Just living is becoming more expensive, and so is driving, but we at Haynes can at least help you minimise the cost of running your Chevy or GMC pick-up.
Here, we’ll help you keep down the costs by telling you what problems you might discover. And if your Chevrolet or GMC is making a noise it shouldn’t be, or if it’s started to vibrate when all used to be smooth, we can help you to find out what’s wrong and show you how to fix it. After all, not having to pay garage labor charges has to be a good way to save money.
The Chevy and GMC pick-ups have weaknesses that include bodywork issues, a squeak from the front suspension, and oil leaks from engines in cold conditions.
But don’t worry, because fixing these is both inexpensive and pretty easy. Just follow our lead and your Chevy or GMC pick-up will be back in the game in no time.
What recalls have the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups been subject to?
There’s no denying that the Chevy and GMC pick-ups have seen the inside of dealerships a few times.
For example, a faulty second-row centre seatbelt caused one recall. Then the trucks were recalled once more to have a cracking brake booster pressure accumulator replaced.
Another recall was brought about by an ECM update for the fuel sender diagnostics. And finally, non-compliant shift lever indicators were the cause of another recall.
What common problems do the Chevy and GMC pick-ups have?
Some examples of the Chevy and GMC pick-ups have been known to suffer from loose running board covers, while others have suffered and air-con system that defaults to defrost mode.
A growly front axle has caused concerns for some owners, while a whining rear differential has affected some cars. And some cars have suffered an issues that causes them not to start.
However, solving these issues needn’t be too tricky as long as you use the Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
Do the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups have starting problems?
The Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups sometimes suffer an intermittent issue that causes the engine to fail to start.
This problem generally afflicts vehicles with side-mounted battery terminals. Cross-threaded and stripped battery cable bolts can cause a poor connection.
However, disconnecting the battery and replacing the bolts is an easy job that will be covered in the Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
Do the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups have bodywork problems?
On occasion, the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups sometimes suffer a loose running board.
This problem is usually caused by faulty retaining clips that hold the running board cover in place.
However, the job of replacing the clips is covered in your Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
Do the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups have air-conditioning problems?
It isn’t unknown for the air-conditioning system in the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups to suffer a fault that causes it to default to defrost mode.
Plugging in a diagnostic reader to the OBD port will raise the following trouble codes: B0229, B0414, B0424 and B3370. The issue has been traced to a sharp edge on the instrument panel support brace, which can chafe the wires for the air-con system. Then it’s a case of repairing and protecting the affected wires.
The good news is that the procedure for removing the fascia to reach the affected wires is fully covered in your Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
Rear shocks on any truck get a hard time. Learn how to replace them with our FREE video below.
Do the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups have front axle problems?
Some owners have reported a growl or howling noise from the front differential of their pick-up trucks. The noise manifests itself when the truck is being run in two-wheel-drive mode.
The fault has been traced to the front axle differential case, which needs to be replaced.
However, while the actual case will have to be replaced by a professional, the removal and replacement of the differential is a job covered in your Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
Do the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups have squeaking problems?
There have been reports from owners of squeaks from the front suspension of the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups.
The cause has been traced to the plastic pilot rings for the front shock absorbers wearing out, causing the shock to become misaligned in the insulator.
However, there’s nothing for you to be concerned about, because the removal and replacement of the shock absorber and insulator is covered in depth in the Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
Do the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups have oil leak problems?
In the chillier temperatures of winter, some owners have noticed an oil leak from the engine in their Chevrolet or GMC pick-ups.
The problem lies in the crankcase ventilation system, because the PCV valve freezing shut, causing pressure to build up, and eventually the oil dipstick is forced out of its tube, followed by oil.
The repair procedure for this couldn’t be easier because all you need to do is remove and replace the oil filler cap with a vented example.
The removal and replacement procedure is in the Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
Do the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups have armrest problems?
The hinge for the front armrest in the Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups is known to be slightly weak, and can break on occasion.
However, removal of the armrest lid is a comparatively easy task for the home mechanic. There are repair kits available for the armrest (part numbers: 19127364, 19127365 and 19127366 depending on trim colour), and the replacement is covered in the interior section of the Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
