I HAVE A '99 GMC SHORT BED STEP SIDE 4X4. 7000 MILES I PUT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW DOWN AND IT STAYED DOWN. I HAD BEEN HEARING A SCREECHING SOUND FOR A FEW DAYS I REALLY ENJOYED DRIVING WITH THE WINDOW DOWN WHEN IT WAS 30 DEGREES OUTSIDE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR NEEDED REPLACED. ITS BEEN 5 DAYS AND STILL NO PARTS IN YET. GM EVER THINK OF USING NEXT DAY AIR FOR WARRANTY ITEMS? I HAVE BOUGHT OVER $100,000 WORTH OF GM VEHICLES IN THE LAST THREE YEARS ---NEVER AGAIN!!!!!
I know you're angry, but truthfully, you sound like one of the lucky ones if that's all that went wrong with your truck after 7,000 miles. If you've read some of these posts on this board, you've seen that all the major brands have some real lemons out there with serious drive-train problems, etc. after only very few miles, so I don't think you'll avoid future trouble by avoiding GM. It's probably a good idea to switch brands every now and then anyway, though. Just to experience what else out there. Good luck with your truck! -Tim
GM replaced the steering shaft in my truck yesterday and the new part fixed the clunk I had in the front end and steering wheel. GM part number 26083324 - F shaft. Hope this will help any one else with the same problem.
After reading the posts regarding 99 sierra/silverados it seems like we all need to file a nationwide lemon law suit and get our money back!!! Maybe they could donate all of our trucks to a third world country or something. I too have had all of problems mentioned above with my 99 Sierra 4x4, 5.3, cc. I think it is kind of sad when the people who have not had problems are so satisfied having made 7000 miles with out a problem!! My honda's and toyota's go 150000 miles and then need a new battery, or maybe brake pads. I most recently was unable to pay for gas because my center console would not open. Had to call my wife to come and pay. And why are the gmc dealers so awful, they act like it is your fault that their trucks are pieces of crap! Knocking of a brand new engine, with today's computer chip technology is simply not acceptable at any level. Same with noise at startup, bad brakes, anti lock that does it thing on dry pavement causing you to float into intersections without brakes, creaks and rattles in every place possible, terrible shifting transmission, loose leaf springs, pulls to the right, interior falling apart, paint that scratches easily, 4x4 makes weird noises, etc etc. If you read this and are considering a gmc or chevy truck, DO NOT DO IT!!!!!! If you have one on order CANCEL IT!!!!! Those auto workers making 70000 dollars a year while making crap make me sick, and yes I would prefer to by American made, but please make a product that is somewhat acceptable. Perhaps GMC could sell these trucks at dollar stores!!!
let me guess , your truck was built in late 98,or early 99, pontiac,mich? i have the same truck and i have to defend it.mine has o complaints,no raddles,shakes or shimmies.the motor is smooth as silk,runs real strong.interior fit and finish is excellent.mine was built 4/99,canada.and yes i do see your point,i would freak if this happend to me.i have not heard of canada built trucks with these problems.is this a trend?
My 99 Sierra is in the shop for the last time. After this I hope to have GM (the dealership) buy back my truck. Has anyone out there had to go through this process? What is required on my part? I am aware that there is a .25/mile penalty that I must pay but is there anything else? How long does the process take? According to GM, this process is basically through the dealership. Any advice on how to handle this will be greatly appreciated.
I own a 1999 Silverado LS 4X4, Ext Cab, Z71. There are many things that I really like about this truck but, I have experienced a number of problems with it. Vibrations, Steering Wheel Clunk, Sticky Throttle Cable, Leaky Cab, Wind Noise, Bad Tires, etc...I have perused all of the postings in the topic list that relate to this particular vehicle and there are a number of extremely common threads that are very widespread. I think we all know what they are by now. The Vibration one is a really serious one that GM has started buying back trucks that simply cannot be fixed to the owners satisfaction. Has anyone entertained the idea of a class-action suit? It appears that it would be well warranted. The issue that concerns me is resale or trade-in values. As all of these issues leak to the forefront who do you think y'all are going to get someone to pay fair market value for what is likely to become a lemon model year??? I think that as exposure widens it is likely that the public may regard this entire '99' year of GMC trucks as something to shy away from. Who do you think is going to personally take the hit for several thousand dollars when that happens??? Looks to me if these problems are as serious as they appear to be we should all stick together rather that fight our own personal wars with our individual service departments and GM. Don't get me wrong, I think this truck is a winner in most respects but these issues are no laughing matter. Do you really think this isn't going to make a difference? Somewhere along the line it looks like we are all in for a beating. Any class-action takers?
