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GMC Sierra: Problems & Solutions
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First post here. I have browsed the achives and have found a dizzying array of posts that seem somewhat related. I am hoping I can get some direct advice. I have a 99 GMC Sierra 5.3L Ext. Cab 4x4 that has developed what I would call a shudder that you can feel and hear, and especially feel in the pedal. It mainly happens acceleration in the 55-75 MPH range, sometimes lower. It is a bit out of alignment which I intend to take care of this week. I am hoping I can get a diagnosis on the shudder so I can decide if I can hadle it or so I can point a mechanic in the right direction.
Thanks,
Tony
-Good luck. - Tim
1) My noise occurs mostly at low speeds or low rpms in each gear. But I took everything loose out of the truck and checked for loose parts to rule out just a vibration. Still haven't isolated it. The dealer didn't know and was hesitant to start tearing things apart without a direction to go in cause the bill might grow big.
2) I looked up a few things on the internet about replacing the digital readout, but I'd have to tear it apart myself and send it in. They could have it replaced in less than a week. This is from an aftermarket installer..
Thanks.
Please help!!
Mike
My personal mech.says its something to do with the tranny or drive train
since new it has had problems on just about every powertrain components,change some part in the transmission. later changed the transmission; had to fight for this to happen until itgot to the point that the transmission would slip when engaging the passing guear. And even at that point they were checking for abuse of any kind just to try to make me pay the bill.
diff was worked on,tranfercase, 4x4 modual, drive shaft,brakes, brake booster, steering shaft,reprogram the computer x number of times and still today it drives like a geman tank. what a :lemon: what i noticed was that everytime they reprogram the transmission it drove like on a cloud...whit no pull.
I think from my experiance that gm has computer problems (some glitch in the computer) becouse the shifting problem or the pull goes away sometimes after turning the key off and starting it again as I`m driving in nutral :sick:
Has anyone had these problems?? :sick:
MADE IT WORSE(NICE JOB).CLUNKING, THEY COULDN'T HEAR(SHOCKER).ITS THERE TRUST ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
KNOCKING IN MOTOR WHEN COLD, NORMAL THEY SAID.
I SHOWED TSB(TECH. SERVICE BULLITEN)TO THEM, STILL DIDNT FIX THE PROBLEM.(OIL SCREEN O-RING IS BAD)
SO MUCH FOR PROFESS. GRADE TRUCKS I THINK THERE GRADE SOULD BE AN FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. :mad:
If the sound is coming from the center area of the dash, you might have an air pocket in the heater core. You can easily fix this by doing a "purge" procedure on the cooling system and the gurgling sound should go away. I have a '99 Sierra and this procedure worked for me. I just copied this from another forum and take no credit or responsibility for it's content or creation. The procedure does work if the gurgling noise is coming from the heater core.
Here ya go:
Get a jug of DEXCOOL (Havoline brand is GM approved).
Park on level ground.
The engine needs to be cool, or just slightly warm is fine too.
Add fluid in the surge tank until the level is slightly above the split line on the tank (an inch or so).
Put cap back on loosely, don't allow it to build pressure.
Start engine and let it idle for a minute.
Then, cycle the engine from idle to 3000rpm in 30 second intervals until the engine coolant reaches operating temp and the thermostat opens.
Shut off engine and remove the cap.
Start engine and let it idle for a minute. Fill the tank to 1/2 inch above the "Cold Full" mark on the tank & put cap back on loosely.
Cycle the engine like before and wait for the thermostat to open again, then shut off the engine.
Put more fluid in if necessary, the fluid should be a half-inch or so above the Cold Full mark.
After going to three different dealers, I found one that took care of all the problems my truck had in one visit without giving me any hassle or run-around. Guess which dealer gets my service business now? I know that all brands have their share of crappy dealer service departments, but I think this is one problem area that GM has failed to address that turns people away from buying GM products. All brands have their share of problems, but the actions taken by the manufacturer and the dealers to resolve those problems is what makes a difference. They can't just say "it's normal" and send you on your way. Make them show you a brand new truck on the lot with the same noise if it's "normal". If you were out of warranty, I'll bet they would find something wrong to generate service revenue and get money out of your pockets. Try another dealer if you're not happy with your current one. :lemon: Don't give up because that's what the "stealer" wants you to do!
-BTW: I still love my truck.
-David
For the 99-02 there is a transmission program update that will downshift a little "quicker" to avoid the flutter or lugging.
I would think that your friendly GMC dealer service department might be able to help you out.
Thank's
I have a 2000 GMC with the same motor. It started to get difficult to start and wanted to stall when I came to a stop. Solution was a part called a Fuel Pressure Regulator Valve. As you open the hood the part is on the right side of the motor towards the back. There is a small vacuum tube coming off of this part (the whole part is about the size of a buckeye). When the truck is off pull the tube off. If fuel runs out its bad. What happens is the motor gets flooded out causing the hard start and occasional stall. Part cost $66 from the dealer and fixed the problem. Not sure if that's the problem, but its easy to check and I heard a lot of 5.3s have had this problem.
Thanks in advance
My '99 Grand Am had the same symptoms as your truck. It turned out that the positive battery cable screw was loose and the car started right up after I tightened it up.
Good Luck!
I would apreciate it very much as this truck is scary to drive. It feels skidish and folows the holes or dips on the road execively. even after new michelin tires and numberous alignements & balancing.
Do a search for "auto decals" and you'll find loads of companies that specialize in them.