1997 Chevrolet Caprice problems
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s and early 1970s, which, during its lifetime, included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala.
Introduced in mid-1965 as a luxury trim package for the Impala four-door hardtop, Chevrolet offered a full line of Caprice models for the 1966 and subsequent model years, including a "formal hardtop" coupe and an Estate station wagon. The 1971 to 1976 models are the largest Chevrolets ever built. The downsized 1977 and restyled 1991 models were awarded Motor Trend Car of the Year. Production ended in 1996.
From 2011 to 2017, the Caprice nameplate returned to North America as a full-size, rear wheel drive police vehicle, a captive import from Australia built by General Motors's subsidiary Holden—the police vehicle is a rebadged version of the Holden WM/WN Caprice. The nameplate also had a civilian and police presence in the Middle East from 1999 to 2017, where the imported Holden Statesman/Caprice built by Holden was marketed as the Chevrolet Caprice in markets such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
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Common 1997 Chevrolet Caprice problems
The 1997 Chevrolet Caprice, like any other vehicle, has its own set of common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the body computer, which is the brain that controls various functions such as door locks, power windows, interior lighting, and intermittent windscreen wipers. If the body computer develops faults, it can cause problems with doors that won't lock or unlock, keys becoming worn out, and even interfere with aftermarket alarm systems.
Another common problem reported by owners is related to the transmission, specifically the automatic transmission. The body computer and the engine control module need to communicate properly for the engine to start. If the body computer is faulty, it can prevent the engine from starting. Diagnosing these issues can be tricky, as the body computer can develop faults with some functions while others work perfectly.
The 1997 Chevrolet Caprice also shares some common problems with the Chevrolet Impala, such as transmission problems. Some units of the 1997 Chevrolet Caprice have been reported to have loud noises from the transmission before it failed, with stuttering and jerking as the vehicle slowed down.
Power lock problems have also been reported in some units of the 1997 Chevrolet Caprice, with locks working intermittently or failing to operate completely. Replacing faulty components like the lock assembly, actuator, or sensor has appeared to solve the issue in most affected vehicles.
Heater problems have also been reported in some units of the 1997 Chevrolet Caprice, with the heater suddenly stopping due to clogged lines or low-quality antifreeze. Some owners have also noticed cold air blowing from the heater vents while their vehicles were on idle. There are many possible causes for heater malfunction, including a faulty thermostat or head gasket leak.
Lastly, some 1997 Chevrolet Caprice owners have reported problems with the engine's excessive oil consumption, with drivers noticing that the engine was burning it without any visible oil leaks. Replacing the oil pan is a common fix for this issue.
It is essential to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage and maintain the vehicle's reliability. Replacing broken parts, such as transmission system parts, door lock actuators, and thermostats, is crucial to keep the Chevrolet Caprice running smoothly. CarParts.com offers a wide selection of replacement parts sourced from trusted manufacturers, with fast shipping and a guarantee of quality.
In summary, the 1997 Chevrolet Caprice has several common problems based on complaints from owners, including issues with the body computer, transmission, power locks, heater, and engine oil consumption. Addressing these issues promptly and replacing faulty parts can help maintain the vehicle's reliability and prevent further damage.
What year Caprice is most popular?
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold.
Why is a Chevy Caprice called a Donk?
Most enthusiasts agree that a "donk" traditionally is a 1971-1976 Chevrolet Impala or Caprice. They were given this name because the "Impala" logo was referred to as a "donkey" by owners, or "donk" for short.
What year was the Caprice fuel injected?
Standard equipment for all models included tinted glass, a remote-control driver's mirror, automatic headlight on/off, and an AM/FM stereo. A police version of the Caprice wagon was made; it had the code 1A2 and was designed for special service use. 1989 marked the first year of a fuel-injected V8 engine.
What engine is in a Caprice?
ENGINES
| Type: | 3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT |
|---|---|
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): | 301 / 224 @ 6700 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): | 265 / 358 @ 4800 |
What year Caprice is most popular?
1965
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold.
What engine is in a Caprice?
ENGINES
| Type: | 3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT |
|---|---|
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): | 301 / 224 @ 6700 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): | 265 / 358 @ 4800 |
Is the Chevrolet Caprice a muscle car?
1969 Chevrolet Caprice 427 - A True 4 Door Muscle Car! - Frankman Motor Co. - Walk Around & Driving - YouTube.
How fast does a Chevy Caprice go?
The Caprice PPV's V-8 engine delivers a top speed of 155 mph (248 km/h), outperforming the Dodge Charger V-8 and Ford Taurus-based Ford Police Interceptor with EcoBoost.
1997 Chevrolet Caprice car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Caprice problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Caprice vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Chevrolet Caprice complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Caprice.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING,THE CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNT ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND LIFTED UP THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRES HAD SHORTENED OUT FROM THE ALTERNATOR. ELECTRICAL WIRES AND ALTERNATOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB *TC *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-20
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO A GAS STATION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE VALVE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet Caprice problems:
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Aug 7, 2009 ... There at least 5 other websites that have posted this unattributed. Before guessing at transmission problems, check the fluid level (car warmed ...
DOD Lifter FAILURE! - New Caprice - Discussion forums
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Other years of Chevrolet Caprice
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