1997 GMC Sonoma SLS 4X4 from North America - Comments

Windshield wiper motor quits working at times due to faulty solder connections on the pulse board connector. I found a notice on the NTSB web site regarding this fault a year before I got the service bulletin notice from GMC. I repaired it myself by re-soldering the connections.

Fuel pump replaced at 80,000 miles, cost over $800.

Replaced 4L60E 4 speed overdrive automatic transmission at 131000 miles due to multiple failures, cost $3200.

Collapsed oil seal to left front CV shaft while under warranty.

Fuse 19 keeps blowing when going to or from 4 wheel drive, dealer unable to find faulty wire.

Replaced starter around 100,000 miles.

Remote engine oil filter lines leak, replaced lines and started leaking again after a few months service.

Nice truck with engineering related problems, ie. designed obsolscence.

I am just curious as to why it cost $800 to replace your fuel pump. For the 4.3L, the regular pump is about $60 CAD and the high output around $90 depending where you get it. Mine failed 3 times (one time was my fault, didn't notice a kinked fuel line after a fuel filter change - burned the pump out). When it failed the second time I cut a hole through the bottom of the box to access it (cut 3 sides and opened it like a little hatch door and pulled the whole sending unit out...ha!) - tube of silicone and a box liner and you wouldn't know the difference (much easier as I was getting tired of taking the whole tank and rusty brackets off). Don't use anything that makes sparks to cut the hole (ie. grinder, torches) - I used one of thoes air hammers with the cutting a tip - opened it just like a can opener.

I am not sure what causes the 4wd drive fuse to blow, but it is very common - heard that from a few people. Try a bigger fuse. It doesn't sound like a wiring short because it is so common. I agree with you on the external oil filter lines - junk!

I have not had meany problems with my 1997 4X4 Sonoma. It now has 338,000 km on it. Runs like a top. I have had no problems with my 4x4 fuses. It has been hassle free. There is always the normal maintence, other than that I would buy a nother in a heart beat. Tranny/Motor are all still strong, runs like when I drove out of the show room.