Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives 2009 GMC Sierra sets itself on fire at 400 km.

I was recently issued a new GMC Sierra as a work vehicle. At about 400 km, there was a dragging noise ( I was thinking the traction control or anti locks were functioning improperly) as I drove along. At a stop sign I shut her down. It was weird, the engine was stopped, but there was still a lot of noise under the hood, as if the engine was turning. The engine would not restart. I popped the hood, and the fan belt etc was still turning. I thought that the only source of power was the battery. I went to disconnect the battery, but before I could, smoke began billowing out from underneath the left side of the engine. I went to grab the fire extinguisher, but as it was only a 5lber, and I couldn't see any flames, I thought I should call the fire department. By the time I was off the phone and had the pin pulled, the smoke was disippating. The FD checked and said the fire had burned out. FD helped push the truck aside and it ha to be towed. This happened on March 31, and the truck is still at Shaw GMC.

I'm a Toyota fan, and would consider a GM truck, not sure I would now.

If I found a story of a Toyota setting a fire would you sell yours?

What has the dealer found? If the fan belt was turning the engine would have to be turning also right? If the ignition was stuck on causing the starter to turn over then eventally the starter would overheat and start smoking.

There is a difference between hearing stories,and actually experiencing things for yourself.

Last 2009 Chevy I looked at had electric fans, its called an accessory drive belt or something strange now days.

I wan't lucky enought but a few of my yota drivin friends had this experiance, one of two drives a much new Toyota that was paid for mostly buy Toyota.

"Toyota had begun receiving a few reports from customers that excessive corrosion was occurring on the frames of some older Tacoma pickups, specifically 1995 to 2000 models. The Japanese automaker determined that during this half decade of production, some Taco frames may not have received the kind of corrosion protection from the factory that's needed to withstand harsh climes, especially ones where salt is used to deice roadways. While there is no recall and Toyota says that the number of instances where it has found rust go beyond the surface of the frame to penetrate the metal is small, the automaker is pulling an unorthodox move and doing something about anyway.

Toyota is extending the rust perforation warranty on all 1995-2000 Tacoma pickups, some 813,000 units, to 15 years from the original date of purchase, AND you don't have to be the original owner, or the second or the third even. Anyone who owns a Tacoma from this era and finds rust perforation on the frame can have his or her truck officially inspected for rust damage, in which case Toyota will either repair or buy back the truck regardless of its condition. Owners will start receiving letters by mid-March, and those who don't can visit a dealership for a free inspection."

I prayed everyday that my GM would set itself on fire. Some days I was going to do it myself...you just got lucky.

Seriously, glad you're alright.

I must be reading this wrong so I stand to be corrected.

400km on a 'o9 truck. If my calculations are right, that is 250miles. Teething problem suck but they happen.

That is how I read it as well.