1994 GMC Jimmy
Introduction
The 1994 GMC Jimmy is a mid-size SUV that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 4.3L V6 that produced 190 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 5.7L V8 and a 5.7L V8 with Vortec fuel injection. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual.
The Jimmy was known for its rugged construction and off-road capabilities. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of interior space.
Engine
4.3L V6
- Blown head gasket
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the head gasket, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
- Solution: Replace the head gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake manifold gasket leak
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold gasket, rough idle, decreased performance
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
5.7L V8
- Valve cover gasket leak
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover gasket, rough idle, decreased performance
- Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing chain failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, engine stalling
- Solution: Replace the timing chain
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
5.7L V8 with Vortec fuel injection
- Fuel injector failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stumbling, decreased performance, difficulty starting
- Solution: Replace the fuel injector
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake manifold runner control actuator failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, decreased performance, check engine light
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold runner control actuator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-speed automatic
- Torque converter failure
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, shuddering, overheating
- Solution: Replace the torque converter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission fluid leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from the pan, gears slipping, overheating
- Solution: Replace the transmission fluid pan gasket or seal
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
5-speed manual
- Clutch failure
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, difficulty shifting, noise from the clutch
- Solution: Replace the clutch
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission mount failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vibration from the transmission, difficulty shifting gears, noise from the transmission
- Solution: Replace the transmission mount
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
Front suspension
- Ball joint failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front end, uneven tire wear, difficulty steering
- Solution: Replace the ball joint
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Control arm bushing failure
- Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking from the front end, uneven tire wear, difficulty steering
- Solution: Replace the control arm bushing
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Rear suspension
- Leaf spring failure
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, difficulty steering, uneven tire wear
- Solution: Replace the leaf spring
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Shock absorber failure
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncing or floating ride, difficulty controlling the vehicle, uneven tire wear
- Solution: Replace the shock absorber
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, dimming lights, electrical system malfunctions
- Solution: Replace the battery
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Alternator failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical system malfunctions, battery not charging
- Solution: Replace the alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Starter failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, grinding noise from the starter
- Solution: Replace the starter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust on the body, frame, or other exterior components
- Solution: Repair or replace the rusted parts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on the extent of the rust
- Recalls: None Found
- Paint peeling
- Description/Symptoms: The paint on the vehicle is peeling or chipping
- Solution: Repaint the vehicle
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on the size of the area that needs to be repainted
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard
- Solution: Replace the dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door panel rattles
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises from the door panels
- Solution: Remove the door panels and tighten the screws
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $DIY
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat fabric tearing
- Description/Symptoms: Tears in the seat fabric
- Solution: Repair or replace the seat fabric
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on the extent of the damage
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1994 GMC Jimmy is a reliable and capable SUV. However, it is not without its problems. The most common issues include engine gaskets failing, transmission problems, suspension wear, electrical failures, and interior rattles. The severity of these issues can vary widely, but they can be expensive to fix. Overall, the Jimmy is a good choice for those who need a rugged and capable SUV, but they should be aware of the potential problems that can occur.