Chevy Silverado - Continued XVIII

obyone

got to remember. Got too much things to remember as it is. Actually, I leave the truck running when opening a gate to the warehouse. That's when I run into the door as doors use to open when you pulled the handle on the inside whether they were locked or not. I guess too many people opened their doors on the freeway?

redsilverado

in our now deceased alero used to unlock when put into park. they locked when put into drive as well. would be nice if GM would make up their minds and sorta maintain a standard of specs.

crew, i thought that the law man had to prove that your tint was beyond legal darkness before issuing the citation. was he looking at your windows with dark glasses? my tint guy told me that they have to prove that you went beyond percentage before issuing a cite. he also told me that there was a case when the officer was wearing dark shades when he pulled a guy over and not wanting to look like the fool that he did later, decided to go with the citation. later the motorist showed up in court and they (him and tintest) provided proof that they were legal. Doh!

-
red

mgdvhman

someplace a law suit came up I'm sure where a car was running and someone opened the door and fell out....or something like that....so we all have to suffer for 1 dufus I guess

- Tim

87lion

I think the issue of auto-unlock is safety. Pulling into a dark parking lot I really don't want all my doors to unlock as soon as I put the vehicle in park. In fact I would prefer that only the driver door unlock automatically.

salesrep

Regarding the TSB for the door closing problem. I got the TSB # and all of the part numbers from the service manager at the dealer. He got them from the zone manager for Chevrolet. The TSB is on the computer at your dealer. Just ask and have him fix your problem with the new parts.

I called the Chev customer help line after I got the TSB and part numbers and they still have no idea what is going on. I guess this is part of the farse they play with the customer. It all boils down to "if you have a problem you find the solution". What a game!!!!

This is not new to any car maker or dealer. The TSB's seem to be unread until the customer pursues the issue and finds the solution themselves.

Good Luck!!!

gboswellm

I am interested in buying a Dark red Silverado Z71. 99 model. Is this vehicle a K1500? When I look under used car prices K1500 is a Tahoe. Thanks for any help folks.

z71bill

99 Z-71 is a K1500, all Chevy 4x4 trucks have the K, C is the 2wd trucks.

scootter31

Thank for the info and part #'s. Definitely let us know how it goes. My doors close just fine. Then the top latches rattle when its cold. GRRR! This may fix my problem as well.

Thanks again
just
Scott

blackmax200

At the risk of being off topic, but since this issue was posted in this discussion a week or so ago, I tought it fitting that I take a moment of time to post the conclusion here.

I received the Poron Back-Up Aid kit for an open bed truck that I ordered last week. The kit is very straight forward. Everything is plug-in using phone line type jacks, with the exception of the power and ground wires that the installer has to use scotch lock type connectors on.

Here is the best part for those of you who maybe considering this device...and thanks to Obyone for some additional insight! $100 off of the price!!!!!!!! By typing "Edmunds" in the "Comments" box on the online order form, from which you get an automatic $50 discount, you do get an additional $50 discount! I got the mini3LV unit 3 sensor system with the digital distance display.

$249.00

-$50.00 internet ordering discount

-$50.00 Edmunds discount

+ $8.00 freight

$157.99 charged to my cc

attached was a note:

Thanks for your business. Your $50.00 discount is reflected in your invoice. Please note that this is a limited time offer. Please tell your friends about the $50.00 savings before the promotion ends.

The internet order form does not calculate the 2nd $50 off, but it shows up on the invoice that is billed to your cc. Shipping was fast too, it had to come across the country from the left coast.

Thanks Oby.

http://www/poronusa.com

matthew

BTW will look at truck to start installation tomorrow as weather supposed to clear somewhat out here.

Will post in accessories discussion also

99crewcab1

Actually, california doesn't allow any tint, but many still do it. I'm from LA where cops don't enforce this law b/c it gets so hot. Right now I'm going to school in santa barbara where they do enforce it. When I got pulled over, I pulled out my cousins card (he's a detective in san diego) hoping that this guy would leave me alone. Personally I think that being pulled over for tinted windows is BS. they should be getting the bad guys, not a college student who's going to the bank. I've noticed a lot of cars up here in the past few days who have much darker tint than I do.

Nick

obyone

I think once you become politically connected, it will be easier to avoid the same situation on the tint. It would have perhaps been more effective if you knew the Chief of Police, Mayor, or Governor. Actually, the business card of the business agent of the Police Union is the most effective in avoiding tickets, DWI arrests and so on..... ;-)

redsilverado

it was a link that obyone had posted for me some time back that i'm now in search of, that showed the allowable percentages on each window. my back and sides are almost black, and i held off on the sides until i decided whether or not it's what i want. if i remember right, there is a percentage that allows you to go darker on the front side windows. still they have to prove that you are too dark to issue the citation.

