Four problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1998 GMC Jimmy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Drive an 1998 GMC Jimmy with around 172,000 miles on it (I know this is a lot of miles). Had the local gm dealer work on my rear defroster (one of the clips fell off). After receiving the vehicle back from the dealer I turned my defroster on about two weeks later. The back window exploded like a shotgun after about 15-20 seconds. Dealer says rear defroster voltage regulator must have went bad. I argued that a fuse should had blown before an explosion took place. Gm complaint department also disagrees, saying that the vehicle is old and things like this happen. Luckily, no one was standing by the rear window when it exploded because it probably would have killed them. If I'm wrong tell me I'm wrong but I believe gm is responsible for no only replacing the window but fixing the rear defroster voltage regulator. I hope this is an isolated case but maybe by reporting this I can prevent someone from getting hurt (including a gm technician).
The battery and the alternator failed. A new battery and alternator were installed. Consumer is dissatisfied with the failure of the alternator.
The fuel pump failed. A new fuel pump and fuel filter were installed. Consumer is dissatisfied with this failure. The battery and the alternator failed as well.
1) instrument cluster intermittently shuts off while driving, then pops back on. On two occasions, it happens while crossing traffic lanes and also lost power - almost struck by oncoming traffic. Service engine light also comes on after such an occurence 2) exhaust noise during accelleration. Gets more pronounced as vehicle comes to normal operatoring temperature (3) driver side seat recliner lever broke off without much pressure being applied (4) air conditioner compressor went out during family vacation. Compressor squeeked for months before it finally quit (5) alternator died.