Chevy Express/GMC Savana

rsmmac · March 2000

I own a 1997 1500 conversion van with the 5.7 liter(350). I love driving it - it has lots of power, handles great(the 255 70R's don't hurt) and the captains' chairs keep the kids far enough apart to avoid any fights. The high top makes the interior cavernous - I get claustrophobic in an Expedition after being in my van. However, there is a dark side...
The transmission had to be replaced at 57,000 miles. Then at 67,000 miles. The dealer also replaced the ring & pinion gears and all the differential bearings that time.
The battery gave up the ghost at 70,000 miles.
The brakes must be done religiously every 25,000 miles. (I have never towed anything).
The 35 gallon tank runs dry at 29.7 gallons. (Thank you again to the friendly AAA tow truck driver for the spare gas).
I get 12-13 MPG city, highway, uphill, downhill, loaded, empty. (some of you seem to do better - any suggestions?)
I am extremely thankful that I spent the extra $$ on the 100,000 mile extended warranty. I will trade it in before it expires. I was thinking of getting a Ford next time, but it appears that they aren't any better.

Does anyone know if GM is going to put the new engines (found in the suburbans and pickups)in the vans any time soon?

midasgold · March 2000

> The 35 gallon tank runs dry at 29.7 gallons.

35 gallons? I thought it was 31 gallons - do they use a larger tank for conversions? When our non-conversion 2500's fuel guage points to "E", it only takes about 24 gallons or so - but one time we tested it (not on purpose) and managed to drive for quite a distance on an "empty" tank.

> I am extremely thankful that I spent the extra
> $$ on the 100,000 mile extended warranty.

Yes - even though we have a genetic predisposition against getting extended warranties for *anything*, we went against our grain and bought one for this vehicle - mainly because we were unable to find any reliability data and felt we were basically dealing with an unknown (and GM "unknowns" haven't had the best reputations, unfortunately).

> Does anyone know if GM is going to put the new
> engines (found in the suburbans and pickups)in
> the vans any time soon?

I've asked that in the past and haven't heard anything. Have you checked with Chevy/GMC lately?

rsmmac · March 2000

TANK: I apologize, you are right - the tank is 31 gallons. Mine gets to "E" at 24 - 25 gallons, like yours; I look at the mileage instead of the gauge (as I mentioned, it is rock steady at 12-13 MPG, so I don't push it past 360 miles per tank.)When I ran it dry, the needle was 2-3mm below the "E" mark! It is the worst fuel gauge I've ever had. Full means 7/8, 3/4 means 1/2, 1/2 means 1/3, E means 3/4, or something like that.

EXTENDED WARRANTY: Like you, I usually know better, but my gut overrode my "good sense". I'm glad.

ENGINES: I asked at the L.A. Auto Show, and no-one had a clue. I also sent an e-mail a while back through a GMC Web Site link, but never got a reply.

I think I'll trade it in at 100K miles for a 2500 or 3500 long-wheelbase conversion. I heard the "heavy duty" transmission is better.

I've also been dreaming of getting the 4x4 Quigley conversion (for now the $$$ get in the way). I wonder if anyone out there has a 4x4 GMC and could share their experiences? I'm especially worried about maintenance (reliability) and ride comfort.
I haven't looked at all the conferences yet, maybe there are some comments elsewhere?

midasgold · March 2000

rsmmac wrote:

> I think I'll trade it in at 100K miles for a
> 2500 or 3500 long-wheelbase conversion.

Check out Custom Craft. They do those, and use factory windows too - they have a unique relationship w/ GM that allows them to get unfinished "window vans."

> I've also been dreaming of getting the 4x4
> Quigley conversion (for now the $$$ get in the
> way).

Gotta website for that?

> I wonder if anyone out there has a 4x4 GMC and
> could share their experiences?

No, but one of the car mags had an article a couple years back about an experimental 4x4 conversion. It was actually done by GM as a "concept" thing. Basically, they took an Express/Savana body and transplanted it onto a Suburban chassis. They had fun with it, but said it would probably never make production. :-(

I sure would've liked having a 4x4 on a recent trip we took with our Savana. Let's just say it didn't take too well to a couple of inches of snow. Even our optional locking rear differential didn't help. Only took 4 or 5 people to help push it out - sure made me miss our Subaru that was sitting in our garage back home. ;-)

vandalybay1 · March 2000

You may wish to check out the automobile magazines from the last 4-5 months. If you haven't seen it already, I believe Road and Track did a run out to the Death Valley area with a 4X4 Quigley GM G-van

I recall they favorably rated the 4X4 performance and got astonished looks while offroad.

rsmmac · March 2000

> Check out Custom Craft. They do those, and use
> factory windows too - they have a unique
> relationship w/ GM that allows them to get
> unfinished "window vans."

