Need advice on 97 Sonoma ZR2 4.3L (Page 3/6)
Jncomutt JAN 29, 01:15 PM
(pics moved to first post)

Notice the sweet "Hurst" handle on the shifter, lol. It has an aftermarket radio, but only the right rear speaker works..

Also, the fan speed 'roller' (seen below) is broken, I wonder if I can change that plastic roller piece, or if I need to swap the whole unit..

[This message has been edited by Jncomutt (edited 02-04-2013).]

Monkeyman JAN 29, 01:56 PM
You can't replace any part of the HVAC controls but those are dirt cheap at any boneyard. I had the temp control go out on my Jimmy. I think I bought another for $10 at the local yard.

Other than needing to be cleaned up, it looks like a nice truck.

EDIT: Don't use the defrost only setting. Use the defrost/foot setting for defrost. Using the defrost only setting sometimes gets the diverter assembly stuck. Cheap to fix if it happens but a real PITA to get to.

[This message has been edited by Monkeyman (edited 01-29-2013).]

Jncomutt JAN 29, 02:02 PM
Good Advice. I haven't tried it yet, hopefully it isn't already stuck. The 'roller' works properly and I can get all speeds, but the dial is half broken so if when its on high speed, I need something to stick in there to rotate it a bit back to where I can roll the dial again. I'll have to keep an eye out at the local pull a part..
weaselbeak JAN 29, 04:29 PM

quote
Originally posted by Monkeyman:


Must be gearing as mine turns that at about 60.




I like the mileage, but the tranny is not a slick shifter, even using the synthetic super lubes. I have to "search" a bit sometimes for 3rd gear. It's been that way for the 5 years I've had it.
carnut122 JAN 29, 08:47 PM

quote
Originally posted by Jncomutt:

Also, the fan speed 'roller' (seen below) is broken, I wonder if I can change that plastic roller piece, or if I need to swap the whole unit..






The fan roller switch can be replaced for under $20. Since you have the panel removed, it'll take less than 5 minutes. I either bought the switch on eBay or at O'Reilley's (don't remember which one).
carnut122 JAN 29, 08:51 PM

quote
Originally posted by weaselbeak:

Ball joints and bearings are as reliable as on any other vehicle. There are some things that can sneak up on you and be very costly from one set of wheels to another. Check pricing on common wear items. There are fuel pumps out there that will break the bank. My son had a Tracker (I'm not making this up) that had the muti-function switch--headlights, turn signals-- go bad and on his particular model year it would have cost a THOUSAND dollars. I have 2 of those 4.3 engines and the motor is terrific. But there is a 415 dollar fuel pump getting old in the 2 door Blazer and that is worrisome. Just do a little google search for common problems on the specific year and model so you won't get blindsided.




Thanks (monkeyman too) for the info on the bearings and ball joints), I replaced the fuel pump on mine and it was around $80 (about 10 years ago). The pump still worked, but I was having fuel starvation issues when pulling the Fiero home from Indiana. Replacing the filter didn't take care of it, but I haven't had issues since, so apparently the new pump was the "fix" on this.
Monkeyman JAN 30, 01:28 AM

quote
Originally posted by carnut122:


The fan roller switch can be replaced for under $20. Since you have the panel removed, it'll take less than 5 minutes. I either bought the switch on eBay or at O'Reilley's (don't remember which one).



When I was looking for parts for my Jimmy, I couldn't find any place that had the individual components. Probably a good thing as, like I said, I found the entire unit in good condition for less than $20.
Jncomutt JAN 31, 09:57 AM
Well luck was on my side and the blown fuse fixed the check engine light. Also had no brake lights, which turned out to be a fuse as well. There is a bunch of aftermarket stereo wiring in the truck (found a power cord to the battery, and RCA cables in the jump seat), so I assume that the radio fuse may have blown and was just swapped out, as happened in that link.

[This message has been edited by Jncomutt (edited 02-04-2013).]

Monkeyman JAN 31, 10:36 AM
That Hurst shifter knob is kinda cool and retro. It's not worth anything so I'd probably keep it. If the stereo works, you might as well keep that, too, unless you're looking for something with USB.

Not sure how that crimp could get into the exhaust pipe but that can't help, I'm sure. First things I would do would be a fresh air filter and an oil change. Drive it for 500 miles or so then change the oil/filter again. It probably wouldn't hurt to have the coolant flushed especially if it still happens to have that crappy original Dexcool (orange) crap in it. Replace it with plain old green antifreeze.
weaselbeak JAN 31, 01:41 PM

quote
Replace it with plain old green antifreeze.



Pay that times 10.