1997 Chevrolet Explorer problems
The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana) is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van, the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis; the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes, and small trucks.
In production for a single generation since 1995, over 2.5 million examples of the Express and the Savana have been produced. One of the longest-produced designs in American automotive history, the Express/Savana are rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity.
Since 1995, General Motors has assembled the Express and Savana at its Wentzville Assembly facility (Wentzville, Missouri). Also, since 2017, GM has sourced commercial cutaway-chassis production from Navistar through its Springfield Assembly Plant (Springfield, Ohio).
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Common 1997 Chevrolet Explorer problems
The 1997 Chevrolet Express 1500 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Power Train Problems: The automatic transmission in the 1997 Chevrolet Express 1500 has also been a source of complaints. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission control module (TCM, PCM) not fitting properly in the new tray, as well as problems with the 4L60-E automatic transmission oil pump design identification.
- Fuel System Problems: There have been reports of fuel system problems, including issues with the fuel gauge system and fuel lines leaking.
- Exterior Lighting Problems: Some owners have reported issues with exterior lighting, including tail lights that are hard to open or stiff on 1996-2002 Chevrolet and GMC G-Van models.
- Visibility Problems: There have been complaints about rearview mirrors/devices, including exterior outside rearview mirror shake or vibration.
- Power Window Switch Corrosion: There have been reports of power window switches corroding, which can lead to high electrical resistance, overheating, smoking, melting, and even fires.
- Vortec 5300 Engine Oil Consumption: There have been multiple design flaws in the Vortec 5300 engine that have led to excessive oil consumption, which can cause soiled spark plugs, bent pushrods, and timing chain wear, among other issues.
These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 1997 Chevrolet Express 1500. It is important to note that not all vehicles of this make and model will experience these issues, and some problems may be more prevalent than others. If you are considering purchasing a 1997 Chevrolet Express 1500, it may be a good idea to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues before making a purchase.
1997 Chevrolet Explorer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Explorer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Interior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Explorer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Chevrolet Explorer complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Explorer.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-29
- VIN: 1FMDU34E4VU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH ENGINE SHUTDOWN, FORCING VEHICLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CRANKSHAFT BROKE INSIDE ENGINE. DEALER NOTIFIED NOTHING THEY COULD DO. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-03
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU35P1VZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE.*JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2V1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED; HOWEVER UNABLE TO SOLVE PROBLEM.*AK
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-06
- VIN: 1FMDU34X2VU
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: COURTESY LAMP IN VEHICLE STAYS ON, AND IS UNABLE TO TURN IT OFF.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-23
- VIN: 1FMDU32XXVU
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TIRES
- Summary: MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON I 75 IN FLORIDA GOING ABOUT 60MPH ON EASTER SUNDAY 2000(1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT). WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CAR PULLED SUDDENLY TO THE RIGHT, I MANAGED TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICAL AND STOP IT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE TIRE DID $2800($500 DEDUCTABLE) IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICAL. THE TRED PEELED OFF OF THE TIRE AND BENT THE REAR FENDER UNDER THE CAR. IT ALSO BROKE THE REAR TAIL LIGHT AND SCRATCHED THE PAINT. A CLAIM WAS FILED WITH NATIONWIDE INS. AND WITH FORD MOTOR CREDIT.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235/75 )
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GNEK13R3VJ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN TURNING THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT CAME LOOSE AND THE WHEEL TURNS FREE. THIS HAPPENS FOR A SPLIT SECOND THEN THE POWER STEERING TAKES HOLD AGAIN. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-08
- VIN: 1FMDU34E7ZZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR PEDAL ANCHOR SEPARATED FROM FIREWALL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO IDLE AND NOT ACCELERATE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMDU32X7VZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TEMPREATURE AND DIRECTIONAL GUAGE FAILED. YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMDU32X6VZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER BECAME NOISY. YH
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet Explorer problems:
1997 Chevrolet Express 1500 Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
Top 1997 Chevrolet Express 1500 Problems · Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Stuck Fuel Injectors · Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil.
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Oct 21, 2008 ... Poor connection at PCM or IAC motor. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or ...
1997 Chevrolet Express 2500 - van wont start
Jan 15, 2021 ... Either way, hands on inspection and diagnostic testing is needed and will pretty easily turn up the problem. www.repairpal.com/repair-shops.
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1997 Chevy Express Cargo Van Engine Start ...
May 16, 2009 ... If you have or can get a fuel pressure guage hook it up and verify there is fuel pressure at the fuel rail when the engine is cranking. If not ...
96 Express Starting Problems - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy ...
Jun 29, 2015 ... Express & G-Series Vans - 96 Express Starting Problems - Hey guys, new to the forum as I just bought a 1996 Express 1500 Conversion Van.
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