1997 GMC Jimmy Consumer Discussions

GMC Jimmy Electrical System

• What do I need to look for or fix? Ignition on - everything goes dead

  Written by: lightman13 on Feb 3, 2012 7:25:05 AM

  I just took my 1997 GMC Jimmy 2WD/4D in for an electrical check less than a week now for the following problem and the mechanic could find nothing wrong. 1. I go to start vehicle by inserting key in ignition cylinder 2. All Dash lights and gauges working 3. As soon as I put the key in the start position, all power goes completely dead. 4. Battery checked out good and ... Read More

GMC Jimmy Starting and Stalling Problems

• Please HELP!!!!!! 97 Jimmy

  Written by: lexram on Jan 10, 2012 11:49:07 PM

  Just bought a 1997 GMC JImmy truck and it died on me twice. I got it jumped and went straight to autozone to get it charged then I waited 1 hour for them to charge it, came back and they said battery was good. I put the battery back in and my alarm went off. I disarmed it got in my car turned the key and it just clicked. I went ... Read More

GMC Jimmy 4WD Problems

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy 4x4 no vacuum to actuator. [zorad1000]

  Written by: zorad1000 on Dec 15, 2011 4:22:43 PM

  I was right. The new switch that I put in saturday was either defective or wrong. I just put in a new OEM switch and the 4wd works perfectly now. Apparently there are two different transfer cases mine is a 233-c I don't know the number of the other case. The part no. for the OEM switch is 89059420 . I will return the defective switch tomorrow for a refund. I ... Read More

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy 4x4 no vacuum to actuator. [zorad1000]

  Written by: kingstonsman53 on Dec 13, 2011 5:27:18 PM

  I fixed mine by changing the encoder motor on the transfer case. It sounded like it was going in but it didnt work sometimes, Hope you get yours fixed soon four wheel drive season is upon us

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy 4x4 no vacuum to actuator. [zorad1000]

  Written by: zorad1000 on Dec 12, 2011 5:13:44 PM

  I checked the front axle switch, it seems ok. although there is 12 volts at the switch conector. I was expecting 5 volts... I took the new vacuum switch out of the transfer case again and pushed the ball in by hand and rotated the front drive shaft with the engine running and the front wheels turned, so the actuater, cable and axle are ok. I removed the transfer case shift ... Read More

• 1997 GMC Jimmy 4x4 no vacuum to actuator.

  Written by: zorad1000 on Dec 10, 2011 6:48:24 PM

  I have a 1997 jimmy 4x4 won't engage, front axle does not lock. Thanks to this forum I have found several problems and fixed them. The vac. switch was stuck. I replaced it. The actuator was torn. I replaced it. The dash switch seems to be working fine because the TC does shift and the front driveshaft turns. It also shifts into 4lo. I have removed the vac. switch and pushed ... Read More

Chevy Blazer GMC Jimmy Electrical Problems

• Re: Timing a 99 gmc jimmy with aftermarket performance distributor [cwangs1]

  Written by: cardoc50 on Mar 29, 2010 10:34:26 AM

  I can only assume you have the 4.3HO obdII engine.If so,I had been looking for high energy ignition parts in Summit racing and Jeggs also. I could not find what I was looking for because the factory distributor only has a camshaft position sensor in it. As for timing, there are two crankshaft position sensors one on each side of the harmonic balancer.Of course these 3 sensors tell the ECM when ... Read More

GMC Jimmy- Door Problem & Need Interior Tray

• 1997 GMC Jimmy- Door Problem & Need Interior Tray

  Written by: static09 on Dec 22, 2009 12:52:17 AM

  My passenger door won't stay closed. I found out that the little black piece in the door that catches on the body to keep the door closed has popped out. I can get one from a junkyard, but I was wondering if I can get it out and then put it in mine by removing the 3 star or hex bolts on the edge of the door? I assume it is ... Read More

Chevy Blazer GMC Jimmy Maintenance and Repair

• Re: strong mildew smell in 1997 GMC Jimmy [lyndsayt]

  Written by: jlflemmons on Dec 18, 2009 4:38:59 PM

  Not a filter, the evaporator core drain is plugged. Water collects where it shouldn't and you get mildew. Easy way to tell is on a warm humid day, turn on the ac and see if you get any dripping under the car. Fairly common problem, the drain just needs to be cleaned. I know it is behind and below the dryer (that big silver thing by the firewall) but I can't ... Read More

• Re: strong mildew smell in 1997 GMC Jimmy [lyndsayt]

  Written by: skiextreme2 on Dec 18, 2009 5:51:15 AM

  Not sure of the exact name or part number, but could it be the filter for the fresh air system? I have heard of this before, but my manual does not show where that filter is and I would like to know also.

