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Common Problems, Issues, Recalls, and Reliability

  • ABS Light Due to Brake System Control Unit Failure

    The Anti-lock brake system (ABS) control unit may fail internally causing the ABS warning light to illuminate.

  • Internal Faults in Distributor Can Cause Engine Problems

    The distributor may develop internal faults. This can cause a rough running engine or stalling condition and the Check Engine Light may or may not illuminate. The distributor should be overhauled or replaced to correct this concern.

  • Replace Fuel Filter Every 30,000 to Prevent Fuel Pump Failure

    The fuel pump may fail causing the engine to stall and not restart. Our technicians recommend replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help prevent undue strain on the fuel pump.

  • Heater Core Under Right Side of Dashboard May Leak Engine Coolant

    The heater core under the right side of the dashboard may leak engine coolant which can puddle on the passenger front floor. The loss of coolant may cause an engine overheating condition. Our technicians tell us that removal of the dash board is necessary to replace the heater on these vehicles.

  • Transmission Output Seal May Leak and Mount Replacement

    A fluid leak may develop from the transmission output shaft seal. This leak may cause the transmission mount to become oil soaked and require replacement of the mount along with the leak repair.

  • Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue

    A loose or worn gas cap may cause check engine light to illuminate.

  • Serpentine Belt Tensioner May Fail

    The serpentine belt tensioner can fail; it may become noisy and/or the belt may jump off. Replacement of the failed tensioner will be necessary.

  • Door Locks Stop Working

    The power door locks may stop working in one or more doors due to a failed actuator. Replacement of the failed actuator should correct this concern.

  • Service transmission every 30,000 miles

    Our technicians highly recommend that the transmission is serviced every 30,000 miles to avoid problems and maintain optimal operating order.

  • Instrument Panel Lights Flickering and Exterior Lights Intermittent

    The headlight switch used on the GMC Sonoma is known to fail through normal operation. Since the headlight switch is also integrated into the interior lights, a malfunctioning switch can cause issues with interior lights as well.

    • Symptoms of a failed headlight switch include:
    • Headlights and taillights failing to turn on or off
    • Interior lights flicker, or fail to turn on or off
    • Gauge cluster lighting off or flickering with headlights on
    • Parking light malfunctions

    This issue is well known with General Motors Trucks and SUVs, and is solved by testing and, if needed, replacing the headlight/dimmer switch. Bad grounding wires at the tail-lights, and dirty/corroded tow package wires can also lead to some of these issues.

  • Flush cooling system every 60,000 miles

    GM recommends replacing the engine coolant at 100,000 miles; however, our technicians tell us that the coolant may become contaminated and require a complete cooling system flush every 60,000 to 70,000 miles.

  • Check Engine Light With Code P1870

    Vehicles equipped whit a 4 speed automatic transmission may develop a harsh 1-2 shift and/or illumination of the Check Engine Light with code P1870 stored. This can be caused by wear of the bore for the TCC isolator and regulator valves in the valve body. This condition does not commonly occur until the transmission reaches normal operating temperature. If the valve body is worn, replacement will be necessary to correct this concern.

  • Power Window Motors May Fail From Overheating

    A door window may move slowly or stop in mid travel due to a failing power window motor . The affected window may start working again after the motor cools off. Replacing the faulty window motor will commonly correct this concern.

  • Failed Wiper Motor Circuit Board May Cause Intermittent Wipers to Stop Working

    On vehicles with intermittent windshield wipers, the wiper motor circuit board may fail and cause the wipers to stop working at times. Replacing the circuit board should resolve the issue. Some vehicles were recalled for this problem and some were not. You will need to check with your local dealer to find out if a specific vehicle was included.

  • Electrical Contacts in the Ignition Switch May Fail

    The electrical contacts in the ignition switch may fail and result in erratic instrument panel gauge operation or illumination of the Check Engine Light . A failed ignition switch will require replacement.

  • Flush brake fluid every 60,000 miles

    Brake fluid can become dirty and may cause problems in the brake system ; it should be flushed every 60,000 miles.

1997 Questions and Answers

Related Questions

  • Gmc Sonoma 97 Sonoma Fuel Pump

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, MANUAL, 150, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump, not-working

    97 Sonoma 4.3L will not start. New fuel pump clicks but does not run for 2 seconds when I turn the key on. New fuel pump. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } ..