Best tip I've gotten in a while! You read my mind: I specifically want to get the factory windows (and the sliding side door). I read earlier (I think in this conference) that no one did these conversions, or if they did you had to pay more because their interiors are made for the big windows. I'm glad you told me otherwise. Thanks!

> Gotta website for that?

The web site is http://www.quigley4x4.com/. They do Ford & GM 4x4 conversions. It adds about $8,000 to the sticker price.

You can also check out Sterling Vans @ http://www.sterlingvans.com/. They are marketing a 9 passenger, 4x4 conversion van (using the long wheelbase van) which is almost exactly what I want, except that they use the normal conversion windows rather than the factory windows.

If anyone knows which issue of Road & Track, please let me know. Full size vans get little press; 4x4 full size vans even less. I'd love to read more about them before I someday take the plunge. Every time I see a 4x4 van on the road, I want one. Soon...

> it didn't take too well to a couple of inches
> of snow

Yes - I too found out the hard way. (and I don't have a locking diff.)It is a lot of weight to try to get unstuck!

Oh, since this is the "reliability" discussion group, I forgot to mention another big ticket item (luckily also covered under the 100,000 mile extended warranty) I just dealt with: leaking coolant due to a warped aluminum intake manifold. I thought GM had dropped this asinine aluminum intake manifold idea. I'm sure it saves some weight, but I always hear of problems with warping.

Does anyone know if the 2500's or 3500's with the 350 use the same intake manifolds? Does the 454 have an aluminum manifold too?

I'm afraid of getting the 454. A commercial truck dealer told me point blank that "it's a pig" (real bad mileage) and it overheats - "not enough room for air to get through the engine bay effectively". Any experiences out there with the 454?

mrh3108 · April 2000

I can vouch for the 29.7 gallon fuel tank. I ran out but luckily was able to coast a mile to the next exit. I stopped sideways between two pumps and the gas hose reached with an inch to spare!

The Costco near me had a conversion with the 10 or 12" LCD screen and factory windows, leather, and otherwise loaded for $35,000. I believe it was a Sherrod conversion.

vandalybay1 · April 2000

You may wish to check out Motor Trend Dec 99 page 113. This is not the article that I has in mind re a 4X4 full sized van getting astonished looks. This Motor Trend "article" is more a adverstisement than a review.

voodoo777 · April 2000

I might be the only guy left that likes the "rat" motor. I have a '97 3500 all window cargo van and had a custom conversion installed by "Advantage"
I tow a 7000 # trailer with the 3:42 rear axle and live in the desert. Anyone that knows the southwest will appreciate the fact that this truck can pull Indio hill in So. Cal. on cruise, at the legal limit (70) with both front and rear air units running full tilt, towing the trailer, WITHOUT overheating. It now has 44K on it and so far has cost me sixty bucks in repairs. New brake pads up front at 42K and a new fan belt at 40K. Both owner installed. Would I buy another one of these? You bet.

rsmmac · April 2000

Excellent! You are not the only one who likes the 454; I would have spent the extra $$ and waited for a special order to get one were it not for a dealer warning me against it. He must have really wanted to get his current inventory (all 350's) off the lot. My opinion (yes, I know, everyone's got one) is that the 350 has to work too hard to pull a big truck like my conversion van and six people in it; it is probably why I've had the problems I've had. I would have been better off with a 454 and the HD transmission. Oh well, next time.

rsmmac · April 2000

Sorry to hear about the major troubles. DON'T TAKE THE DEALER'S CRAP! I can't comment on the window, but the problems you describe with your transmission sound EXACTLY like the symptoms I had. After driving at highway speeds, I'd get very hard shifts during stop and go driving once I got back on surface streets. Did your dealer open up the tranny and look inside? Mine did. They found metal shards and some cracked internal components (sorry, don't remember exactly what was broken). It took about 2 weeks to get it fixed, because a tech from GM had to come down and see that the tranny was indeed broken like the mechanic said (1 week wait). Then the dealer ordered a rebuilt transmission (1 more week). They got it, installed it, and had to replace it again after about 10,000 miles due to some problem with shorted connections. Now it runs fine.

Be careful who's best interest is really being served. If they can keep you van from being in the shop for a certain # of days during the first year of ownership (or whatever time frame your state's lemon laws prescribe) GM and the dealer can avoid buying back your van under lemon laws and instead leave you to deal with warranty battles and ultimately (did you get the extended warranty?) your own hefty repair bills.

