2004 Chevrolet C4500 problems
The Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick are a range of medium-duty trucks that were produced by the Chevrolet and GMC divisions of General Motors from 1980 to 2009. Introduced as a variant of the medium-duty C/K truck line, three generations were produced. Slotted between the C/K trucks and the GMC Brigadier Class 8 conventional, the Kodiak/TopKick were developed as a basis for vocationally oriented trucks, including cargo haulers, dump trucks, and similar vehicles; on later generations, both cutaway and cowled-chassis variants were produced for bus use.
Following years of declining market share, General Motors (in line with Ford Motor Company) sought to exit heavy-truck manufacturing. After struggling to enter joint ventures or sell the rights to its product line, the company ended production of the Kodiak and TopKick in 2009. The final medium-duty truck, a GMC TopKick 5500, rolled out of Flint Truck Assembly on July 31, 2009.
For the 2019 model year, after a ten-year hiatus, General Motors re-entered the conventional medium-duty truck segment. Developed in a joint venture with Navistar International, the Chevrolet Silverado 4500/5500 is a Class 4–6 vehicle. Slightly smaller than the Kodiak/Topkick, the Silverado 4500/5500 is marketed exclusively as a Chevrolet (with no GMC counterpart).
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Common 2004 Chevrolet C4500 problems
The Chevrolet C4500 2004, equipped with the Duramax diesel engine, has been known to experience several issues according to owner complaints. This article will discuss the most common problems found in the Chevrolet C4500 2004, focusing on the Duramax engine.
- Glow Plugs: The 2006 Duramax models, including the LLY and LBZ, are known for their glow plug issues. Glow plugs are heating elements that heat fuel and air to improve combustion efficiency. When glow plugs start to fail, you may notice a drop in fuel efficiency, engine misfiring, rough idling, or hard starting. Additionally, white or black smoke from the exhaust can indicate a problem with glow plugs.
- Fuel System: Fuel system issues are common in all Duramax model years, including the C4500 2004. Problems with the fuel system can result in difficulty starting, excessive smoke, lower gear selection, poor fuel economy, a loss of engine power, lower RPMs, and excessive noise. The Duramax engine uses an injection pump instead of a lift pump, which can crack the fuel filter housing. Additionally, air can quickly get into the fuel lines, preventing enough fuel from getting to the engine.
- Water Pump: The water pump in the Duramax engine is known to fail around 80,000 miles, which is earlier than most diesel trucks. A broken water pump means that the engine will not get enough coolant, leading to overheating. Overheating can cause serious problems, such as blown head gaskets, damaged cylinders or pistons, and a cracked engine block.
- Fan Clutch Failure: The fan clutch is responsible for regulating the engine cooling fan's speed. When the fan clutch fails, the engine can overheat, leading to serious problems. Symptoms of fan clutch failure include excessive noise, overheating, and poor fuel efficiency.
- Oil: The Duramax engine can consume more oil than other diesel engines, especially as it ages. It is essential to check the engine oil level regularly and top it up as necessary. Low oil levels can lead to engine damage and reduced performance.
In conclusion, the Chevrolet C4500 2004, equipped with the Duramax diesel engine, can experience several issues, including injector problems, glow plug issues, fuel system problems, water pump failure, fan clutch failure, and increased oil consumption. Regular maintenance and checking for these issues can help prevent serious problems and prolong the engine's lifespan.
What engine is in a C4500?
Duramax 6.6-liter
The C4500 and C5500 get the same Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel that's available in heavy-duty Sierras and Silverados, albeit in a lesser state of tune. A 325-hp gasoline-powered 8.1-liter V-8 is also available.
How much can a Chevy C4500 tow?
Reliable power is produced by a 6.6L Duramax Diesel and paired with the 5 speed Allison automatic transmission it is capable of towing 16,000lbs with an additional 5500lbs of onboard cargo-hauling capacity. It is painted White with top-shelf Alcoa aluminum wheels and 5th wheel tow package.
How big is the fuel tank on a Chevy C4500?
Chevrolet C4500 Fuel Tank, 48 Gallon - Used
| Item SKU: | 25539274 |
|---|---|
| Gallons: | 48 |
| Length: | 35 |
| Width/Dia: | 20 |
| Height: | 16 |
What is the specs of the 2005 C4500?
It is powered by a 6.6L V-8 Duramax diesel that is mated to an Allison 1000 five-speed automatic and produces 300 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. This Kodiak seats six, has a GVWR of 17,500 pounds and a GCWR of 26,000 pounds. It rides on a solid axle up front, a floating axle in the back, and leaf springs all around.
What is the top speed of a C4500?
The run to 60 mph takes 14.4 seconds, and top speed is governed at 75 mph, presumably to save the tires when the truck is fully loaded.
How big is the fuel tank on a Chevy C4500?
Chevrolet C4500 Fuel Tank, 48 Gallon - Used
| Item SKU: | 25539274 |
|---|---|
| Gallons: | 48 |
| Length: | 35 |
| Width/Dia: | 20 |
| Height: | 16 |
How much can a Chevy C4500 tow?
Reliable power is produced by a 6.6L Duramax Diesel and paired with the 5 speed Allison automatic transmission it is capable of towing 16,000lbs with an additional 5500lbs of onboard cargo-hauling capacity. It is painted White with top-shelf Alcoa aluminum wheels and 5th wheel tow package.
What is the specs of the 2005 C4500?
It is powered by a 6.6L V-8 Duramax diesel that is mated to an Allison 1000 five-speed automatic and produces 300 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. This Kodiak seats six, has a GVWR of 17,500 pounds and a GCWR of 26,000 pounds. It rides on a solid axle up front, a floating axle in the back, and leaf springs all around.
2004 Chevrolet C4500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet C4500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Chevrolet C4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2004 Chevrolet C4500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Chevrolet C4500.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-10
- VIN: 1GBE4C1234F
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONTINUAL WIRING PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASE. TRUCK SHUTS DOWN WHILE IN TRANSIT. VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-12
- VIN: 1GBE4C12X4F
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TRUCK SHUTS OFF IN TRANSIT WITH NO WARNING. REPAIRED BY DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS SINCE NEW BUT CONTINUED ELECTRICAL/WIRING PROBLEMS. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-24
- VIN: 1GBE4E1274F
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET C4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 62 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Chevrolet C4500 problems:
Common Problems/Issues with c4500/c5500 | Diesel Place
Jan 15, 2012 ... ok maybe a Freightliner Sportchassis LOL . 2007 Chevy Kodiak 4500 with 22.5s :D DECEMBER 2012 DIESEL PLACE TRUCK ...
GMC 4500 Problems | Chevy and GMC Duramax Diesel Forum
Jul 3, 2011 ... We have a 2004 GMC 4500 single axle dump w/Duramax at work that is full of issues. The first oddity is that the motor has a major lope to it ...
What should I look for or avoid in a C4500/C5500? | Diesel Place
May 17, 2016 ... Common issues to look for in these trucks? Did these models come with a catalytic converter or other emissions? I would like to find a truck ...
Chevy C4500 Duramax Q&A: Common Issues & Solutions
Jul 27, 2016 ... So when I reinstalled the batteries the truck started.....but the voltage gauge was reading low, when I turned it off it wouldn't start back up ...
Chevrolet C4500 Kodiak: Ive been told there are two computers
Jul 25, 2012 ... These have a common problem, and that is the rear fuel level sensor in the rear tank. They are common for failing which not only disables the ...
Other years of Chevrolet C4500
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