....."and some rattles are to be expected" I've got a bridge to sell you too. I think the majority of the complaints are a lot more than a few rattles. And no, I don't accept them in a new vehicle. You're way to easy going.
Good one!!! And now I truly believe a few rattles and even some of the more serious problems wouldn't bother you. What's your secret? Prozac? Lithium? Can I have some? Take it easy. What am I telling you that for?
Well, to the guy who paid 22000 for a 5.3 4X4 club cab, that's about 2ooo under invoice and then some, I paid 27,874, (well leased it at that price)for my truck which had a sticker of 30,568, did I get ripped off???? I thought the deal wasn't too bad.......... it's an SLE, even got the compass in the mirror...... I would gladly be part of a class action law suit, let's get on with it. I am sooooooo glad I leased this truck..........3 years and I return the keys and walk out of there with a smile, I don't think I could sell it privately with a clear conscience. My truck now has 13000 miles on it, a few trips, and back and forth to work, all pavement, easy miles, yet the truck is starting to feel like some sort of work truck that has been beat on. Creaks, loose feeling. How long did Motor Trend have one of these trucks when they said all of those wonderful things about it anyway???? It seems like there are several issues which are common threads among us. I noticed the driveline thing after I had my truck for a week or so. I wish returning a truck was as simple as returning something to Wal-mart. Maybe it should be that way, 90 day money back guarantee would be great. Imagine how many 90 day old used GMC trucks would be on the market!!!!! Everyone would be returning them!!!
g8tr, I'm not sure about what state you are dealing with, but i did a buyback in Florida. It was a 98 Chevy Cheyenne, and it took several months, only because Chevrolet claimed that there was no know problem. I finally called the attorney general, and after mailing them 53 pages of repair orders and other things, they told Chevy I had a case. Chevy "ascerted no defense" and bought back the lemon. All in all, as soon as they wrote the letter to Chevy, it was probably a good solid month and a half, during which I had to drive my lemon. Every thing that went even remotely wrong, it was into the dealership!!!
Good luck, and I know it can be exsaperating. But, don't give up. They won't!
I also own a 99 GMC Sierra, Z71, 5.3 short-bed SLE. My list of problems is numerous as well. I noticed this morning when I went out to start it the engine knock. I have the drive train nonconformity as well as water leaks, wind noise, leaf springs, ignition, etc.
I have a lemon in the state I bought it and a lemon in the state I presently live in. The interior has been removed from my truck twice to dry out. The first time it was done my vehicle sustained numerous scratches. The dealer has since paid to have these repaired, but the reason for the scratches was GM let this vehicle out in the field.
I spoke with the Area Vehicle Manager for NC & SC. He was somewhat informed of my probles. He stated he had 25 years plus experience and in his opinion a water leak did not effect the value of a vehicle. I also informed him the angle iron mounts for the rear bumber were rusted and clearly visible when walking around the truck. His statement was all GM truck bumber mounts rust. The salesperson did not tell me this when I bought it. Needless to say the AVM and I did not have a meeting of the minds. He had a distinct diadvantage as an aent of GM and this product.
The BBB autoline is the first stop for a remedy. The lemon law is a state law and therefore the state atty gen must be informed. The law in the state I purchased the vehicle is 4 attempts, 30 days,and the mileae at the first attempt to repair the nonconformity. The buyback rate is one-half IRS mileage rate (99 it is 30 or 31 cents a mile). I am relocating back to the state of purchase. I paid for my vehicle. I did not anticpate the problems and am very disappointed in GM's effort to resolve my problems.
I am a 99 GMC Sierra SLE I thought there was a light by the controll that dims and brightens the dash lights... The symbol does not light up at night though, had it replaced and watched them do it... The new one does not light up either... Does any of yours light up??? Did they just forget to light that particular symbal? Anyway I was just wondering if anyone noticed it Thanks, Aaron
My 99 Sierra seems to work fine for me, vibration comes from the crappy Firestone tires, but I have one problem. The fan noise is excessive and constant throughout the driving profile. Has anyone noticed this, or do I have a problem? Dealer seems to think this is ok, but I think it robs power and creates a nusiance. Comments?? Any aftermarket fans that are quiter?