One of my friend's neighbors had a lot of transmission problems on a 96 1500 conversion during the first year; one day they came home with a shiny new Suburban and a GM gag order. Wonder what GM didn't want them to talk about...

Both the dealer and GM know EXACTLY what is in each of their best interests.

Again, just my opinion.

voodoo777 · April 2000

If you like BIG motors, latest I've heard is the 2001 big gas engine will be an 8.1 liter. I'm hoping they will offer it in the G series. If you're really honest with yourself and consider all factors in computing your cost per mile to run your truck, there is really not a lot of difference between the 5.7 and the 7.4. When you step up to the 3500 you get the 4L-80 tranny, better brakes, more tow capacity, heavier axles, etc. with very little sacrifice in ride qualities. If you hook a 7000 pound trailer onto a truck rated for 7000 pound tow capacity for more than a short haul, you're in for grief. My experience has been to load no more than 75% of the rated tow capacity and my truck does great and doesn't break.

rsmmac · April 2000

Good info. Could I ask where you heard of the 8.1L? Is it covered in the car mags already? Or are there other sources of info (besides GMC web page, car mags) that I could get to on my own?

Thanks.

wes16 · May 2000

We just bought a new Express 2500 12 passenger.
Trying to decide if we should go with an extended warranty. 7 year/100,000 mile will run about $1100. Does anyone have any recommendations on warranty companies and what experiences have you had as to durability on the 2500 series. We got the trailering package and 3.73 rear gear. We will not be pulling a trailer. How about any suggestions that will not void the warranty that will help gas mileage. (ie. cat back system or K&N air filter) So far the best we have gotten is about 12 mpg highway.

wes16 · May 2000

Has anyone added a rear sway bar to a 2500 Express. When loaded it seems to handle a little choppy. Thinking it might help.

starcraft1500 · May 2000

I bought a '97 Savana conversion van in '98 and find the driving on trips (20,000 miles a year) really pleasurable. So far the Savana with 35000 miles has had a new instrument cluster (speedo problems) and transmission plus minor odds and ends all under warranty. From what I'm reading I need to buy a shop manual now before the warranty runs out. Since GM had to replace the transmission and they advertise that MR Goodwrench will guarantee for as long as I own the vehicle anything they had to replace am I naive to assume this will hold true for a new instrument cluster and transmission? I now plan on towing(nothing big just a boat or jet skis)800miles at a whack should I instal a transmission oil cooler coil set or would it be a waste of my time. Any help?

vandalybay1 · May 2000

Starcraft1500: Just keep a copy of the repair order and the GMGoodwrench ad that says "for as long as you own it". Conversions are typically heavier than stock configurations. That leads to problems with tires and drivetrains. Hot transmissions lead to fluid failure leading to transmission failure. If you want to preserve the replaced transmission you would do well to get a transmission oil temperature gauge (attaches to pan or dipstick). You'll want that with or without a cooler. After watching that you can decide if you wish to get the cooler.

vandalybay1 · May 2000

9. Paint/finish. Metal flakes/burrs protruding up from underneath paint along gutters (near spot welds). And one spot 1/2"X1/4" where the spray guns missed near gutter on roof near driver's door.

vandalybay1 · May 2000

454ci (7.4liter) with 3.73 rear.
Almost 12,000 miles after almost 12 months.

Generally pleased and do not expect to outgrow this vehicle.

1. Wet (not leaking) fitting from engine block to
oil cooler line.

2. Wetness/film on outside of brake fluid
reservoir (suspect cap gasket)

3. Water in right rear tail-light assembly (being
replaced).

4. "rum, rum, rum, rum" sound at slow speeds (3-4 mph).

5. Run A/C. Shut off vehicle 15 minutes. Restart
then hear a growling noise for a few minutes.

6. Plastic tabs to hold seatbelt tips break off.

7. Sometimes double click of remote door lock
opener doesn't work.

8. Parking break can be pressed to touch the floor (being adjusted)

See post elsewhere for gas mileage history.

mrh3108 · May 2000

Replaced front brakes at 30,000.

lizzy9 · June 2000

We are planniong on buying a Chevy Express conversion van from Santa Fe conversion, a company in Elkart, IN. Their conversions appear to be of a very good quality. Has anyone had any experience with them?

