1971 Chevrolet C20 problems
The third generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1973 to 1991 model years. Serving as the replacement for the "Action Line" C/K trucks, GM designated the generation under "Rounded Line" moniker. Again offered as a two-door pickup truck and chassis cab, the Rounded Line trucks marked the introduction of a four-door cab configuration.
Marketed under the Chevrolet and GMC brands, the Rounded Line C/K chassis also served as the basis of GM full-size SUVs, including the Chevrolet/GMC Suburban wagon and the off-road oriented Chevrolet K5 Blazer/GMC Jimmy. The generation also shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.
In early 1987, GM introduced the 1988 fourth-generation C/K to replace the Rounded Line generation, with the company beginning a multi-year transition between the two generations. To eliminate model overlap, the Rounded Line C/K was renamed the R/V series, which remained as a basis for full-size SUVs and heavier-duty pickup trucks. After an 18-year production run (exceeded only in longevity by the Dodge D/W-series/Ram pickup and the Jeep Gladiator/Pickup), the Rounded Line generation was retired after the 1991 model year.
From 1972 to 1991, General Motors produced the Rounded Line C/K (later R/V) series in multiple facilities across the United States and Canada. In South America, the model line was produced in Argentina and Brazil, ending in 1997.
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Common 1971 Chevrolet C20 problems
The 1971 Chevrolet C20 Longhorn is a classic truck that has been loved by many, but like any vehicle, it has its common problems. Here are some of the issues that owners have reported:
- Starting problems: Some owners have reported that their C20 Longhorns have problems starting, even with a good battery. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as a sticking starter solenoid, a faulty starter motor, or a problem with the ignition system. In some cases, the problem can be solved by replacing the solenoid or the starter motor. In other cases, the problem can be caused by a problem with the ignition system, which can be fixed by checking the voltage at the starter or by replacing the battery cable.
- Electrical problems: Some owners have reported that their C20 Longhorns have various electrical problems, such as a bouncing tachometer, misfiring, or no lights. These problems can be caused by various factors, such as a short in the electrical system, a problem with the battery, or a problem with the ignition system. In some cases, the problem can be solved by replacing the solenoid or the starter motor. In other cases, the problem can be caused by a problem with the ignition system, which can be fixed by checking the voltage at the starter or by replacing the battery cable.
- Performance issues: Some owners have reported that their C20 Longhorns are embarrassingly slow, even with a 350 cubic-inch V8 engine. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as a worn-out motor, a slipping transmission, or a problem with the gearing. In some cases, the problem can be solved by replacing the transmission or the gearing. In other cases, the problem can be caused by a problem with the engine, which can be fixed by rebuilding or replacing the engine.
In summary, the 1971 Chevrolet C20 Longhorn is a classic truck that has been loved by many, but like any vehicle, it has its common problems. These problems can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty distributor, a bad resistor wire going to the coil, a problem with the ignition starter switch, a sticking starter solenoid, a faulty starter motor, a problem with the ignition system, a worn-out motor, a slipping transmission, or a problem with the gearing. In some cases, the problem can be solved by replacing the faulty part or by fixing the problem with the ignition system. In other cases, the problem can be caused by a problem with the engine or the transmission, which can be fixed by rebuilding or replacing the engine or the transmission.
What engine does a Chevy C20 have?
Specifications for Chevrolet C20 Regular Cab 5.7 V8 Hydra-Matic, 167hp, 1985 4-speed.
What is the difference between a 1970 C10 and C20?
The obvious difference between the C10 and the C20 is that one is a half-ton and the other a three-quarter-ton truck. These classifications don't refer to their respective curb weights, but rather to their payload capacity.
What is the difference between C10 and C20 suspension?
A C-10 is a 1/2 ton truck with the wishbone/coil spring suspension in the rear. A C-20 is a 3/4 ton truck with leaf spring suspension in the rear.
What is the difference between a 1971 and 1972 Chevy truck?
The 1972 models were virtually identical to 1971 models, with the only change being the rear view mirror was glued to the windshield instead of being bolted to the top of the cab, and metal or vinyl-covered flat door panels were no longer available; all trim level door panels were molded plastic with integral armrests ...
What engine does a Chevy C20 have?
Specifications for Chevrolet C20 Regular Cab 5.7 V8 Hydra-Matic, 167hp, 1985 4-speed.
What is the difference between a 1970 C10 and C20?
The obvious difference between the C10 and the C20 is that one is a half-ton and the other a three-quarter-ton truck. These classifications don't refer to their respective curb weights, but rather to their payload capacity.
How many miles per gallon does a 1971 Chevy C20 get?
Based on data from 2 vehicles, 8 fuel-ups and 1,382 miles of driving, the 1971 Chevrolet C20 Pickup gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.25 with a 3.07 MPG margin of error.
What is the difference between C10 and C20 suspension?
A C-10 is a 1/2 ton truck with the wishbone/coil spring suspension in the rear. A C-20 is a 3/4 ton truck with leaf spring suspension in the rear.
1971 Chevrolet C20 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet C20 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1971 Chevrolet C20 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1971 Chevrolet C20 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1971 Chevrolet C20.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: CE241F81002
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DEFECTIVE TURN SIGNAL WAS ON, SMOKE CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND UNDERNEATH THE DASH, CAUSING A ELECTRICAL FIRE WHICH CAUSED HARM TO THE OCCUPANT. MFR IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, BUT HASN'T FIXED THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER TOLD OCCUPANT NOT TO CONTACT NHTSA. *AK
1971 Chevrolet C20 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1971 Chevrolet C20.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: WHEELS
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Other years of Chevrolet C20
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