I'm getting an inconsistent fan like noise in my '99 Sierra 5.3 (2000 miles). Actually it sound like a ghostly howl and it usually lags the engin rpms. On two occasions it did it while at 60 mph. It always occurs when I rev the engin in park. I'm not sure what the cause is and it's annoying. Does anyone have any ideas?
I have a 99 Sierra ext. cab longbed 5.3 3.73. I love the truck,but the abs is scary. It comes on on any bumpy pavement,the pedal goes away,and the stopping distance increases dramatically. I'd rather have a wheel lock up-at least that's controllable.Anyone know of a fix for this? I also have launch shudder and squeaks at low speed.I hate to go to the dealer,because I use the truck for work.I also disconnected the DRL[pulled a fuse] and defeated the automatic headlamps-I think the computer was programmed by a 90 year old grandmother.Thanks for the input from everybody-I'll be more informed when I next meet the Service Manager.
I have read various posts about reprogramming the computer for transmission adjustments and/or engine settings. Can anyone give a response that includes what is reprogrammable and what advantantages are noted? Is this done via a GMC dealer, and is there a cost associated with this? I have a 99 Sierra Z71 with 5.3.
The Computer in your truck has a flash upgradable feature by which the dealer is able to load a new or revised operating system. The program is changed periodically as problems are found or improvements are made. The dealer will perform the re-flash free of charge while under warranty if you will advise them that you are aware of the availability of an improved version. It wouldn't hurt if you knew (and complained) about an issue that is addressed by the re-flash and you can find that info at the link below by entering your VIN Number. If the site is unavailable try again, still unavailable, try the next day. Also, once you enter your VIN, the site can be pretty slow to respond so be patient. Hope this helps.
Just curious to know what excuse others are getting in regards to the ticking of the 5.3L engine. It sounds like lifter noise to me that is most pronounced between 1000 and 1500 rpms but my dealer says it's normal in that all 5.3L engines seem to have the same condition. Just because they all may do it doesn't mean it's normal. Also, my tranny occasionally hits neutral under heavy acceleration on the 1st to 2nd shift, has remained in the wrong gear at a stop light several times, has failed to shift into high at highway speed for up to 8-10 miles, and then there's that wonderful "CLUNK" shift that happens every now and then that makes one envision metal shavings. The dealer says it should have latched codes if it did these things and it hasn't therefore I'm apparently insane! Anyone else out there as nuts as I apparently am?
Yeah I have it too, Told the dealer about the noise, "It's Normal" It's been through two oil changes using the synthetic stuff, tried both high Octain and low octain, does not matter.. It is starting to get anoying.. I might just have them check it out again the next time I bring it in.
Also still no responce on the dash light, you know the symbol that is suposed to light up, it's right above the knob that dims and brightens the Dash lights. Thanks, Aaron
I take it yours is a 99, humm I guess they figured they forgot a light and fixed it in the 00' models...
Although I could of swore it used to light up... oh well...
The odd thing about the ticking is it's not always there... I would think as speed increased the ticking would get faster and not go away, that is not the case... I don't hear it at all... Aaron
Great message board! Glad to find it. I saw on here about redesigned rear window latches. Are they an improvement? I guess anything would have to be! I've also got the shakey pass. seat, the pull-to-the-right steering, and my friends elec. window went out at 10,000 mi. (Down, of course, miles from home at a mall, of course. I now carry plastic and duct tape with me) I don't think I have the vibration posted here, unless that's whats shaking the seat-but I can't feel it so much as see the seat moving. Also the flash upgrade, I'll check that out. What symptoms does it correct? Thanks
Three times now in 6500 miles my transmission tries to start from a stop in what feels like second gear. Then it pops into first and goes normal. Since it happens so rarely I haven't gone to the dealer yet, but it is interesting to read about someone else with this. Otherwise my transmission works right. 99 1500 ext. 5.3
Having read the posts about the different Chev/GMC problems here's what I have. The truck is: 1999 GMC Sierra SLT Ext Cab SB 5.3 L Engine Auto Trans 3.73 Locker Z85 Firm Ride Built 1/99
YES - It has the Launch Shudder in 1st and 2nd gear. Dealership replaced rear springs, bushings and shackles as per GM TSB. New springs solved the Launch Shudder when the truck is empty but not with a 650 lb. load. Launch Shudder was actually worse with the new springs and a small load.