randan · June 2000

I noticed that several have listed problems with their GMC vans. I too have had problems with my van. The driver side window has been the biggest problem. The window goes down but there is a problem with it going back up. The power window motor has been replaced several times, it has been adjusted several times, etc. Of course when I met with an arbitrator about the van he considered it just a nuisance and not really a problem. Maybe he should drive the van in zero degree weather when the window won't go up. I have had other problems also, the speedometer, gas gauge always read full, and brake pads don't last long. Just to let you know, I hired an attorney, GM is taking the van back under the Ohio Lemon Law. The sad thing behind this is we really like the van. It is our third van and probably the most enjoyable we have ever owned and we hate to see it go. I am not sure what to purchase next. Any suggestions?????

tradland · June 2000

HI I READ ALL THE POSTS HERE AND I SEE REAL HORROR
STORIES WITH THE SAVANNA VANS. PLANNING TO BUY EITHER THIS OR THE FORD ECONOLINE. JUST NEED THE
CARGO AND PASSENGER CAPACITY NO CONVERSIONS
ANY ADVICE ARE THE CHEVY VANS REALLY THAT BAD
MY 1994 ASTRO IS HOLDING UP WELL
THANKS FOR ANY INFO

vandalybay1 · June 2000

I am glad your Astro has been holding up. My 1999 Savana is holding up well. All my experiences have been relatively minor and I am a bit picky. 12 months and 12,000 miles so far. It isn't as plush as some Astro vans but no horror stories of wacky windows or transmissions coming from here. How do the warranties compare?

wmitchells · July 2000

I recently purchased a 1500 Express conversion 350. It is a "Sherrod Grand Sport" conversion with ground effects. I'm noticing an odor from the exhaust when the windows are open, this odor is especially bad when I'm towing my travel trailer. could the ground effects be causing the exhaust to be circulating thru the car. Is anyone having a similar problem. Also any other info on this conversion would be helpful, I'm having a few other problems

rsavana · July 2000

Just curious. Does any one know how the name
"Savana" was chosen for this van?

vandalybay1 · July 2000

First alignment costs more than you might expect. Knock-outs need to be removed and something gets slotted to do full adjustment. Any other makes with this issue or is it just GM?

wes16 · July 2000

Just got my Express 2500 12 pass back from the shop. After the 3rd trip to have the front end aligned (pulled left since new). The first time I made an appointment to have my "free" service and align it. There was an oil leak around the filter area I asked them to fix it when the oil was changed. When I picked it up they did not have time to do the alignment and would have to make another appointment to do that and fix the door panel that had come loose and fix the tail light that was full of water. When I got home and checked the oil leak it was still there. I made another appointment and left the van all day to have all of the above done. Picked it up and was told the alignment was ok that the tires were bad and that they rotated them and that should help. I asked what would happen next time the tires were rotated and the service writer did not answer. They did not fix the tail light. Said would have to order one and would call when it came in. I got home and looked at the back door panel and it was still loose. The oil leak was fixed. After they called and said the tail light was in I made another appointment to get most of the above fixed. I did go to a tire store and pay $25 to get an alignment check and print out on the alignment. The caster was out 2 deg causing the pull. Took it to the dealer (left it 2 days as the alignment shop was busy). Just got home, the alignment was done, tail light replaced, door panel fixed and all is well now. Alignment was done at no charge. I hope this is not how it will be next time.
The guy that had the trans repaired because the dealer would not fix it under warranty I would not give up. If you have records and copies of complaints I would press the issue with GM and the FTC.
Good Luck!
(By the way I think I will buy that 7 yr 100M
warranty for $1100 after all!!)

coltb · July 2000

I just read your comments regarding your Gran Sport conversion by Sherrod. We are considering buying a Gran Sport Express van conversion and would like to know what other problems you are having. The other conversion packages we are considering are Explorer and Annaheim. If anyone has any comments about any of these conversion packages we would really be interested in hearing them. Thanks.

commandorider · July 2000

I've just joined and have been reading the posts but I haven't seen my problem mentioned. I own a '97 Express LS 2500 with a 350 and the outside mirrors vibrate at highway speeds to the point of being useless and dangerous especially when pulling a trailer. These are the electronically adjusted, heated variety. I've had them replaced 3 times but it's exactly the same. I think the dealer just cleaned up the original mirrors and put them back on. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Regarding the 3500 with a 454... I considered that when I ordered my van but the dealer told me the 454 required premium gas. Is that true?

By the way, my van is in the shop now having the front pads and possibly the LF rotor replaced at 38,000 miles. Obviously these pads don't have the old metal wear indicator tabs on them anymore. The pads on my '76 and '85 2500 vans sure lasted a lot longer. After reading this list and assuming I will have transmission problems in my futuremaybe Ford does have a better idea.

vandalybay1 · July 2000

I have a 99 LS 3500 with the 454.

