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GMC Repair and Maintenance

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GMC Questions and Answers

426whit, 2006 GMC Yukon Denali, Fairfield, CT, January 02, 2009, 17:52

My 2006 Yukon Denali XL's battery has died twice in the last month. I had a 2004 that died at least 6 times in the 2 years that I owned it. Anyone else have this problem?

Answer #1
(0 ratings)
Andy Y, January 05, 2009, 11:50

Is the battery old? It's possible the battery has become weak and this cold weather really drained it. Cold weather really does a number on batteries. Most shops can test the battery for you and many auto parts stores will test it for free if they have the tool. It's possible something else is draining the battery when the key is off but that would require some basic electrical knowledge and a multimeter to diagnose

bigdaddy33, 1992 GMC Jimmy, Myrtle Creek, OR, January 02, 2009, 01:31

my vehicle starts right up it dont over heat and has no loss of power but throwing out white smoke when driving or just idleing it blows out horrifcly could it be the head gasket or block

Answer #1
(0 ratings)
Bret Bodas, January 02, 2009, 09:21

It's very likely that the head gasket is your problem. These gaskets often leak if the engine has been overheated, but can occur on an engine with high mileage too. The next step is to have a shop remove the head(s) and inspect the head gaskets.

minxjulie1979, 1996 GMC Jimmy, Aurora, MO, January 01, 2009, 18:40

im not getting enough fuel pressure any ideas

Answer #1
(0 ratings)
Russ, January 02, 2009, 09:51

It sounds like you have a fuel pump that is failing. Your 96 Jimmy runs at about 60psi fuel pressure - anything less will cause a hard start or no start condition. If you have fuel pressure but it is low you will need to replace the fuel pump module assembly which is located inside the fuel tank.

minxjulie1979, 1996 GMC Jimmy, Aurora, MO, January 01, 2009, 14:50

my jimmy wont fire what could it be

Answer #1
(0 ratings)
Russ, January 02, 2009, 09:54

The most common reason for your 96 Jimmy not to fire would be a faulty fuel pump. Fuel pressure should be about 60psi for your engine to start. If fuel pressure is OK the next step would be to check for spark and proper engine compression.

MaciesMom, 2005 GMC Yukon Denali, Paducah, KY, December 27, 2008, 05:07

I have a 2005 Yukon Denali - the light behind the defrost button is out - how do I replace it.

Best Answer
(1 rating)
Russ, January 02, 2009, 09:44

The buttons for the front and rear defrost on your Yukon are part of the climate control panel. Is the defroster in question working OK? If so, the light only is at fault and you will need to replace the complete climate control panel assembly - you cannot replace just the light bulb. If the defroster is not working the system will need to be repaired, then you may see the light working again.

polynesianhawk, 2002 GMC Yukon, Carolina, PR, December 25, 2008, 16:57

Have a 2002 Yukon SLT4WD. When I drive my car by night. The battery meter goes down everytime I brake or release the accelerator pedal and sometime it even turns off the car. I chekced the sparkplugs, the alternator, they're when I drive in D. The lights or the battery goes down. can you help me about it?? (I live in Tahiti
Thank You... William.)

Answer #1
(0 ratings)
Russ, December 26, 2008, 10:15

It sounds like the engine idle may be to low on your Yukon. There could be deposits built up behind the throttle plate which will restrict the air flow at idle. The fix would be to clean the throttle body area with carburetor cleaner and wipe it out with a clean shop rag. There may also be a software update available from GM which will help the computer compensate to the build-up of future deposits in the throttle body. The check engine (SES) light may be on after cleaning the throttle body and the code set will need to be cleared to turn off the light.

Jonathan P 852, 2004 GMC Envoy, December 15, 2008, 23:11

I have a 04 envoy and want to know how it would sound if i cut the resonator off and ran straight pipe?

I want it to be a deep sound when i install the straight pipes out the back(is that to much to ask). I'm simply just cutting off the resonator and welding on straight pipes to get a deep NO POPPING OR CRACKING NOISE from it. Is this right is this how it works?

Answer #1
(0 ratings)
hemicuda, December 19, 2008, 15:25

I would have the muffler shop install flowmaster exhaust on your 2004 envoy instead of cutting off your resonators, Plus it might not pass a smog test if you modify your stock exhaust.

Alexandre J 399, GMC, December 15, 2008, 20:59

Ive been looking all over google for new skirts, and engine parts to enhance the hoarse power for this particular car and was unable to find this anywhere! can soneone plz help me.... 10 pts and 5 stars to the best results.....

