1997 Gmc Z-71 problems

General information about Gmc-Z-71
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.

The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram Pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.

History

The Silverado nameplate made its debut for the 1975 model year, becoming the top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks, slotted above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne. For the 1968 model year (seven years before the Silverado), GMC C/K trucks used variations of the Sierra name (Sierra, Sierra Classic, Sierra Grande, and High Sierra). Even after the C/K series officially ended, GM still uses the CK and the CC in their current model codes, to denote a two-wheel drive (CC), and four-wheel drive (CK).

For the 1988 GMT400 model architecture, Chevrolet retained the C/K model nomenclature, with GMC branding its full-size line as Sierras. While sharing the same body and chassis, the model chronology of the Silverado and Sierra are different, with five generations of the Sierra, while four of the Silverado.

In 2018, at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chevrolet unveiled the first medium-duty Silverado, expanding the model line to a 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD chassis cab. Largely the successor to the 2003–2009 GMT560 chassis, the medium-duty trucks are exclusive to Chevrolet, with no plans for an equivalent GMC version. Instead, Navistar International (now partnering with GM) would sell the medium-duty trucks as a rebadged counterpart, called the CV. This is in fact a very similar nod to how the Avalanche did not have a GMC Yukon–based equivalent, but instead, Cadillac would take its place as the former's rebadged counterpart, the Escalade EXT.

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Common 1997 Gmc Z-71 problems

The 1997 GMC Z-71 is known to have several common problems, based on complaints from owners. These issues range from transmission failure to wiper blade malfunctions and electrical problems.

One of the most severe issues reported by owners is transmission failure. This problem is ranked as the worst by frequency and severity, with an average cost to fix being unknown and an average mileage of 7,000 miles. This issue can cause significant inconvenience and expense for owners, as transmission replacement or repair is often costly.

Another common problem is wiper blades that stop working, especially on hot days. This issue can be frustrating for drivers, as it can impair visibility and make driving more difficult. The average cost to fix this problem is unknown, and the average mileage at which it occurs is 107,000 miles.

A third common problem is the gear shift not moving out of park. This issue can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous, as it can prevent drivers from moving their vehicles. The average cost to fix this problem is unknown, and the average mileage at which it occurs is 104,000 miles.

In addition to these issues, the 1997 GMC Z-71 is also known to have problems with the throttle sensor, which can cause the engine to act like it wants to stall when accelerating on hot days. This issue can be frustrating and potentially dangerous, as it can make it difficult to control the vehicle.

Furthermore, some owners have reported fuel-related problems, such as leaky injectors, spider lines, and fuel regulator issues. These problems can cause the engine to lug and ultimately die when the gas is pushed while running. Fuel pressure dropping to 0 within 3 minutes is a good sign that these issues may be present.

Finally, the 1997 GMC Z-71 is also known to have problems with the windshield wiper motor, which can cause the wipers to stop working intermittently due to a defective wiper motor. This issue can be frustrating for drivers, as it can impair visibility and make driving more difficult.

In summary, the 1997 GMC Z-71 is known to have several common problems, including transmission failure, wiper blade malfunctions, electrical problems, throttle sensor issues, and fuel-related problems. These issues can cause significant inconvenience and expense for owners, and may require costly repairs or replacement.

What makes a GMC a Z71?

The Z71 is a chassis package and is a designated off-road vehicle. Off-road vehicles tend to offer more flexibility, as they are effective in many terrains. Here are a few features you can expect from an all-terrain (off-road) vehicle: Off-road suspension with Rancho Shocks.

What year did GM use AFM?

2005

On April 8, 2003, General Motors announced this technology (now called Active Fuel Management) to be commercially available on 2005 GMC Envoy XL, Envoy XUV and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT using optional Vortec 5300 V8 engine.

What year is the NBS Chevy?

1999-2007 Chevy Silverado (GMT800)

Some enthusiasts call this Chevy truck generation "NBS," short for New Body Style. Shortly before the next generation (GMT900) was released for the 2007 model year, General Motors began selling outgoing GMT800 models under the name "Silverado Classic."

What's so special about Z71?

The Z71 package includes either 18- or 20-wheels with all-terrain tires, giving you surer footing on any path. A locking rear differential provides more power to the rear wheels so that you can get out of tough spots.

Is GMC better?

GMC vans and trucks came with improved suspension and transmission compared to Chevy trucks used more for daily commuting. To this day, GMC trucks still have stronger braking systems, transmission, wheel axles, and suspension compared to their Chevy counterparts.

Why is my Chevy truck losing power?

One of the primary reasons your Chevy truck may be losing power when accelerating is a dirty air filter. The air filter plays a crucial role in your vehicle's performance by ensuring a clean and steady air supply to the engine.

What does Chevy CK mean?

On Chevrolet vehicles, the C/K nomenclature returned from the previous generation; "C" denoted two-wheel-drive trucks while "K" denoted four-wheel-drive vehicles. While all GMC pickup trucks were now badged under a singular Sierra nameplate, GM still used C and K as internal model codes for both divisions.

What year did GMC start AFM?

1997 Gmc Z-71 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Z-71 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Steering problems
Visibility problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Gmc Z-71 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Gmc Z-71 complaints

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Gmc Z-71.