The mirrors are stable at highway speeds and are the heated electrics. Do you have a bug deflector? If so, that could be contributing airflow turbulence to your mirrors.

The 454 requires regular gas which I run.

Brakes checked at 11,900. OK per the shop.

Worried about the transmission? The transmission problems may be associated only with the 1500's (half ton). In any case, change the tranny fluid and add a temp gauge. If it runs hot, add another tranny cooler.

Make sure you change the rear-end/differential fluid.

Run synthetic lubricants.

If you do all that, I'll be surprised if you get to use your warranty on the tranny or rear-end.

Good luck.

commandorider · July 2000

Thanks vandalybay1 for the information. I do have a bug deflector and I will remove it this weekend to see what happens.

I picked up my van from the dealer last evening and drove home through stop & go traffic. When I arrived home I could smell the left front brakes burning. This morning I drove to work via the interstate I noticed a constant vibration at the steering wheel and the first time I applied the brakes from 65 mph, the van shook violently. I'll be taking it back this morning. I believe there is a problem with the ABS. Stay tuned.......

commandorider · July 2000

Vandalybay1, you are correct regarding the bug deflector causing the vibrating mirrors. I removed it this weekend and the vibration disappeared reinstalled it with it snugged up against the hood and it works fine now after 3 1/2 years of frustration. Thanks for the suggestion.

Took the van back to the dealer regarding the brake problem around noon on Friday. I received a call from them about 3 PM saying the van was ready. They said they should have turned the rear drums when they did the front and there would be "no charge" for my inconvenience. Kudos to Sir Walter Chevrolet in Raleigh NC.

jeephard · July 2000

Purchased a used 97 2500 Cargo Van from a local Chevy Dealer here in Beaufort SC at the end of May. Parks Automotive Group. The van was in great shape but high mileage 80k, it was used for an A/C company out of Ga. Part of the sale was to have the factory tow package put on it. Oil cooler Aux trans cooler wire it up for the hitch it had etc.. And correct all problems found during the test drive and walk around inspection. Well this is where the problems begin.

1st off the trans has that infamous hard shifting once it gets hot (driving hwy speed for half hour or so) The fluid was changed as part of the 80k service as per the sales agreement prior to pick up. After a two week period and a trip up the east coast the fluid is burnt. Fuel gauge inop past half tank and the speedo sticks until it gets jarred by a bump in the road then it may read near the actual speed. Returned the van for its trans cooler instal and the instrument cluster repairs as per the sales agreement and as scheduled. This was July 3rd. Here we are staring August in the face and I have yet to get any clear word on the van. I am a little frustrated at making payments on a vehicle that I am not driving for the past two months. After reading several posts concerning the hard shift problems and the service engine light I read on here a solenoid or something somewhere in the electronic trans loop is triggering the high line pressure fault causing the hard shifts. Which will eventually break something inside I am sure since catching a wheel in a 3/4 ton van is not good on any parts at all. Even under easy acceleration.

I bought the van to tow a Jeep on a trailer about 4000lbs GTW and haul a motorcycle inside to go cross country now I am having doubts as to the reliability of it.

I told the service manager that if it was not 100% correct by next Friday I want a full refund of my money and will take my business elsewhere. That seemed to wake them up a bit.

As per the sales agreement the items to be fixed were:
Driver Door lock pushed in so the kay would not work REPAIRED
Real Axle leak Pinion Seal Replaced
Speedo and Fuel Guage repair. Instrument panel removed and sent to be repaired have to wait til I get it back to see if it is fixed.
Trans Burnt fluid after 2k miles (empty no towing just hwy trip) and correct the hard shift problems. I am thinking a new trans in in the future for this one or at least a rebuild.

I feel like these vans are perpetual clunkers almost from the get go. I may be wrong. But a young vehicle like this should not have these types of problems and a dealer re selling one should be thouroughly checking them out prior to selling them to anyone. I did spring for the warranty for the drivetrain and I am using it already and I only drove it two weeks! It has been in and out of the shop twice now to get the sales agreement work on it and I find more problems every time.

As far as my satisfaction level so far. I am not. I feel there is no reason for a vehicle to be sold with these types of problems off a dealer lot period! If I got it from a private deal that is one thing. I will post the out come of the ordeal next friday when I pick it or my money up from Parks Chevy here in Beaufort. The service manager is giving me excuses about manpower and backlog as being why it sat for 2 weeks before even being looked at even when I scheduled it to have this work done after the sale. I am sorry but I worked with them for the past month and it is still not fixed nor do they have an answer as to what is wrong with the trans at this point.

