1988 Chevrolet K20 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 K20 problems
The Chevrolet K20, produced in 1988, is known for its reliability and versatility. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
One issue is related to fuel delivery. The carbureted 350 engine in the 1988 K20 Suburban can experience problems with the fuel delivery system. In the case described in the search results, the ignition coil inside the distributor cap had melted, causing the truck to stall and fail to start. This issue was resolved by swapping out the motor with a 350 from an '84 model.
Another common problem is related to the drivetrain. The Eaton rear end, which was commonly used in these trucks, can have issues with gearing. Owners have reported that the 4.56 gears in the Eaton can cause problems, particularly when towing or hauling heavy loads. Some owners have opted to replace the Eaton with a 14-bolt full floater, which is known for its strength and durability.
The K20 can also experience issues with fuel economy. With an average fuel efficiency of 8-10 mpg, the K20 is not known for its fuel efficiency. This can be a significant issue for owners who use their trucks for daily driving or long distances.
Finally, there are some common issues related to the electrical system. The K20 can experience problems with the wiring and fuses, particularly in the engine bay. These issues can cause the truck to stall or fail to start, and can be difficult to diagnose and repair.
In summary, the Chevrolet K20 is a reliable and versatile truck, but it is not without its common problems. Fuel delivery, drivetrain, fuel economy, and electrical system issues are all common complaints among K20 owners. By understanding these issues and taking steps to prevent or address them, owners can help ensure that their K20 remains a reliable and capable vehicle for years to come.
What engine came in the 1986 Chevy K20?
5.7 V8
Specifications for Chevrolet K20 Regular Cab 5.7 V8 157hp, 1986 3rd Generation 1st Facelift (1981 - 1987)
Is a K20 a Silverado?
This 1979 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 4x4 is the long bed classic pickup with a cool look, a ton of function, V8 power, and a comfy loaded interior.
Is a Chevy K20 4 wheel drive?
The K20 was a four-wheel-drive version of the C20, with a larger payload capacity and a more powerful engine. The 1982 Chevrolet K20 came equipped with a standard 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 150 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.
What year is a Chevy K20?
The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year. The K20, which was a 3/4 ton, all wheel driv... The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year.
What engine came in the 1986 Chevy K20?
5.7 V8
Specifications for Chevrolet K20 Regular Cab 5.7 V8 157hp, 1986 3rd Generation 1st Facelift (1981 - 1987)
Is a K20 a Silverado?
This 1979 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 4x4 is the long bed classic pickup with a cool look, a ton of function, V8 power, and a comfy loaded interior.
Is a Chevy K20 4 wheel drive?
The K20 was a four-wheel-drive version of the C20, with a larger payload capacity and a more powerful engine. The 1982 Chevrolet K20 came equipped with a standard 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 150 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.
What year is a Chevy K20?
The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year. The K20, which was a 3/4 ton, all wheel driv... The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year.
1988 Chevrolet K20 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet K20 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Chevrolet K20 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Chevrolet K20 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Chevrolet K20.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-15
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I FEEL THE PAINT USED ON 1988 CHEYENNE PICKUP TRUCKS WAS INFERIOR. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL TRUCKS OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.
1988 Chevrolet K20 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1988 Chevrolet K20.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
- Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.
- 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: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
- Summary: INCORRECT FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER UPPER AND LOWER NUTS COULD LOOSEN.
- Consequence: SHOCK ABSORBER COULD DETACH AND COME IN CONTACT WITHFRONT BRAKE HOSE; THIS CONTACT COULD RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE HOSE AND LOSS OFFRONT BRAKES.
- Remedy: REPLACE FREE SPINNING NUTS WITH TORQUE NUTS.
- 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 K20
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