Two problems related to engine shut off without warning have been reported for the 1997 GMC Jimmy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The 1997 GMC Jimmy just shuts off. This occurs at no special times and with no identifiable circumstances preceding the shutdown. The engine and all control systems simply stop. This has happened numerous times and there is no ryhme nor reason for the failure. It has happened many times in a single evening and then gone months before recurring. Computer diagnoses, no codes found by mechanic. Since it has always failed while the vehicle was in motion, usually at highway speeds, controlling the vehicle becomes a real concern. Loss of power steering can easily cause a loss of control and a serious accident. The Jimmy always restarts easily after ten seconds or so. Of course at 70-75 miles per hours that can seem like a very long time indeed.
Engine shuts off when leaving signal light, turning or changing direction of travel. Also has occurred when traveling at highway speeds. Cannot make it happen, it just happens whenever it wants to happen. Numerous complaints have already been reported; 816911, 863413, 825902, 730158, just to list a few. This needs to be corrected before a fatality occurs. In one instance, if I had not been aware of the possiblity of this occuring I would have paniced an d been broadsided! as it was, I was able to steer hard right and paralell the traffic that would have hit me if I had stopped!.