Am I correct in what I am doing? They made a deal with me took my money and now they are not upholding their end of the contract to correct all these problems in a timely fashion. To me that is breach of contract. Oh and seeing a commercial about customer satisfaction at the dealer on T.V this week made me laugh a bit. More to follow on this on. Thanks to all for the info posted on here. Knowledge is power.

Jeephard
97 2500 5.0L

vandalybay1 · July 2000

I am glad the deflector adjustment took care of the vibration. Clever of Commandorider to remove it and then try it on again in a different mounted position.

About those brakes...Anyone ever try different brakes (brake systems or just brake pads) on their van?

vandalybay1 · July 2000

I can't tell from here whether your problems are manufacturer caused or caused by the previous owners.

Good for you to have the repairs as part of the sales contract. Smart to get a good value warranty on used vehicles.

If it was my situation, I would have the dealer take it back if they didn't uphold their end of the used vehicle contract. If that wasn't possible, I would do all I could to get a new tranny.

2 weeks without starting repair on the vehicle is too much. They could be trying to wear you down. Better yet, your repairs represent only an expense--and no revenue. If that is the case, they may only want to work your van when they don't have any paying jobs needing attention. And spend as little time as possible on it. I wonder if they supplied a loaner vehicle if they would be quicker at getting to fix your van.

I don't expect ex-company vehicles to have been treated well. I expect them to be: run low on fluids and overheated. Driven in the style of slam-on-the-gas-pedal-when-green, and lets-see-just-how well-this-thing-corners/stops/downshifts/etc. Poor vehicle care will bring on the need for early repairs.

I expect a used car dealer to be the worst source of information because of conflicts of interest. A state department of consumer affairs may be of assistance regarding your concern over a possible breach of contract.

I am sorry that you seem to have lost confidence in the van you have. Hopefully they will take it back or they (or warranty company) will fix the major systems that worry you.

gbouw · July 2000

We have a 98 Savana we bought in June 98. From day one the driver's window would go down, but not back up. It seems to be a common problem. A tech once told me that there's a dead spot in the electric motor (brush on commutator). Fortunately, right now it only happens when the window is all the way down. If I stop it before it gets there, it'll go up every time. If it does go down all the way it takes a bump or two before it'll go up again except, of course, in winter.

We just turned 45,000 miles and the air conditioner just went on it. The dealer want to charge $450 for a cracked aluminum casting atop the compressor. It's the junction where the lines to the collector, condensor, and feed to the rear air conditioner (which is capped as we don't have one) is. Has anyone had a similar problem?

jmichalik · August 2000

Wow, I wish I could have read this kind of thing a few years ago. It may have helped.

I have a '97 Savanna with a conversion done by MarkIII. Aside from some usual conversion minor things which MarkIII took care of very well I wanted to mention what I've experienced with the GMC side of the van.

I relate to the front-end alignment thing. It was "realigned" at 30,000, rotated, and still has the problem of pulling. My "dealer tech" also said "nothing was out of alignment" and "I rotated the tires to solve the problem". Still paid for the alignment which isn't covered under GMC's warranty program.

Have not experienced the mirror vibration, but I also do not have a hood deflector.

I have however just experienced the transmission problem and I am really bothered. My searching the net for info on trouble codes, etc., led me to this location where I'm reading horror stories that have me looking at major transmission costs out of my pocket, since I am just over the warranty period. How well was this one planned by GMC? I'm going to call and write them and register complaints. I hope others have/will so perhaps we can get GMC to recognize a recall situation. Oh my, I can't afford this kind of problem now. I am getting the hard shift and the dash light on. I need it to drive but am afraid of metal parts self-destructing in it. Anyone have any more advice to give?

Also, the absolutely pathetic service from the GMC dealerships is appalling. The dealer I bought from had done some canibalizing of parts from this new van I bought and I caught them and had them order and repair all that they screwed with. Then they left stuff disconnected under the hood when they did the complimentary free oil change. They screwed up ordering running boards from MarkIII and after finally getting the right parts I have an entire drivers side running board system (new in box) sitting in my garage courtesy of their screwups and MarkIII has pulled them from ever selling their conversions again. I then went to a different GMC dealer to have work done and that's the one who failed to align my vehicle right and also failed to order in parts before the warranty expired. I've written off this dealer as well. MarkIII has been VERY good to deal with, but GMC and it's dealers have NOT.

