Chevy HD2500 Problems

whatsachevy

'01 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 Ext Cab SB 6.0/4.10 Auto Locker - 12,000 miles and
only a slight engine knock on cold start-up. Other than that, no problems. I have
to admit, so far this truck is awesome (and no, I don't work for GM - I'm actually
an old Ford guy - this is my first Chevy product, ever). I did take the truck in to
my dealer to register the engine knock. I was told the same story as most that
engine longevity would not be compromised. I did note the engine knock
concerns on the service follow-up questionnaire that I mailed back to GM in
December. I received a phone call last night from GM rep. They asked about my
concerns and called me back tonight. They gave me a no-cost 5-year/100,000
mile extended warranty on the engine and all internal engine components. They
agreed to replace the pistons when the newly designed ones are available at no
cost allowing the extended warranty to continue in effect. Maybe some people
should look for another dealer or call GM customer service directly
(1-800-222-1020). Personally, I don't think the longevity of the engine is
compromised, and was quite pleased that GM took the time to call me and
apparently stand behind their product. I have a buddy who has a '97 GMC
1/2-ton that has been through hell and back several times (it has even been
buried in a pond with water up to the bottom of the dash). His truck has also
had the cold-engine start-up knock since about 5,000 miles. He now has over
90,000 miles with no oil consumption (but he does still have the same knock - it
has not gotten worse over time). 90,000 miles on a truck for him should be
worth at least 180,000 for a normal person as we consider him to be
"above-average hard" on vehicles.

sf0383

I now have 17k + miles on 2001 2500HD 6.0L 4.10. The cold engine knock is actually getting better. Not as much or as loud as it was when brand new.

ddtherrien

I have seen at least one post related to a vibration that I believe I have in my 2002 GMC. The truck is a 1500HD crew with the 6.0 Vortec. At low speeds, during accelleration, there is a noticeable vibration. I think the fix was shims on the tranny, suspension and a new drive shaft? I am looking for details before visiting the dealership. Many thanks in advance.

kanton1

I have noticed from day one, upon initially starting my truck in the early am, about 10 seconds after starting I get this "grinding" sound that lasts for about 1 second. Sounds like it is coming from the left side of the motor, sounds like metal on metal grinding almost like it is a dry cylinder (not a knocking sound). Never does it any other time, except early am. Any suggestions/thoughts? I have the 8.1L.

Thanks,
Kyle

ddtherrien

I posted a bit earlier today. Since then, I have gone back to the beginning of this thread and read in detail about driveshafts and shims for elimination of the "launch shudder" for the 2500HD 6.0 liter GM products. Mine specifically is a 1500HD crew cab. I also read about TSBs (technical service bullitens?). Where can I find these TSBs? A URL would be quite helpful.

Thanks,

bigblackmotor

I have put up a new web site for folks who want to fight GM on the Piston Slap / Cold Start Knock (not the pigning / pre-detonation) problem. GM lied to the dealers and consumers saying they recognized they had a problem and new designs/parts would be available for a retrofit to the engines in early 2002. They now say "Nevermind" its "Normal" and there is no problem.

My 2001 8.1 knocks at all temperatures now. Started off as a light ticking noise upon cold start.

Join us at http://www.gmpistonslap.cjb.net

It's still under construction so bear with me!

perfogre

I have 2001 HD2500 crew cab. GM replaced the two piece drive shaft with a one piece aluminum drive shaft. that cured the vibration. Go to your dealer and test drive with the service mgr and have him look up the tsb.

dangerous3

I bought a 2001 gmc 2500 hd in Dec of 2000. Began having problems at 3700 miles with shudder launch problem. Took to dealership put one piece drive shaft on did not help for very long. Had engine rattle also dealer said this was normal. Also had transmission problems hard shifting a few times it down shifted on me at 45mph with 3 horses behind it dealer also told me normal. Suspension problems with gooseneck trailer in tow dealer said trailer too heavy not so trailer only weighed 6900 fully loaded. I even had to go get cert. weight to prove it. 15 times at dealer in less than 8months. I filed the lemon law through an attorney and won it took 5 months. GM bought it back gave me back all my payments made and my down payment. Didn't bother with the bbb because chevy runs that buy back program and usually after you go that route you have to get an attorney to finally win. I used to have a 93 gmc 2500 and loved it put 160000 miles on it with no problems. Now I have a 2002 Dodge 3500 dually high output 6 speed deisel and love it 13000 miles and not one complaint. If gm works out these problems I would buy again in the future.

