1990 Chevrolet C2500 problems

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The Chevrolet C/K is a series of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1960 to 2002 model years. Marketed by both the Chevrolet and GMC divisions, the C/K series encompassed a wide range of vehicles. While most commonly associated with pickup trucks, the model line also included chassis-cab trucks and medium-duty trucks and served as the basis for GM full-size SUVs. Through its entire production, the model line competed directly against the Ford F-Series and the Dodge D series (later the Dodge Ram pickup).

Used for both the model branding and the internal model code, "C" denoted two-wheel drive, while "K" denoted four-wheel drive. Four generations of the C/K series were produced, including the GM monikered second-generation "Action Line" and third-generation "Rounded Line" vehicles (colloquially aka Square-Body trucks). For the fourth-generation (colloquially also known as OBS trucks), Chevrolet kept using the C/K designation while GMC revised its branding, changing to a singular GMC Sierra nameplate (C/K remained as an internal model code).

For South America, the model line was manufactured by General Motors de Argentina from 1960 to 1978, Sevel Argentina from 1986 to 1991, and General Motors Brazil, who produced versions of the model line for Brazil, Argentina, and Chile from 1964 to 2001.

As GM entered the 1990s, the company revised its truck ranges, replacing the medium-duty C/K trucks with the Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKick for 1990. For 1999, GM replaced the fourth-generation C/K pickup trucks with an all-new model line; in line with GMC, Chevrolet dropped the C/K nameplate (in favor of a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate). Initially marketed with its successor, the final C/K pickup trucks were produced for the 2000 model year. From 2001 to 2002, the final vehicles of the C/K model line were medium-duty chassis cab trucks.

1990 Chevrolet C2500

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Common 1990 Chevrolet C2500 problems

The Chevrolet C2500, produced in 1990, is known for a few common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues range from minor inconveniences to more significant mechanical problems that can affect the vehicle's performance and safety.

  • Air Conditioning Refrigerant Line Replacement: Another common problem with the Chevrolet C2500 is the need to replace the air conditioning refrigerant line. This issue can cause the air conditioning system to malfunction, resulting in a lack of cool air in the vehicle. The cost of replacing the air conditioning refrigerant line can range from $997 to $1,025.
  • Ignition Timing Adjust: The ignition timing on the Chevrolet C2500 may need adjusting, which can affect the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency. The cost of adjusting the ignition timing is relatively low, ranging from $70 to $89.
  • Stabilizer Bushing Replacement: The stabilizer bushings on the Chevrolet C2500 can wear out over time, causing the vehicle to shake or vibrate. Replacing the stabilizer bushings can help improve the vehicle's stability and ride quality. The cost of replacing the stabilizer bushings ranges from $83 to $113.
  • Engine Leak Inspection: The Chevrolet C2500 may experience engine leaks, which can lead to more significant mechanical problems if not addressed. An engine leak inspection can help identify the source of the leak and determine the best course of action to fix the problem. The cost of an engine leak inspection ranges from $88 to $111.
  • Door Lock Actuator Replacement: The door lock actuators on the Chevrolet C2500 can fail, making it difficult to lock and unlock the doors. Replacing the door lock actuator can help ensure the doors function properly. The cost of replacing the door lock actuator ranges from $234 to $268.
  • Starter Replacement: The starter on the Chevrolet C2500 can wear out over time, making it difficult to start the vehicle. Replacing the starter can help ensure the vehicle starts reliably. The cost of replacing the starter ranges from $260 to $386.
  • Air Bag Clockspring Replacement: The air bag clockspring on the Chevrolet C2500 can wear out over time, affecting the air bag system's functionality. Replacing the air bag clockspring can help ensure the air bag system works correctly. The cost of replacing the air bag clockspring ranges from $418 to $450.
  • Door Mirror Replacement: The door mirrors on the Chevrolet C2500 can become damaged or worn out, making it difficult to see while driving. Replacing the door mirrors can help ensure the driver has a clear view of the road. The cost of replacing the door mirrors ranges from $988 to $998.
  • Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: The windshield wipers on the Chevrolet C2500 can stop working intermittently due to a defective wiper motor. This problem can occur on models made between 1990 and 1999. If you experience trouble with your windshield wipers, check with a dealer to see if there is a recall on your vehicle. If you have a faulty wiper motor control board, your wipers may, at times, stop working, fail to turn on or keep running after you turn them off. You might also find your wipers only work on one speed setting. When the wipers are not working, you should hear the motor control box buzzing. As a temporary fix to the problem, lightly tap on the control box, and the blades should start working again. For a more permanent fix, replace the wiper motor control board.