Jay

rsmmac · August 2000

Re: Jay Michalik posting # 94
I have not spent the time to write GMC directly since my dealer was actually very helpful (the 100,000 mile extended warranty was even more helpful!) but I will now, based on your comments. I don't know what advice to give you; I am getting rid of my van before my warranty expires, because I know as soon as it does, I won't have much of a prayer with GMC. It is a shame - the van has otherwise been awesome.

crymommy · August 2000

After 4 unsuccessful alignments, and the mechanic's constant communication with GM office, the dealer's brake specialist was able to fix the pulling to the right while braking. In all it took 1 1/2 day's work. All work was done under warranty.
I complained about the pulling from day 1.
Headlamp was replaced because of moisture, the
mechanic used the opportunity to crack the grill.
The driver side window also does not go back up
if down completely but I did not want the mechanic
to open and break things again.
The air con also stinks for the first 5 minutes.
Despite all this I still like the van.

jeephard · August 2000

Well this evening will be intersting. I called the service Manager Wed. And they have rebuilt the trans and replaced the TCI Solenoid. They said that was went bad on my 2500. I think I have the 4L60E but since I only saw my van for two weeks in the past two months I am not sure just yet. They informed me that the instrument cluster was all hosed up it failed all the diag tests they gave it etc.. But it has not come back yet. Well they have until this evening to get it right or refund me. If not I am going to the Better Business Bureau and the local News agencies here in town and voice a few things. As well as putting a lawyer on retainer if need be.
For Mr. Chalik I wish you good luck with the dealerships you find.
Hopefully some one in the higher headquarters of GM will get wind of this site and read the postings. All I can say is talk to the head honcho of the dealership along with the owner I did and things started to get moving along after a long delay. If that doesnot get the ball rolling go above them to the regional manager or something. I am sure the fine folks who post here have some gouge for you.

Until I see the dealer wish me luck!
Jeephard
97 2500 Cargo.

vandalybay1 · August 2000

According to the literature, the heavy duty transmission comes at GVW of 8,600 pounds and above. This GVW is on the 2500 extended and the 3500's.

My sticker says my 3500 came with the code MT1 transmission. I suppose somewhere I can find the translation into the model number (such as the 4L80E).

Mobil 1 transmission fluid exceeds the Dextron requirement of the warranty.

jeephard · August 2000

Well as of Monday I returned my 2500 Van back to the Chevrolet Dealer I bought it from. They were in breach of contract as per my sales agreement. After a month and a half they still had not repaired all the noted discrepancies it had wrong with it. I gave them deadline after deadline and they pushed me to another one Monday and I rebelled and asked for a 100% refund of my money. After hours of why fors and what nots I got my full refund back and left the dealership.
I had a very bad experiance with this dealership and do not care to ever do business with them or Chevrolet in general again.

vandalybay1 · August 2000

You got your money back, as well you should have!

jmichalik · August 2000

Hi again. I've been so busy it's been hard getting everything done. My GMC is the 1500 chassis and the transmission is an electronic control 4-speed auto with overdrive (don't know the model #). I've got the 350 FI V8 (5700 vortec).

The service dash light comes on and goes off with regards to the transmission. The trans will create the fault code with two consecutive failures and likewise go out with two consecutive passes under the same conditions. I've found that if I do a strong start so that the 1st to 2nd upshift is under some load the trans will shift okay and eventually the light will go out. If I baby it or if I let off the gas as I approach the 1-2 upshift it'll bang into place. No burnt fluid YET.

I've written a complaint to the FTC. I tried to test the waters with GMC by an online customer care message on their website only to find out it wouldn't submit. Wrote the webmaster and he said they'll look into the problem but suggested I call in. That will happen Monday.

It's a quandary going to the dealership(s). They have screwed up and know I'm onto them. And if I wanted to trade in the vehicle they would know it's got a problem on the trans and make a ridiculously low offer. I've also found out that hardly anyone knows how to handle conversion vans for appraising value. I went to a Dodge dealer to see what I could trade my van for. My sticker price was $40,363. They didn't know that. They offered a trade in value of just over $15,000! If I could find the same van to buy for $15,000 I'd do it in a minute and buy a whole new trans!

So I'm hoping to skirt the dealerships and deal with GMC more directly. Anyone have a contact at GMC who may be helpful?