• strong mildew smell in 1997 GMC Jimmy

  Written by: lyndsayt on Dec 18, 2009 5:08:52 AM

  I have a 1997 GMC Jimmy. The minute you get in it smells like a wet gym bag. It is nothing I have put in the vehicle or left on the carpet. I was told by a repair man that worked on it and commented that the mildew smell is from a part that needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, I forgot what it was. He said it is a very common ... Read More

Chevy Blazer GMC Jimmy Electrical Problems

• Re: Underhood fuse box on 97 Jimmy [slarra]

  Written by: cardoc50 on Nov 15, 2009 5:17:37 PM

  I also have a 1997 GMC Jimmy SLE. There is no fuse or relay box under the hood of mine either. There is a big black box under the hood on the right side.It is your PCM (powertrain control module) or computer is what some call it. On the firewall behind the engine there are three relays.All three of these are for the airconditioner unit.The box on top of the left ... Read More

• Underhood fuse box on 97 Jimmy

  Written by: slarra on Nov 15, 2009 4:25:08 PM

  I must be an idiot because I cannot find the underhood fuse/relay box on my 1997 GMC Jimmy SLE. There are posts on this forum that refer to it for that model year, and my Chiltons has a picture showing a big, black plastic box sitting atop the driver's side fender. But I don't see that on my Jimmy! Where should I be looking?

• Re: 97 blazer fuse block 1/2 power [retsdog]

  Written by: cardoc50 on Oct 25, 2009 3:07:01 PM

  Restdog, I am sure your altinator is bad. The same thing happened to me with my 1997 Grand Prix and olso my 1997 GMC Jimmy,which is the same as your Blazer.Go have the altinator tested at a auto parts store and you'll know for sure. Where I live a rebuilt altinator is $150 bucks.If it is the altinator, get a new one at the parts store. It costs a little bit ... Read More

GMC Jimmy Electrical System

• 1997 Jimmy wiring diagram source

  Written by: mrtbob on Sep 19, 2009 1:34:53 PM

  I have a 1997 GMC Jimmy 2WD 4.3L engine that I need a wiring diagram for. I bought a Haynes repair manual , but it doesn't seem to come close to covering my vehicles wiring. My jimmy had a fire under it at some point in its past and melted a large switch assy on the side of my tranny. It seems to select lights (reverse etc) among other things, but ... Read More

Chevy Blazer GMC Jimmy Electrical Problems

• Re: 1999 GMC Jimmy Electrical Problems [tberg765]

  Written by: cardoc50 on Jun 22, 2009 2:01:39 PM

  The electrical problems you describe on your Jimmy sound like a(or more) wires shorting to ground. I think you should take it to a reputable repair shop.Preferrably a Chevrolet or GMC dealer. Ask around and find a good one. The part about it getting worse when you hit bumps almost assures me that something is shorting out.Did you buy it from a dealer or independant person? Can you contact the person ... Read More

Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy

• Re: 1997 Blazer Wiper question [imatoolman]

  Written by: gprixowner on Apr 9, 2009 7:53:53 PM

  hi there, I am the not so happy owner of a gmc jimmy 97, I was having plenty of trouble with the truck's front wipers, I took the little motor out, disassembled it and inspected all the parts. I found that the wire harness attaches to a socket on the control module, for some reason, either be vibrations or movement when you do something close by; the solder on the module's ... Read More

Chevy Blazer GMC Jimmy Electrical Problems

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy- #2 fuse blown [do_it_myself]

  Written by: jlflemmons on Aug 8, 2008 9:11:33 AM

  You're welcome, glad I could help. Jim

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy- #2 fuse blown [jlflemmons]

  Written by: do_it_myself on Aug 7, 2008 7:33:38 PM

  JLFLEMMONS, thank you, you are the friggin' man! I read the first sentence of your reply and knew that had to be it! I never gave it a thought, but earlier today I replaced my lighter with this lighter I bought that has a die (rolling dice) on the end of it. I took the lighter out, replaced the fuse and BAM! Everything works! I never thought it could be that ... Read More

