1997 Chevrolet Silverado M Series from North America

Summary:

Not quite the Rock it is portrayed to be

Faults:

The transmission started to shift hard between 1st and 2nd after 36,100 miles. Because it was past 36,000 miles I had to request from GM a waiver on the warranty to fix it. They did. It now has about 75,000 miles and the other I started to hear a grinding noise when it shifted out of first to second. The mean time failure is uncanny.

At about 50,000 miles the solder in the the alternator/generator melted on a hot day and the electrical system failed. I had to search 6 Auto-zones to find one that had an alternator in stock. It was cheaper then the dealers price and came with a lifetime warranty.

At about 60,000 miles my windshield wipers have stopped working correctly. They seem to stay on after I turn them off and on their own switch between delay and regular mode. I have to jiggle the switch on and off many times before the will shut off in the fully retracted position.

At 65,000 miles leaks started to form around the manifold covers and one of the hoses to the radiator. I replaced all the hoses and belts, but some leakage was still evidenced by the reduction of coolant in the reservoir. The shop quoted me $800 to change the manifold gaskets and told me that they have seen this problem in the trucks many times in the past. I elected for a 3 dollar container of stop leak (the aluminum powder type) and have not had a problem now for over a year. I still have half the tube of stop leak left.

Around 60,000 miles the center light in the radio console burned out.

General Comments:

The truck is still very comfortable to drive, and from that perspective I enjoy it a lot. The interior for the most part has stayed together well. It does concern me that such a mature aspect of the vehicle (transmission) could be released into production with such poor longevity.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd May, 2002

18th Dec 2002, 14:40

What was it that caused the hard shifting? My '98 is doing the same thing.

30th Jun 2003, 04:29

I had a 96 z71 and now I have a 02 z71, both trucks had/have the shifting problem between 1st and 2nd gears. What is the problem? how much will it cost me after my warranty is up?

1997 Chevrolet Silverado EXT CAB 5.7 from North America

Summary:

Chevrolet, "Like a Rock" by the side of the road.

Faults:

I babied this truck and put minimal miles on it. It came with a towing package, but I only towed a small trailer a few times. The transmission failed at 34,000 miles due to a defective part. It was out of warranty (36 months/36,000 miles) by 6 months. The Chevrolet main office was not interested in any information or complaint about their product. Local Chevrolet dealer wanted to put a new transmission in for $2,500. Other minor problems with electric windows, tail lights, oil leak around oil filter, rear brakes, and body rust at about $100 each left me no choice, but to trade it in for something more reliable.

General Comments:

Good things about this truck were the power and fuel efficiency of the 5.7 liter engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st March, 2002

1997 Chevrolet Silverado from North America

Summary:

A lemon

Faults:

It is on its 3rd transmission, and 5th torque converter. Just picked it up a few days ago and is shifting hard again in low gears... just do not know what to do next... it is not in warranty, we still owe 8,500 on it and no one knows how to fix it...

General Comments:

Shifts so hard in low, jerks your neck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th May, 2001

7th Jul 2001, 17:58

You should take it to a good Chevy dealer. Can't believe your tranny shop shouldn't know how to fix it - after all, they usually warrantee a rebuild for 12K miles.

24th Jul 2001, 16:29

I have a 1997 Chevy Silverado that shifts hard in the low gears. I took it to my Chevy dealer and he could not find the problem either. I am going to attempt to let them look at it again to see if they can find the problem before I get a major neck injury. I have 60000 miles on my truck.