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GMC Jimmy slipping problems

13 of the 2,668 owner complaints about the GMC Jimmy describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 1997 model year.

owner complaints
13
worst model year
1997
typical mileage
68,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    3
  • 1998
    3
  • 1997
    4
  • 1992
    1

What owners say

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 Aug 19, 2003 · Transmission · 46,000 miles · MA

From july of 2002 until august 9, 2003 the following problems have occurred with my 2001 gmc jimmy - which now has 46,000 miles registered:7/02: while driving vehicle slips from 2wd t o 4-wd low. Diagnosis: transfer case shift module shorted 7/02: when sitting in traffic and accelerating transmission slips RPM. Diagnosis: not able to find source 8/02: again 4-wd low shift for no reason. Diagnosis: found codes loss stored info. Also: interior and exterior lights go on and off at will. Diagnosis: could not find source of problem (this still happens) 8/15/03: while driving vehicles slips into 4wd low by itself. Diagnosis: intermittent short. Repaired/replaced switch 8/03: while driving call stalls/dies. Diagnosis: recall notice 01073. Completed required work 9/02: dash lights come on and off while driving and check engine light stays on, transmission shifts strangely. Diagnosis: tech scanned and found multiple transmission codes in system. Internal short in ignition switch. Replaced switch, cleared codes 11/12: rear differential pinion seal leaking. Diagnosis: replaced seal 3/02: oil leaks from oil cooler lines. Diagnosis: our of warranty, good will parts replaced upper and lower cooler lines leaking. R/r upper and lower oil cooler lines. Cost: $210.00 for labor. 4/03: strange grinding noise while traveling out of our area. Diagnosis: wheel hub on front disintegrated. Diagnosis: replace wheel hub with ABS sensor and front wheel bearing hub - cost: $579.63 8/03: car dies while driving. Diagnosis: towed to mechanic garage (not gmc). Fuel pumb dead. Cost: $730.00.

Filed Aug 12, 2003 · Transmission · 97,000 miles · TX

Transmission slipping again...shift with gas pedal...let off on gas & let rpms drop to allow trans to shift. Dealership told me that they no longer service transmissions, too much hassle - will sell me a new one for $2500 plus labor @ another $900 to $1200...limited to only 6 months of coverage! I know of at least 10 other blazaer and jimmy owners at fort bliss that have had same tramsmission problems. An investigation should be opened to recall this transmission. I can be reached anytime at 915‑593‑5144 to further clarify my concerns...cpt burgess.

Filed Jun 16, 2003 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · VA

The transmission slips from 2nd to 4th gear and yet the 3 automotive shops can not locate a problem! Each one has replaced a part or 2 but they all say it is not the transmission nor the computer but none of them can fix it. I just keep getting passed down to another shop so they can get their $200.00 to $300.00 from me. The dealership I purchased it from will not even call me back to discuss the problem and I had paid an extra $1800.00 for an additional warranty on the vehicle. I will never buy another gmc again!

Filed Apr 22, 2003 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · PA

The transmission on my vehicle has been slipping-for lack of a better word-when it gets warm. It began at 50000 miles and the transmission had to be rebuilt-with gm parts at 85000 miles. It has begun to slip again. I understand from reviewing a site called complaint station that this is not an isolated problem.

Filed Mar 28, 2003 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CO

The transmission light illuminated on the dashboard, and when the weather was hot transmission slipped. *jb ....

Filed Jul 9, 2002 · Transmission · VA

The service engine light and diagnostics indicate internal transmission slip, while driving the vehicle on days when the temperature is above 80 degrees the transmission shifts harshly into second gear when started from a stop, when the temperature is below 70 degrees the transmission runs fine. Nlm

Filed Nov 27, 2001 · Transmission · MI

Transmission failed slipped between 1st. And 2nd. Lost reverse.

Filed Jan 4, 2001 · Transmission · CA

Transmission slips r-3-4, hard shifting 1-2, soft shifting 3-4, leaks. Dealer is unresponsive at this time!!

Filed Dec 28, 2000 · Transmission · NJ

The transmission intermittently slips into, but not fully, 4wd when the vehicle is put in reverse. There is a very noticable noise that sounds like the transmission is not fully engaged. The only way to eliminate the noise is to shift the vehicle into 4wd and then back into 2wd. The vehicle has been brought back to the dealer on at least 4 occasions with this complaint. They have not been able to duplicate the problem and therefore have not done any research. On december 19th, 2000 the symptom reappeared after backing my car out of the driveway and I immediately brought it to the dealer. The service manager then test drove the vehicle and noted that the problem I described previously does exist and scheduled me to bring in the truck on thursday, december 28, 2000. When I brought the vehicle in the manager who had test drove the vehicle just one week ago did not seem to recall the condition and said they would check it out. I have a problem with the way the whole thing is being handled. I can't believe that my vehicle is the only one that has this problem in the entire country. I would think that gmc should have some information regarding this in their database. At this point I am not convinced that the proper diagnostic methods are being taken to locate the problem and remedy it. I don't know where else to turn and I am looking to you for any guidance that you can provide.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported May 16, 1994 · 72,664 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Significant wear can develop on the low and reverse clutch preventing the park pawl from engaging. This can prevent a "no park" condition to occur while the engine is running, causing unintentional movement of the vehicle without operator action. (the "no park" condition will not occur while the engine is off.)
Risk
Unintentional vehicle movement could result in a vehicle accident and injury to persons in the path of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will check the transmission fluid for contamination which will indicate if the low or reverse clutch is worn. If the transmission fluid shows contamination, the transmission will be replaced.

Recall number 94V093000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Jimmy slipping

Which GMC Jimmy years have transmission slipping problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1997 (4 complaints), 1998 (3 complaints) and 1999 (3 complaints).

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