Chevy Silverado Problems

1…2526283031…44

Comments

  • cowboyjohn1cowboyjohn1 Member Posts: 125
    Just got back from a 4000 mile trip in my 2001 2500HD, 4X4. Since the highways here at home seem to be mostly asphalt, I have not previously felt the bounce that some people have experienced. However, when I got on cement highways, I felt the bounce at normal highway speeds and abnormally high speeds for the 2000 miles to my destination. I came back with about 4 to 500 pounds additional and there was considerably less bounce. I think the answer is that the 2500HD is designed to be loaded. Look at those springs which are almost 1/2 inch thick. I would suggest to prevent, or reduce, the bounce, put about 500 pounds in the back of the bed. I suspect that it will not noticeably reduce the gas mileage on my 8.1 liter engine and will improve the ride. The pickup performed very nice on the whole trip.
    cowboyjohn
  • dmnsmith2dmnsmith2 Member Posts: 21
    In my new 2001 Silverado, I noticed that the oil was overfilled by the factory. I now have 1000 miles and have drained some of the oil to the appropriate level. Could this cause any engine problems? TIA!!!
  • mledtjemledtje Member Posts: 1,123
    It's possible, but not likely, that your engine was overfilled. More likely would be a dipstick that is mismarked.

    When you change the oil/filter, add 6 quarts and see where the oil comes to on the dipstick.

    Mike L
  • mwillemwille Member Posts: 15
    The front tires look like new. Tire pressure on the rear is 75-80 lbs. Front about 50 lbs. The truck is used for work but only carries about 200 lbs.(carpentry hand tools). The first set of tires were rotated as required(they lasted to 18,000 miles.90% of the milage is going from Ma. to Fl. towing a 17' Whaler about 1200 lbs. The dealer said today that they couldn't find anything wrong , but chevy would replace the rear tires one time only. The truck also has the famous engine knock.I didn't pay 30K to have to buy tires every 15k miles.My 88 GMC has 551,000 miles and still runs good(tires last about 50k miles), so you see I keep my trucks along time. Where do I go from here (BBB,Lawyer)? Am I being unreasonable to ask for a new truck since they can't fix this? HELP
  • sdenlingersdenlinger Member Posts: 9
    I have a 1998 Silverado Z71. After the truck has been running a short time and I apply the brakes I hear what sounds like relays tripping (about 3 or 4 clicking type noises) coming from under the dash on the drivers side. Does anyone know what the heck that might be?
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    You just answered your tire wear problem with your inflation pressures. Why are you running max pressure in rear with no load???? I run 50/40 f/r when empty or up to 500 lbs. load.

    Ray T
  • mwillemwille Member Posts: 15
    ray my truck is used in my construction company and any givin day I may put 2000lbs. in it when I pick up materials in the morning. I never know what I my be getting.I can't be adding air/letting out air 3 or 4 times a day.My trips to Florida are always with a full bed of cargo and the boat. My GMC runs 75-80lbs. in the rear and I get 50,000 miles on those tires.I also addressed the tire pressure issue with both dealers and was told to run the recomended 80lbs.The first set of tires I ran around 60lbs with the same results.So now what??Thanks for trying.
  • agorrellagorrell Member Posts: 1
    I was hoping the people who visit this room with their vast knowledge could help a frustrated Chevy owner.
    I have a 99 Silverado 4x4, LS Ext Cab, with the 5.3 here in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. As you might expect, here we don't (can't) drive long distances so I only have 26,000 miles on it. Last week my dashboard started acting up. The entire dash will just go off (driver info center, speedo, odometer, and all the gauges except for oil pressure). It stays that way for awhile, only to come on again. It continually does this while driving (on again, off again). Because there is no dealership here, and nobody with enough knowledge or technology to diagnose it, i'm at my wits end. I'm afraid this will lead to even bigger problems. Anybody with any information to provide would be appreciated.
  • chevy4mechevy4me Member Posts: 203
    On my 99 Silverado the ABS light came on as I was driving ,but the brakes still seemed normal. Then after parking as I came back I hear under th truck a motor sound,this is while the truck is off with the key out. Turns out to be the ABS controller running. So I pull the fuse so it wont drain the battery. I think if there is a problem it defaults to regular brakes,My question is it ok to drive it this way for a few days ? It still brakes ok but the ABS and Brake lights on the dash are on.
  • kaplakapla Member Posts: 3
    It's OK to drive with the fuse pulled. The ABS motor on my '99 did the same thing two weeks ago and that's what I did. How many miles do you have on your truck. 40k here.
  • tucsonjwttucsonjwt Member Posts: 265
    Given your circumstances, I would email the GM Chevrolet brand website via their customer service email link. I'll bet that you get a response within a couple of days and they'll put you in touch with someone who can help. I have had good luck with GM when you get their attention. If this does not work, post back here again and somebody will route you to a site to help you.
    Good Luck.
  • bamatundrabamatundra Member Posts: 1,583
    There is an NHTSA recall on antilock brakes on some '99 Silverados. You should see if your vehicle is one of them.
  • chevy4mechevy4me Member Posts: 203
    My 99 has 22k miles. I will be taking it in Monday and hopefully they have the assembly . I hear that air shipments of parts could be long delayed due to the terrorist problem.
  • chevy4mechevy4me Member Posts: 203
    Yep, the bulletin is right there on the NHTSA site. On some 99 Silverados when engine is turned off the ABS motor continues to run. Thats mine!
  • bill_brown20bill_brown20 Member Posts: 3
    Dealer can't fix the vibration we have on 2001 V6, extended cab. They replaced all 4 tires. They worked on suspension. They worked on exhaust. They flew a specialist in who said he had the fix to the exhaust. No help. Dealer said only happens on V6. The tech was going to another dealer to fix someone else's also.

