1989 Chevrolet C1500 problems
The fourth generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors. Marketed by the Chevrolet and GMC brands from the 1988 to the 2002 model years, this is the final generation of the C/K model line. In a branding change, GMC adopted the GMC Sierra nameplate for all its full-size pickup trucks, leaving the C/K nomenclature exclusive to Chevrolet.
Internally codenamed the GMT400 platform, GM did not give the model line a word moniker (e.g., "Rounded-Line series" for its predecessor). After its production, the model line would informally become known by the public as the "OBS" (Old Body Style), in reference to its GMT800 successor. In starting a different tradition, the model line overlapped production with both its predecessor and successor; the model line again shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.
Over nearly a 14-year production run, the fourth-generation C/K was assembled by GM in multiple facilities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After the 2000 model year, the fourth-generation C/K was discontinued and was replaced by the GMT800 platform (introduced for 1999); the C3500HD heavy-duty chassis cab model remained in production through 2002. In line with the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet subsequently adopted a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate for its full-size truck line (which remains in use).
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Common 1989 Chevrolet C1500 problems
The 1989 Chevrolet C1500 is known for its reliability and durability, but like any vehicle, it has common problems that owners have reported. This article will explore these issues in detail.
- Windshield Wiper Problems
The windshield wipers on the 1989 Chevrolet C1500 are controlled by the wiper board, which is located under the hood on the firewall. If you experience trouble with your windshield wipers, check with a dealer to see if there is a recall on your vehicle. A faulty wiper motor control board can be replaced for a more permanent fix.
- Body and Chassis Grounds
There may be no immediate or apparent symptoms of bad body or chassis grounds on the 1989 Chevrolet C1500, but there may be odd electrical problems like the engine not starting or the dash lights flickering.
- Door Pins and Bushings
The doors can sag on the 1989 Chevrolet C1500 when the pins and bushings wear out. The pins and bushings are in the door jamb. To replace the bushings, the spring will need to be removed from the door check. A special compressor tool is needed to reinstall the spring.
- Engine Oil Leaks
As vehicles age, it's common for parts to corrode and wear over time and leak, like the oil pan gasket. A lot of 1989 Chevrolet C1500 trucks have an oil filter adapter that can leak. Remove the oil filter adapter and remove the o-ring and the gasket on the top. If the vehicle has oil cooler lines, these will also have to be disconnected.
- Tail Light Boards
The tail lights on the 1989 Chevrolet C1500 have electrical circuit boards the bulbs attach to that can overheat and fail. Sometimes the tail light bulb may not work after being replaced. This is because the circuit board has most likely failed. Inspect the circuit board for burning, which is a definite sign it has failed. Replace the circuit board if it has failed.
These are the top five problems found on the 1989 Chevrolet C1500, based on complaints from owners of this car. While these issues can be frustrating, they are common for vehicles of this age and can often be fixed with routine maintenance and repairs.
What's the worst year for Chevy 1500?
2014
2014 Chevy Silverado 1500
If you were to look at Chevy Silverado's since 2005, it has been widespread that 2014 was known as the worst year for the 1500 due to its malfunctioning heating and air conditioning system. Its AC condensers were leaking, which required frequent replacements.
What years did Chevy 1500 have transmission problems?
Quick Answer: Avoid 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Chevy Silverados. The most Chevy Silverado transmission problems appear in the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 versions. The other years and generations have a better track record with this component.
When did Chevy trucks get bad?
The 2015 year model is also one of the worst ones you can buy. It has a litany of problems, and many have transmission failures. The 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s are also infamous for transmission issues.
Are Chevy 1500 reliable?
When it comes to reliability, the Chevy Silverado has a reputation for being a dependable vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, the Silverado has a predicted reliability rating of four out of five stars.
What's the worst year for Chevy 1500?
2014
2014 Chevy Silverado 1500
If you were to look at Chevy Silverado's since 2005, it has been widespread that 2014 was known as the worst year for the 1500 due to its malfunctioning heating and air conditioning system. Its AC condensers were leaking, which required frequent replacements.