2010-05-01

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-04-25
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP BECAUSE OF BRAKE LINE FAILURE. BRAKELINE BUST BECAUSE IF RUST. HAD TO REPLACE BRAKELINE. *TR

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2005-05-25

STEERING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-11-30
VIN: 1GTEK19R7VE
Components: STEERING,VISIBILITY
Summary: DT: POWER STEERING VIOLENTLY WENT OUT OF CONTROL, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM, THE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK, THEY WERE NOT DEPENDABLE WHEN NEEDED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE DEFECTIVE. AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO FIXED THEM. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM IN THE 1997 YEAR VEHICLES. *AK

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2004-03-08

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-03-03
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: 1GTEK19R3VE
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: A VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON THE ROADWAY WAITING FOR A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, I SAW THE TWO STOPPED VEHICLES AND WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKES ON MY 1997 GMC TRUCK FROM ABOUT 200+ FEET AWAY, THE BRAKE PEDAL JUST BECAME ROCK HARD AND TRUCK DIDN'T SLOW DOWN OR BRAKE CAUSING ME TO HIT THE STOPPED VEHICLE. NO TYPICAL ANTI LOCK PULSATIONS WERE PRESENT OR FELT JUST A ROCK HARD PEDAL THAT COULDN'T BE PUSHED DOWN FURTHER NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED. THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO SKIP OR SKID TYPE MARKS ANYWHERE. I HAVE SINCE BEEN CITED WITH FOLLOWING TO CLOSE BY AN OFFICER NOT PRESENT DURING THE ACCIDENT, SINCE I COULDN'T STOP. I WISH TO REPORT THIS AND ALSO KNOW IF OTHER COMPLAINTS EXIST OF THIS NATURE FOR SIMILAR VEHICLES. I HAD OTHER PULSATIONS AND SIMILAR HARD PEDAL AND THIS WAS SUPOSEDLY REPAIRED BY REPLACING SPEED SENSOR AND MASTERCYLINDER AY APPROX 56000. AFTER STILL FEELING UNUSUAL BRAKE PEDAL PULSATIONS I WAS TOLD IT IS A CONDITION THAT MAY INTERMITENTLY EXIST AND IS NORMAL. 1997 GMC TRUCK VIN # [XXX]. *AK UPDATED 07/26/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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2003-02-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
VIN: 2GTEK19R6V1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK FROM THE MANIFOLD.*JB

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2002-12-20

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-12-17
VIN: 2GTEK19R7V1
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART UNTIL 15-30 MIN LATER. DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK INTO THE FUEL PUMP HAS COMPLETELY MELTED INSULATION CAUSING THE WIRE TO SPLIT. ALSO THE PLUG ON BOTH SIDES MELTED ALONG WITH THE WIRING IN TANK. TS

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2000-08-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-08-25
VIN: 2GPEK19R1V1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
Summary: ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THEY GRAB, THEN SLIP, AND PEDAL JERKS DOWN. CONSUMER HAS A SITUATION OF NOT BEING IN CONTROL. THIS HAPPENS AT SLOW SPEED. IT APPEARS THAT TRUCK WILL STOP IN PLENTY OF TIME, BUT DOES NOT. TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM. RIGHT HUB WAS REPLACED. *AK THE LEFT HUB REQUIRED REPLACING FRONT BRAKE. ABS SENSOR FAILED IN WHEEL HUB. *YH

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2000-08-09

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 2GTEK19R8V1
Components: STEERING
Summary: STEERING SENSOR WENT OUT. VEHICLE'S STEERING DOES NOT RESPOND. CAN DO IT ANYWHERE ANYTIME WHEN MAKING TURNS. SEEMS TO BE MOST PREVALENT WHEN WEATHER IS HOT. DEALER REPLACED THE 1ST TIME AT NO COST. SAID THEY HAD REPLACED SEVERAL ALREADY. NEW COMPONENT IS NOW DOING THE SAME THING JUST NOT AS BAD YET. WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN OR COME OUT OF A TURN STEERING WHEEL MAY HAVE UP TO 1/2 A WHEEL OF TURN WITH NO RESPONSE. I KNOW THIS HAS OCCURRED ON OTHER VEHICLES. MY BROTHER IN-LAW HAS A SUBURBAN AND HIS DID THE SAME. THE POTENTIAL IS THERE FOR SERIOUS ACCIDENTS.

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2000-07-26

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 2GTEK19R7V1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHEN BRAKING VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. DEALERSHIP IS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUCK. ALSO, BRAKES PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES IN TWO YEARS AND NINE MONTHS/ CALIPERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND REBUILT TWICE/ DRIVER'S SIDE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THREE MONTHS, AND PASSENGER'S SIDE ROTORS WERE REPLACED ONCE. IN ADDITION, BRAKE HOSES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE. OWNER IS STILL EXPERIENCING BRAKE PROBLEMS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Gmc Z-71 problems:

2004 GMC Sierra common problems | Great Lakes 4x4. The largest ...

https://www.greatlakes4x4.com/threads/2004-gmc-sierra-common-problems.245057/

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New (to me) 97' Silverado z71 with unknown problem | Chevy ...

https://www.silveradosierra.com/threads/new-to-me-97%E2%80%99-silverado-z71-with-unknown-problem.747911/

Jul 20, 2022 ... Hello I recently purchased my dream truck, a 1997 Chevy Silverado z71. The guy I bought it from tuned it up. He replaced all the electrical, ...

1997 Chevy 1500 problems - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy Enthusiasts ...

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/silverado-fullsize-pick-ups-21/1997-chevy-1500-problems-58255/

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