joe3891

that you would replace a 2500 with a 3500,you must have figured you were under rated.

dangerous3

When I went back to the dealership to as they said make a deal they could not or rather would not put me into another 2500 not even with the 8100 and allison because I would still have the suspension problems and drive shaft problems. I have a few friends with the high output diesel who have been very satisfied. Didn't really want the dually but couldn't find a single wheel one ton. Besides I got the Dodge for what I paid for the GMC and it is way more truck. If this one cant pull what I want I am in trouble.

cain4

43fan

Ref the vibration, I started this discussion on the vibration in my HD 2500 4 x 4 crew cab. The dealer added 1/4 " shim under trany to raise the drive shaft, and about a 1/8" shim under the rear springs. This took care of most of the vibration.They also replaced the drive shaft first with a 1 piece shaft NO HELP. I still have a shimmie between 45 and 50 mph. Might be a tire going bad (Firestone)

revker

have a new 2002 2500HD LT 6L 4x4 SB. took delivery last sept 18,2001. have 11000 miles on it now. i'm just wondering if a if this is normal... when the truck is moving 15mph or more, when i switch from 2hi to 4hi, it makes a loud noise. i can hear the transfer case engage loud enough. i have a 98 s10 blazer 4x4, it doesn't do it.

anyone checked out or have the hard bed cover from gm. kinda like the one the avalanche has. i think it's a 3 piece aluminum unless i'm mistaken. i'm thinking of buying a bed cover but i don't really want the soft tonneau or any of those fiberglass. i'd also hate to screw anything on the rails.

whatsachevy

I have not heard a 4x4 transfer case yet that doesn't make noise when shifting from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive while the vehicle is moving. Since you have an LT, you must have push button transfer case. I have the manual transfer case ('01 Chevy 2500HD LS 6.0/4.10). I always stop before shifting into 4-wheel drive. It shifts much easier and makes no noise. My '91 Ford F-150 and wife's '93 Ford Explorer are the same way (F-150 had manual transfer case, Explorer has push button transfer case). When you are moving and shift from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive, stationary parts have to come up to speed with moving parts - something that just doesn't want to happen. I know the book says you can shift from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive at any speed, but my experience says to stop and put it in 4-wheel drive before you need it.

43fan

My transfer case does not make a sound when shifting from 2 WD to 4 Hi at any speed, However when shifting to 4 Low is makes a slight grinding sound, sounds normal 2 me.

I had the rolling lock bed cover put on my HD 2500, works good but its not water proof. A small amount of water gets in around tail gate. Installed a gasket between bed cover and tail gate and it helps.

ryanbab

http://www.gm-trucks.com (not a plug) a guy named shaners just had his transfer case replaced. Heres the reason

"I picked my truck up this afternoon about closing time. They installed a brand new Transfer case in it. It is better but it still is "harsh" when I shift to 4x4 HI on the fly. It sends a jolt through the entire chassis (enough to bob your head forward a little bit). Granted it is better than it was, but I don't think it is quite right yet. Does anyone else have an HD with electronic 4x4 that can confirm a relatively smooth engagement of 4HI on the fly? They claim that there was an incorrectly machined synchronizer gear in my T-case.."

His email is shaners@gm-trucks.com if you wanna contact him

mentor34

Well,
I took the leap, picked up a new 2500HD Extended Cab on the 28th of February, so far, 38 miles of sheer pleasure. Seems to be a very solid, stable truck. I will be acutely aware of trouble areas noted on these boards and will hope for the best for my new green machine:)

cspaulding

Chevy's no help. We should have listened and sued them 1 1/2 years ago, but we didn't want to sue anybody, and figured Chevy would get it straightened out. This is one Chevy customer that will be buying Ford or Dodge after this lawsuit is finished. lol.

cspaulding

you were right - lawsuit is the only way to deal with Chevy - mine will be filed today or early next week.