Jay

drddinky · August 2000

Almost all of the transmission problems I have read about here sound too familiar. I have a '96 1500 (before they put EXPRESS on it.) At about 40K on it, the service engine soon light would come on intermittently. At first the only problem was that the van would hesitate and almost stall for the first 5 minutes. The dealer said it was an oxygen sensor(so the code said). He replaced it. Still had the same problem, but now the tranny started to bang occasionally when shifting. Brought it to another shop, they claimed wires and it needed a fuel injector flush (I don't run bad gas.) Guess what? Same problem, but now it was ANOTHER O2 sensor. Had it replaced. You guessed it, same problem. Now they tell me the code came up with a tranny slip (no kidding), but they could not reproduce the code or the malfunction. The dealer said I may need a new valve head. What has that got to do with my tranny?
I paid darn good money for this conversion van, and have dumped a ton of money into repairs that haven't done a thing for me. I still have 2 yrs left on the loan and only have 55K on it. I don't know what I'm going to do, but monthly payments on another manufacturers vehicle are starting to look better than putting money into this one.
Any body have suggestion on recourse with GM? (no I did not buy the extended warranty, and no the dealers have been of no help whatsoever)

savanandy · August 2000

I am new in here, but have read a lot of the postings. All these problems sound exactly like mine, except I've had jusy about all of them! Balding tires, failing brakes, air conditioning and heating, transmission, service engine soon, loose panels, and on and on. The worst part is how many times I need to take the van in for repairing the same things over and over without success, despite trying different dealer service depts.

It's a 1996 Savana Hi-Top Traveler Conversion by Explorer. We love the van except for the GMC part of it. It's great too when there aren't problems. We've had the engine rebuilt at 28,000 miles under warranty as they could never fix the service engine soon light which stayed on constantly, even after numerous servicing attempts. The O2 sensors were replaced at least 6 times prior to that. Tranny is hard shifting at times, and loses power frequently.

Our heated side view mirrors vibrate incessantly, and yes, I do have a bug/wind deflector. The driver's side window often would not go back up when put all the way down, until we had the motor and switch replaced. Rear air conditioning blows heat, very day 1, if the front is set to anything but top vent a/c. Even put on front defroster, bi-level, or floor air flow, the rear shoots out burning heat which the dealer said was normal!!!!! Also had a time when the rear fan control did not work unless I pulled and held the emergency brake release out...not easy when you are driving.

On premature brake replacement and tire replacement at about 26,000 miles, the dealer again said it is normal because it is a truck, a heavier vehicle than a car. Therefore, not a vehicle problem and not a warranty item.

Like I said, when things are working fine, I love it. But too often, there are problems. With only 47,000 miles on it, I am glad God gave me the sense to purchase an extended warranty!!! Typically, this is a stupid thing to do for the consumer. I just know I will never make the GMC Savana/Chevy Express mistake again in my life. Screw me once, shame on GMC. Screw me twice, shame on me!

Oh yeah. Traveler/Explorer conversion has been superb.

Savanandy

mrh3108 · September 2000

I have 35,000 on my Express and will be taking it in this week or next week.

The power antennae just stopped working. The only other repair was the alternator at 15-18K and a fuse for the break lights. Brakes made it to 30K.

Sounds like I will have trans problems shortly but the van is showing no symptoms at this point.

iss510 · September 2000

I'm interested in getting a 2001 extended Express 3500 LS. I'll be doing some towing and I'd like either the 8.1L or the 6.5L turbo diesel.

Some questions:
1) When will they offer the Duramax and/or Allison trans in the vans?
2) Any problems with the ext. 3500?
3) How much more does it cost to maintain (i.e. does the dealer charge more to work on a van vs. a truck due to the restricted space)

Thanks

quagcity · September 2000

I just bought a 2000 Express cargo 2500 with the 5.7. As I work out of a van I was hoping that this one would hold up better than the 97 Dodge I paid off that was constantly in the shop. It was a nightmare, and I was treated like dirt, as South Carolina has the worst lemon laws and I suspect that lemons get dumped in our state for this reason.

Anyway, I did notice the hard shift from first to second in the Express. Should I have this repaired, or is this normal? My experience is that the dealership will do anything not to come clean and I would only be waisting my time, with them telling me "we cant duplicate the problem" I think I got lucky with a heavy duty trans and diff. and can only hope this one holds up, as I need reliable transportation. I also noticed a heavy click when the ac was turned on. There is also a minor squeek in the front wheels when driving down a dirt road.

I paid to have speed control added when I bought it, but they sent it out to have it installed. So I wondered why the factory didn't install the speed control.

So far with 5,000 miles it is a pleasure to drive and the only problem is the hard shift at times from first to second.

I am also very careful not to back into anything because with all the new electronics on modern vehicles, one good knock could, i suspect, cause a lot of problems.

So, what problems should I expect from the 2500 5.7 ? Should I get the extended warenty?

Chevy Express/GMC Savana

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