  • Gmc Sonoma Could My Vanity Mirror Be Draining My Battery Ive Put...

    1997 GMC SONOMA

    related to body, mirror

    Could my vanity mirror be draining my battery ive put a new starter and battery in it and checked my alternator @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Thursday,..

  • Gmc Sonoma Dysfunctional Wipers

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 215, 000 MILES

    related to body, wiper, not-working

    So I just got a new sound system installed in my vehicle and my windshield wipers do not work anymore. Is my power source insufficient? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:..

  • Gmc Sonoma Fuel Filter Location

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 150, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-filter, location

    Where is the fuel filter located on my truck listed above? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Friday, January 14th, 2011 AT 12:20 AM ..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma FUEL GUAGE

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4.3L, V6, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 110, 500 MILES

    related to interior, instrument-cluster, gauges, fuel-level

    I have a 1997 GMC Sonoma, and the fuel gauge most of the time reads fuel when I turn on the vehicle, it dose move down a little bit when is almost empty, and when the turn signals are on it moves..

  • Gmc Sonoma Fuel Pump Issues

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, MANUAL, 155, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump, not-working

    I have gone through about six fuel pumps in a short period of time. I put new fuel pump on and the truck cranks and runs fine. If you leave truck sit up overnight or a few days and try to crank it. ..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Service Engine Soon

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4.3L, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 148, 000 MILES

    related to warning-lights, check-engine-light

    I put a diagnostic computer to my truck. It says rich in bank 1. My truck sometimes stalls. But starts right back up. If im sittn at a stop in gear. It spuders when I give it gas. @media(max-wid..

  • Gmc Sonoma Squealing While Accelerating

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 500, 000 MILES

    related to general, noises, squeal

    From dead stop, in first its squeals, put it in second, squeals a bit, then its fine after all the way to 5th. No squeal in reverse either. Though it may be drive shaft, thought it may be break..

  • Gmc Sonoma My Truck Have No Spark And The Fuel Pump Dont Turn On...

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 129, 270 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump

    My truck have no spark and the fuel pump dont turn on. It have a new fuel pump, computer, module, coil and still no start. My dashboard lights and gauges dont turn on neither fuel pump. @medi..

  • Gmc Sonoma What Is Wrong With My Truck? Please Help Me!

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 200, 000 MILES

    related to ignition, no-spark

    After replacing the coil pack, spark plugs, wires and pcv valve, I now hear a 'clacking" noise on the intake manifold side. Truck is running rough, although has plenty of power and mileage is th..

  • Gmc Sonoma Brake Lights

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 150, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, brake-light, not-working

    I have power going in and coming out of the pedal switch. I have turn signals but no brake lights. I unplugged the harness under the hood and checked power there and none. I checked the ground on th..

  • Gmc Sonoma Brake Lights And Signal Lights Not Working At All

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4.2L, 6 CYL, 2WD, MANUAL, 202, 112 MILES

    related to exterior-light, turn-signal, not-working

    They were working 2 days ago and they just quit working. I have checked all the fuses in the fuse box inside the truck. They are the only ones that I seen and I don't have the cover for it so I di..

  • Gmc Sonoma Flooding Spark Plugs

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 2.2L, 4 CYL, 2WD, MANUAL, 197, 000 MILES

    related to ignition, spark-plug

    I have a Vic Sonoma that is flooding the spark plugs on cylinders one, three and four. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 3:5..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma P0147/P0300

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 155, 000 MILES

    related to trouble-codes, p-codes-powertrain, p0100-p0199, p0147

    I have a 1997 GMC Sonoma and I Have the following codes popup within the last month P0147 o2 sensor P0300 random misfire I have purchased new wires, plugs, o2 sensor, cap, rotor and fuel..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma 97 Sonoma. Key On. Fuel Injector Not...

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 124, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-injector, fuse

    When you turn your key to the on positioin but do not crank it over, a few things happen. Your fuel injector turns on, there are about 5 or 6 lights on your instrument panel that come on ( air ba..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Brake Light Fuse

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, MANUAL, 201, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, brake-light, fuse

    My stop/hazard fuse blows when I hit the barkes. But will not blow when I turn the hazard lights on. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Monday, October 12th..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Brake Lights

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 153, 199 MILES

    related to exterior-light, brake-light, not-working

    Brake lights, turn signal lights, emergency flashers quit working. Replaced signal flasher under dash, turn signals work. But emergency flashers or brake lights won't come on. @media(max-width: ..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Code P0171 But Only When Using 87...