In summary, the Chevrolet C2500, like any vehicle, can experience common problems that can affect its performance and safety. These issues include door handle breakage, air conditioning refrigerant line replacement, ignition timing adjust, stabilizer bushing replacement, engine leak inspection, door lock actuator replacement, starter replacement, air bag clockspring replacement, door mirror replacement, and windshield wiper motor component failure. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle remains safe and reliable for the driver and passengers.

1990 Chevrolet C2500 engine

Is the Chevy 2500 reliable?

Overall, we find that the Chevy Silverado is a decent value when it comes to safety, reliability, and performance.

What engine is in a 1990 Chevy 2500?

On 1500- and 2500-series vehicles, a 4.3 L Vortec V6 was standard, with the options of a 5.0 L V8, 5.7 L V8, and a 6.2 L diesel V8.

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.

How many miles can a 1990 Chevy Silverado last?

The average Chevy Silverado will last around 200,000 miles. If you are sure to take care of your Silverado over the years, it can last as long as you'd like it to. A few truck owners have even reached the one million-mile mark on their Chevy Silverado.

1990 Chevrolet C2500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet C2500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Power train problems
  • Tires problems
  • Parking brake problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Chevrolet C2500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Chevrolet C2500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Chevrolet C2500.

2011-09-07

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-09-05
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 CHEVROLET CHEYENNE 2500 WITH ACCC AMERICAN PROSPECT A/T TIRES, LINE SIZE 235/85R 16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TWO FRONT TIRES SHREDDED AT THE SIDEWALL. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08T007000 (TIRES: SIDEWALL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
2000-02-24

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-08
  • VIN: 2GCFK29K5L1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING THE PARKING BREAK LIGHT FLASHES, THE CRUSE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T TURN OFF. THE HEATER DOESN'T TURN OFF. THE PIN IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BROKE AND THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE HOOD AND TOP OF THE TRUCK.
1999-12-13

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-12-05
  • VIN: 1GBGC24K9LE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THIS IS A PROBLEM CENTERED ON THE ELECTRONIC SPEEDOMETER. APPROXIMATLY AT LEAST ONCE WITHIN EVERY 50 MILES THE SPEEDOMETER WILL FAIL. THE MOST DANGEROUS RESULT OF THIS FAILURE IS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH WILL LOCK UP THE REAR BRAKES IF THIS SITUATION (DISENGAGEMENT OF THE SPEEDOMETER) OCCURS AT THE SAME TIME AS BRAKING IS OCCURING!!!!!!! BRAKES FUNCTION NORMALY AFTER THE FAILURE HOWEVER. WITHOUT THE SPEEDOMETER FUNCTIONING THE DASHBOARD WARNINGS ALSO ENGAGE. I HAVE FOUND THAT A QUICK 'RAP' TO THE DASHBOARD WILL RE-ENGAGE THE SPEEDOMETER AND CURE THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THE SITUATION MAY BE CAUSED BY 'COLD SOLDER JOINTS' WHERE THE ORIGINAL SOLDER CONNECTIONS HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE POSTS ALLOWING INTERMITTANT CONNECTIONS. I DID ATTEMPT TO RE-SOLDER THE VISIBLE CONNECTIONS AT THE BACK OF THE DASHBOARD COMPONENT WITH MIXED RESULTS: THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO HAVE DIMINISHED FROM A LIKELY FAILURE OF WITHIN EVERY 10-20 MILES TO A LIKELY FAILURE WITHIN EVERY 50 MILES. AS STATED ABOVE, THIS IS A POTENTIALY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS BRAKE LOCK-UP CAN OCCUR DURING IT.*AK
1998-08-07

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-04-15
  • VIN: 1GCGK24K1LE
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ABS BRAKES MALFUNCTION ED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL IN DIFFERENT DIRRECTIONS.
1997-11-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-11-14
  • VIN: 1GCFC24K9LE
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON WET SURFACES , INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. OWNER STATES THAT THERE IS ARE NO REAR BRAKES . THE BRAKES IN THE REAR HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
1996-09-04

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-15
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2GCFC29K7L1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FLUID EXPELLED THROUGH THE FILLER TUBE CAUSED ENGINE FIRE.

1990 Chevrolet C2500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 Chevrolet C2500.

2007-10-24
  • 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.
2006-05-19
  • 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).
1990-09-17
  • 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.
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