1997 Gmc Savana 3500 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 Gmc Savana 3500 problems
The 1997 GMC Savana 3500 is known for several common problems, primarily related to its fuel system and ignition.
- No Start Caused by Failed Fuel Pump
The most common issue with the 1997 GMC Savana 3500 is a no-start condition caused by a failed fuel pump. This problem can be identified by a lack of fuel pressure in the fuel system, which can be checked using a fuel pressure gauge. If the fuel pump is indeed the culprit, it will need to be replaced.
- Hard Starting in the Morning
Another common problem with the 1997 GMC Savana 3500 is hard starting in the morning, particularly after the vehicle has been parked for several hours. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a leak in the fuel system, a faulty check valve in the fuel pump, a leaking fuel injector, or a bad fuel pressure regulator.
- Ignition System Issues
Ignition system issues, such as faulty spark plugs or distributor cap, can also cause hard starting in the 1997 GMC Savana 3500. These problems can be diagnosed using a spark tester and can be resolved by replacing the faulty components.
- Loose Parts Under the Hood
Some owners of the 1997 GMC Savana 3500 have reported issues with loose parts under the hood, particularly after long road trips or driving on rough terrain. These issues can be resolved by inspecting the engine compartment and tightening any loose components.
- Fuel Injection Cleaner
In some cases, running fuel injection cleaner can help resolve hard starting issues in the 1997 GMC Savana 3500. This can be done by adding a fuel injection cleaner to the fuel tank and driving the vehicle for several miles.
- Spider Sensor
In some cases, hard starting issues in the 1997 GMC Savana 3500 can be caused by a faulty spider sensor, which is responsible for sending signals to all the cylinders in the engine. If this is the case, the spider sensor will need to be replaced.
- Relays
Checking the relays on the 1997 GMC Savana 3500 can also help diagnose hard starting issues. If a relay is faulty, it can prevent the fuel pump or ignition system from functioning properly.
- Flexible Hose or Faulty Check Valve
A leak in the flexible hose or a faulty check valve in the fuel pump can cause hard starting issues in the 1997 GMC Savana 3500. These issues can be diagnosed using a fuel pressure gauge and can be resolved by replacing the faulty components.
- Leaking Fuel Injector
A leaking fuel injector can also cause hard starting issues in the 1997 GMC Savana 3500. These issues can be diagnosed using a fuel pressure gauge and can be resolved by replacing the faulty fuel injector.
- Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator
A bad fuel pressure regulator can also cause hard starting issues in the 1997 GMC Savana 3500. These issues can be diagnosed using a fuel pressure gauge and can be resolved by replacing the faulty fuel pressure regulator.
In summary, the 1997 GMC Savana 3500 is known for several common problems, primarily related to its fuel system and ignition. These issues can be resolved by replacing faulty components, tightening loose parts under the hood, and using fuel injection cleaner. It is important to diagnose the specific issue causing the problem in order to resolve it effectively.
What engine is in a 1997 GMC Savana 3500?
Engine
| Displacement | 5.7L/350 |
|---|---|
| SAE Net Torque @ RPM | 330 @ 2800 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | Yes |
| Engine Type | Gas V8 |
| SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM | 250 @ 4600 |
How many miles per gallon does a 1997 GMC Savana 3500 get?
Mileage: About 13 miles per gallon (31-gallon tank, estimated 393-mile range on usable volume of regular unleaded), carrying up to five occupants, running mostly highway with light cargo.
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.
How many miles per gallon does a GMC Savana 3500 get?
Find and Compare Cars
| 2016 GMC Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 8 cyl, 6.0 L, Automatic 6-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 12 combined city/highway MPG 11 city 16 highway 8.3 gals/100 miles |
What engine is in a 1997 GMC Savana 3500?
Engine
| Displacement | 5.7L/350 |
|---|---|
| SAE Net Torque @ RPM | 330 @ 2800 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | Yes |
| Engine Type | Gas V8 |
| SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM | 250 @ 4600 |
What is the life expectancy of a GMC Savana 3500?
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.
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.
How many miles per gallon does a 1997 GMC Savana 3500 get?
Mileage: About 13 miles per gallon (31-gallon tank, estimated 393-mile range on usable volume of regular unleaded), carrying up to five occupants, running mostly highway with light cargo.
1997 Gmc Savana 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Savana 3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Gmc Savana 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Gmc Savana 3500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Gmc Savana 3500.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1GTHG35RXV1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS SEATED ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT OF MY VEHICLE DOING PAPERWORK WHEN MY PASSENGER AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED CAUSING ME TO SUFFER BURNS AND CONTUSIONS TO MY LEGS AND GROIN REGIONS AND INJURIES TO MY HANDS, NECK, BACK AND SHOULDERS. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-30
- VIN: 1GTHG35R8V1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC SAVANA 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED WITH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING WITHOUT A CRASH OCCURRING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 145,000. UPDATED 07/15/08.*LJ UPDATED 07/15/08
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Gmc Savana 3500 problems:
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