    He got us a V8 and we would only pay the difference for bigger engine. It worked out to about $1300 more than that but I could live with that if it fixed it. The V8 has the same problem. I didn't have limited slip like the V6. It also had standard tires and rims. We took it to Goodyear who said the RR rim was bad. They put on 4 new tires and rims and this new V8 had same problem. During this they let us borrow a 2002 V8 with firm suspension for trailoring. This is just 4 heavy duty shocks but it also has the problem.

    At this point we returned the V8, and Manager of dealership suggested lemon law. We really love this truck but my wife won't drive or ride in it, like this. She drives a Ford F350 ambulance for her job, and also a fire truck. She can live with trucks ride rough. The ambulance and fire truck don't vibrate.

    I got it up to speed that this happens, which by the way is about 20, 30, 40, 50, 65, & 75MPH. The other 2 trucks were the same. Once up to speed I put it in neutral and shut the engine off. It still does the vibration. This to me should rule out the exhaust or engine since they are no longer being used. To me it is worst at about 31MPH. I could possibly live with it, and wonder how many people Chevy has told to do just that. To my wife it's like finger nails on a chalk board. It drives her crazy. For $26000 it shouldn't do this.

    I contacted a lawyer on web site that handles class action law suits but he hasn't replied. Is there anyone else out there that has this problem and wants to see it get fixed?
  • ricschricsch Member Posts: 540
    Are you speaking of a 2 wheel drive, if so, then, when you speak of vibrations, where do you notice it-through the steering, or throughout the truck?
  • rrbtrrbt Member Posts: 1
    Two intermittent problems:

    1. ABS and Brake lights will not go out after ignition is in the on position. Upon starting the ABS light goes out momentarily and comes back on; brake light stays on. This happens about every two days. Lights never come on, or turn off while driving, only when starting.

    2. Air Conditioner will not run after starting. This has only happened once.

    Do you think the problem is with the ignition switch or a relay? I would appreciate any insight to the problem.
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    anyone ever had the feeling of the tranny shifting from first to second, but it feels like it kinda bumps in after a slight hesitation?
  • dch0300dch0300 Member Posts: 472
    I haven't posted an update on my truck in awhile, so here goes.

    2001 Silverado LS, 1500, ext-cab, Z-71, 5.3L, auto, 3.73 locking diff, loaded.
    After having it for 9 months and 7,300 miles it is still 100% flawless.
    No windnoise, shakes, vibrations, rattles, squeaks, clunks, engine ticking, or transmission slipping, etc. No problems what-so-ever, or recalls, or any annoyance that have been noticed on other Silverados.
    Worst gas mileage was 15.9 mpg (all city driving).
    Best gas mileage was 18.6 mpg (all highway driving).

    Am I just lucky, or did I actually get a well built truck from GM?
    I think it is a bit of both.