Dealership sent the truck to a Spring Shop and had an extra leaf added. Again NO Launch Shudder when the truck is empty but the shudder still occurs with a load, but only for about the half the distance.
Although the new springs have decreased the Launch Shudder they have created two other vibrations that were not there with the original spring set. Now have an almost constant vibration/shuddering between 30 and 40 mph., very slight but its there. Also an inconsistent but very noticeable vibration/shudder between 50 and 60 mph. Feels like you're driving over 1" deep groves cut into the highway. The lower speed vibration occurs most of the time. The higher speed vibration only occurs occasionally and will stop when the throttle is backed off.
I bought this truck to tow a 22'- 4500 lb. 5th wheel. From what I've experienced so far, I hesitate to invest the money to install the hitch. This truck looks great, but for $38K (Canada) I doubt that it will tow a small tent trailer.
It looks like GM has dumped these trucks on the market without proper testing and is letting the Dealerships give the buyer the run around.
I test drove a new Sierra today (5.3, SLT, 4x4, etc.) and the truck started out in 2nd gear from a stop with the salesman sitting next to me. It was only momentary, but I definitely noticed.
Of course, the salesman didn't.
It also very briefly hesitated from a standing start once.
This was all within the space of about a 5 mile test drive!!
Kinda makes me wonder if I want to take on this headache. I like the truck, but come on. I wish someone... anyone... made a truck that looked good AND ran well. Unfortunately, the worst looking ones seem to run the best and vice-versa.
I think this has happned to me... maybe twice in 8,000 miles.
Truck is a 99 sle 4x4 Ext cab 3.73 Locking rear z71 5.3 Built 3/99
No vibration. and no launch shudder Problems encountered so far
Door rattle regulator was loose (dealer fixed) Washfluid sensor came on when full (dealer fixed) Alignment probelm drove to the right (dealer fixed) A couple of fit and finsh issues (dealer fixed)
Truck has been to the dealer 2 times in 8k miles
What still needs to be fixed is possible lifter noise... (dealer said was "Normal") Will talk to the dealer again about this.
I'm in the market for a full sized pick-up truck. I like the Sierra. I also have my eye on the F150 and the Tundra. Does anyone have an opinion on the reliability of any of these trucks? I'm leaning more towards the Toyota but the rear seats are kinda small. Thanks for your time. Kenobi.
Glad to hear the new posts. I wonder if people from GMC ever read these posts. Kenobi, buy the Toyota, the GMC has serious problems. See above posts regarding most every component of the truck.
The Toyotas have all the same problems. Vibrating seats, steering wheel shimmys, hard starting, chipping paint, rough transmission shifts etc, weak horns, and poor gas mileage.
My '99 Silverado 4x4 is utterly smooth at all speeds. All the vibration problems on '99-'00 GM trucks are 2wd models, which have a rack and pinion steering box. That seems to be the problem on the Tundra too, so there's the connection. The 4x4' GM products use recirculating ball.
If you want a 2wd truck, not a 4x4, your safest bet to avoid vibration, steering wheel shimmys is a good test drive, or get a Ford or Dodge which use recirculating ball steering box on their 2wd trucks.
I have heard th toyota Motor is great and very reliable.. But Think about how many T100s you see on the road today and then ask your self Why so few.. Both the Toy and the sierra are considered new trucks, how long will they last? Who knows, not enough data yet. I would not consider the toy, but ford and GMC are probably your best bets.. Drive all three and see what you think. I am very Happy with my purchase and I don't expect any vehicle to be perfect 1'st time around. Aaron
Interesting reading. I originally participated in the town hall back in 1998 when I was in the market for a new truck. After I bought my Sierra, I didn't return until now. Thought that I'd pitch in my experiences and ask a couple of questions.
I have probably owned my 99 Sierra longer than most of you. Bought it on 9/1/98. It is a Canadian built SLT extended cab 4wd with the 5.3 and 3.73 rear end. It has only about 10,000 miles, but about 3500 of those miles are from towing a 2200 lb trailer on vacation.
