24th Jun 2009, 16:42

I have a 98 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x4. It's a great truck, and I have only had one problem, and that's the fuel pump, and that went at 145,745 miles so I'm not complaining. I have driven it hard since I got it. I am only 16, but I have put it through mud up to the windows and ran the crap out of it. The 4.3 vortec motor still runs strong. It is an amazing truck and worth the 800$ I got it for.

2nd Jul 2009, 13:41

Can anyone let me know the payload and haul of a 98 GMC Sonoma SLS??

Thanks

melis7-13@hotmail.com

15th Aug 2009, 10:35

I am having the same problem with mine shutting off randomly, have replaced every charging system component except the ignition, beginning to think maybe it's the CPU... but just like others, I can't duplicate it for a mechanic. I've also found at least three or four other shorts and assorted problems that I thought, when I fixed them, would end the problem, only for it to return a few months later, of course, randomly. It is the most frustrating thing I've ever dealt with on a vehicle, and I now hate this truck. It's almost killed me a couple of times. If I had answers I'd give them.

12th Sep 2009, 20:28

Bought my 98 GMC Sonoma new, have only 49,000 miles on it. No power, never got more than 18/MPG--third door locks great, but plastic handle broke off so I can't ever open it--Driver seat adjustment handle broke off, but can adjust seat with a pliers--Rearview mirror fell off by itself--have to replace gaskets every year or oil leaks out of front of engine--Window washer switch/motor replaced twice--Alternator replaced once--no wonder I only drive it about 5000 miles per year.. Have had a Datson wagon, sold it at over 200,000 miles, no repairs ever beyond maintenance-two Toyota Camrays, no repairs ever but maintenance--Why do I keep the GMC??? I need a truck every so often to haul stuff. Its cheaper to have the truck than hire someone. By the way, the auto pilot thing never worked right either.

25th Nov 2009, 15:30

I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS, 4.3 V6 High Output, Dual Exhaust Extra Cab, Sport Bed (step side) with a hard tonneau cover. It is factory lowered with 16" Aluminum wheels.

The truck has 79,000 miles, and runs and drives like a muscle car.

I bought it off the second owner. I took it to the GM dealer and had it inspected before I purchased it. They found bad front brakes, leaking rear axle seals, a bad power steering pump and leaking transmission cooling lines.

The owner was willing to deduct the cost of all repair items off the asking price. I thought I got an excellent deal.

I immediately had all repairs done by the dealer... they came with a 12, or 12,000 mile warranty. Since the repairs there have been no other failures; however, I don't drive it much.

Like I said, the truck is hot, sounds great and I get a lot of comments on it. I don't drive it often, but it's fun to take out a couple times a month. From the research I've done this truck appears to be one of just a few thousand made. It should be a collector car/truck some day. I'm 65 years old so don't know if I'll see the day it's going to be worth a few bucks, but I really enjoy it and do the grand girls.

The only bad thing about the truck is, it's black.

I think when it's time to replace the tires, I'll go from the 255 width down to a 205; they're just too wide, and in wet weather the truck can hydroplane at 55 and above real easy.

Also, when taking off from an intersection you can brake the rear end loose real easy. It's a fun truck!

3rd Dec 2009, 10:52

I just bought GMC Sonoma 3 years ago. I'm getting confused because I'm having a problem with its GMC parts.. I couldn't flip the rear leafs under the axle and couldn't put them on top.. I know that it could just get lift shackles for the rear, but what will happen and what will I do to the front.?

Thanks..

10th Dec 2009, 08:58

I got my GMC from another party. The engine was totally gone through and rebuilt. I put about 200 miles on it a week. I am having problems with it not wanting to shift gears. It chugs, growls like a lawn mower motor and then crawls. It has no get-up-and-go whatsoever. When going up regular hills, I can put my gas pedal almost to the floor and still only get 40 mph out of it, large hills are much worse. Does anyone else have a problem with their Sonoma doing this. It's really frustrating. I also have problems with it starting on a simi-regular basis. I have replaced the spark plugs (one of which, was somehow sheared off!), the spark wires, had the fuel pump checked, I'm lost. The most infuriating part is that when my mechanic looks at it, the car does not misbehave for him and the diagnostic tools show nothing wrong, even though the "check engine" light comes on regularly now. It stays for a couple of days, goes off and then, the next time I go up a hill, comes back on. Any advice??

Glad to know that I am not the only person with a problem with the third door and the seat handles breaking.

11th Jan 2010, 12:02

I own a 98 Sonoma SLE 2.2L automatic. I bought it with 91k on it a couple of years ago, and now it has about 124k.

Unfortunately this thing has cost twice as much to keep on the road as what I paid for it.

The transmission finally went out a couple of weeks ago after terrible slipping/shifting since I've had it (and yes I changed the filter and serviced it twice).

The last time I tuned it up, the plugs were soaked in oil. The engine leaks oil, but I don't think it burns much.

The biggest problem has been how it drives on the interstate; occasionally when cruising along at 60-70 mph, it would start shifting in/out of overdrive erratically, and running high rpm and turning little torque, especially in hot weather. All goes with the transmission/torque converter going out I guess.

Other than that, the catalytic converter, O2 sensor, EGR valve problems, alternator went out and the usual things. But I can say I've never had wiper problems in the rain.

I think I'm suffering from the previous owners lack of care. And probably overuse (work truck). You really do get what you pay for.

14th Jan 2010, 08:08

I bought my 98 Sonoma new, and have loved it and had very little problems until the last couple years. We have replaced several items, my friend is a mechanic, but to not fix the problem, which is this. It is running along great, and all of a sudden acts like it's not getting gas; just starts reducing in speed. I can put in neutral, turn the truck off and back on, and it normally will go again great for several miles. Replaced the computer and thought it was fixed for a couple months, and now back to the same thing. Used computer, so thinking now of getting another and try again. Replaced ICM, Distributor, TPS, most electrical parts. Hope someone can help. Thanks.