GMC - Big Mystery (2000 Savana)

I recently purchased a used 2000 Savana with about 110 000 kms on it. I've thrown about 8 000 on since buying it, but recently while in the middle of a tour - the van started having a strange problem.

We started the van one morning, and began to drive away - and it started to shudder & buck - almost stalling - even with the pedal to the floor the engine continued to jerk. Even with my foot off the pedal the problem continued. After letting the van idle for about 10 mins - the problem seems to fix itself and the engine runs perfectly. Even after 5 hours of driving, when we pulled off to gas up at a rest stop...10 min break...when we started it and headed towards the exit ramp we had the same problem, and had to turn around and get the engine "warmed up"

I took the vehicle in for servicing, and of course they did all sorts of "tests and checks" and didn't find anything. Assured me that everything was fine. Well, i picked the van up after hours last night - same thing started happening right away.

If anyone has any idea as to what this could be - i would really appreciate it! I'm so annoyed !

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I recently purchased a used 2000 Savana with about 110 000 kms on it. I've thrown about 8 000 on since buying it, but recently while in the middle of a tour - the van started having a strange problem.

We started the van one morning, and began to drive away - and it started to shudder & buck - almost stalling - even with the pedal to the floor the engine continued to jerk. Even with my foot off the pedal the problem continued. After letting the van idle for about 10 mins - the problem seems to fix itself and the engine runs perfectly. Even after 5 hours of driving, when we pulled off to gas up at a rest stop...10 min break...when we started it and headed towards the exit ramp we had the same problem, and had to turn around and get the engine "warmed up"

I took the vehicle in for servicing, and of course they did all sorts of "tests and checks" and didn't find anything. Assured me that everything was fine. Well, i picked the van up after hours last night - same thing started happening right away.



If anyone has any idea as to what this could be - i would really appreciate it! I'm so annoyed !

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Unfortunately intermittant problems are difficult to diagnos unless the technician can duplicate the concern.
You don't metion a SES light while this problem occured..did the light come on? If what you are describing was a severe as you say it was, the PCM should have set a code.
There is a GM technical bulletin on moisture intrusion in the distibutor,
this may be something to look at.
Also, fuel pressure, a bad connection or ground could cause this concern.

Thanks so much for the response. There have been no warning lights at all with this problem. The people at the garage told me they got nothing when they ran the computer check. I bought the vehicle used from a subaru dealer - so that's where i took it for servicing. I'm planning on going to a GMC dealership in the morning. The really unique thing about this problem is it only seems to happen during the first 15 mins of operating the van. As soon as the engine has been warmed up by either idling or bucking and shaking around a parking lot - everything seems to fix itself and the van performs well at high and low speeds. I imagine that it'll only get worse though if i don't figure it out. Any further suggestions would be appreciated.

Is there any way for you to learn who the previous owner was? You may get good information from talking with that past owner as to what the problems now are. Somewhere on the internet is a web site that you can track that previous owner down. I think there is a $20 charge for that information but I have since lost that URL.

I just thought about this: The Department of Motor Vehicles in your state should be able to do a computer check to determine who the previous owners were of your vehicle. It would probably cost you a few dollars is all. If nothing else, contacting the last owner will give you the reason why they sold the car.

If it does all that and doesn't set the SES light, then it might be a Transmission problem. Just a thought.