Problems I have had:
* Rear springs sagged under only 500-600 lb load - dealer replaced rear springs. * Squeal after extended driving - dealer replaced rear rotors, problem has not recurred. * Rattle in steering - dealer tighted steering housing bolts - still rattles. Will have to take back to dealer.
Problems I have NOT had:
* Vibration of any kind * Transmission problems * Launch problems * Rattles * Lifter or engine noise * Water leakage * Rust * Etc., etc.
Overall, I would rate my experience as 9 out of 10 in satisfaction.
An interesting note - while in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming on vacation I noticed A LOT of 99-00 GMCs and Silverados on the road. They must be doing something right with so many being sold. It is sad to note so many people with problems. Hopefully they are the exception and not the rule. I don't look forward to having to deal with them in the future.
I am considering replacing the shocks with Edlebrocks and replacing the stock muffler with one with a better sound and hopefully a little more power. Any recommendations?
tglab, For the steering rattle if you look at the appends you will see I posted a response a months ago on a new steering shaft with the part number. This will fix your steering wheel rattle/clunk. As for the exhaust I installed the Borla with dual rear pipes and am quite happy with it over the Gibson I had on my past vehicle. The Borla doesn't have the cab noise the Gibson had and is 100% stainless which I needed in the NE with all the salt they put on the roads.
Edelbrocks are overpriced. Bilsteins are way less and a proven shock. I've heard some negative comments about the Edelbrocks.
The factory Z71 shocks are not bad unless you are at max GVWR. Running a light load <1000lbs they will work quite well. You can buy a set of takeoffs for $100-150
I have a 2000 Sierra SLT. Occasionally, I'll hear something like an electronic cooling fan coming on deep inside the dash. It doesn't come on all the time. Does anyone know if there is a fan of this type inside the dash? email: f150owner@aol.com
I think the radio may have a fan, that cools it down, I have heard the noise as well, but only when the vehicle is off and just after a long ride. If you open the door the fan noise stops. If anyone else has any idea's I would like to know what it is too... Aaron
I bought a 99 GMC 4x4 sierra z71 in Oct 99 this truck has everything except leather. It was bought at a dealership outside Oshawa Ont.Canada This was my dream truck until my kids and I were on our way to a funeral and stopped at an intersection to make a left hand turn in busy traffic when my son accelerated the truck pulled away slowly at 5000 RPM barely making the intersection and avoiding an accident.I took it to the dealership the next day as the problem went away when the truck cooled down they looked at me as if they new something was wrong but did nothing for me.The next day it happened again and back to the dealer.This time they told me they had to rip it down and order parts this took 10 days and it was still junk it is still at the dealership as they ordered a new transmission from Montreal I am now into day 14 Mon Dec 27/99 and my hopes of getting this truck before New Years is slim.No sense telling you how I feel as this truck sits in the dealership with 2600 kms. This site has scared the hell out of me about my purchase if you can advise or make me feel more confident I would appreciate it.
I am sorry to hear about your pickup, I have a fully loaded z71 with leather option It's not to say I have not had any probles but I still love the truck... I am sure yours will come out off the shop just fine, I think it's a rare situation you have with the transmission. I wish you the best of luck. Aaron
I picked the truck up Dec 28/99 the dealership was very apologetic about the problems with parts and the transmission.Even though it was snowing and hard to tell if everything is ok it sure was nice to have my truck back. I will check this site out often and keep everyone posted if I have other problems. I was wondering how many kms you have on your truck Aaron and thanks for the boost of confidence.
I have a 00 GMC K2500 ext. cab sb. Would like to put kelly tires on it a new set i have. The tires on my truck now has a load range E . The kellys have load range C. Can i run these tires ok and pull a trailer That weighs 4200lbs. Thanks Jimmi5
Great to hear that you have your pickup truck back.. I hope everything is fixed. I am not sure how many KMS I have, but hey, I have over 9,000 miles so far.. and most of that is city driving. Aaron
I took my truck on a 600km trip, the new tranny that the dealership replaced seems ok. The problem with the vibration between 60 and 80 kms is still there, I already know that the dealership has no idea what is causing this as the service manager told me there were six other customers complaining about this problem. They also said that GM is working on this and as soon as they have an answer they will get a hold of me.(right) If there is anbody out there with info on this I would appreciate it and I will pass it on to the dealer. I have read all the posts but nothing seems definate as far as a fix goes.
