I was driving at night and my headlights (which are automatic type using a light sensor) went out for a few seconds without me doing anything. After a few seconds they came back on. They did it a 2nd time for a shorter time period on the same drive and have flashed off for a few seconds temporarily on a few nights since then. The interior dash/switch lighting inside the car does not go out, just the headlamps.
GMC Jimmy headlights problems
19 of the 2,668 owner complaints about the GMC Jimmy describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 1998 model year.
- owner complaints
- 19
- worst model year
- 1998
- typical mileage
- 62,189
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20013
- 20003
- 19992
- 19986
- 19972
- 19961
- 19952
Often reported together
Wipers 1Fuel pump 1Fuel gauge 1Check engine light 1Grinding brakes 1Brake failure 1No deployment 1
What owners say
The head lights keep shutting off as you are driving at night time then it will switch over to the day time running lights, this occurs every time you drive at nighttime with the lights on, we do not know what to do to fix this problem so we have not brought it in.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 gmc jimmy. While driving less than 15 MPH down a steep, wet road, the brakes failed and the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. The bumper and headlamps were damaged. The vehicle is currently at the body shop and will be taken to the dealer for an ABS diagnosis. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v218000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). The dealer information was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 113,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH on normal road conditions, smoke started coming out of the steering column. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over and the engine was turned off, however it kept running and the engine warning light illuminated. All the exterior lights failed except the head lights. The dealer appointed the vehicle for inspection on october 18th 2006. The manufacturer was contacted who promised to call back october 19th (didnt call back) after the results of the dealership inspection had been delivered to them. The contact expressed concern because the safety risk involved in this electrical failure should be the manufacturer's responsibility. Updated 11/9/2006 -
When the headlights are 'on' they compete with the running lights. Simply, the lights flash between the headlights and the running lights. This has happened numerous times over the past 2 years. I have replaced the light switch 3 times and when it gets 'hot', this happens again.
The gas gauge was constantly on full. The tank may be empty but the gauge read full. The dealer stated the fuel pump needed to be replaced. Please describe further. *jb consumer made numerous repairs on driver's door due to door falling off and water leaking during rain; in addition, front wheel bearing was replaced at 36,676 miles and 43,545 miles on the left and right respectively. Also, repairs on driver's seat recliner. Consumer also discovered rust on the rear hatch, and problems encountered with the heating and cooling system. Electrical problem can't be found on headlights and dash.
While driving vehicle's headlights blink on and off without warning. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ts
The dome override button when pushed four times within 6 seconds disables the automatic exterior lights, including the headlights!. The option was was not listed in the users manual. We were driving at night when I found it by accident while trying to turn on the dome light. General motors admits that this was overlooked and not included in the 2000 manual. It almost got us in an accident or possibly worse. If I found it by accident, sooner or later someone else will too. The next time, it might get someone killed. People who own these 2000 models need to made aware of this option. I suspect that this omitted option is not just limited to the 2000 jimmy and fear that it may involve many, if not all of the 2000 gmc vehicles which have this dome override button. Dt
The right head light was out and the consumer was unable to have it replaced since the head light was not a standard bulb, parts had to be ordered.
Unable to operate headlights and turn signals due to a defective multi-function switch. *ak the windows only go down from the driver's door control because the window lock was shorted out. The mirror switch was burnt out. The serpentine belt was cracking. The oil cooling lines were leaking badly.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling 5,862 my 2000-2002 chevrolet blazer, my 2000-2001 gmc jimmy, and my 2000 oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected.
- Risk
- The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. The recall began on june 17, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com . Note: this campaign is an expansion of a previous recall (please see 01v364).
Recall number 08V231000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected.
- Risk
- The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. Owner notification will be conducted in two phases. The first phase began april 15, 2002, with mailings to owners of 2000 and early 2001 vehicles. The second mailing phase will be to remaining 2001 and 2002 vehicles. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 01V364000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Jimmy headlights
Which GMC Jimmy years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1998 (6 complaints), 2000 (3 complaints) and 2001 (3 complaints).
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