Three problems related to battery cable have been reported for the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have a diesel version of the Suburban, on several occasions, I have noticed that the battery cable connecting the two batteries is very loose and will not stay in the channel designed for it over the fan shroud. I replace it each time, while coming to work this morning, I hit a bump in the road, and then heard an awful noise. I pulled over, opened the hood to see sparks flying everywhere. I immediately shut the truck off to investigate and found that the cable had come out of its place yet again & fallen into the fan. I was lucky I shut it off when I did, there was only a few "threads" of copper holding it together. Had it cut completely in two, there most likely would have been a fire.
Brake pedal went to floor without stopping vehicle. Battery acid leakage ran down battery cable and corroded hydraulic line, causing failure (independent mechanic assessment).
There is a strong odor of gas fumes in vehicle. Dealer was notified about this problem and tightened gas cap. Consumer still smelling gas fumes. On may 28th, vehicle would not start. This was to due to a stripped battery cable. Battery and battery cable has been replaced by the dealership.