Answer #1
(0 ratings)
as1_1sa 680, December 15, 2008, 21:08

I just had to get my mom a new bumper for her car and we got is cheaper on ebay but this is who we bought it from.
http://www.carpartswholesale.com
/v5/parts.php?N=9809+1585+429496
5655

check their ebay for a better deal
http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymoto
rs/carpartswholesale/

Answer #2
(0 ratings)
Nuclear Banana 4, December 15, 2008, 21:05

I'm convinced if you can't find what your looking for on ebay, the part may not exist. There are catalogs for after market parts as well in the ebay motors areas.

Answer #3
(0 ratings)
Kheph 696, December 15, 2008, 21:02

try the general motors website

Mrolendo 383, 1990 GMC Jimmy, December 15, 2008, 19:33

Trying to help a friend w/ their 1990 GMC Jimmy. Someone did brakes for them 4 or 5 yrs ago, and seemed fine since then but about 1 yr ago ABS light came on. Brakes have been working fine and everything I checked seems fine, doesn't seem anything is wrong. Any idea why light is on, what else I can check? Or if nothing is wrong how can I get light off? Live in a state where vehicles have to pass inspection, and my friend is worried this will not pass with light on even though nothing seems to be acting up. Thanks!!

Answer #1
(0 ratings)
Don E 759, December 15, 2008, 22:32

May just be a burnt out brake light bulb.

Answer #2
(0 ratings)
SMART 624, December 15, 2008, 19:43

Have a mechanic check the brakes. General Motors has had a problem with the ABS light for a long time. I have a 2000 Chevy Blazer, and the same thing happened to me. There is a sensor of some kind that goes haywire. I had the brakes checked, and the pads and lines were O.K. Had the sensor changed, and the light went out. I think it cost about $55.00, but can't remember for sure.

Rainy John 185, GMC, December 15, 2008, 19:03

I want to buy my friends its a 97 and has 96,000 on it, everything works... i have little money and hes cuttin me a deal...so are they decent cars? do they have any issues?

Answer #1
(0 ratings)
zero 116, December 15, 2008, 19:34

walk away from the deal. they have many issues, electrical, leaks, etc.

Answer #2
(0 ratings)
Nemesis 919, December 15, 2008, 19:32

Not many good reviews on the link below.

Answer #3
(0 ratings)
Ben H 759, December 15, 2008, 19:27

My Mom had a '98 that she bought fairly new(2 years old and ~30,000).

The thing was an absolute maintenance nightmare-in the shop every other week with a different problem, it seemed like. A couple of times involved some pretty serious recalls, like one which involved a complete replacement of the entire cooling system.

Other than the maintenance nightmare, it was a decent car. It drove well, and looked nice. It was also comfortable to ride in, although admittedly not your typical Cadillac ride.

Personally, I would avoid one at all cost, especially a '97 model. The Catera is the reason why both of my parents now drive Lincolns.

EDIT:
"walk away from the deal. they have many issues, electrical, leaks, etc."

I'd forgotten about the leaks. Every time it rained, the passenger side carpet would get soaked. On a few occasions, there was water standing on the passenger side floor of the back seat. This was always after a long, but not particularly heavy, storm.

Even multiple trips to the dealer(fortunately all under warranty) didn't resolve it.

GMC Car Reviews (12)

Russ 1994 GMC Sonoma Oakland, CA October 10, 2008 15:19

My 4wd Sonoma has been an excelent truck. The engine has a bit of a rough idle (from new) but runs strong and gets OK gas mileage. Front brakes wear out on the early side and now I have developed a noise in the front end, maybe worn control arm bushings. The only major repair has been a fuel pump replacement at 70k.

el conquistador 1999 GMC Suburban 1500 Glenview, IL October 14, 2008 19:42

Basically a safe vehicle but typical GM poor quality; door handle fell off, plastic interior parts broke easily, A/C compressor went out at 52,000 mi., door light spring switch fell off, right turn signal doesn't cancel, daytime running lamps no longer operational AND most importantly the BRAKE SYSTEM ANTILOCK SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. Next time, go to Honda or Toyota

fredmy 1990 GMC 1500 Pickup Shell Knob, MO October 22, 2008 16:09

good servicable pickup

Russ 2005 GMC Envoy Oakland, CA November 03, 2008 14:48

The smooth running V6 makes this SUV, and Lots of power. The ride is also good. Only a few minor problems. This truck just runs and runs.

