1997 Gmc Savana 1500 problems

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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).

1997 Gmc Savana 1500

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Common 1997 Gmc Savana 1500 problems

The GMC Savana 1500, produced in 1997, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

  • Tail Light Wiring in Cargo Area May be Damaged: This issue is common in the GMC Savana 1500, where the wiring in the cargo area can get damaged, leading to problems with the tail lights. This can be caused by various factors, including wear and tear, accidents, or improper installation of accessories. If left unaddressed, this issue can lead to safety concerns and potential electrical problems.
  • Delayed Starting Problem: This issue has been reported in the 2000 GMC Savana, where the engine may take longer than usual to start or may not start at all.
  • Excessive Oil Consumption: This issue has been reported in the Vortec engines used in the GMC Savana 1500, where the engine may consume more oil than usual. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn-out piston rings, cylinder walls, or valve guides. The excessive oil consumption can lead to increased maintenance costs and potential engine damage if left unaddressed.
  • Leaking Coolant from a Cracked Intake Manifold: This issue has been reported in the GMC Savana 1500, where the intake manifold can crack and leak coolant. This problem can be caused by various factors, including engine overheating, age, or manufacturing defects. The leaking coolant can lead to engine damage if left unaddressed.
  • Failed Steering Wheel Position Sensor: This issue has been reported in the GMC Savana 1500, where the steering wheel position sensor may fail, causing a service stability message to appear.
  • Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: This issue has been reported in the GMC Savana 1500, where the windshield wiper motor may fail, causing the wipers to stop working intermittently.
  • Broken Door Handles: This issue has been reported in the GMC Savana 1500, where the door handles may break, causing the door to not open or unlock properly.
  • Idling Problems: This issue has been reported in the GMC Savana 1500, where the engine may idle higher than normal or shut off when idling.
  • Abnormal Noise from the Front or Rear Differential: This issue has been reported in the GMC Savana 1500, where the differential may make abnormal noises, such as clunking, banging, or grinding.
  • Alternator Failure: This issue has been reported in the GMC Savana 1500, where the alternator may fail, causing the battery to die and potentially leading to electrical issues.

These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the GMC Savana 1500 based on complaints and issues. It is essential to address these issues promptly to avoid further damage and ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

1997 Gmc Savana 1500 engine

Are GMC Savana vans reliable?

The GMC Savana 2500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 11th out of 21 for commercial vans.

What is the life expectancy of a GMC Savana?

4. Longevity. If you keep up with the maintenance schedule of your Savana, it can last long term, whether you use it each day or a few times a week. The longevity of a GMC Savana is around 20 years at its maximum life span.

What engine is in a 1997 GMC Savana 3500?

Engine

Displacement5.7L/350
SAE Net Torque @ RPM330 @ 2800
Engine Oil CoolerYes
Engine TypeGas V8
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM250 @ 4600

How much does a 1997 GMC Savana weigh?

4,654 to 5,937 lbs1997 GMC Savana / Curb weight

Are GMC Savana vans reliable?

The GMC Savana 2500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 11th out of 21 for commercial vans.

What engine is in a 1997 GMC Savana 3500?

Engine

Displacement5.7L/350
SAE Net Torque @ RPM330 @ 2800
Engine Oil CoolerYes
Engine TypeGas V8
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM250 @ 4600

Why is my GMC Savana not turning over?

Correcting most no-start problems usually involves replacing the alternator, starter or battery, cleaning connections, ignition system repairs, or fuel system repairs. But because there are so many potential causes, the diagnosis is key to understanding how expensive the repair will be.

How old is the GMC Savana?

GMC Savana (1996–present)

Since 1996, GMC has marketed the GMC Savana as its version of the Chevrolet Express.

1997 Gmc Savana 1500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Savana 1500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Gmc Savana 1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Gmc Savana 1500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Gmc Savana 1500.

2008-03-03

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-08-15
  • VIN: 1GDFG15RXV1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC SAVANNA 1500. THE CONTACT SMELLED SUBTLE ODORS OF FUEL COMING FROM HIS VEHICLE. HE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO PINPOINT THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE ODORS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AT THIS TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Gmc Savana 1500 problems:

Q&A: Common Problems with 1997 GMC Savana 1500 & 3500 ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 1997 GMC Savana 1500 & 3500 ...
https://www.justanswer.com/gmc/5ziy2-gm-savana-1500-1997-gmc-savana-1500-5-7-vortec-engine.html

Dec 20, 2011 ... Sounds like a problem with idle air control valve or ignition switch..Moniter voltage at trans fuse on interior fuse panel to see if voltage ...

1997 GMC Savana 1500 Problems and Complaints - 15 Issues
1997 GMC Savana 1500 Problems and Complaints - 15 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1997-gmc-savana-1500/problems

Problem with your 1997 GMC Savana 1500? Our list of 15 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 GMC Savana 1500.

2000 GMC Savana 1500 5.7 4L60E, Crank, but no start. fuel pulses ...
2000 GMC Savana 1500 5.7 4L60E, Crank, but no start. fuel pulses ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/1028vlc/2000_gmc_savana_1500_57_4l60e_crank_but_no_start/

Jan 3, 2023 ... Also Chevy Express/GMC Savana's are known for ECM problems because of where they are located. So infact it's a common problem for ECM/PCM to be ...

GMC Savana 1500 Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
GMC Savana 1500 Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/gmc/savana-1500

Top GMC Savana 1500 Problems · Tail Light Wiring in Cargo Area May be Damaged · Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Stuck Fuel Injectors · Fuel Level Sensor ...

Chevy 1500 97 radio problem - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy ...
Chevy 1500 97 radio problem - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy ...
https://chevroletforum.com/forum/general-tech-10/chevy-1500-97-radio-problem-58239/

May 15, 2013 ... It seems this is a common problem where it still has power and functions but no sound. ... Tags 1500, 97 ... Chevy Express 1500, GMC Savana 1500 get ...

Other years of Gmc Savana 1500

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Savana 1500 1999
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1997 Gmc Savana 1500 photo