I am a grain farmer in IL that has had my Sierra 1500 4x4 Slt since Feb. 1999. I have put 15,000 miles on it in this timeframe. Gas milage has been a high of 18 going on a long trip at sixty, get 17 with the 5.3 going 75, average 15 in everyday driving combination. As far as problems, I have had more than my fare share, but I still love my truck. My spare tire fell off last month, the cable winch broke that holds it up. GM replaced without ay problem the tire, winch, rim. Power seat on drivers side broke, It was replaced. Before I took delivery, the engine had a bad spark plug, it was replaced, no problem since. My drivers side window when the humidity is right is sticky and must be helped up past halfway the first time, it is fine after that. The transmission has a severe tendency to want to upshift WAY too soon while in low gear, so I haven't used it since, I heard it was one of the 99 bugs. As far as towing it has consisted of up to 5000 pounds at highway speeds, been fine with that. I have towed 15,000 pounds worth of fertilizer up to 25 MPH and it has been fine with that also. The four wheel drive hasn't gottten me stuck yet, but I try to use it to keep me from getting that way rather and getting into trouble. The truck has been a very good truck and I plan to buy four door in a year or two. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one just make sure and get its buggs worked out while under warranty. One of my friends 5.3 L's motor has been bad from the start and was replaced by GM at 5000 miles. All new vehicles can have bad motors, tranneys, ect. It is all what floats your boat.
Comments
I HAVE BOUGHT OVER $100,000 WORTH OF GM VEHICLES IN THE LAST THREE YEARS ---NEVER AGAIN!!!!!
-Tim
If you read this and are considering a gmc or chevy truck, DO NOT DO IT!!!!!! If you have one on order CANCEL IT!!!!! Those auto workers making 70000 dollars a year while making crap make me sick, and yes I would prefer to by American made, but please make a product that is somewhat acceptable. Perhaps GMC could sell these trucks at dollar stores!!!
Other than that all is OK. No rattles, no shimmies, no shakes. Good brakes, good power, good steering, good paint.
But then, I only paid $22k, so maybe my expectations weren't as high.
Mike
Took it in at 4K miles for a minor adjustment to the front wheel alignment.
That is the sum and total of my problems. Are some of us forgetting that this vehicle is a truck and some rattles are to be expected?
There are many things that I really like about this
truck but, I have experienced a number of problems
with it. Vibrations, Steering Wheel Clunk, Sticky
Throttle Cable, Leaky Cab, Wind Noise, Bad Tires,
etc...I have perused all of the postings in the
topic list that relate to this particular vehicle
and there are a number of extremely common threads
that are very widespread. I think we all know what
they are by now. The Vibration one is a really
serious one that GM has started buying back trucks
that simply cannot be fixed to the owners
satisfaction. Has anyone entertained the idea of a
class-action suit? It appears that it would be
well warranted. The issue that concerns me is
resale or trade-in values. As all of these issues
leak to the forefront who do you think y'all are
going to get someone to pay fair market value for
what is likely to become a lemon model year??? I
think that as exposure widens it is likely that the
public may regard this entire '99' year of GMC
trucks as something to shy away from. Who do you
think is going to personally take the hit for
several thousand dollars when that happens???
Looks to me if these problems are as serious as
they appear to be we should all stick together
rather that fight our own personal wars with our
individual service departments and GM. Don't get
me wrong, I think this truck is a winner in most
respects but these issues are no laughing matter.
Do you really think this isn't going to make a
difference? Somewhere along the line it looks like
we are all in for a beating. Any class-action
takers?
Take it easy.
What am I telling you that for?
I would gladly be part of a class action law suit, let's get on with it. I am sooooooo glad I leased this truck..........3 years and I return the keys and walk out of there with a smile, I don't think I could sell it privately with a clear conscience.
My truck now has 13000 miles on it, a few trips, and back and forth to work, all pavement, easy miles, yet the truck is starting to feel like some sort of work truck that has been beat on. Creaks, loose feeling. How long did Motor Trend have one of these trucks when they said all of those wonderful things about it anyway???? It seems like there are several issues which are common threads among us. I noticed the driveline thing after I had my truck for a week or so. I wish returning a truck was as simple as returning something to Wal-mart. Maybe it should be that way, 90 day money back guarantee would be great. Imagine how many 90 day old used GMC trucks would be on the market!!!!! Everyone would be returning them!!!
