27th Aug 2002, 18:42
I have a 1997 Blazer LS with about 60K miles. The vehicle had no transmission problems up to August 12, 2002. That day it was brought in for a 60K mile service which the dealer (Chevrolet in NJ) suggested a flush treatment be done to clean out the transmission fluid. I OK'd this and now regret it.
The day after, August 13, 2002 the Blazer was picked up and the following symptoms were observed: 8/13 hear "clunk" when putting into reverse, clunk when it shifts from 1-2, heard clunk at highway speed when it shifted from 2-3; 8/14 after warm up clunk on shift 2-3, another clunk at 60 mph; 8/21 multiple clunks on acceleration; 8/25 clunk at 70 mph, no overdrive & shifting now at 3-3.5K rpm & shortly thereafter at 4K rpm. I arrived home only to find I had no reverse; 8/26 Still no reverse, still shifting at 4K rpm & shifting is sporadic.
The dealer is denying any responsibility for the transmission problems.
I'm going to take the Blazer to an independent repair shop where I trust the owner for an assessment to determine if the service could have caused the problem. I already spoke with his mechanic who gave me multiple reasons the service could in fact cause the transmission to self destruct.
Conclusion: From this point forward I will not have this kind of transmission service done to any vehicle I own. I'd have it done "the old fashion way", drop the pan, change the filter & replace the drained fluid.
13th Feb 2003, 13:21
I own a 1997 GMC Sonoma Ext Cab, and have twice now in the last six months had to flush/replace the engine coolant. I heard from a service employee at my local GM dealer that there is an inherent problem with the design of the system, and the Dexron III coolant will turn to sludge annually. So much for long life coolant. Anyone else had this problem? Also, I read the comments on the oil filter access door shielding the transmission cooling system, and causing the transmission to overheat. My transmission often sounds like it is under EXTREME pressure when taking off after idling... I have not heard of this problem before, but will have my GM dealer check it out next service.
6th Aug 2004, 11:57
I just bought a 1997 GMC Jimmy and I am having problems already. When I go to start the vehicle is hesitates and takes about 3 to 4 chucks to start. When I drove to Illinois the other day I the vehicle pull/jerk then release at once. I think it might be the transmission, but the starting bit I'm not even sure.
We've changed the spark plugs and oil, have the alternator, battery, and starter tested and nothing. I took the the vehicle to check the transmission yesterday and they said that there was a mis-fire code that came up that has nothing to do with the transmission. If some one knows what I could be dealing with please let me know by leaving your comment on the site.
Thanks, Used 1997 Jimmy.
29th Aug 2004, 06:15
This goes to the person with the starter problem. I had the same problem with mine and it was the high voltage sensor that needed replaced. I hope that helps you out.
10th Feb 2007, 05:51
I have 1997 jimmy in Ontario Canada has 281,000km on it and it's got a coolant in the intake manifold gasket, if you know how much this job cost or how long it takes I like to hear please. e-mail me at tattooed4ink@hotmail.com. thanks a lot mike.
18th Aug 2012, 14:25
If there's a misfire code and you've changed the plugs, sometimes it's a bad plug wire, or wires that are arcing, causing a misfire in one or more of the cylinders. If you haven't already put new ones on, you might need to change them.
With your engine running, look under your hood at night around the plug wires to see if you notice any arcs. If you do, then that's probably your problem.
3rd Aug 2001, 09:58
If you experience transmission problems with this vehicle, check the oil filter access door located under the nose. Many transmission problems with this vehicle stem from an open or ajar oil filter access door. It is located directly in the path of the cooling system. The cooling system will not function properly unless it is shielded. Your engine temp may seem fine but the transmission WILL overheat and parts will break. This is not a widely known design flaw so check it at the onset of transmission problems to avoid costly repairs. It is a design flaw that people don't know about. Unfortunately, the Jimmy is classified as junk because of it. I am very happy with mine, with regular maintenance and attention, your Jimmy will last too. You should try to find out about gas mileage and maintenance requirements before purchasing any truck and you will not be disappointed by owning one.