One problem related to noises during shifting has been reported for the 1997 GMC Jimmy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The transmission intermittently slips into, but not fully, 4wd when the vehicle is put in reverse. There is a very noticable noise that sounds like the transmission is not fully engaged. The only way to eliminate the noise is to shift the vehicle into 4wd and then back into 2wd. The vehicle has been brought back to the dealer on at least 4 occasions with this complaint. They have not been able to duplicate the problem and therefore have not done any research. On December 19th, 2000 the symptom reappeared after backing my car out of the driveway and I immediately brought it to the dealer. The service manager then test drove the vehicle and noted that the problem I described previously does exist and scheduled me to bring in the truck on Thursday, December 28, 2000. When I brought the vehicle in the manager who had test drove the vehicle just one week ago did not seem to recall the condition and said they would check it out. I have a problem with the way the whole thing is being handled. I can't believe that my vehicle is the only one that has this problem in the entire country. I would think that GMC should have some information regarding this in their database. At this point I am not convinced that the proper diagnostic methods are being taken to locate the problem and remedy it. I don't know where else to turn and I am looking to you for any guidance that you can provide.