Are Chevy 1500 reliable?
When it comes to reliability, the Chevy Silverado has a reputation for being a dependable vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, the Silverado has a predicted reliability rating of four out of five stars.
What engine does a 1989 Chevy truck have?
5.7 LITER V8 W/EFI/350 CU. IN.
When did Chevy trucks get bad?
The 2015 year model is also one of the worst ones you can buy. It has a litany of problems, and many have transmission failures. The 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s are also infamous for transmission issues.
1989 Chevrolet C1500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet C1500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chevrolet C1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Chevrolet C1500
The NHTSA has received 33 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Chevrolet C1500. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Chevrolet C1500 vehicles.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-15
- VIN: 1GCDC14K8KZ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2GCECT4H6K1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1989 CHEVROLET C-1500 CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *TS THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-24
- VIN: 2GCEC14H8K1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED TWICE, CONSUMER FOUND ON THE NHTSA WEB PAGE, MANY CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCDC14Z8KZ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WIPER MOTOR SOMETIMES WORKS WHEN THE SWITCH IS NOT ON, UNTIL THE FUSE IS REMOVED OR THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VOLT GAUGE FLUCTUATES UP AND DOWN, AND THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO SOMETIMES WIPERS DON'T WORK WITH SWITCH TURNED ON. WHEN THE WIPERS DON'T MOVE WHEN THE SWITCH IS TURNED ON, THE VOLT GAUGE FLUCTUATES UP AND DOWN. THESE INSTANCES HAPPEN USUALLY DURING RAIN OR SNOW. THE TRUCK IS EQUIPPED WITH DELAY WIPERS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-08-21
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR. HAD BRAKES CHECKED, AND WORKED ON, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-15
- VIN: 2GCDC14K8K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DEPLOYS WHEN TOWING A TRAILER AND BRAKING. THIS "MOVES A BLOCK" IN THE MASTER CYLINDER, ACCORDING TO A MECHANIC, WHICH THEN DISABLES THE FRONT BRAKES UNTIL A MECHANIC RESETS IT. I THE MEAN TIME, THE DRIVER IS UNAWARE OF THE EVENT, AND IS OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH THE 1/2 OF THE BRAKES DISABLED, CAUSING UNEVEN AND INADEQUATE BRAKING, AND EXTREME WEAR ON THE REMAINING BRAKES. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WITH THE ANIT LOCK BRAKE DEVICE ON THE MASTER CYLINDER, AND THE ADDED WEIGHT OF A TRAILER WHEN BRAKING. (EVEN THOUGH THE TRUCK CAME WITH THE "TOWING PACKAGE" AND THE TRAILER IS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC BRAKES). *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-02-14
- VIN: 2GCEC14K8K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: STOPPING ON SLIPPERY SURFACE IS POOR! FRONT WHEELS LOCK UP AND REAR WHEELS FREE-WHEEL. DEALER SAYS SYSTEM OK.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-17
- VIN: 2GCEC14K5K1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WAS DRIVING 70MPH WHEN FELT SOMETHING HITTING THE UNDERBODY OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE STARTED TO SWERVE. VEHICLE WAS CONTROLLABLE. PULLED VEHICLE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD & STOPPED. NOTICED TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE LEFT REAR TIRE. THE TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED & HAD NOT BLOWN. DURALON RADIAL BAJA WHITE TRACK P235/75R15 WITH 25,000 MILES, DOT VDHLFOX. A GENERIC BRAND. ON A 1989 CHEVEROLT TRUCK C1500.*AK DURALON P235/75/R15 *MW
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCDC14K1KZ
