Four problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle stopped/lost all power during normal driving conditions. Once stopped and in "park" could restart. This happened several times a day with no warning. Upon dealer investigation, battery acid leak which destroyed cables was reported. Vehicle was in shop 1 1/2 months prior for same problem, alternator defect stated at that time. Battery 2 1/2 yrs old/ previously replaced at 11,000 miles for similar problems.
I started experencing problem at appox. 12000 miles when the front brakes wore out prematurlly,some after at appox. 20000 mile I had unusual tire wear, ( I was told it was my fault) it was the right torsion bar out of adjustment and even though the vehicle had only 27668 mile I had to pay 1/2 the cost appox $225. 00 after fighting all the way to the executive offices,the speed sensitive steering started actting up at appox. 40000 miles suddenly causing the steering wheel to slip unaccpectedly. This part was replace n/c , I have gone through 3 alternators the first at appox. 38000 mile standing me in buffalo ,TX 120 miles from home on a Sunday night, the second and third happeded in the city however I now carry a spare altenator and tools because who knows when it will go out next, I have replaced the positive side battery cables twice because of design the loosen and the acr and short out, the auto matic transmission went out at 53939 due to coolent getting into the unit I had to pay 25% of this repair appox. $525. 00 that transmission failed at 69015 only 15k+miles later with the warrenty card in hand I thought maybe this was it ,at 107,267 miles that transmission failed and with only 38k+ mile on a unit that carrys a 3yr/50k warrenty gm refuses to fix or replace the unit my truck has been sitting at the dealership since 06/15/2001 while I have been once again fighting with gm to no avail ,( I was offer a customer loyalty cert. For $500. 00 to settle this issue the transmission cost $2500. To replace not including the motor mount that broke when the unit locked up at appox. 35 mph all the advertising million and billions of $$$$$ should be spent making sure that then presistent problem do not accure, not when you spend 35k- 45k- for a vehicle.
The alternator had burned out and there was no power generating from the battery. Vehicle died out. There was no control of the vehicle. Had to have the alternator replaced.
While driving in rush hour alternator went out twice. Vehicle failed to start back up. This, in turn, caused battery to burn out and vehicle died. Vehicle towed to dealership. Bought battery from dealership & it was installed.