Good luck, and I know it can be exsaperating. But, don't give up. They won't!
I have a lemon in the state I bought it and a lemon in the state I presently live in. The interior has been removed from my truck twice to dry out. The first time it was done my vehicle sustained numerous scratches. The dealer has since paid to have these repaired, but the reason for the scratches was GM let this vehicle out in the field.
I spoke with the Area Vehicle Manager for NC & SC. He was somewhat informed of my probles. He stated he had 25 years plus experience and in his opinion a water leak did not effect the value of a vehicle. I also informed him the angle iron mounts for the rear bumber were rusted and clearly visible when walking around the truck. His statement was all GM truck bumber mounts rust. The salesperson did not tell me this when I bought it. Needless to say the AVM and I did not have a meeting of the minds. He had a distinct diadvantage as an aent of GM and this product.
The BBB autoline is the first stop for a remedy. The lemon law is a state law and therefore the state atty gen must be informed. The law in the state I purchased the vehicle is 4 attempts, 30 days,and the mileae at the first attempt to repair the nonconformity. The buyback rate is one-half IRS mileage rate (99 it is 30 or 31 cents a mile). I am relocating back to the state of purchase. I paid for my vehicle. I did not anticpate the problems and am very disappointed in GM's effort to resolve my problems.
I thought there was a light by the controll that dims and brightens the dash lights... The symbol does not light up at night though, had it replaced and watched them do it... The new one does not light up either... Does any of yours light up??? Did they just forget to light that particular symbal?
Anyway I was just wondering if anyone noticed it
Thanks,
Aaron
click this link. http://calid.gm.com/vci/
It is starting to get anoying.. I might just have them check it out again the next time I bring it in.
Also still no responce on the dash light, you know the symbol that is suposed to light up, it's right above the knob that dims and brightens the Dash lights.
Thanks,
Aaron
Mike
No tickin on 5.3
No tranny slippin
No clunk (disappeared after dealer greased sleeve)
No torque converter lockup
gmcginn, maybe you should take the dealer for a test drive. Good luck.
'00 Silverado 5.3 xcab SB Onyx Black
Although I could of swore it used to light up... oh well...
The odd thing about the ticking is it's not always there... I would think as speed increased the ticking would get faster and not go away, that is not the case... I don't hear it at all...
Aaron
1999 GMC Sierra SLT Ext Cab SB
5.3 L Engine
Auto Trans
3.73 Locker
Z85 Firm Ride
Built 1/99
YES - It has the Launch Shudder in 1st and 2nd gear. Dealership replaced rear springs, bushings and shackles as per GM TSB. New springs solved the Launch Shudder when the truck is empty but not with a 650 lb. load. Launch Shudder was actually worse with the new springs and a small load.
Dealership sent the truck to a Spring Shop and had an extra leaf added. Again NO Launch Shudder when the truck is empty but the shudder still occurs with a load, but only for about the half the distance.
Although the new springs have decreased the Launch Shudder they have created two other vibrations that were not there with the original spring set. Now have an almost constant vibration/shuddering between 30 and 40 mph., very slight but its there. Also an inconsistent but very noticeable vibration/shudder between 50 and 60 mph. Feels like you're driving over 1" deep groves cut into the highway. The lower speed vibration occurs most of the time. The higher speed vibration only occurs occasionally and will stop when the throttle is backed off.
I bought this truck to tow a 22'- 4500 lb. 5th wheel. From what I've experienced so far, I hesitate to invest the money to install the hitch. This truck looks great, but for $38K (Canada) I doubt that it will tow a small tent trailer.
It looks like GM has dumped these trucks on the market without proper testing and is letting the Dealerships give the buyer the run around.
-powerisfun
Of course, the salesman didn't.
It also very briefly hesitated from a standing start once.
This was all within the space of about a 5 mile test drive!!
Kinda makes me wonder if I want to take on this headache. I like the truck, but come on. I wish someone... anyone... made a truck that looked good AND ran well. Unfortunately, the worst looking ones seem to run the best and vice-versa.
