Gmc M/l van problems
The GMC Motorhome is a recreational vehicle that was manufactured by the GMC Truck & Coach Division of General Motors for model years 1973–1978 in Pontiac, Michigan, USA — as the only complete motorhome built by a major auto/truck manufacturer. Manufactured in 23 and 26 ft (7.0 and 7.9 m) lengths, the design was noted for its front-wheel drive and its low profile, fully integrated body.
In contrast to most motorhomes which were manufactured on drivetrain-equipped frames supplied by a chassis manufacturer; GMC designed, engineered, and built the entire vehicle, and in most cases the interiors, completely in-house. Empty shells were also supplied to other RV manufacturers for interior outfitting and to specialty manufacturers for custom outfitting, ranging from mail delivery and mobile training facilities to people movers and ambulances.
Industry rumors had been circulating for some time that GM was going to build a motorhome. On February 7, 1972, it was made official. About this time the new vehicle was known as the TVS-4, Travel Vehicle Streamlined. The motorhome design continued to evolve in the two main areas of styling and chassis. The Design Center was continuing with both the external and interior designs. There were twelve designers working with sketches and 1/8 scale (A-scale) clay models. Three or four of these 1/8 scale clay models were made, each with unique design characteristics, each refining their shapes closer to the final form. Once these models were completed, evaluated, and approved, full-sized drawings were made using 1/4 inch tape to outline the front, rear and side design. These drawings would guide the designers in the next stage: a full-size clay model.
The clay full scale 26-foot (7.9 m) motorhome was created. Once the shape was completed, the clay surface was "polished" with a sponge and cold water and finished with a silver-blue film of DI-NOC, replicating the painted surface of a vehicle. Upon completion of the full-scale clay, plaster cast segments were made of it. Dimensional drawings were made of this final design for tooling and early fiberglass prototype parts for the first prototype bodies.
The motorhome had a front-wheel-drive transaxle, which GM called Unified Powerplant Package, originally used in the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado with an Oldsmobile 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8 from the Toronado, but the later models made use of the 403 cu in (6.6 L) V8. (At the time, the Buick Riviera, which shared most of the same components, and used the same E-body platform, as the Toronado and Eldorado until its 1977 downsizing, was still using the conventional rear-wheel-drive layout.) Both used the GM-designated Turbo-Hydramatic 425 automatic transmission, with a wide roller chain drive to connect the output of the longitudinally oriented engine to the transmission. The final drive was connected directly to the transmission, and power was fed to the front wheels using half-shafts that ran under the front portion of the engine. The engine was fueled with regular gasoline stored in two 25-US-gallon (95 L) tanks.
The GMC was equipped with front disc brakes and drums on all four rear wheels. The front-drive configuration eliminated the driveshaft and rear differential and the solid axle found on most front-engined motorhomes. As a result, the floor could be built with about 14 inches (36 cm) clearance above the roadway. The floor was too low for a rear cross axle, and GM designed the rear suspension as a tandem pair of wheels, mounted on bogies that rode on pins attached to the sides of the low-profile frame. With the exception of the wheel wells, the rear suspension does not intrude into the living space. The rear bogies are suspended using a double-ended reversible sleeve airbag that is pressurized by an automatic leveling system to maintain the designed ride height. The leveling system can also be manually controlled to level the coach at a campsite. The overall chassis design, from the use of an existing GM E platform powertrain and a modified rear suspension, has been considered an early ancestor of the crossover.
The motorhomes were built in either 23-foot (7.0 m) or 26-foot (7.9 m) length, with about 90% of the total production being the latter. The wheelbase from the front wheels to the centerline of the rear tandem pairs is 140 inches (360 cm) for the 23-foot (7.0 m) coach and 160 inches (410 cm) for the 26-foot (7.9 m) coach. All GMC Motorhomes are 96 inches (240 cm) wide and about 9 feet (2.7 m) tall including the usually-installed roof air conditioner. Interior head room is 76 inches (190 cm).
Gross vehicle weight rating for the 23-foot (7.0 m) coach was 10,500 pounds (4,800 kg) and 12,500 pounds (5,700 kg) for the 26-foot (7.9 m) coach. Most GMCs with factory interiors have a 30 US gallons (110 L) freshwater tank and a 30 US gallons (110 L) holding tank.
