1978 Chevrolet Pickup problems

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Chevrolet has produced full sized pickup trucks under many nameplates and platforms. Almost all Chevrolet branded vehicles were also available under the GMC brand as well.

Full-size pickup trucks

Pre-1960 models

Chevrolet C/K

The Chevrolet C/K is a line of pickup trucks and other vehicles manufactured by Chevrolet from 1960 to 2002. It was discontinued and replaced by the Chevrolet Silverado.

Chevrolet Silverado

Introduced in 1998, the Chevrolet Silverado replaced the Chevrolet C/K as Chevrolet's flagship line of pickup trucks.

1978 Chevrolet Pickup

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Common 1978 Chevrolet Pickup problems

The 1978 Chevrolet pickup is known for its reliability and durability, but like any vehicle, it can experience certain problems over time. Here are some common issues based on complaints from owners of this car:

  • Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks From Intake Manifold Gaskets: This issue is common in Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007. The intake manifold gaskets may leak coolant or oil, which can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly. Replacing the gaskets can be a complex and expensive repair, costing approximately $1,000 to have done by a mechanic.
  • Restricted Secondary Air Injection Valves: The secondary air injection check valves in Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007 may become restricted, leading to reduced airflow and causing the check engine light to come on. Fixing this problem requires replacing the check valves. Even if the fault code shows that the problem is only occurring with one bank of cylinders, it is recommended to replace both to avoid having the other one go out on you as well.
  • Failed Steering Wheel Position Sensor: A common problem in Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007 is a failed steering wheel position sensor. This issue can cause a service stability message to appear on the dashboard, and may occur intermittently or more regularly, such as every time the truck is started or the wheel is turned. Replacing the sensor, which costs approximately $200 to $300, should fix this issue.
  • Failed Starter Motor: Some owners of 1978 Chevy pickups have reported issues with the starter motor, where the starter turns fine when not bolted in, but as soon as it is bolted in, all they get is a click and the truck does not start. This issue may be caused by a faulty starter motor or a problem with the electrical system.
  • Sluggish Engine Performance: Some owners have reported issues with the engine running sluggishly, especially when backing up a hill. This issue may be caused by a variety of factors, including a clogged fuel filter, a dirty air filter, or a problem with the ignition system.

It is important to note that these issues are not necessarily exclusive to the 1978 Chevrolet pickup and may be found in other models and years as well. If you are experiencing any of these issues with your vehicle, it is recommended to consult with a certified mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.

1978 Chevrolet Pickup engine

What is the best year for a classic Chevy truck?

The 1967-1972 Chevrolet C/K pickup is one of the most reliable classic trucks you can drive. They're durable and reliable enough to be your everyday vehicle — even 50 years after Chevy manufactured them.

How many miles per gallon does a 1978 Chevy truck get?

Based on data from 12 vehicles, 386 fuel-ups and 51,430 miles of driving, the 1978 Chevrolet C10 gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.93 with a 0.35 MPG margin of error.

What trucks did Chevy make in 1978?

1978 C/K Pickup Differences

The biggest difference between the C10 and the C20 was their gross vehicle weight capacity, and the biggest difference between the C-series and K-series pickups was that one had two-wheel drive and the other was four-wheel drive, but there were a few other differences as well.

What is the most sought after Chevy pickup?

Chevrolet C/K

The full-size Chevrolet C/K series ran from 1960 to 1999. Among the various generations, the second and third generations are highly sought-after by classic truck enthusiasts today.

How many miles per gallon does a 1978 Chevy truck get?

Based on data from 12 vehicles, 386 fuel-ups and 51,430 miles of driving, the 1978 Chevrolet C10 gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.93 with a 0.35 MPG margin of error.

What trucks did Chevy make in 1978?

1978 C/K Pickup Differences

The biggest difference between the C10 and the C20 was their gross vehicle weight capacity, and the biggest difference between the C-series and K-series pickups was that one had two-wheel drive and the other was four-wheel drive, but there were a few other differences as well.

Are Chevy trucks good quality?

When it comes to reliability, the Chevy Silverado has a reputation for being a dependable vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, the Silverado has a predicted reliability rating of four out of five stars.

Do Chevy trucks last long?

On average, a well-maintained Chevy in Santa Clarita can last for over 200,000 miles or more. In fact, many Chevy trucks have been known to last for 300,000 miles or more with regular maintenance and proper care.

1978 Chevrolet Pickup car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Chevrolet Pickup vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1978 Chevrolet Pickup complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Chevrolet Pickup.

2002-05-03

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-10-17
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE SIDE TO SIDE. HAD TIRES REPLACED, CRACKS WERE IN MIDDLE OF TIRES.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SWERVING STOPPED WHEN ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED, BF GOORICH, P235/75R15, CONSUMER STATES THAT VIN IS CKL148108638. *SLC
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