1997 Jimmy stalls - electrical problems

66ab · 04-11-2007, 10:39 PM

I have a 1997 GMC Jimmy 2 Door, 4WD with 95127 miles. W engine. I am having an electrical problem.

The basic problem is that the engine cuts off or will not start. The problem is intermittent.

At highway speeds, 55MPH +, it will occasionally attempt to stall. When this happens, the gauges will rapidly drop to zero and then move back to running position several times. Usually, the car will keep running. This seems to happen mostly when I am changing lanes.

If I am driving at slower speeds, the Jimmy will occasionally stall. Usually, I am in the process of making a turn when this happens. For example, it will stall after a stoplight, stop sign or I slow to turn.

On some days, the Jimmy is difficult to start. On these days, the radio will come on and the engine will crank, but it will not start.

When the ignition switch is turned and the voltmeter remains at 0V , the Jimmy will not start. If the voltmeter registers 14V, the Jimmy will start. If the voltmeter reads 0, I can generally turn the switch off and on until I get voltage. Once I have voltage, the Jimmy will start.

In the highway and slower speed stalling situations, the voltmeter also drops to zero when it is attempting to stall.

Outside temperature does not seem to make a difference with this problem.

Other information:

Battery connections are good.
Fuel pump replaced about six years ago.
Fuel filter and key cylinder replaced about six months ago.

That is about all I can remember. Thank you all in advance for your help.

DelCoch · 04-11-2007, 11:17 PM

The '97 has a problem with the ignition switch and ignition wiring harness going bad. Sounds like that's the problem.

DINO55 · 04-13-2007, 07:38 AM

DelCoch has hit it rite on the head, Next time it's in the crank but no start mode, turn the key to the on position and listen for the fuel pump whine, no whine means no start, You will also notice that the dash cluster will have no idiot light's lit up either....
You have a bad Ignition wireing harness on your 1997. It was a VERY common problem on the 97 model's. Replace that harness ASAP before it dies out in traffic and someone slam's into your truck.

66ab · 05-01-2007, 08:50 AM

Thank you everyone for your input. We have been trying to determine what has been causing this without much luck.

Is this a hard fix for a do-it-yourselfer? It has been a while since I crawled under a hood. My last hold-a-wrench experience was changing a water pump, timing belt, and injectors on a 1984 300ZX, but that was ten years ago.

Also, I assume that this procedure http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=287636 is all I need to know?

Again, I appreciate everyone's input.

Al

MT-2500 · 05-01-2007, 09:07 AM

As DINO55 and DelCoch said check that ign switch.
It is not the fixing that is hard but it needs proper testing before fixing.
Check it out first.
MT

66ab · 05-21-2007, 07:06 PM

Thanks everyone for the information. I swapped out the part over the weekend, and the Jimmy is back to running like normal.

rubster · 06-13-2007, 08:05 AM

I have stalling problems with the Jimmy as well. I had a major tune up with new wires and spark plugs and it still stalls. I replaced the Maf sensor and it didn't really make a difference. What do you think the problem is. I have brought it to two mechanics and they are baffled as well. Please help

MT-2500 · 06-13-2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubster

I have stalling problems with the Jimmy as well. I had a major tune up with new wires and spark plugs and it still stalls. I replaced the Maf sensor and it didn't really make a difference. What do you think the problem is. I have brought it to two mechanics and they are baffled as well. Please help

This post was started for help on 66ab's problem.
If this is a new problem on yours and you need help on it it is best to start a new thread and give us all of the info you can on it.
And someone will help you.
MT

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