1997 GMC Suburban: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed May 23, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · MN

The ignition switch started to fail while driving. First the heater fan would quit and the ABS light would instantly turn on, and the cruise control would fail to operate. When the ABS light would be on the ABS would fail to operate. Then suddenly all operations would go back to normal. It would be unpredictable when the heater fan and the ABS would fail and come back. Then yesterday, the suburban started and died 3 seconds after starting. I restarted the suburban and all seemed good. I put the suburban in drive and rolled at about 5 MPH and the truck died. I stopped and put the suburban in to park and restarted. Placed it into drive and made it home. When I got home, I turned off the suburban and tried to restart it. It would crank but not fire the engine. The radio and heater and all other electronics would operate as normal, but the dash lights would not turn on I.e. The "service engine soon", "brake", "air bag", "ABS". The ignition switch has failed on it and now sits in my driveway.

Filed Mar 7, 2007 · Brakes · 99,000 miles · IL

When braking at slow speeds, the ABS kicks in and increases the stopping distance needed. After 3 trips to dealer (and over $500 in repairs) for brake problems, they told me that the wheel speed sensors were malfunctioning. They checked the recall, but my vehicle was not listed. I have since seen that this is a huge problem with all of their vehicles and that hundreds of others have complained that the "regional" recall didn't cover them. It seems obvious to me that there is an inherent problem with this braking system and the wheel speed sensors and gm should be held responsible for repairing this before someone else gets hurt (or worse).

Filed Jan 1, 2007 · Brakes · 16,000 miles · TX

Abs brakes do not and have not worked properly since this vehicle was first purchased (still original owner). Speed sensitive steering does not and has not worked properly as well. Thousands of dollars $$$ have been spent at the original dealership and at qualified automobile service repair centers continually replacing parts and sometimes the same parts of the years, this continues to this day even though the suburban is in excellent condition and well taken care of. This includes master cylinder, brake pads, cylinders, etc. This braking defect seems to be experienced by many owners of the 1997 gmc suburban c1500. Why hasn't something been done by gm engineers to locate and fix this problem?

Filed Feb 23, 2006 · Brakes · 32,500 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated at speeds below 5 MPH, the braking distance was three times as far as it should be. The vehicle has been to dealership and the ABS sensors were repaired. The problem returned 6 years later. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 03/09/06.

Filed Dec 24, 2005 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · OH

I have owned a 1997 gmc suburban 4x4 since new. The last 2 years the ABS braking system malfunctions at slow speed increasing stopping distance. I have recently disconnected the power to the system as it has worsened. I know that this is widespread on this truck and should be addressed.

Filed Nov 4, 2005 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · CT

Dt: the contact stated when stopping at low speeds the ABS will activate. The dealership said it happened because the ABS sensor rusted. The repairs have not been made. The problem was the same as mentioned in the federal safety agency recall 05v379000 in the 1999-2002 models.

Filed Oct 26, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · 76,000 miles · WI

Dt: the contact owns a 1997 gmc suburban. The contact was calling in reference to the federal safety agency campaign recall 05v379000 concerning ABS brakes. The contact stated that she was receiving a false reading with ABS brakes, and her state and model year was not included in the recall. The contact has been having this problem since early summer of this year around may or june. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and they needed to replace the front hub. The contact disconnected the ABS system from both of the front tires and was no longer having this problem, but it will need to be repaired before winter. *ak the ABS would activate while braking at slow speed which resulted in extended stopping distance.

Filed Aug 30, 2005 · Brakes · MI · crash

Abs engaging when slowing down or parking suburban. Slow speed bumping into other vehicles because ABS goes to floor.

Filed Jan 19, 2002 · Transmission · TX

While turning corner in subdivision transmission would not shift into 2 gear. Jumped into 3rd gear and the truck jumped forward. Proceeded to drive on highway to get home and once slowed the truck continued to roar until jumping into 3rd gear. Once the truck was stopped, I had no reverse. I was told the reverse housing broke,which causes the gears to slip and this happens without any warning...no previous "transmission slipping" and is a common thing in this model suburban . Transmission tech also showed me where this reverse part broke and said general motors is aware of the problem and has made a stronger part for the transmission. If gm knows this is a problem why is this not a recall? It is caused from a faulty part. To fix this problem is costing me over 1500.00 dollars. The ABS brakes have to be held to the floor and then the back wheels skid. I thought the whole purpose of the ABS braking system was to stop the skidding. It is as if the locking system does not work on sudden stops. Because the locking does not take over, the front brakes have to much weight to stop because the rear drums are not enough to complete the stop. They do not work together, causing the pads and shoes to wear out and grind the rotors and drums. The passenger back door electric window while rolling it down makes a clunk noise and then it will only roll back up to the point where the noise is. You have to have 2 people get the window up. One holding the window and pulling at it upwards while the other holds the button to get it to catch.

Filed Nov 27, 2000 · Brakes · WI

When applying ABS brakes on dry pavement pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Please give any further details.

Filed Oct 26, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · FL

Vehicle has been owned since new. Shortly after purchase took vehicle to dealer with complaint the vehicle had excessive stopping distances and it appeared ABS was malfunctioning. The dealer advised the brake performance was "normal". Having owned 30 vehicles of all types I do not believe same. Also took vehicle to dealer with a complaint the steering was extremely vague and would feel like it had a time delay. Again was advised steering was "normal". Dealer treated complainant like the proverbial village idiot. Now, three years later I have discovered I am not the only village idiot that owns a gmc suburban. I found numerous other complaints from owners with the exact same complaints I had. I just want to verify what they have reported. Recently the vehicle's cooling system has had numerous and sequential leaks. The delaer shrugs his shoulders when queried about the condition.

Filed Nov 29, 1999 · Brakes · NJ · crash · 2 injuries

Was traveling 25-30 MPH and because of heavy traffic had stopped suddenly. Had applied brakes. Had no brakes. Could feel ABS kicking in, but nothing happening. Vehicle was not slowing down. Turned vehicle & jumped curb & hit light pole. Air bag deployed. Vehcle finally stopped.