1988 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 1988 Chevrolet C20 problems
The Chevrolet C20 1988 is a reliable vehicle, but like any other car, it has some common problems that owners have reported over the years. Here are some of the most prevalent issues with the Chevrolet C20 1988, based on complaints from owners:
- Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks From Intake Manifold Gaskets: This issue can occur due to the failure of the intake manifold gaskets, which can lead to coolant leaks or oil leaks. Replacing the gaskets can be a costly repair, with an estimated cost of around $1,000 if done by a mechanic. Some drivers have reported having to replace the motors multiple times due to this issue.
- Restricted Secondary Air Injection Valves: Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007 are prone to a problem in which the secondary air injection check valves become restricted, leading to reduced airflow and causing the check engine light to come on. Fixing this problem requires replacing the check valves. This issue occurs on average at 133,000 miles and may cost between $100 and $150 per valve.
- Failed Steering Wheel Position Sensor: A failed steering wheel position sensor can cause a service stability message to appear in your Silverado or Sierra. This issue may occur intermittently or more regularly, such as every time you start your truck or turn the wheel. Replacing the sensor, which will cost around $200 to $300, should fix this issue. This problem typically occurs around 90,000 miles.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical problems, such as bad batteries, alternators, and starters, along with blown fuses and bad battery cables, are common issues with the Chevrolet C20 1988. Some wiring system issues are more complex, such as open circuits, short circuits, erosion, repeated blowing fuses, or hot smells from wires or melting plastic. These problems can put your truck out of commission, possibly for good, and require accurate information to find and fix the fault right away.
It's important to note that these common problems do not necessarily mean that the Chevrolet C20 1988 is a unreliable vehicle. With proper maintenance and care, many of these issues can be prevented or addressed in a timely manner.
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 best year of Chevy Squarebody?
The 1983-87 “modern” C10s were hugely popular and featured the truck's most powerful engines to date, culminating in the most popular Square Body year of all time – the 1987.
When did Chevy trucks get bad?
The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.
What year is most sought after C10?
Q: What year C10 is the most popular? A: The 1973-1987 models, known as the "Square Body" generation, are often considered the most popular among enthusiasts. These models are known for their rugged design, reliability, and ease of modification, making them a favorite among restorers and custom builders.
What engine does a Chevy C20 have?
Specifications for Chevrolet C20 Regular Cab 5.7 V8 Hydra-Matic, 167hp, 1985 4-speed.
When did Chevy trucks get bad?
The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.
What year was the best Chevy C10?
Q: What year C10 is the most popular? A: The 1973-1987 models, known as the "Square Body" generation, are often considered the most popular among enthusiasts. These models are known for their rugged design, reliability, and ease of modification, making them a favorite among restorers and custom builders.
Is a C20 a 4x4?
All trucks whether be Cheyenne or custom or bare bones were either classified as C= 2WD or K=4WD. So it could be a c10 or c20 an it will be 2wd. Just as k10 or k20 it will be 4wd.
1988 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Chevrolet C20 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Chevrolet C20 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Chevrolet C20.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-12
- VIN: 1GCFC24K7JZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PURCHASE TRUCK NEW THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE NOT LOCKING . TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCFC24Z2JE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE V6 MOTOR IS DEFECT THE STEEL CAST IRON BLOCK WEARS OUT AND THE PISTON GOES OUT BURNING A LOT OF OIL . TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCFC24Z2JE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE V6 MOTOR IS DEFECT THE STEEL CAST IRON BLOCK WEARS OUT AND THE PISTON GOES OUT BURNING A LOT OF OIL . TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GBEG25K0J7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS IMPACT 3:00 POSITION CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL VEHICLE FLIP OVER TOP CAME OFF VAN CAUSING INJURIES. TT
1988 Chevrolet C20 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1988 Chevrolet C20.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
- Consequence: THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: RIGHT AND LEFT HAND BRAKE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE WHEEL OR TIRE IN A FULL TURN.
- Consequence: IF THE HOSE MAKES CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL OR TIRE IT WILLEVENTUALLY WEAR THE HOSE TO A POINT OF RUPTURE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF THEFRONT BRAKES. LOSS OF FRONT BRAKES WOULD INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE WHENMINIMUM TIME IS REQUIRED AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: INSTALL NEW REPOSITIONING BRACKETS FOR THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: TRUCKS MAY HAVE CRACKED OR BROKEN DOOR STRIKER NUTS, WHICH DO NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 206.
- Consequence: IN A COLLISION, CRACKED OR BROKEN STRIKER NUT COULDALLOW DOOR TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY AND POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: REPLACE EXISTING DOOR STRIKER NUTS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ONE OR BOTH OF OUTER TIE ROD NUTS MAY BE LOOSE AND NOT CRIMPED.
- Consequence: LOSS OF ONE OR BOTH NUTS COULD LEAD TO TIE RODDISENGAGING FROM STEERING KNUCKLE RESULTING IN POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.
- Remedy: REPLACE TIE ROD AND KNUCKLE AND SET TOE-IN.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL CABLE LOCK MECHANISM MAY SELF DISENGAGE CAUSING ERRATIC OPERATION OR THROTTLE NOT RETURNING TO IDLE.
- Consequence: ENGINE SPEED WOULD NOT DECREASE; LOSS OF ACCELERATORCONTROL COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: INSTALL A CLAMP AROUND THE LOCK TAB OF CRUISE CONTROL.
Other years of Chevrolet C20
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