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red

bco

http://www.iwfa.com/docs/statelaw.html

bco

broph

I own a 99 extcab & am looking to install stepbars, mudflaps & lund lunar (lighted) visor. I have seen a few trucks with the stepbars, but not with the mudflaps. Will it be a problem to install both or do I have to buy a specific kind to match the body contour? The lund visor. Has anyone seen one on a ndew body style silverado before? and if so, how does it look. I would like to get it painted to match the truck (which is blue), does anyone have any input to this? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

mgdvhman

has a blue Ado with nerf bars and mud flaps to fit the flares....but he no longer looks here...(so he says)

- Tim

obyone

I have the mudflaps and Smittybuilt steps installed with no problems.

Yep, indigo blue truck...nerfs and mudflaps is ryan's specialty. he must be biting his tongue..LOL!!!

careyace

I have step bars along with splash guards and did not have any problem as there is plenty of room.My truck is a 2500 so I have flares and put on molded guards.

As for the lighted visor,I have seen a few with the lunar visor and they do look fine but I chose the lund moon visor as I just like the looks of it over the lunar.I have pics at http://www.picturetrail.com/careyace they are not the best as our camera sucks.At the time of the pics I did not have splash guards.

Hope this helps,Andrew

mledtje

My signature used to have 3 lines:

99 Silverado 1500 Base 4x4 4.8L 5spd
00 Silverado 2500 LS 4x4 6.0L 5spd
Deadhorse, Alaska 6-6-99

The last line refers to the farthest north you can drive on this continent. It is a 500 dirt road north from Fairbanks to the Artic Ocean. 250 miles without a gas station, convience store, motel, any kind of commercial facility at all! There is a 150 mile stretch where you can't even get a tow truck to go if you need it. Greatest place we ever visited!!

But, only two Silverado's. That is enough for me. I really don't want an HD - the 2500 is the right size for me. I think Chevy/GM is missing the boat by not pushing the 2500 series - Big truck power and capacity in a smaller size!!

Later,

Mike L

rangeman

I hate that alarm that sounds every time I open the door on the new GM trucks. In the past I've always just disabled the switch in the door jamb, but I can't figure out how to do that with the 2001 2500HD. Has anybody got a clue how to do this?

The salesman assured me the boys in the shop would do this, but all I get is blank stares from them!

Range man

dch0300

redsilverado,
My 2001 Z-71 was built on 12/6/00. No noises coming anywhere from my dash or anywhere else on the truck....except for the the rattle of my loose change that I keep in the ash tray. Fixed that by lining it with adhesive backed felt.

broph,
I got the Westin Platinum CPS step bars. A little expensive at around $460, but lifetime warranty from chipping, pealing, rusting, etc.

cadis

Getting ready to purchase my first NEW vehicle which is also my first truck to ever own. Thankfully I am able to purchase this truck with the GM discount. I will be ordering the vehicle to save money and to get the truck the way I would like it....Here comes my scenario...

Original plan was to just get a 1500 Silverado. They had the low interest rates and the $1000 incentive due to the Detroit Auto Show. After pricing the truck I noticed I could step into a 2500HD with the cool looking hood for only a couple grand more! I know that the 2500HD is FAR more truck then I will ever use but for approximately $2000 more I am thinking of getting one. I would think the resale value would be better in the future on the 2500HD versus the 1500. Plus I really like the new hood on the 2500HD. I'm 28 years old....don't have a boat or trailer....just plan to use the truck for home improvement projects and other home uses. But, who knows what the future will hold. Maybe I will end up getting a boat or trailer?!
Basically my question is...am I missing something here? Why not step up to the 2500HD if you have the money? Is there a disadvantage to getting the 2500HD over the 1500 (besides gas mileage which only sounds like a 4mpg difference.)

Other quick questions:
Locking differential? After talking with other truck owners I keep hearing it is really not needed. Here is an example response I get "If you get stuck and only one wheel is spinning just put it in 4wheel drive and it will pull you out! You don't really need it!" Comments?

Is there an advantage to getting a firm ride package?

After looking at the 2500HD it seems there is not as much ground clearence. I could not find a comparison in the brochure. Is the frame closer to the ground which would mean the truck is not good for off-road use?

I will keep my questions to a minimum and post more later if needed.
Your input is greatly appreciated. Looking to place my order this week. Thanks!

obyone

If you have the money, don't mind the stiffer ride, don't mind the gas mileage, I would say go for it if it's what you want. In my area, 2500's are hard to get rid of. Then again your area might be different. In my opinion, 3wd with the locker is better than 2wd or 1wd. 4wd is actually 2wd with the one front and one back tire powered.

