Tl* the contact owns a 1997 gmc jimmy. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the front suspension. The steering was difficult to maneuver when turning the vehicle. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. An independent mechanic stated that the front end needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
1997 GMC Jimmy: loss of power steering
5 of the 273 complaints about the 1997 GMC Jimmy describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
- 20002
- 19981
- 19975
- 19962
- 19954
What owners say
The 1997 gmc jimmy just shuts off. This occurs at no special times and with no identifiable circumstances preceding the shutdown. The engine and all control systems simply stop. This has happened numerous times and there is no ryhme nor reason for the failure. It has happened many times in a single evening and then gone months before recurring. Computer diagnoses, no codes found by mechanic. Since it has always failed while the vehicle was in motion, usually at highway speeds, controlling the vehicle becomes a real concern. Loss of power steering can easily cause a loss of control and a serious accident. The jimmy always restarts easily after ten seconds or so. Of course at 70-75 miles per hours that can seem like a very long time indeed.
While driving read a noise and lost power steering. Then, started driving slowly. Tensioner broke and part of belt also broke.*ak
My vehicle lost all power while driving down the freeway, losing steering and brakes and almost causing a crash. The vehicle had to be towed in to the dealer and it was determined that the battery leaked from the positive cable, running down the side mount cable to the starter, eating through the starter and alternator. This has happened to 3 other friends of mine as well with the exact same thing happening. My brother in law is a certifed ase master mechanic for ge capital fleet and they have had over 28 of the same reported problems. The dealership has also had several vehicles reported with the same condition. With battery acid blowing all over the engine compartment, I'm wondering if other compnents have been comprimised, espically the frame of the vehicle.
Consumer was driving, stopped and heard noise, no steering, no warning, belt tensioner broke, causing the engine belt to come off. Dealer replaced the tensioner belt. Tensioner breaking was caused by fatigued metal. Manufacturer cannot duplicate the problem.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 GMC Jimmy power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1997 GMC Jimmy?
5 of 273 owner complaints about the 1997 GMC Jimmy (2%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 GMC Jimmy?
There are 0 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 GMC Jimmy
Ball joint 50Wipers 40ABS 20No deployment 12Brake failure 12Fuel gauge 10Stalling 9Fire or smoke 7Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Grinding brakes 5Pulling 5
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