1997 GMC Suburban engine problems

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 Jan 21, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · TN

1997 gmc suburban- multiple engine & transmission failures. At 60,000 miles, vehicle began to shift hard. Returned to shop for diagnosis and repairs several times for work. Finally, while driving the vehicle in city traffic, the transmission failed compeletly. Required valve cover and transmission rebuild @ cost of $2,000. On december 27 '03, had to replace the radiator. On jan 17 '04, discovered that there was no antifreeze in new radiator. Returned to mechanic who replaced the radiator. Said the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Cost: ~$600. Took to another mechanic for second opinion. Same diagnosis. Both state that gm is aware of both problems, however, they will not cover the costs of repairs or replacement. Additionally- replaced alternator two times; replaced water pump two times; replaced the master cylinder in fall 2003.

Filed Nov 18, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 46,801 miles · OR

While driving the serpentine belt tensioner broke from its mounting and resulted in loss of power steering and other components including charging of the battery. The alternator also shorted out. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified. *ak the consumer was told that the warranty not longer covered the belt. The brakes shuttered while braking from 60 MPH. The dealer replaced the front brake pads and resurfaced the rotors.

Filed May 13, 2002 · Engine · NY

Manifold gasket failed on my vehicle at 67,000 miles and probably well before this but I was not aware of the problem until picked up on routine maintenace check. Normally, I would fix the problem and move since I have gmpp (extended warranty) with no out of pocket costs. Not in this case. The problem here with the manifold gasket is not about noise pollution. It is about carbon monoxide and other noxious gas leaking into the vehicle. Before the lawyers at gmc pick up their pencils and start taking notes, the end result in my case was only one of feeling tired at the wheel. Problem solved when the new manifold gaskets were installed. Everyone happy, no accidents--not quite so fast.. Well here is the problem: I have been told that this problem is endemic to this series of vehicle and to be expected every 36,000. If true, then there are a lot of people driving 1997 and earlier gmc suburbans around tired or worse. As a physician, I am well aware that the long term effects of exposure to low levels of vehicle emissions is unhealthy. I would like gmc to produce data to the federal safety agency on the frequency of manifold gasket leaks in this series vehicle/engine, the liklihood of such leaks sending exhaust emissions into the vehicle and the probability of such leaks producing catastrophic results on the highway. The next time I pick up a paper and read that someone driving a gmc vehicle "fell asleep at the wheel" I would like to know that it was an accident unrelated to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Body, Brakes · WA

Ongoing problems with the fuel injection system causing the engine to hesitate and exhibit poor acceleration, dealer replaced fuel filter, fuel pump driver module, fuel injection pump, and added fuel conditioner.

Filed Aug 13, 2001 · Engine · NY

Every time driver makes a right hand turn engine sputters like it wants to stall, has never stalled. Vehicle has been at dealer for 30 days, cannot find problem.

Filed Jul 10, 2001 · Engine · VA

Have hear many and seen many right side headgasket leaking coolent think theres somethink wrong with them! Dealer is no help! Thanks.

Filed Jun 29, 2001 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Vehicle would stall out at any speed, which cauised fuel pump to burn out, vehicle would not restart after this incident. Consumer had repl three fuel pumps replaced, but, problem was still reoccurring. Asking the federal safety agency assistance in this matter. Provide any further information on this matter.

Filed Apr 25, 2001 · Engine · CA

Engine shut completely while driving on highway/freeway, lost control of brake, steering wheel and gear. Driver was able to steer into safety all 3 times. Took to dealer, 1st time said it was "mass air flow controller" 2 weeks later the same problem happened, this time dealer could not find what is wrong guessing is fuel injection pump. Need assistance because this is a safety issue and could cause injury or death if happen again.

Filed Feb 18, 2001 · Engine · CA

Engine shuts off, all warning lights flicker. Engine surge at 65mph...fluctuates between 65 & 10 MPH continuously & all warning lights flicker. Dealer diagnostics says nothing wrong. I feel it's dangerous & life threatening. Dealer service department not taking me seriously. Please help!