I would say because of the long wheelbase, no truck is good for 4 wheelin. Well maybe a reg cab short bed. My $.02.

texaszach

First of all, locking differential is a must have option in my opinion. I've owned many 4x4's over the last 25 years and NEVER purchase a new truck without it.
I'll take your word on the lower ground clearance of the 2500HD. This may well be attributed to the shorter tires (245's) on the 2500HD versus the taller optional 265 tires for the 1500.

randersen

I have a 2500HD and wouldn't trade it for a 1500 anyday. My dealer can't keep them in stock. A guy at work has a 2000 1500 and his next purchase will be to go up to 2500HD. Drive em' both and see what you are most comfortable with. If you are doing home improvement project, the 2500HD will handle the weight better and comes with heavy duty transmissions which should last longer. Just my $.02.

redsilverado

thanks, and i've already taken care of it.

tim, there's a special tool required for disabling the chime. they're called

mledtje

I have a 2500 and a 1500. Both were ordered with the locking differential. I wouldn't be without it, others don't want it.

The 1500 rides and drives more like a car, the 2500 rides and drives more like a truck. I like both of them, the 2500 has a camper on it most of the time and the 1500 is empty.

I found the base shocks too wimpy, the firm ride shocks are marginal when empty and too soft when loaded. I bought Bilsteins for both trucks. Firm ride is better than standard suspension.

Ground clearance should be similar for both trucks. The HD will have more clearance to the body, but the same to the frame. The 1500 will have more clearance under the differential.

Mike L

broph

Thanks to everyone for your responses, very helpful. I did see Ryan's truck pictures (nice wheels) the only difference is I have the 2 wheel drive 1500.

To Careyace: also nice truck. The moon visor does have a more aggressive look to it. I'll check them out also.

Who knows, when I get it all done maybe I'll post some pics. Best truck I ever owned!

rcoos

With all due respect... your comments on post #1076 leaves me with the conclusion that you have MASTERED the obvious !!!

Not everyone needs a 3/4, 3/4 HD or 1-ton pickup.

rcoos

ricsch

After having the truck to the dealer for them to try 20 different tires to get rid of the vibration, another visit to have the service bulletin performed, which helped some but didn't take care of it completely-the field manager at that time said that as long as I drove on smooth, asphalt roads, it wouldn't be a problem-GOOD ONE, and the BBB really liked it so much that it was one reason for the replacement decision.

So after getting nowhere with Chevrolet to solve the problem, I contacted the BBB and filed a claim, filled out the claim form, and in the meantiome had a call from a GM rep which went nowhere, and had the dealer offer to trade my "00 in on a new '01 for GM's problem for a cost of $4000 (Keep in mind the truck had only 800 miles on when first brought in for the problem) and had @ 2000 miles when the BBB got involved) The GM rep tried to make it sound as if I wouldn't get what I wanted-a replacement, since I had added accessories to the truck and have a lowering kit that will now be put on the '01 in spring. A cash buyback wouldn't have helped since I need a truck and really didn't want a different make.
Soon I was contacted by the BBB for a hearing date, which went well-thanks to the info from this forum and Clay Hodge's pictures of the improvements made on the '01 frames (bracing, etc.) Only that the GM rep called the info from the site hear-say, didn't matter, I spoke of it in my presentation. The BBB said since I had 9 repair attempts, problem couldn't be completely eliminated, and there is an apparent frame design issue per the extensive service bulletin, 00-02-35-004. that this qualifies as reason to award a replacement vehicle-at no cost!!!!!

randersen

You are absolutely right, it should be obvious. But for someone buying a truck for the first time and with so many options, the obvious can easily be overlooked. I think we have all come across the salesman who can 'sell an freezer to an eskimo.' You know the guy who cares more about the sale than the customer. And you are right, not everyone needs a heavier duty truck, but some people may want it. Nothing against a 1500 (being that in the past, I have owned one), just not my choice. Making a $30,000 plus decision can be a nerve racking sometimes.

By the way, someone mentioned either in this subject or another Silverado subject that the 1500 had slightly higher ground clearance. And someone else mentioned the bigger diff on the 2500's that could be lower. Also take into account that 2500's have 245 size tires and 1500's typically have 265(4wd) which also makes up some of the difference in ground clearance.

87lion

I hope your new truck is trouble free.

markbuck

Go for the 1/2 ton. Probably 25% better fuel economy, lighter by a bunch (therefor better for off roading) can still tow/haul fairly large stuff.

Only buy a 3/4 or 1 ton truck if you really need it.....

tex6

Does GM have dealer maintenance ratings that are published where the customer can see which dealer may offer the best maintenance? For example, Chrysler has 4 and 5 star ratings I believe.

While I realize the system can be political, it still gives the customer confidence in the dealer if that dealer has maintenance awards, etc. I purchased my truck 80 miles from where I live and I am in the process of selecting a dealer to do the 7500 mile check and normal, preventive maintenance including TSBs.

