1997 GMC Sierra fuel system problems

Filed Nov 21, 2003 · Electrical, Fuel system · 85,066 miles · GA

The vehicle stalled 5 times in one morning while driving to work. The weather warmed up outside and the vehicle ran and started fine. The next evening the vehicle started fine, I got 1/2 block down the road it stalled again. I waited for a few minutes and it ran fine. The next morning it started fine and I drove it for miles, had no problems with it stalling. We called gmc to see if there was a recall on windshield wiper motor, because the wipers would work when they wanted to work. Not when you needed them to work. They had told us that there was also an ignition coil problem with this truck-they called the gmc dealer that was to do the recall work. A faulty ignition coil can give the same side effects as a defective fuel pump. We drove the vehicle to the dealer, when we turned the vehicle off it would not restart. The recall work was performed on the vehicle, but still would not start. The gmc dealer told us it was most likely the fuel pump, the dealer told us the fuel pumps in this vehicle go out "frequently." but, he offered us to replace the fuel pump for $450.+ including labor. Or sell us one over the counter for approximately $425.00 + tax. And we could install it ourselves. Needless to say, we had the vehicle towed to our house and now are deciding what type of fuel pump should be bought for a vehicle that the fuel pump goes out frequently in. Our biggest concern is that this truck has 85,066 miles on it, and has been maintained to the highest standards. Why are the vehicles fitted with faulty/defective products. The pump can catch on fire, or go out if you hit too many bumps in the road. That is a manufacturer problem of a faulty product. Please let us know, how many fuel pumps we should plan on replacing in the normal life of this vehicle.

Filed Feb 2, 2003 · Fuel system · 107,200 miles · MD

The fuel pump assembly contained within the gas tank shorted out and melted wiring associated with the assembly.

Filed Nov 8, 2002 · Fuel system · 87,000 miles · FL

The fuel pump and the fuel sending module are not working properly, dealer has been notified . Ts the sender harness shorted out inside of the fuel tank.

Filed Sep 25, 2002 · Fuel system · PA

Consumer states that while driving the vehicle will just stall out , which is caused by a malfunction with the fuel system. Small pieces of metal in the fuel will get into the fuel pump and mess up the flow. Had pump replace but problem reoccured. Nlmjlg

Filed Jan 3, 2002 · Brakes, Electrical · AL

Vehicle experienced fuel system problems twice, the sending unit inside the fuel tank with the fuel pump, wire assemblies and float, the wires and fitting plugs burned, the consumer is afraid that the vehicle may catch on fire.

Filed Dec 6, 2001 · Fuel system · FL

Engine would stall during normal operation of vehicle. Dealership examined vehicle and discovered that fuel sending unit had failed, resulting in stalling. When dealership examined fuel system noticed that contact wires for fuel pump located in fuel tank were charred, and insulation for wires melted. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

Filed Nov 2, 2001 · Fuel system · AL

Sending unit wire that connects to fuel system is getting burned inside fuel system which pervents vehicle from moving when put into drive.

Filed Jul 23, 2001 · Engine, Fuel system · AR

I purchased this truck new, and at approximately 23,000 I was driving the vehicle at around 55mph when the engine failed. It did not sputter or knock, it just quit, all the gauges, engine quit instantly. I pulled over to the side of the road and turned the key off, and then re-started the engine. Motor started without hesitation, and I proceeded down the road. Two days later, with lots of driving time in between, the same thing happened. It died, I pulled over, turned of ignition, and re-started the motor, and again the motor started without hesitation. About two weeks later, I was driving at about the same speed and again the same thing, except this time the motor would not re-start. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, and it was determined that the fuel pump had failed. It was replaced and I had no problems until about a month ago, approximatley 05/15/2001, my vehicle started to behave in the same way. While turning left at an intersection, the vehicle died, and I was in the middle of oncoming traffice that was approaching. I re-started the engine and proceeded to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. This has occured several times over the past two months, with the most recent event occuring yesterday, 07222001, in which I was almost "t-boned" at an intersection when the engine failed. I have kept the fuel filter changed and I not use the same gas station consitantly. The fuel pump has always made a loud buzzing noise, even the first pump that was replaced at the dealership made this same noise. I understand that gmc re-designed this pump for this 1997 model. What realy got me interested in this problem, is not only the fact that I have had some close calls with almost being involved in an accident, but one of my co-workers is having the same apparant problem with her "1997 gmc jimmy." it has the same vortec v6 engine as my truck. The delearshipt stated they can not id the problem, unless it "runs a code, or fails while they have it. Thanks.

Filed Mar 13, 2001 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

I found 29 pages of the same problems on net lemon law. No safety defect mentioned in summary.

Filed Sep 3, 1999 · Fuel system · LA

Stopped while out of the city on the road and it would not start. Had it towed to dealership and they replaced the fuel pump.