GMC Safari Parts & Accessories

I've been driving my GMC Safari just fine until one day, it just won't start. I think it has loss of spark. What could be causing this? Any help will be much appreciated.

If your engine cranks as it should but wouldn't start because it has no spark, the problem could be a bad crankshaft position sensor or broken, loose, or corroded wires in the sensor. When the crankshaft sensor has failed, it will not send the right signal to the ECU. Then, the computer won't be sending any fuel to the injectors, which will lead to your vehicle unable to start. Sometimes, this problem can be solved by simply disconnecting the sensor wiring harness or loosening the bolt that holds it in place. However, in some cases, you may need more complicated process such as removing the intake manifold. The latter should be done only by professional, so it's better to consult your trusted mechanic. Make sure to consult your owner's manual to find where the sensor is located and what bolt or wiring harness you should disconnect.

I've been having problem with my GMC Safari lately. The transmission between the 2^nd and 3^rd gear stopped picking up speed. The transmission is electronic-controlled, and I have no idea why this is happening. Any idea how to fix it?

When it comes to automatic transmission problem, the first thing that you should always check is the transmission fluid levels. If the fluid level is low, it could cause several performance issues, which include being unable to shift gears. Check for puddles of fluid underneath your vehicle to see if you have transmission fluid leaks. If you found none, refill the fluid and test if this solves your problem. Check with your owner's manual if you are unsure how to check and refill the transmission fluid. If you are still unable to shift gears, you may need to check your throttle cables. A faulty one can cause too much slack and prevent the vehicle from shifting gears properly or prevent shifting at all. Sometimes, you can't just DIY a transmission problem, and it may need advanced computerized diagnostics.

I just took my Safari to the mechanic to have the brakes fixed. But every now and then we will have the same problem—the brakes would stick every now and then. The brakes also don't work well when it's raining. Can you suggest anything?

The most important thing for you to do with sticky brakes is to not drive your vehicle—it is clearly dangerous. As for your problem, you may need to consider that the caliper piston might be dragging, which causes friction. This friction cooks the brake fluid and leads to high brake-line pressure and locks that corner. If you notice that all your brakes are locking simultaneously, the problem could be with the master cylinder. In this case, you need to replace the master cylinder and have the brakes bled. An ABS distribution black should be cycled by a professional.

I've had this problem with cranking before and I've had the sensor replaced and had redone the plug wires and heads. It worked fine for quite some time, until recently. My Safari is now giving me headaches and won't crank. Any suggestion would be much appreciated.

If your vehicle won't start because the engine won't crank or cranks really slow, the problem could be with the starter circuit. You can diagnose a cranking problem by switching on the headlights;if the lights go out, a poor battery cable connection is what causing the cranking problem. Check and make sure that the connections are clean along with the engine-to-chassis ground straps. If you've recently replaced the cables, make sure that it is not undersized. Some replacement cables have small gauge wire inside, and they are not enough to handle the amps.

The GMC Safari was launched in 1985, sharing the stage with its sibling, the Chevrolet Astro. The Safari was a rear-wheel drive, mid-sized van introduced to compete with its American and Japanese rivals—the Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager twins and the Japanese Toyota Van. Aside from its standard passenger uses, the GMC Safari was also available as a cargo van, which inspired converters to build small conversion vans. Let’s take a look back at the many style and performance updates that the GMC Safari has gone under through the years.

The GMC Safari first came out as a truck-based rear-wheel drive that featured higher towing ratings and payload compared to its front-drive rivals. It offered an all-wheel-drive option and featured 4-wheel antilock brakes and an extended body style. For its 1990 model year, the GMC Safari was restyled. The changes included an updated instrument panel that offered a larger glove box and a standard five-passenger seat. It was also equipped with a standard 4.3-liter V6 engine with 150 horsepower and a four-speed automatic transmission.

The GMC Safari went through a lot of updates in the next five years. In 1991, the 2WD passenger Safaris received a new high-output V6 engine with a 175 horse power. This was immediately upgraded the following year when a more powerful V6 engine option with a 200-horsepower rate became available in 1992. That same year, a new door option was available for the Safaris. Dubbed as Dutch doors, the new door option featured a one-piece glass lift gate with split panel doors that open separately. In 1993, the Safari’s transmission was upgraded to a new four-speed automatic transmission with electric controls. Aside from the newly added optional driver-side airbag, the 150-horsepower base engines were also updated to 165-horsepower engines for this model year. In 1994, all Safaris received a driver-side airbag and other new safety features including a guard beam located in the front door and the sliding side door and a center high-mounted stoplamp placed in the roof. For the 1995 model year, all regular-length vans were dropped and the GMC Safaris received yet another makeover. All Safari models received freshly extended bodies and a new 190-horsepower engine.

The following model years saw only minor changes to the GMC Safari. For the 1996 model year, the Safaris received a new passenger airbag and a revised dashboard with a locking glovebox. Speed-sensitive power steering and daytime running lights were available in 1997, there were no significant changes in 1998, and only the running boards and outside mirrors were redesigned in 1999. For its 2000 model year, the GMC Safari received rear child-seat anchors, a standard third-row bench seat that can accommodate 7- 8 passengers and a larger fuel tank made of plastic. Other new features included updated headlamps, battery-rundown protection, and retained accessory power.

In 2001, only the SLE and SLT trim levels were left for the GMC Safari and the second-row bench with twin bucket seats was replaced with a new seven-passenger option. In 2002, deep-tint rear glass was added to the passenger versions while the cargo versions got remote keyless entry and a rear heater. For 2003, all-disc brakes and 16-inch wheels were added on all models. The GMC Safari remained unchanged for its 2004 model year and marked its final run in 2005.