent in the shop. Now the vehicle has 90,000 miles and the dealership is telling me that the recall for the ball joints does not pertain to my truck (the VIN # is not included), the transmission dipstick is rusted (I've seen several complaints but no recall), my accelerator pedal sticks severely (also numerous complaints), and I've already replaced (out of pocket cost of $1700) a complete rear end. I owe more than this vehicle is worth...but will need to get rid of it soon because I do not feel safe driving my son around in it. Many of these problems could have caused a serious accident...

Filed Jul 24, 2001 · Fuel system · IN

My gas gauge is not working properly. I was informed today a sensor was needed at a cost of $536.70 for one part. The total cost for installation will be $762.00 + tax. I only have 46,815 miles on this vehicle. I feel this is an excessive amount for a part. With less than 50,000 miles on my jimmy, this gas guage should not have failed so soon. Curious to know if other gmc products are having the same problem. I know of one other gmc vehicle with the same problem. I would like to get this repaired, but am unemployed at the present time and cannot afford almost a $1,000. Repair bill. Last year I put almost a $1,000 in tires and a tie rod had to be replaced along with break replacements. This vehicle has been driven mostly long distance highway miles with no stopping. I still have sounds in my steering and a loud cluncking sound at times. Please respond to inform me if other gmc's are having gas guage problems. Thank you.

Filed Oct 15, 1998 · Airbags, Brakes · CA · crash · 4 injuries

Abs brakes failed, vehicle lost control, resulting in a head-on collision. Upon impact, driver's/passenger's air bags failed to deploy, resulting in injuries. In addition, ignition locked up/fuel gauge and alternator failed.