97 Bravada- various problems

[jess4876]

My 97 Bravada has a few problems I will describe in hopes of getting some ideas for repairing them. There is only one dealership in our area that will do work on Olds, and I suspect they are grossly overcharging.

Our AC quit working last summer. Dealership said the compressor needs to be replaced, and quoted $900. The belts aren't locked up, so I don't think the entire compressor needs to be replaced. Think it's only a component of the AC that needs to be replaced. Tried recharging the AC, and it's full. Any ideas?

Our back windshield wiper quit working. The motor for the wiper makes a humming noise, but wiper doesn't move.

The drivers seat controls- lumbar, positioning, etc- quit working.

The power locks do really odd things. Works fine when only one person, driver, is in the car. When a passenger is in the car, power locks don't work, so you have to manually lock all the doors including the hatch. Must be something to do with the wiring in the passenger door.

Finally, we have a strobing issue with the interior lights- dome and floorboard lights. If you hit a bump or sometimes for no reason at all, they strobe on and off.

Any suggestions for repairs? My husband is ready to scrap the thing and trade it in, but I'd like to try and resolve the problems if at all possible.

Thanks in advance!
Jess

[Chris Stewart]

There have been findings of the wiring to the lumbar support devices that the insulation gets worn off and shorts out against metal under the drivers seat. Anything else in that circuit acts up too.

[clariveros]

jess,

As far as the rear wiper problem goes, you should first check the gears in the wiper motor, many have just gonne ahead an sprayed a little wd40 and gotten it to work again, to a last resort it might be that you need a new motor for the rear wiper.


the passenger side door--> there is a switch that controls the interios light, check this switch before all and make sure that it is working properly before reaplcing anything. this could also help the doorl lock problems, check all the switches just to be safe that it is not just the passenger door.


the dirvers seat---> Check the plug connection to the seat and make sure that it is connected, also check the motor and verify that it is not blown.

as far as he AC is concerned My guess it might be the compressor , but instead of taking it to a dealer but a haynes manual and replace the compressor youself , it is fairly easy to get to and it is not a hard job, plus you will save you self some money.,

good luck

[jess4876]

Silly question, but where re the door switches located. I took a quick glance at the door and door jamb, and don't see it. Have they hidden the little buggers somewhere?

[Chris Stewart]

They're between the door and dash ends.

[Schrade]

Your strobing interior lights are probably due to the faulty ign. switch (blazer/jimmy/bravada, etc.). That one causes quite a few ancillary problems, so try this...
Unplug the battery to clear the trouble code memory a couple of minutes, at least, them re-connect the battery, crank the motor, and check function of everything, W/OUT moving the tilt wheel! Anything that doesn't work still really does not work. But I bet it all does!!!

[workinmanfred]

hi jess,

I also have a 97 bravada.
we must have gotten our bravada from the same factory. I have the same problems except my automatic locks only work on the drivers side once, then blows the circuit breaker. My liftgate is stuck closed, I can't even open it with the key. I've tried replacing the breaker but that wasn't it. I know that the power seat and lumbar control is on that same circuit. I 'm taking mine in to be looked at soon by a local shop. I'll let you know what they find out.

My rear windshield wiper doesn't move but the motor humms and the washer squirts.

I have the strobing problem. When I sit in the drivers seat and rock back and forth the dome lights and floor lights flash.

My A/C compressor starts and stops about every three secs but still blows cold. (knock on wood) I'll have to have that checked also.

I love my truck but these little things are bugging me also. Good luck and let me know what you find out and I'll also share my info.

The guys and gals on this forum are great and very helpful.

[cdalmata]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

There have been findings of the wiring to the lumbar support devices that the insulation gets worn off and shorts out against metal under the drivers seat. Anything else in that circuit acts up too.

Chris...do you know the easiest way to get to that harness? My seat was getting very hot without the seat heater on or the car on. After I pulled the fuse to the seats....no more problems. Guessing I have a dead short in the seat, but want to know the most direct way to this harness.

Thanks

[Chris Stewart]

I'd take that seat out and fix the short.

[cdalmata]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

I'd take that seat out and fix the short.

I was afraid you'd say that! Thanks.