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy- #2 fuse blown [do_it_myself]

  Written by: jlflemmons on Aug 7, 2008 6:50:54 PM

  Pull the lighter from the cig and see if that clears the short. May be the lighter is shorted. To blow a 20 amp on contact, you have a hard short. Shouldn't be too hard to find. Look at the wiring around the lighter, and under the dash for any cuts, jumpers, modifications, that sort of thing. Did the car have a custom audio system that was removed before selling? Or ... Read More

• 1997 GMC Jimmy- #2 fuse blown

  Written by: do_it_myself on Aug 7, 2008 2:40:41 PM

  I'm pumped, just bought a 97' Jimmy yesterday. Very, very well kept. Just 71k mi. Went to open rear hatch earlier today (worked fine yesterday) with the key remote and it wouldn't open. So, I used the button on the dash to open it, it wouldn't open. I tried the key, wouldn't open. I finally checked the fuse (# 2- 20amp) and it was blown. (also controls lighter, horn, etc.) I ... Read More

GMC Jimmy Squeaks, Rattles and Noises

• Werid Squeaking Noise at Low Speed

  Written by: trackmastaflex on Apr 19, 2008 4:56:20 PM

  Hi all, I'm trying to diagnose a weird noise that my 1997 GMC Jimmy w/ 90K miles is making and would appreciate input. My car makes a cyclic squeaking noise similar to high pitch metallic scraping noise (I'm not sure yet if it's metallic scraping) at low speed below 15mph. The noise is there during acceleration/deceleration/coasting while the car is in gear. The noise is only made while the car is ... Read More

GMC Jimmy Transmission Problems

• 1997 GMC Transmission Problems

  Written by: randomhero on Mar 10, 2008 11:45:54 AM

  Like so many other people on this board, I am having transmission problems with my Jimmy. I have searched high and low to find the culprit to what is going on... Mine is a 1997 Jimmy 4x4. When it is cold outside, the transmission shift hard from 1-2 and takes quite awhile (as well as a low speed) to shift from 2-3-4. The RPM needle shakes violently back and forth thus ... Read More

Chevy Blazer GMC Jimmy Maintenance and Repair

• no power to cab

  Written by: swoodruff on Dec 7, 2007 12:15:44 PM

  I recently replaced the heads on my 1997 gmc jimmy 4.3 I have no power to the cab I have power from the battery is there a fusable link that could go out I read of someone who had the same problem after replacing engine I would appreciate some help, thanks Stan

GMC Jimmy Electrical System

• no power

  Written by: swoodruff on Dec 6, 2007 12:12:46 PM

  I just recently replaced the heads on my 1997 GMC jimmy hooked up everything I get power from the battery to starter and I have power to the fusible link by rt side fender I have absolutley no power to anything horn ignition ect. anybody have any ansers to this problem I would appreciate it Thanks Stan

GMC Jimmy 4WD Problems

• 1997 GMC Jimmy 4WD Hi/Lo buttons won't push in

  Written by: cacyrc on Oct 23, 2007 9:47:37 AM

  We got a part (4wd switch) from an auto salvage yard because we thought it would fix the issue of the buttons being stuck. When we connect the part you can push the 4wd buttons in but now they do not light up as they used to. We are guessing that we just got another bad part. We also checked the fuses and they are fine. Does this sound like the ... Read More

Chevy Blazer GMC Jimmy Electrical Problems

• Re: 1997 Chevy Blazer dome lights staying on..... [gfr214]

  Written by: ealvarez on Mar 21, 2007 2:37:11 PM

  I had the same problem on My GMC Jimmy and turn out to be the rear door switches. They have and adjustment if they are too much inside they wont touch the door and the light will stay on. Try pulling the inner part of the switch out with a set of pliers and adjust to the right distance...Good luck.

GMC Jimmy Chevy Envoy Fuel Gauge Problem

• Re: Faulty part [jonnyring]

  Written by: adjuster1 on Jun 12, 2007 11:41:23 AM

  Okay, how do you replace the fuel sending sensor? I have had this problem on our 1997 Chev Blazer, 1998 GMC Jimmy and our 2000 GMC Envoy. Each time we have a transmission worked on, it screws up the gauge. I spent $400 + to repair the Blazer and will not do that again. No we just check th odometer and get a fill up every 200 miles. It would be ... Read More

GMC Jimmy Differential Problems

• Re: 1997 Front Differension Switch on Jimmy [tidester]

  Written by: jacki30 on Jan 31, 2007 11:01:30 AM

  I was told the 1997 GMC Jimmy Front Differential Switch. Not sure if it is also the "selector" switch....

