1995 GMC Jimmy SLS 4.3L C.P.I.

Summary:

Great reliability for a 4X4

Faults:

Original owner of this SUV. Have only had a few of what I consider major problems with this vehicle.

1. The EGR valve pintle will get stuck. Seems to recur about every 50 to 60,000 miles. Simple fix though. Take it off and clean the carbon on it.

2. Windshield wipe motor. GMC has repaired this once for no charge under a recall and now it is going again. Not a big deal to replace either.

3. Blower motor for heater. Working on replacing for the third time. Changed at 85,000 and now at 175,000. Have to remove some for the plastic firewall covering to gain access to this if you have not replaced yet.

4. Starter motor replaced at 75,000. This would seem typical life span to me for the parts on new cars today.

Other than these issues, typical stuff changed under normal use like plugs, distributor, wires, air filter, brake pads and such.

General Comments:

All in all, the truck has been very reliable. Starts when I need it to and gets me where I need to go. Working on my third set of Goodyear Wrangler tires. They seem to get me 75-80000 miles per set. The interior as well as the body has held up very well. If the engine decides to quit, I will definitely rebuild it. No way can I replace the performance of this vehicle for the cost of a rebuild.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th May, 2003

1995 GMC Jimmy SLT Vortec 4.3

Summary:

A great, little off-roading SUV

Faults:

Starter went at 155,000 miles. This cost about $200 to fix with labor.

Alternator also went at 155,000. It cost me $100. No big deal.

The windshield wiper motor also died recently. This seems to be a common problem with these SUV's.

The molding on the passengers side door began to fall off. This was easily fixed by some rubber cement.

The Jimmy is in the shop getting the transmission flushed and a new Vacuum switch because the 4WD will not engage.

The truck does not always turn over immediately. After it sits for a while it has the trouble.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2003

1995 GMC Jimmy SLS 4.3L

Summary:

An expensive to own nice all around vehicle

Faults:

Brakes at 110000 miles

Ball joints at 110000 miles

EGR Valve at 120000 miles

2nd EGR valve at 125000 miles (GM mechanic said "those things happen")

Left mirror broke off at 125000 miles

Right mirror broke off two days later (GM mechanic pointed out small mounting bolts)

Entire Fuel Injection system replaced at 140000 miles

Starter at 140000 miles

Alternator at 145000 miles

Rear wiper motor quit at 150000 miles

Right window motor quit at 151000 miles

Another set of brakes/rotors for front and shoes for back at 155000 miles

Oil Lines Blew at 165000 miles (immediate shut down so did not wreck motor)

Radio would not turn off at 170000 miles

Entire exhaust system from manifolds on back replaced at 175000 miles.

General Comments:

I absolutely love the ride and handling and convenience of the Jimmy, along with the 4 wheel drive in the Minnesota snow. Lots of leg room and head room and it is easy to puts kids into car seats in the back. After 181000 miles the motor does not use any oil between oil changes. Unfortunately, I have to budget at least $2000 a year just for repairs. After I listed all the items above, it makes me wonder why I keep owning this thing. I had a Toyota pickup in the late 80's that I drove over 250000 miles with only basic maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2003

1995 GMC Jimmy SLS vortec

Summary:

Lemon

Faults:

The engine mounts were cracked.

The alternator went 3 times.

The oxygen sensors.

The fuel injectors.

The fuel pump.

The brakes twice.

General Comments:

This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I would never buy another one. I have put over $5000.00 in repairs in over a year. This doesn't even cover what the dealership has fixed at no cost to me.

The first week after I bought the Jimmy, it had to go to the garage. It has been in the garage every other week since then. The worst part is it has gone to seven different mechanics, and no one can tell us what the problem is and how to fix it. These seven mechanics include a GM dealership.

It hesitates and almost dies when you come to a stop. When this happens, you can't use your brakes either. It doesn't do it all the time either. Some days are better than others.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th March, 2003

3rd Aug 2003, 23:07

This was wonderful information. I am having the same problem with my Jimmy. Wants to stall when at a stop and losses brakes. I am getting master cylinder and oxygen sensor from everyone. I am looking for answers as well. Nice to know I am not alone.

13th Oct 2003, 12:35

I also own a 1994 GMC Jimmy. I recently encountered the problem of hesitation and loss of brakes. It sat for a month. I took it to a mechanic who in 20 minutes found the problem. Small carbon deposits in the PVC valve kept it from running. I suggest trying to clear that valve, and putting a screen over it that has just come to the market as to not have that problem reoccur, as it has a tendency to do in these models. Very inexpensive!!

17th Oct 2003, 07:04

I own a 1995 Jimmy and it has been a costly decision. I encountered the same problem with the hesitation and loss of brakes as well as the interior fan fluctuating at higher and lower speeds.

This was all caused by the intake of the vortex engine. If the engine is not properly maintained carbon deposits build inside the intake. Then those deposits start to crack away and small debris get caught up in the emissons components. I had to replace some of the components and they're not cheap. My mechanic cleaned the intake twice and that alone totaled $400.00.

I also had to rebuild the 4 wheel drive transfer case. ($1,200.00)

This week the front and rear seals on the transmission and a mystery oil leak ($500.00) est.

I like the car, but I think I'm going to sell it when the repairs are finished. Good Luck with yours!

20th Jul 2004, 14:24

I owned a 1995 GMC Jimmy as well. The problem you were having with the engine trying to stall when stopping, is very inexpensive to fix. The problem is, most mechanics unfortunately are not skilled enough to determine what is causing this. This is because they rely too much on the diagnostic computer. The computer gives them the wrong code, and tells the mechanic that it is something entirely different (and more expensive), that is causing the problem. I know, I spent $600 in mechanic's fees and the problem still was not taken care of. I took it to a different mechanic, who did not rely on the diagnostic computer, and it was fixed for $40. Just FYI.

7th Nov 2009, 23:05

It would be nice to know what solved the problem? Please, I have the same problem.