    -David
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    my '00 that did have some squeaks (that are now gone) has 40,000 miles on it and with the exception of a slight (not slipping) bump in the 1-2 shift, it has been flawless. gas mileage- 16.0/city and a best of 20.3/highway.
    my '01 which now has 9,000 miles has been super quiet and not one mechanical quirk....gas mileage has been 16.5/city and 19.4/highway, and i haven't even put the mobil 1 in the crankcase yet. so i guess GM does indeed build some good stuff.......nice thing about having a '00 though was that i recieved a 6/100k warranty from GM, simply by calling the BBB in concern of the engine noise that is apparent on the vortecs. to date, niether truck has used a drop of oil.
  • dch0300dch0300 Member Posts: 472
    Congrats on your trucks too.
    The other day I thought I had my first problem.
    I was stopped at a light and started to hear this really loud engine ticking sound. I thought, oh great I've got my first problem. Rolled down my window and much to my relief, the engine ticking sound was coming from a Cadillac stopped next to me. Rolled up my window, made a left turn and all was quiet again as I drove down the road.

    -David
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    somehow i can hear that caddy from here too....
    too bad GM can't get it right the first time out. i have a friend that has an '88 chevy truck that has had 2 engine replacements and 1 tranny overhaul....all within 60,000 miles......when he said that he learned that you shouldn't buy a first year model truck, i started worrying about the '00, but luckily it hasn't given much to complain about. the wife however only complains when we're passing someone and it hits the lower gear.....i'm sure you know what i mean..
  • mwillemwille Member Posts: 15
    I must have a good 88 GMC I have 552,000 miles on it with the original engine. Uses a quart of oil every 3 months but I can live with it. My 00 has a list of things wrong a mile long.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    That's quite a few miles. Can you remember how many sets of tires that you've gone through on that '88? Just wondering.

    Sorry. Don't want to ask what's wrong with the 2000 cause a mile is awfully long.
  • xbbusterxbbuster Member Posts: 145
    I had the exact same problem with my '00 ext cab 2wd Silverado. After eight repair attempts for the vibration and a waste of time with the BBB I contacted http://www.consumerlawcenter.net/. It took another three months but with the settlement and what I got for selling the truck it was a lot more than what I paid for it. Just bought a low mileage Chevy W/T, nothing fancy but it doesn't shake and I have the feeling that I got what I paid for.
  • donjbakerdonjbaker Member Posts: 27
    Ordered a 2500HD in June expecting to pick it up late August or early September. It's now been 13 weeks and I still do not have a production/delivery date. The truck was ordered for snow plowing and I'm starting worry - my 92 K5 blazer will not last another season with out sinking a lot of dollars.

    Does any one have any advice or similar problems?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    ever thought of buying one off the lot of another dealer?
  • mwillemwille Member Posts: 15
    Don't know how many sets of tire on my 88 but I avarage about 45-50k on them. The 00 is on the third set at 36k. Chevy says it can't find anything wrong. Time to talk to my friend the local TV consumer reporter. She got me great results when she called Detroit about my other truck. Not the 88. I'll keep everyone informed about how I make out.
  • mwillemwille Member Posts: 15
    Sorry about the name slip. I guess I better read my message before I hit send. It's been a long day
  • minikinminikin Member Posts: 389
    My 2000 Z-71 4x4 ext cab hasn't had anything go wrong with it either after about 10K miles. And I've gotten up to 20 mpg with lows of 16+ in winter with lots of short distance, cold starts. Even with the brake line recall; I checked it myself and there wasn't a problem. I've been feeling really left out. Glad to know I have company.
    -- Don
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    Only 10K miles on your 00? Wow makes my 00 seem like high milage then (20K)

    On the brake line issue do you have nerf bars? My cable was fine except since i had nerf bars they did the fix anyways just in case
  • tapdtapd Member Posts: 19
    It's been a long time since I visited Town Hall. I have 64,000 miles on my '00 purchased 17 months ago. I have developed a engine ping that is present almost all the time. Had the engine decarboned....cost me 250.00. Still have the ping. Changed the plugs, no difference. My gas mileage has dropped from an average of 19 mpg to 17 mpg.
    Since "obyone" is still around maybe you can help.
    I do know there is an update for ABS on '00 and '01 to make the ABS less sensitive over bumps. Get it done under warranty. I understand it requires replacement of the ABS computer.
    Thank you to everyone for your help.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Sounds like you need to advance the timing. Unfortunately with these trucks you simply can't do it. Have you tried switching brands of gas or stepping up a grade to 89? Run colder plugs?

    I'm assuming its a ping and not a knock.
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    if a motor is "pinging" or preigniting you'd want to retard the timing. There is a crank sensor on these vehicles that is not adjustable. I know the aftermarket makes 'em for Fords, don't know about GM.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    you're right. Still doesn't matter as you can't do anything about it.....


