1990 Chevrolet K3500 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 K3500

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Common 1990 Chevrolet K3500 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1990 Chevrolet K3500, several common problems have been identified:

  • Transmission Shifting Issue: Some owners have experienced problems with the automatic transmission not shifting automatically. This requires a manual shifting procedure to move between gears, indicating potential issues with the valve body, sensor failure, or a torque converter problem.
  • Excessive Oil Consumption: A common problem reported in GMC and Chevy trucks from 2007-2013, including the K3500, is excessive oil consumption. This issue may require regular monitoring and potential oil top-ups to prevent engine damage.
  • Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: Models produced between 1990 and 1999 may face intermittent issues with the windshield wipers due to a defective wiper motor. This problem can lead to wipers not working, running continuously, or only operating at one speed setting. A temporary fix involves tapping the control box, but a permanent solution may require replacing the wiper motor control board.
  • Coolant or Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold Gaskets: Another common issue involves leaks from the intake manifold gaskets, which can lead to coolant or oil leaks. This problem, if left unaddressed, can result in engine overheating or damage. Repairing this issue may involve replacing the gaskets to prevent further leaks and maintain engine performance.

These problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with the 1990 Chevrolet K3500 to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.

1990 Chevrolet K3500 engine

What motor came in a 1990 Chevy 3500?

On 3500-series vehicles, a 5.7 L V8 was standard, with a 7.4 L V8 and 6.2 L diesel V8 as options.

How many miles per gallon does a 1990 Chevy 3500 get?

Based on data from 4 vehicles, 89 fuel-ups and 16,622 miles of driving, the 1990 Chevrolet C3500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 7.10 with a 0.36 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 7 outliers (7.29%) removed.

How much does a 1990 Chevy 3500 weight?

Used 1990 Chevrolet C/K 3500 Series - Specs & Features

Dimensions
Wheelbase155.5 in.
Maximum payload3,428.0 lbs.
Gross weight8,600 lbs.

What transmission is in a 1990 Chevy 1500 4x4?

You need a 88-92 700r4/4l60.

What motor came in a 1990 Chevy 3500?

On 3500-series vehicles, a 5.7 L V8 was standard, with a 7.4 L V8 and 6.2 L diesel V8 as options.

How much does a 1990 Chevy 3500 weight?

Used 1990 Chevrolet C/K 3500 Series - Specs & Features

Dimensions
Wheelbase155.5 in.
Maximum payload3,428.0 lbs.
Gross weight8,600 lbs.

How many miles per gallon does a 1990 Chevy C3500 get?

Based on data from 4 vehicles, 89 fuel-ups and 16,622 miles of driving, the 1990 Chevrolet C3500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 7.10 with a 0.36 MPG margin of error.

What transmission is in a 1990 Chevy 1500 4x4?

You need a 88-92 700r4/4l60.

1990 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:

  • Structure problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Chevrolet K3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Chevrolet K3500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Chevrolet K3500.

2003-08-15

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-04
  • VIN: 1GBJK34RXXF
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PINS ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE HAVE WORN OUT AFTER TWO YEARS. CONSUMER STATES THE DOORS SWING OPEN AT ANY TIME. *AK *TS
2000-11-16

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-11-16
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: INTERMITTENTLY WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING VIEW OF DRIVER. *AK
1996-12-10

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-12-02
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2GCGK39N3L1
  • Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE . CONSUMER STATES THE BEARING ALSO LOCKED UP, THE ALTERNATOR CAUSED THE ABS BRAKE AND REGULAR BRAKE LIGHT FUSES TO BLOW. *SLC

1990 Chevrolet K3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 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.
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