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE SCISSOR JACK BROKE WHILE VEHICLE WAS JACKED UP. IT WAS IMPROPERLY DESIGNED OR PUT TOGETHER. THE SWIVEL PART ON THE TOP, SWIVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK AND ALLOWED THE TRUCK TO FALL. THE GEARS DO NOT FIT TOGETHER CORRECTLY. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCEC19K1K1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 1ST TIME STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND MECHANIC TIGHTEN IT UP (HE STATED THAT HE HAD DONE THIS TO SEVERAL VEHICAL OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL). THE SECOND TIME IT CAME LOOSE ( ABOUT 4 MONTHS LATER) BEFORE I COULD GET IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC, THE COLUMN BROKE WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN IN AN INTERSECTION, SHUTING OFF THE MOTOR CAUSING ME TO HAVE TROUBLE STOPPING THE VEHICAL. WHILE WAITING FOR A TOW THE POLICE HAD TO DIRECT TRAFFIC AROUND ME.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCEC14K4K1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD STAY ON WHEN PEDAL WAS RELEASED. CAUSED MULTIPLE BULB REPLACEMENTS ALONG WITH 4 BATTERIES. THE PAINT ON THE BODY HAS STARTED TO PEEL TWO YEARS AGO. IT WAS SMALL IN NATURE BUT LAST YEAR REALLY STARTED TO EXPAND. IN TALKING WITH A DEALER ABOUT REPAINTING THE PICK-UP, HE INDICATED THAT THE TIME TO BE REPAINTED WAS OVER BY THE MANUFACTURE. WHY DID GM/CHEVROLET NOT SEND ANY INFORMATION OUT ON EITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS TO OWNERS? I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST MY 89 WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM UNTIL TALKING WITH SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS. THE PAINT PROBLEM I HAD SEEN ON OTHER CARS BUT AGAIN DID NOT KNOW OF ANY COMPANY PROGRAM OR THAT IT HAD EXPIRED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCEC19K8K1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHITE PAINT IS PEELING FROM THE GRAY PRIMER THROUGH OUT THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCEC19Z7K1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE AND OTHER PARTS MALFUNCTIONED. ALSO, THE SHIFTER MALFUNCTIONED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-15
- VIN: 1GCDC14H8KZ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH BRAKE LIGHTS SHORTING OUT DUE TO DEFECTIVE SOCKETS. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST GOES TO CONSUMER. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-23
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TILT STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, COULD NOT MOVE, CAUSING ACCIDENT AND SEVERE INJURIES. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-08
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCDC14H4KZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DURING REAR IMPACT AT 40 TO 45 MPH, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK. *AK SEAT BELTS DID NOT PREVENT DRIVER AND PASENGER FROM BEING THROWN FORWARD RESULTING IN FACE AND LEG INJURY. *YD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCDK14K7K2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-05
- VIN: 1GCEC14Z4RZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH FAILURE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-09-01
- VIN: 1GCDC14H1KZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS FAILED.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCEK19Z2K1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT CUT LOOSE WHILE AT A STAND STILL.OWNER NOTES FATIGUE FAILURE AFFECTED STRESS RISERS ON SEAT TRACKS.OWNER VERY CONCERNED FOR SAFETY. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCEC19K9K1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN STARTS GETTING LOOSE IN THE AREA WHERE IT NORMALLY TILTS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCEC14K1K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WITH EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. MASTER CYLINDER REPAIRED, HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BS BRAKES FAILED. DEALER ALSO REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER/CALIPERS AND ROTORS/BRAKELINES AND DRUMS. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-08
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT REAR WHEEL BROKE LOOSE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GCDC14K9KE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED ONTO CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, CAUSING FIRE.
1989 Chevrolet C1500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 Chevrolet C1500.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: TRUCKS CAN CONTAIN INCORRECT INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST REAR SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELTS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.
- Consequence: INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PROPERLYRESTRAIN OCCUPANT IN AN ACCIDENT OF SUDDEN STOP; TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITHFMVSS 209.
- Remedy: PROVIDE OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE CORRECT REAR LAP-SHOULDER BELT INSTRUCTIONS.
Other years of Chevrolet C1500
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