Body construction consisted of a rigid frame made of welded aluminum extrusions. The body frame was mounted on the chassis steel ladder frame using body isolators. The floor was marine plywood, except where it sloped up at the extremities, where they were plate aluminum. The body panels are fiber-reinforced plastic (fiberglass) below the waistline frame extrusion and at the ends. The upper side body and roof panels between the ends are sheet aluminum. GMCs are notable for their large expanse of windows, which redefined the RV industry at the time. They often had luxury features common on upper models of GM brands, such as cruise control, air conditioning, AM/FM/8-track sound systems, an aluminum/fiberglass body, as well as air suspension.
Rear lower compartments provide space for generators and propane tanks. GMCs were optionally supplied with generators from Onan in 4,000 Watts and 6,000 Watts, many of which are still in service. There were no driver's or passenger's doors at the front of the vehicle. A single door amidships on the right-hand side provided access to the main passenger compartment. At the back of the vehicle, the entire rear body panel could be removed by loosening the bolts around its edges. This allowed beds, appliances, and other bulky items to be installed or removed.
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Gmc M/l van model years
Common Gmc M/l van problems
Based on the complaints from owners of GMC Safari and Chevy Astro vans, several common problems have been identified:
- Starting Issues: Owners have reported difficulties starting their vans, with symptoms like multiple attempts needed to start, extended crank times, and occasional stalling. These issues could be related to problems with the ignition coil, fuel pump, fuel injector system, or sensors causing a lack of spark or fuel delivery.
- Stalling While Driving: Some owners have experienced their vans stalling while driving, which can be dangerous. This issue could be caused by various factors such as faulty sensors, ignition components, or fuel system problems leading to intermittent engine shutdowns.
- Electrical Problems: Complaints include issues with the electrical system, such as the van not starting intermittently, indicating potential problems with the ignition control module, wiring, or other electrical components affecting the starting process.
- Communication Errors with Scan Tools: In some cases, owners have faced challenges with the van not communicating with scan tools, which could be due to issues with sensors, the main computer, or specific components like the evap purge solenoid affecting data transmission.
- Transmission Problems: While not specific to the GMC Safari and Chevy Astro vans, transmission issues can also be common in vehicles. Problems like lack of transmission fluid, defective transmission control unit, or issues with solenoids, valve bodies, or clutches can lead to the van not moving in any gear.
- Engine Cranks but Won't Start: This issue can be attributed to various causes like faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or other components affecting the ignition or fuel delivery system, preventing the engine from starting properly.
- Dashboard Warning Lights: Understanding dashboard symbols is crucial for vehicle maintenance. Symbols like ABS light, glow plug, brake system, door ajar, washer fluid reminder, tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, battery/charging alert, and engine cooling system can provide important insights into potential issues that need attention.
By addressing these common problems reported by owners of GMC Safari and Chevy Astro vans, drivers can be better informed about potential issues they may encounter with their vehicles, enabling them to take proactive measures to maintain and repair their vans effectively.
What is the most common problems with GMC?
Top GMC Problems
- Heating and AC Temperature and Air Delivery Mode Door Actuators May Fail. ...
- Power Door Lock Actuators May Fail. ...
- Inside/Outside Door Handles May Break. ...
- AC Blower Inop Due to Failed Resistor. ...
- CD Player In Radio May Fail. ...
- Fuel Level Sensor Failure.
What years to avoid Sierra 3500?
Sierra 3500 Generations
The Sierra 3500 has 4 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 1st generation (1992–2006).
What does the M stand for in GMC?
LOW OR MANUAL
Your vehicle will also have a LOW (“L”) or MANUAL (“M”) gear setting. 5. To toggle between DRIVE and MANUAL or LOW (depending on the model), while in DRIVE, pull the shifter rearward to shift to “M” or “L.”
What are the best years for GMC Sierra?
As you can see, the GMC Sierra's reliability goes back to 2004 due to its stout engine and good crash test results. If you're looking for a heavy-duty pickup, the most reliable GMC Sierra 2500HD has high reliability for model years 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011, and 2010, all from JD Power's rankings.
Are you having problems with your Gmc M/l van?
