1989 Chevrolet K3500 problems

General information about Chevrolet-K3500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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.

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Common 1989 Chevrolet K3500 problems

The 1989 Chevrolet K3500, a part of the GMT400 generation, is known for its solid frame and body, powerful engine, and a few common issues that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned problems with the 1989 Chevrolet K3500, based on the search results:

Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: Models produced between 1990 and 1999, including the 1989 K3500, may experience intermittent windshield wiper failure due to a defective wiper motor control board.

Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold Gaskets: The intake manifold gaskets in 1988-1998 GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks, including the K3500, are prone to developing external engine oil or coolant leaks. These vehicles may also experience internal coolant leaks, causing coolant to mix with the engine oil, which can damage the engine. This issue most commonly occurs around 175,000 miles. Replacing the intake manifold gasket is the recommended solution, which typically costs between $300 and $450.

Front Wheel Speed Sensor Failure: The front wheel speed sensors or anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensors in 1988-1998 GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks, including the K3500, may fail. This problem can cause the ABS warning light to turn on or the ABS to activate erratically, especially on dry roads at slow speeds. Replacing the faulty sensor is the recommended solution.

Transmission Cooling System Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the transmission cooling system, which can lead to the need for multiple replacements of the torque converter. This issue is common to many GM vehicles and can be costly to address.

Exhaust Pipe Behind the Muffler Falling Out: Some K3500 owners have reported that the exhaust pipe behind the muffler can fall out, which may require replacement or repair.

Brakes Wearing Out: The brakes on the 1989 K3500 may wear out, especially if the truck is used for heavy-duty work. Replacement of the brakes is necessary when this occurs.

Interior Controls and Comfort: The interior of the 1989 K3500, like many trucks of its era, may have issues with controls and comfort, such as difficulty shifting gears in off-road conditions or a hard-to-start engine in cold weather.

Fuel System Issues: Some K3500 owners have reported issues with the fuel system, including problems with the fuel pump and fuel filter.

Steering and Suspension Problems: Issues with the steering and suspension systems have been reported by some K3500 owners, including problems with the power steering pump and suspension components.

Electrical System Issues: Electrical system problems, such as wiring issues, have been reported by some K3500 owners. These issues can affect various parts of the truck, including the lights, gauges, and other electrical components.

These common issues do not necessarily mean that the 1989 Chevrolet K3500 is a poor choice for a truck. Many owners have reported that the truck is powerful, solid, and capable of handling heavy-duty work. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider the costs and efforts associated with addressing them.

How many miles per gallon does a 1989 K3500 get?

Based on data from 3 vehicles, 94 fuel-ups and 6,939 miles of driving, the 1989 Chevrolet K3500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 5.09 with a 0.20 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 25 outliers (21.01%) removed.

Are Chevys known for electrical issues?

Most models of Chevrolet, from the Silverado to the Camaro, have reports of brake and electrical issues. These sometimes serious issues include locked-up brakes while driving and failure of the electrical brake assist system.

How big is the gas tank on a K3500?

34.0 gal

Used 2000 Chevrolet C/K 3500 Series - Specs & Features

Fuel & MPG
Fuel type	Regular unleaded
Range in miles (city/hwy)	0/0 mi.
Fuel tank capacity	34.0 gal.

What is the mpg on a 1990 Chevy K3500?

Based on data from 2 vehicles, 102 fuel-ups and 16,457 miles of driving, the 1990 Chevrolet K3500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 7.98 with a 0.20 MPG margin of error.

1989 Chevrolet K3500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet K3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Visibility problems
Power train problems
Electrical system problems
Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chevrolet K3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
VIN: 2GCGK39N7K1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: POWER BOOSTER BRAKE REPLACED.

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1989 Chevrolet K3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Chevrolet K3500.

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.