Jumba 1992 GMC Suburban 1500 Walnut Creek, CA December 11, 2008 15:59

I had this Suburban for 10 years and it did not hold up well. I had to replace the transmission and the rear end when it had less than 100,000 miles. The air conditioning vents were falling off, the headliner sagged, it handled terribly (it is a massive vehicle)...overall just not a nice vehicle to drive. I finally donated it to charity since it was more expensive to fix than it was worth.

txgreek 2007 GMC Yukon XL 1500 Houston, TX December 15, 2008 11:14

Extremely impressed with this vehicle. I have owned a 96' 2001' models prior and this one SMOKES THEM ALL! The power is very very impressive and the 4x4 is equally impressive driving through snow and rain. My wife loves the auto start which even remembers on its own to engage heated seats and heat when starting with remote start. The nav and back up camera are very much appreciated options along with entertainment system for our little ones. BUY ONE....YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! PS; I traded in my Mercedez G500 for this Yukon and have never felt bad for doing it. LOVE THIS YUKON....

rldazy 2005 GMC Envoy North Windham, CT December 20, 2008 12:32

I love my Envoy. The 30,000 mile tune up was a little expensive. Had to replace drums and break pads at 30,000. Thought that was to soon. The garage wanted 1000.00 to have them done. Had mechanic do side job. parts and labor less than 400.00

hemicuda 1996 GMC Yukon San Mateo, CA December 22, 2008 16:44

We been using my buddies Yukon for duck and deer hunting and you can't beat it, Rain, Snow, Its smooth riding and holds dogs guns and all the gear and gets 20 mpg to boot.

brickracer 1990 GMC Suburban 1500 Concord, CA December 29, 2008 10:14

This workhorse Suburban was very rough around the edges. With less than 100,000 miles it blew a headgasket. We also had a tire blowout on I-5 that luckily didn't cause an accident. I never felt very comfortable driving the truck and it just required too much repair given how young it was.

tahoediamond 2005 GMC Savana 1500 Emeryville, CA December 29, 2008 22:18

I drove a GMC Savana 1500 cargo van for almost 3 years around the San Francisco Bay Area as well cities like Santa Rosa, Modesto and Davis. As a cargo vehicle the performance was amazing, capable to carry a lot of weight and runs smoothly with excellent brakes response. In the outside is a tough car. In the inside the seats arm rest are really weak, but it has a strong A/C. Without any mayor mechanical trouble other than replacing a couple brake light bulbs and a few fuses, I would say that the overall weakness is the low gasoline mileage.

hemicuda 1990 GMC 2500 Pickup Buies Creek, NC January 05, 2009 14:58

Very reliable truck with its 350 cu inch V8 and 4 speed trans its a deer hunting machine and gets decent mph about 16 highway and 12 city

hemicuda 1997 GMC Safari Buies Creek, NC January 05, 2009 15:01

Inner door panels keep falling off and fuel pump went out twice at a cost of $700 not a very reliable van

GMC Problems

Brakes
  • The Anti-lock brake system control unit may fail internally causing the ABS light to illuminate.
  • Brake fluid can become dirty and may cause problems in the brake system; it should be flushed every 60,000 miles.
Engine Gasoline Engine
  • The intake manifold is prone to coolant leaks at the front and rear corners.
  • It is common for the distributors to go bad and set a trouble code. Our technicians suggest the only fix is to have the distributors replaced.

Diesel
  • Faulty glow plugs and incorrect wiring to the glow plugs have been known to cause "hard start" problems.
  • Diesel powered models may need to have the injection system adjusted more often than recommended.
Exhaust & Emissions 2.5L 4 cylinder
The oxygen sensor can fail causing Check Engine (SES) light illumination and the engine to run rich (burn more fuel than normal).
Suspension & Steering It is very common for the pitman arm and the idler arm (steering linkage) to go bad.
Drive Train
  • Our technicians highly recommend that the transmission is serviced every 30,000 miles to avoid problems and maintain optimal operating order.
  • The rear axle bearings have been known to wear grooves in the rear axle shafts, creating a grinding noise and leaky axle seals. An indication that this problem has occurred is a wet tire inside or out.
Electrical & Lights
  • The fuel pumps are known to have problems if the fuel filter is not replaced regularly. Our technicians recommend replacing the fuel filter at or around 30,000 miles. 
  • It is common for the sending unit to read the fuel level incorrectly. This is due to a defective module. Our technicians recommend having the complete fuel pump and sending unit replaced because the module is currently not offered separately from the pump and sending unit.
Heating & Air Conditioning The heater core under the right side of the dashboard may leak engine coolant which may puddle on the passenger front floor. The loss of coolant may cause an engine overheating condition.

 

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Recent GMC Repair Estimates

Brake Pad Replacement, Resurface Rotors
2004 GMC Sierra 1500 in Wichita, KS
$337 - $440
Ignition Cap and Rotor Replacement
1996 GMC Jimmy in Aurora, MO
$82 - $131
Glow Plug Replacement
1994 GMC Yukon in Oak Hill, AL
$240 - $357

Most Common GMC Repair Estimates

$245 - $297
$203 - $392
$64 - $111