I have had to have my 1997 gmc yukon towed three times in the past 6 months due to engine failure while driving. At first, they thought it was the transmission. The transmission was replaced. The second time, I was driving and the engine started missing, then just died. No steering, nothing. It was towed to the shop again to have the transmission rechecked. Got the yukon back after a month, drove it home (about 90 miles)...it was fine. Then the second day after getting it back, it again started jerking, missing, and then died. I was on a hill in town when it stopped. My yukon started rolling backwards, and I had to force the wheel to sharply steer it into a parking lot. I almost hit several cars that didn't know the vehicle had lost power. It has once again been towed to the shop. What is causing it to suddenly miss then die?
1997 GMC Yukon electrical problems
11 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car).
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- 12v/24v/48v battery6
- Alternator/generator/regulator2
- Wiring: front underhood1
- Wiring1
- Ignition: module1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Yukon electrical problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Battery leaks acid
There is no summary currently available
EA00013
Battery leaks acid
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard gm factory supplied AC delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right frontbrake line as a result of sulfuric acid contamination.the remaining 11 complaints pertain primarily to sulfuric acid leakage from the battery case.at least one complainant stated that the replacement battery also failed.several of the complainants note that the leaking acid had come in contact with a wire harness at the frame in the vicinity of the steel brake line.a field inspection by odi indicates that the described harness is the ABS connection to the right front wheel speed sensor.prior to the battery case failure, there is usually no warning (short of an underhood inspection), and the ensuring damage (sulfuric acid contamination) is progressive.of the known battery failures, there may be a temperature correlation, as 60% of the owner complaints came from four states; california, florida, georgia and texas.there is also a product improvement program and engineering change notice to add 1% silver to the battery's positive side terminall, with the earliest implementation date for this being feb 2, 1998.the effect of this design change is as yet unknown; further review is warranted.an ea is being opened to gather further appropriate information, clarify any defect trends, and to assess the safety implications and risks concerning these failures.
PE99073
What 1997 GMC Yukon owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
This vehicle has been a problem since we bought it. Right after we bought it we heard a roar in the rear end. The rear end was replace under the 3yr/36000mile warranty. Soon after that the alternator was replaced under warranty. Just recently we took a trip and towed our 18ft. Ski boat with us. When we returned my wife noticed a problem the next day. We had no reverse and that proved to be the transmission. We contaced the closest dealrer to us: mike morgan shreveport, la. They told us that they were so backed up with tranmission problems that it would be at least a week before they could pick up the truck to even look at it. Then they would tell me what they thought. Well, I paid $25,000 for a vehicle to sit with a bad transmission and they think I will let it sit while my wife and children walk!!! I don't think so! During the last of july, my brother and law and I replace the starter on this same truck to the tune of $250.00 yesterday I found a water pump leak and was told that would cost me around $200.00 to repair. Oh yes, the transmission cost me $1,400.00 to repair. As you can see, I am having a ton of problems with this vehicle. Gm has thumbed their nose at me and more or less said "tough luck"! Well, I don't think that is fair. The transmission is what really upset me. I paid extra to have towing package on this truck and we pulled a boat 1 time and this happens. I can't beleive that this truck can't get at least 100,000 miles on the original transmission. I also have a boss that owns a 1999 suburban that had the tranmission fail on him this last friday. His truck has only 54,000 miles. Well, as you can see, I think gm has a problem!!! Please let me know what I can do!
Battery leak at sidemount positive terminal corroding cable connection and brake line metal to rubber line connection. Dealer says this is not unusual but no warranty applies except on battery. Battery store says this is common with delco sidemount terminal batteries. Corrossion through brake line connection could cause loss of brake fluid and braking. Corrosion in cable could disable vehicle without warning. Battery was replaced with different model having reinforced case at the terminal. Corrosion on other components neutralized with anti corrosive solution, and brake line tested for leaks. Battery cable replaced.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
Wife was driving vehicle when started to smell something burning. Parked & left the vehicle & it caught fire near the fuel tank area. Prior to it catching on fire, it was stalling out several times a day. Towed to mechanic & cause of fire or stalling was not located. Gm didn't accept responsibility for the problem. *ak
Ea0013, battery leaks acid; while driving would lose power. The electrical system would cut off. Truck was taken to a dealership. It was noted that the battery was cracked and leaking. Battery was replaced at owner's expense. *ak
While driving through a carwash battery died, causing vehicle to be in need of a jump. This has happened on three different situations. Dealer has been contacted.
Ea00013/battery leaks acid: battery is leaking from both negative/positive post. Feel free to provide further details.
Intermittently while driving, the steering wheel slightly turns either to the left or right. The dealer has replaced the gear box, the steering sensor and the computer module, but the problem still exists. Manufacturer has been notified.
Had parked vehicle. Left for awhile & then returned & tried starting vehicle. Would not start. Checked under hood & noticed battery acid had dripped down the side of truck. The battery had a hole in it. The battery was one that came with the vehicle. Will be taking vehicle back to dealer to have it checked.
Questions about the 1997 GMC Yukon electrical
Does the 1997 GMC Yukon have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the electrical of the 1997 GMC Yukon, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Yukon electrical problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1997 GMC Yukon electrical?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the GMC Yukon have the most electrical problems?
The GMC Yukon model years with the most electrical complaints are 2015 (79 complaints), 2004 (57 complaints) and 2003 (53 complaints).
Other 1997 GMC Yukon problems
Steering 53Brakes 31Transmission 15Suspension 11Visibility 10Fuel system 8Engine 7Airbags 3Seats 3Acceleration 2Body 2Tires 2Driver assistance 1Seat belts 1Wheels 1
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