GMC Jimmy transfer case encoder motor install 97

• GMC Jimmy transfer case encoder motor install 97

  Written by: rrrccc01 on Dec 30, 2006 9:04:58 PM

  Greetings,Greetings, I am about to replace the transfer case encoder motor on my 1998 GMC Jimmy NP1. I have the typical engage 4x4 problem: I disconnect TCCM or unplug battery for a few minutes, turn on/off the ignition 5 times and then works for a little while and then no more. I have replaced the vacuum actuator (new) front axle coupler sensor (new) TCCM (junk yard) dash switch (junk yard) in ... Read More

GMC Jimmy 4WD Problems

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy 4wd engage problems [j2ther]

  Written by: repairdog on Nov 29, 2006 3:17:06 AM

  You should have a 233 transfer case, 3 button so this is based on that. There is a vac line that runs down to the drivers side of the transfer case to a vac switch that controls the front axle actuator. Its a $15 part that I would say is the most common problem with all 92up 233 cases. Its a 3 port vac switch Motormite/Dorman #49315 and I just did ... Read More

• 1997 GMC Jimmy 4wd engage problems

  Written by: j2ther on Nov 28, 2006 3:54:42 PM

  I have been messing with my car to get it into 4wd. it will not engage, in the past the 4hi light has blinked and i would have to unplug the battery for a minute and plug back in and then the 4wd would work for about 3-5 switches from 2hi to 4hi. but lately, the past 24 hours of trying to switch into 4hi and even 4lo the lights will ... Read More

• 1997 GMC Jimmy 4x4

  Written by: preacher4jsus on Nov 10, 2006 9:02:34 PM

  4-wheel drive not working. Replaced switch,but will not engage into either 4-hi or 4-low. Anyone have any input as to what the problem could be?

GMC Jimmy Climate Control Problems

• Re: 1997 Gmc Jimmy AC Problem [georgetown]

  Written by: repairdog on Sep 25, 2006 3:07:38 PM

  Take it an AC shop and have them look at the R134 level, could be low, the pressure switch bad, or a loose connector. Not easy without AC gauges to find. If 97 and over 80-90k miles the compressors blow the front seals, another GM quality part so get a NEW compressor, not rebuilt or it will die within a year.

• 1997 Gmc Jimmy AC Problem

  Written by: georgetown on Sep 25, 2006 10:25:30 AM

  I have a problem with my Jimmy. When I turn on my ac the ac compressor turns on but there is no air coming out of the vents. Sometimes the air will blow for the first 3 minutes when I turn on the ac but it will always turn back off and I can still here the compressor on. Anybody heard of this before?

Chevy Blazer GMC Jimmy Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 97 Jimmy - No speedo, won't shift, ABS light [repairdog]

  Written by: pro1600 on Aug 4, 2006 9:44:23 PM

  Repairdog - I'm taking your advice to replace the ignition module first. I searched all posts & the web, but couldn't find instructions or pics on the replacement process. I have the column exposed but I can't figure out which component is the ignition module. I bought a new module from Autozone, but I don't see anything like it anywhere around the steering column or under dash area. On my vehicle, ... Read More

• 97 Jimmy - No speedo, won't shift, ABS light

  Written by: pro1600 on Aug 1, 2006 8:47:08 PM

  Freaky thing. 1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4WD 130K was running fine. Parked for 5 days and then encountered this problem. Starts fine. Idles fine. No warning lights. Put in Drive and get about a hundred feet but won't shift thru the gears (stuck in 2nd?), speedometer not working and the ABS light comes on. Turn the car off. No warning lights and the process repeats. Could this be a problem with ... Read More

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy AC problems [bntappleby]

  Written by: repairdog on Jun 22, 2006 3:15:02 AM

  The selector on the dash goes to a vacuum operated driver that moves a door in the heater box so would look behind the glove box and see if the vac lines are connected to it and then a few metal rods move and could be stuck or disconnected. Models differ and some use a cable not vac and climate control ones (temps marked on selector and auto settings) also have ... Read More

• 1997 GMC Jimmy AC problems

  Written by: bntappleby on Jun 21, 2006 10:38:55 AM

  My Jimmy's AC blows only through the defrost vents. Can anyone help me figure out what is wrong? Thanks!