Thank you for any info or advice.

rangeman

Redsilverado suggests there is a tool to disable door chime. Anybody have an idea where to get one?

obyone

From what I've seen, Lexus, Infiniti, and MB have pretty good service record. Other than that, I believe it is on a dealer by dealer basis. Comes down to the attitude of the owner of the dealership whether the service would be excellent or not. Of course a bribe here and there to the service advisor also works wonders....

tex6

Now that you mention it, I recall some of your posts that mentioned getting to know the service advisor.

vince4

To disable the door chime, rotate the door latch up about 30 degrees. I mean stick your finger in the latch mechanism at the back of the door and push the lever up.

BUT, don't forget to put it back before slamming the door shut! I guarantee you'll forget sometime. If you don't rotate the latch very far you may get away with it. I shove a twig in there or drape something on the door to remind me.

I wish GM had included the chime in the Dome Override switch. That would be a good black box for R&D to offer.

vince4

I had the Autotrac transfer case fluid changed to the new blue stuff today to fix a launch chirp (clunk) problem. This is on a TSB discussed here several times. But I learned from the service advisor that the magic fluid is none other than---Saturn automatic transmission fluid. They color it blue to help distinguish it from the trans fluid for leak detection etc. He didn't know what was better about it but guessed maybe it had a higher synthetic content.

randersen

My truck is a 2500HD of which the transfer case is just Dexron III trans fluid and I really haven't checked if there is a difference in the fluid for those who have the Autotrak. The previous post says that the 'blue stuff' is actually Saturn trans fluid with a dye and may have more synthetics in it for better operation. If this is true about the synthetic content, Valvoline does made a synthetic Dexron III trans fluid. Gotta be cheaper than having the dealer do it. I will be switching most of my fluids to synthetic, or the blended synthetic in the spring.

mgdvhman

I thought the blue goo was for 1500's?

Give me that TSB....as sometimes I get a chirp

Thanks

- Tim

redsilverado

that door latch trick is kinda the first thing alot of people do to temporarly nix the door chime, but i think tim was wanting to know how to disable it on the new CC HD's. whether he meant to do it for the temporary reason or permanent i'm not sure. has anyone or yourself found out what happens if you try to close the door while you've got the latch in the disengaged position?

when i posted earlier i had mentioned a pair of wire cutters, but the post for some reason was cut in 1/2. anyway, when i changed the door speakers in my truck i found the wire that runs to the switch in the door latch. unless you pull the latch out to remove the connecting wire, you'd be better off to just snip it somewhere that is easy to get to so that it could be reconnected at a later date if that is what you need to do.

-
red

mgdvhman

Me Tim?

I didn't ask nuttin'

- Tim

rangeman

That was rangeman asking about the door chimes. These door chimes are the loudest thing in my life other than the coyotes!

Does anyone know what color that wire in the door is? Maybe it could just be unpluged at the fuse box at the dash or the wire cut from that bundle coming from the door? I don't want to pull that door panel off a brand new truck if I can help it.

kansan

All things being the same, (2500 LS 4wd Ext. Cab SB), Edmunds shows the LD weighing 5659 and the HD weighing 5508. That means an equivalent light duty weighs 151 lbs. more than a heavy duty. I thought it would be the other way around. Does anyone know why this is?
Ken

markbuck

Blue stuff in Autotrac's (both 1500 and 2500LD).

I switched my '99 manual trans case to Mobil 1 ATF. I think all manual or electric button shift transfer cases would only be helped by changing to a synthetic ATF. BTW, the pink stuff I drained out at 12,000 miles looked brand new. Same with the manual tranny oil. Front diff oil looked horrible....

redsilverado

i read post 1070 and did'nt pay close attention to the name. all i saw was the last three letters "man" and thought you were asking about the chime thingy. should have known it was'nt you.

-
red

mgdvhman

fixing things.....it's called a hammer!

...course I'd wanna try it out on someone elses door chime first...

get them glasses before sketching my plans this weekend!

LOL

- Tim

redsilverado

was that LOL or 707? are the chimes in the HD trucks that much more annoying? i've usually got the stereo so loud that i never noticed.

salesrep

Has anyone ever replaced the wimpy & useless Silvarado interior sunvisors with ones out of a Tahoe or Suburban? These at least have a lighted mirror and a pull out extension so you can get some side protection from the sun.

The parts guy says they are around $85 each and he said they should work as the vehicles are all the same.

Chevy designers must think that truck owners are tough enough to put up with the sun in their eyes. Why else would they give the Tahoe and Suburban guys the better visors? Heck even the lowly Blazer get the better visors.

Let me know.
Thanks

mgdvhman

That's an old topic...but they are not the same....the roof line is different and I remember a guy going thru a great length and ending up with no luck...

- Tim