31st Jul 2006, 12:24
I also own a 98 GMC Sonoma that has the intermittent windshield wiper problem. I called the dealership where I bought the vehicle and they said there was no "open" recalls for that problem. Did anyone else get a different result from another dealer?
15th Aug 2007, 08:51
The exhaust issue was a special policy recall #05021A for the cataletic converter and front exhaust pipe. I am on the phone with GMC right now getting an appointment to get mine fixed. The windshield wiper issue I had as well. It is $23.00 to fix yourself it is the switch just under the hood.
18th Nov 2009, 10:01
My GMC has had many of the same problems I read about here.
My seat lever also broke off @ 35,000 miles.
My windshield wipers will not turn off at times or stop suddenly when it is raining.
My left door pulled out of the frame as the plastic holders broke.
The inside handle for the rear door broke when the plastic snapped. This is truly the worst car I have ever owned.
My truck is now 55,000 miles and I have had to replace the brakes twice.
My current problem is my brake lights won't work, which is how I stumbled on this site to begin with. Wonder what will go wrong next?
5th Jul 2010, 21:20
You can fix the wiper problem by opening the case and re solder the connections. It took about 15 minutes. Well worth it not to have to take it to a dealer.
If you can't solder, give any electronics or TV repair guy $20 bucks and they will gladly do it for you.
22nd Jul 2010, 16:35
The comment about opening the case and soldering the connections would be very useful to me if the poster would add a few details; which case and how to find it.
Thanks.
23rd Jul 2010, 19:16
It's against the fire wall closer to the driver's side under the hood... Little black box I think. You unscrew and unplug it, and it's kinda tricky to get out if I remember, just give it a little wiggle.. Green data board with small components on it.. You'll see the solder broke, which is caused by the motor moving slightly in my opinion.. Only takes a few drops to fix..
Love my Sonoma 4.3, and yes I've had some minor issues, but they're all worth it.. Only a 100 mph truck, but it gets me there in no time!!
Good luck.
PHP.
24th Jan 2011, 22:48
I have a 98 Sonoma that I bought from the original owner when it was only at about 75,000 miles, and now I have about 101,000.
Generally it runs well and I enjoy it. I have had no major issues with the manual transmission or engine.
The AC had to be fixed since it did not run cold in 2008.
I also had to replace the wiper unit. I simply bought an aftermarket product that was cheaper than the GM one, and installed it myself.
I also have a broken seat lever on the driver's side.
The 3rd door handle has broken during a cold winter, and I have yet to replace that.
It had an aftermarket tonneau cover installed that had to have the gas support struts replaced.
The truck is a good everyday 'street' truck. I have the four cylinder engine, and it has the stock suspension, so when I have hauled loads of gravel, bricks, dirt, or bark dust, it rides low and feels underpowered. Still, for the size and class of the Sonoma, I feel pleased. It does well with smaller/lighter loads. For a light duty truck, it meets my expectations.
I would recommend this to others.
22nd Mar 2011, 13:23
I have experienced the same issues as listed above with my 98 Sonoma.
I replaced the windshield wiper motor myself for about $80. I just yesterday had the catalytic converter replaced for $300.96. Another issue with mine is that the AC compressor has a fast leak in it and needs to be replaced. Seeing as that costs approx $700 I have been putting that repair off, but with summer nearing I think I will replace it.
All together it has been a very good truck and inexpensive to own and operate.
10th Dec 2011, 21:59
I have a '98 GMC Sonoma SLS ext. Cab. My wiper module also went bad. My GMC is at 14 years now., I've had 'er for 8 years, she has 92,000 miles. I bought the part from NAPA, for approx. $58.00. My son-in-law is an ace mechanic. He had it in and out of the driveway in 45 minutes. The first time the unit screwed up was when I was on way to a Buell M/C rally, in early December, as the snow flurries were coming down. I'm keeping my Sonoma til she rolls over and plays dead. 1FNGR.
28th Jun 2006, 11:01
Developed the same windshield wiper problem in the same type of truck (1998 Sonoma). Noticed the recall advise and called the dealership... Waiting for a call back. Noticed the original submitter mentioned a rattle in the exhaust system. GM has a recall on Sonoma pickups on that too! Check it out.