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy AC problems [bntappleby]

  Written by: repairdog on Jun 26, 2006 4:11:39 AM

  Just saw some info on the defrost problem - if the controls have lost vacuum they default to defrost so look under your hood on the drivers side and see if the vac hose 5/32" is rotted/broken. It feeds off the intake to a T and to a reservior in the fender and I have had to replace all these lines on my newer models also. You can get your hand ... Read More

• Re: 1997 GMC Jimmy - Multiple failures with ABS [kimm1]

  Written by: repairdog on Apr 4, 2006 6:55:15 AM

  Blazers do have their own personality! There are ABS sensors in the front hubs that have had a few problems and there is a bulletin out on "ABS activation at low speed (Clean wheel speed sensor mounting surface) for 95-03 Blazers #02-05-25-006 that I looked at - maybe your problem. Also there are vehicle speed sensors (VSS)on the transfer case for the rear wheels that can also go bad. Under vehicle ... Read More

• 1997 GMC Jimmy - Multiple failures with ABS

  Written by: kimm1 on Apr 4, 2006 5:18:56 AM

  For the third time in 6 years, the ABS in my 1997 GMC Jimmy has failed! Past symptoms: The system activates itself & the car starts braking while I'm accelerating. The speedometer goes to zero & the transmission goes into neutral. Past repairs: ABS Chip & Sensors (2003) & Ignition Switch (2005). Today, it will have be towed to the dealership because I can't get it out of park unless I ... Read More

• Dead 1997 S15 Mechanic lost too Help!

  Written by: rccrazybill on Dec 6, 2005 4:12:52 PM

  I have a beautiful 1997 Gmc Jimmy which i have had for 7 years .The problem is it does not start at all. For the past few weeks as it was getting colder here it was taking longer and longer to turn over , but now it cranks and cranks until the battery goes dead. I put a new fuel pump in about a year ago and you can hear it ... Read More

• humming sound

  Written by: rich25 on Mar 8, 2005 4:48:38 PM

  I am hearing a humming sound on my 1997 jimmy GMC and it seems that the sound is coming from under the vehicle, but i'm not quite sure if it is from the engine because you can hear it loudly when you listen to the under the vehicle near the rear tires. The sound happens all the time when the engine is on/idling or the car is running. Has anyone have ... Read More

• recall info

  Written by: spoom on Aug 9, 2003 2:09:22 PM

  a while back in this thread there was discussion about driver door fires from the lock/window/mirror assy. I see that it finally went to the recall stage so if you haven't had the update here is the info: General Motors Corporation Models: Chevrolet Blazer Year: 1997 GMC Jimmy Year: 1997 Chevrolet Astro Year: 1998 GMC Safari Year: 1998 Chevrolet C/K Series Year: 1998 GMC C/K Series Year: 1998 Chevrolet Suburban Year: ... Read More

• 1996 GMC Jimmy SLE

  Written by: chomz78 on Jul 9, 2002 7:54:47 AM

  I realize that this is the forum for problems, and it becomes depressing. I've owned this truck since 1997. I've put on 85000 miles since then, for a total of 106000 miles. THe truck runs as nicely and as smoothly as it did in 1997. It did need a timing arm for the engine belt, and ball-joint (common problem under warranty). I've had minor problems with the Thermostat ( no heat ... Read More

• Ball Joint Recall for abc246

  Written by: poisondartfrog on Feb 4, 2002 9:04:17 PM

  NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 01I018000 Component: SUSPENSION:INDEPENDENT FRONT CONTROL ARM UPPER:BALL JOINT Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Year: 1997 Make: CHEVROLET TRUCK Model: BLAZER Recall Date: 01/07/2002 Type of Report: Vehicle Potential Number of Units Affected: Manufactured: / - / Defect Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1996-1997 4-WHEEL DRIVE CHEVROLET BLAZER, ... Read More

Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy

• 1997 GMC Jimmy - Fuel Injector Problems

  Written by: apprteach on Jun 5, 2001 12:22:02 PM

  I have just paid $1300.00 for the replacement of the fuel injector assembly and fuel injectors on my 1997 4-wheel drive Jimmy. The truck only has 85,000 miles, and has been well cared for. Has anyone else had this problem and did I get took on the price?