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, MANUAL, 155, 000 MILES

    related to trouble-codes, p-codes-powertrain, p0100-p0199, p0171

    As the tittle says. I get a lean code P0171 but only if I use 87 octane. I verified this by filling the tank 3/4 of the way with 89 and ran it completely (almost of course) out and the CEL neve..

  • Gmc Sonoma FLASHERS

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 107, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, turn-signal, flasher, location

    Where are the flashers located behind glove box? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Monday, November 17th, 2008 AT 6:34 PM ..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Fuel Pressure Regulator

    1997 GMC SONOMA

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pressure-regulator

    Engine Performance problem 1997 GMC Sonoma 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual are they a vaccume line that hooks to the pressure regulator or is the whole intake the vacume @media(max-width: ..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Fuel Pump Intermittant?

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 214, 791 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump, replace-remove

    Hi, I have 97 Sonoma that I put a brand new fuel pump in about a year ago. Just today it seems to have started having problems again. When the vehicle is cold it fires right up. I can hear the p..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Hood Release Cable

    1997 GMC SONOMA

    related to body, hood, release

    Noises problem 1997 GMC Sonoma 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual how do I chanage the cable broke the rest is fine @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Sa..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Ignition Will Not Shut Off

    1997 GMC SONOMA

    related to exterior-light, running-light

    Electrical problem 1997 GMC Sonoma 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic turn key off while truck is running an you still have lights, still runs like you never took key out @media(max-widt..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 Gmc Sonoma Pickup Flasher

    1997 GMC SONOMA

    related to exterior-light, turn-signal, flasher, location

    I need to replace the turn signal flasher (the fuse is fine, the hazard lights still flash). The diagram from the GM parts desk does not provide enough detail to locate the unit in the engine compa..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Radiator Fan

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 135, 000 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, cooling-fan, stays-on

    Radiator fan cames on at engine start (even when cold) and stays on for several minutes then shuts off @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Friday, March 27th..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Radiator Pressure

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, MANUAL, 148, 000 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, radiator, leak

    I'm leaking coolant. From a visual inspection, it appears to be leaking from the radiator, not the hoses. I have rented a pressure test kit from a local parts store, but no one knows how much p..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Same Old Headlight Song!

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 11, 500 MILES

    related to exterior-light, headlight, relay

    It all started on a cross country trip, when my headlights no workie-workie, but DRL's and brights worked just dandy. So everybody got the high-beams for about 3mos. (I know, yeah, I'm that guy..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Slow Coolant Leak -- Head Gasket ??

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 130, 000 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, leak

    My truck has been doing this for over a year. Somedays it seams to idle high with my check engine light on but after I drive it a while it will go off. Its like when the exhaust clears out it is fin..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Steering Alignment

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, MANUAL, 160, 000 MILES

    related to steering, steering-wheel

    Simply question My steering wheel on my truck is not centered up properly. What do I need to do to center up the steering wheel? I recently purchased the truck and it appears to have been in an acci..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Volt Meter Doesn't Work, Truck Won't...

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 150, 000 MILES

    related to interior, instrument-cluster, not-working

    All power acc. Work, engine turns over but will not start. The volt meter doesn't budge. Fuel pump is working properly. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } ..

  • Gmc Sonoma 1997 GMC Sonoma Wipers

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 143, 000 MILES

    related to body, wiper, speed

    Windshield wipers work fine on intermitment, low and high speed for approx. 10-15 min. Then they stop and won't start again unless you turn wiper control on and off a few times and then they only wo..

  • Gmc Sonoma No Power On Pin 85 On Fuel Pump Relay

    1997 GMC SONOMA, 4.3L, V6, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 102, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump, relay

    When I turn the key I get no power on pin 85 in the fuel pump relay terminal. If I put power to pin 30 fuel pump works. Tried swapping out computer still no power. Checked fuse to ECM okay. @med..

1997 Maintenance and Repair