1989 Chevrolet K30 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 1989 Chevrolet K30 problems
The 1989 Chevrolet K30 is a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts due to its rugged design and versatile capabilities. However, like any other vehicle, it is not immune to certain issues that may arise over time. Here are some common problems that 1989 Chevrolet K30 owners have reported:
- Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure: Another common issue reported by 1989 Chevrolet K30 owners is steering wheel position sensor failure. This can cause the vehicle to display a service stability message, which may occur intermittently or every time the vehicle is started or the wheel is turned. Replacing the sensor should fix this issue, which typically costs between $200 and $300.
- Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: Models produced between 1990 and 1999, including the 1989 Chevrolet K30, may experience intermittent windshield wiper failure due to a defective wiper motor control board. This problem can be caused by a faulty wiper motor control board, which may cause the wipers to stop working, fail to turn on, keep running after being turned off, or only work on one speed setting. A temporary fix is to lightly tap on the control box, while a more permanent solution is to replace the wiper motor control board.
- Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold Gaskets: Older Sierras and Silverados, including the 1989 Chevrolet K30, may experience coolant leaks or oil leaks from intake manifold gaskets. This problem can be caused by worn-out gaskets, which can allow coolant or oil to leak into the engine. This issue typically occurs around 125,000 miles and can cause the engine to run roughly or stall.
- Alternator Failure: The alternator in older Sierras and Silverados, including the 1989 Chevrolet K30, may eventually fail, causing the battery to die and potentially causing an abnormal noise. This issue typically occurs around 125,000 miles and can be caused by wear and tear on the alternator or a faulty voltage regulator.
- Internal Distributor Faults: Some 1989 Chevrolet K30 owners have reported internal faults in the distributor, which can cause the engine to run roughly or stall. This issue can be caused by wear and tear on the distributor or a faulty ignition coil. A squealing noise coming from the distributor may indicate this problem, which typically occurs around 130,000 miles.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical issues can also be a common problem in 1989 Chevrolet K30 trucks. These issues can range from faulty wiring to blown fuses and can affect various systems in the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and electrical accessories.
It is important to note that the 1989 Chevrolet K30 is a classic vehicle, and some of these issues may be more common in older models. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
What year did Chevy have bad transmissions?
More serious concerns like the truck stalling while driving has also been reported. The 2015 year model is also one of the worst ones you can buy. It has a litany of problems, and many have transmission failures. The 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s are also infamous for transmission issues.
What year Silverado has the least problems?
The Most Reliable Chevy Silverado Years
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What engine is in a K30?
MMP Rating
| Engine Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Options: | 350 V8, 396 V8, 454 V8 |
| Displacement Range: | 350 - 454 cu in |
| Horsepower Range: | 255 - 390 hp |
| Torque: | 365 - 500 lb-ft |
What does K stand for in Chevy?
On Chevrolet vehicles, the C/K nomenclature returned from the previous generation; "C" denoted two-wheel-drive trucks while "K" denoted four-wheel-drive vehicles. While all GMC pickup trucks were now badged under a singular Sierra nameplate, GM still used C and K as internal model codes for both divisions.
What engine is in a K30?
MMP Rating
| Engine Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Options: | 350 V8, 396 V8, 454 V8 |
| Displacement Range: | 350 - 454 cu in |
| Horsepower Range: | 255 - 390 hp |
| Torque: | 365 - 500 lb-ft |
What year did Chevy have bad transmissions?
More serious concerns like the truck stalling while driving has also been reported. The 2015 year model is also one of the worst ones you can buy. It has a litany of problems, and many have transmission failures. The 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s are also infamous for transmission issues.
What engine does a 1989 Chevy truck have?
5.7 LITER V8 W/EFI/350 CU. IN.
What does K stand for in Chevy?
On Chevrolet vehicles, the C/K nomenclature returned from the previous generation; "C" denoted two-wheel-drive trucks while "K" denoted four-wheel-drive vehicles. While all GMC pickup trucks were now badged under a singular Sierra nameplate, GM still used C and K as internal model codes for both divisions.
1989 Chevrolet K30 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet K30 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chevrolet K30 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Chevrolet K30 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Chevrolet K30.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-09
- VIN: 2GC6K39N0K1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT FAILED AND THE RIGHT FRONT END COLLAPSED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
1989 Chevrolet K30 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Chevrolet K30.
- 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: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: THERE MAY BE BELOW SPECIFIED TORQUE ON THE TRAILER HITCH ATTACHING FASTENERS, ALLOWING THE TRAILER HITCH TO MOVE UNDER TOWING LOADS.
- Consequence: FASTENERS COULD FAIL; IF THIS OCCURS WHILE TRAILERIS BEING PULLED, HITCH AND TRAILER COULD SEPARATE AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULDOCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: CORRECT TORQUE IN TRAILER HITCH FASTENERS TO PREVENT TRAILER SEPARATION.
Other years of Chevrolet K30
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