Truck is a 99 sle 4x4 Ext cab
3.73 Locking rear z71
5.3
Built 3/99
No vibration. and no launch shudder
Problems encountered so far
Door rattle regulator was loose (dealer fixed)
Washfluid sensor came on when full (dealer fixed)
Alignment probelm drove to the right (dealer fixed)
A couple of fit and finsh issues (dealer fixed)
Truck has been to the dealer 2 times in 8k miles
What still needs to be fixed is possible lifter noise... (dealer said was "Normal")
Will talk to the dealer again about this.
Other than that, Everything is so far so good
Aaron
Kenobi.
My '99 Silverado 4x4 is utterly smooth at all speeds. All the vibration problems on '99-'00 GM trucks are 2wd models, which have a rack and pinion steering box. That seems to be the problem on the Tundra too, so there's the connection. The 4x4' GM products use recirculating ball.
If you want a 2wd truck, not a 4x4, your safest bet to avoid vibration, steering wheel shimmys is a good test drive, or get a Ford or Dodge which use recirculating ball steering box on their 2wd trucks.
I would not consider the toy, but ford and GMC are probably your best bets.. Drive all three and see what you think. I am very Happy with my purchase and I don't expect any vehicle to be perfect 1'st time around.
Aaron
I have probably owned my 99 Sierra longer than most of you. Bought it on 9/1/98. It is a Canadian built SLT extended cab 4wd with the 5.3 and 3.73 rear end. It has only about 10,000 miles, but about 3500 of those miles are from towing a 2200 lb trailer on vacation.
Problems I have had:
* Rear springs sagged under only 500-600 lb load - dealer replaced rear springs.
* Squeal after extended driving - dealer replaced rear rotors, problem has not recurred.
* Rattle in steering - dealer tighted steering housing bolts - still rattles. Will have to take back to dealer.
Problems I have NOT had:
* Vibration of any kind
* Transmission problems
* Launch problems
* Rattles
* Lifter or engine noise
* Water leakage
* Rust
* Etc., etc.
Overall, I would rate my experience as 9 out of 10 in satisfaction.
An interesting note - while in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming on vacation I noticed A LOT of 99-00 GMCs and Silverados on the road. They must be doing something right with so many being sold. It is sad to note so many people with problems. Hopefully they are the exception and not the rule. I don't look forward to having to deal with them in the future.
I am considering replacing the shocks with Edlebrocks and replacing the stock muffler with one with a better sound and hopefully a little more power. Any recommendations?
Edelbrocks are overpriced. Bilsteins are way less and a proven shock. I've heard some negative comments about the Edelbrocks.
The factory Z71 shocks are not bad unless you are at max GVWR. Running a light load <1000lbs they will work quite well. You can buy a set of takeoffs for $100-150
Mike
I have a 2000 Sierra SLT. Occasionally, I'll hear something like an electronic cooling fan coming on deep inside the dash. It doesn't come on all the time. Does anyone know if there is a fan of this type inside the dash? email: f150owner@aol.com
Thanks
DH
If anyone else has any idea's I would like to know what it is too...
Aaron
This was my dream truck until my kids and I were on our way to a funeral and stopped at an intersection to make a left hand turn in busy traffic when my son accelerated the truck pulled away slowly at 5000 RPM barely making the intersection and avoiding an accident.I took it to the dealership the next day as the problem went away when the truck cooled down they looked at me as if they new something was wrong but did nothing for me.The next day it happened again and back to the dealer.This time they told me they had to rip it down and order parts this took 10 days and it was still junk it is still at the dealership as they ordered a new transmission from Montreal I am now into day 14 Mon Dec 27/99 and my hopes of getting this truck before New Years is slim.No sense telling you how I feel as this truck sits in the dealership with 2600 kms. This site has scared the hell out of me about my purchase if you can advise or make me feel more confident I would appreciate it.
I have a fully loaded z71 with leather option
It's not to say I have not had any probles but I still love the truck...
I am sure yours will come out off the shop just fine, I think it's a rare situation you have with the transmission.
I wish you the best of luck.
Aaron
I hope everything is fixed. I am not sure how many KMS I have, but hey, I have over 9,000 miles so far.. and most of that is city driving.
Aaron
Aaron
Happy New Year
Huntman