    Forgot to ask when it occurs? uphill? at what speed? 38-45? You could be because of the tranny programming. Check here for updates:


    http://vci.ecomm.gm.com/vci/

  • gator36gator36 Member Posts: 294
    I could be speaking out of my rear on this one...
    It could be a bad knock sensor or something to
    do with the asoc. wiring.
    As the knock sensor is part of the timing feedback system, the PCM is constantly adjusting the timing
    based upon many inputs. I would suspect bad gas if there was a noticeable loss of power.
    In theory bad gas would pre-ignite possibly so bad that the PCM cannot retard the timing enough to compensate. At this point your "felt" power goes out the window. On the other hand...
    If the knock sensor was not functioning properly.
    The PCM would not sense the pinging and thereby not retard the timing. Felt power would be on par with normal driving until you reached situations where the pinging starts to interfere.

    Anyone care to expand on this?
    Or am I just "way off base"?
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    did you take the truck to Hallowell?
  • minikinminikin Member Posts: 389
    I bought my Silverado at an end of model year sale last August so I've only had it just over a year. I also have two personal vehicles; my truck's not the daily driver except in bad weather, and I travel a lot on business; that's why the low mileage. We do use it as the family vacation hauler though. No nerf bars. I assume if I took it in they'd do and document the fix if for no other reason than to cover GM's [non-permissible content removed]. But I'm not going to waste my off time with a dealer for no good reason. And I really enjoy the ever more "concerned" series of messages I'm getting from GM noting that I haven't had the fix accomplished yet.
    -- Don
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    its just a bracket and some black cable tie. Only reason i know they did the fix was because i had cable tie hanging down and almost touching the ground (they didnt bother trimming it lazy ^#%#^&#*#&*#)
  • minikinminikin Member Posts: 389
    So how do you really feel about your dealer? Still think you should just give up and get Edelbrocks though.
    -- Don
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    how do i feel about them? THey are pretty good. I mean everytime i go in the foreman takes a look at my problem. Like when i had the squeaky brake. The tech said he didnt hear anything and wrote that on the ticket. Well he was driving it out of the shop and the foreman heard it. Made the guy turn back around and fix it. But it has come back :(
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    the brake that in his opinion didn't squeak? Must not have been much for it to come back soooo fast.
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    turned the rotor and replaced the pads.

    2 weekends ago i took the drivers side rear wheel off. Lots of surface rust on the rotor. Took a file and some sandpaper and sanded the rust off. Put tire back on. Noise went away for about a week and now its back. Hmmm
  • tapdtapd Member Posts: 19
    Unfortunately the knock sensor, crank sensor have all been checked. I've heard many California engines have had to be decarboned. Has anyone else in Ca. had to have this done?
    I burn Chevron gasoline, regular or premium makes no difference.
    The knock sensor is reading the pre-ignition and retarding the timing 2 to 4+ degrees.
  • tucsonjwttucsonjwt Member Posts: 265
    (the more expensive "fuel system cleaner" type in your gas tank. Try it about two 1/4 tankfuls in a row and continue using Chevron. Good Luck.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Added two bottles to half a tank. Helped with the hesitation but not the ping. Ping is only when going uphill on the freeway in OD.
  • tex6tex6 Member Posts: 96
    Can someone inform me if the '01 5.3 sounds quieter than the '00 5.3. The '01s were said to have tighter bearings to reduce the noise. I have no problems with my '00 Z71, but that clatter (no knock) just worries me. Thanks!
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    you mean the sound that makes you think you own a diesel when pulled up against a building or similar situation?
    i have a '00 and '01 and yes, the '01 is quieter than the '00. got an extended warranty from GM for the '00 after complaining to the BBB. makes me believe that either GM knows something is wrong, or they aren't concerned about it at all.
  • tex6tex6 Member Posts: 96
    What response/reason did your dealer have for the clatter. I like your diesel anology, though mine is a little quieter than a diesel. LOL
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    LOL....let me say the words anyways..."engine condition normal"........but since they think i'm a steady customer now, i get treated a lot better than the first few times around, where they use to say..."noise could not be duplicated".....
    was in for a rear door related creaking sound in which they worked on until they figured it out, and actually replaced weather stripping, and even gave me a tube of silicone grease to keep the rubber from drying out. it was also the service manager who backed me up with the engine noise that got me the free warranty.
    a lot of this attention i owe to Obyone though, as he gave me the link in which i have been able to print out TSB's that got their attention.
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.