1985 Chevrolet Silverado problems
The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram Pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.
History
The Silverado nameplate made its debut for the 1975 model year, becoming the top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks, slotted above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne. For the 1968 model year (seven years before the Silverado), GMC C/K trucks used variations of the Sierra name (Sierra, Sierra Classic, Sierra Grande, and High Sierra). Even after the C/K series officially ended, GM still uses the CK and the CC in their current model codes, to denote a two-wheel drive (CC), and four-wheel drive (CK).
For the 1988 GMT400 model architecture, Chevrolet retained the C/K model nomenclature, with GMC branding its full-size line as Sierras. While sharing the same body and chassis, the model chronology of the Silverado and Sierra are different, with five generations of the Sierra, while four of the Silverado.
In 2018, at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chevrolet unveiled the first medium-duty Silverado, expanding the model line to a 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD chassis cab. Largely the successor to the 2003–2009 GMT560 chassis, the medium-duty trucks are exclusive to Chevrolet, with no plans for an equivalent GMC version. Instead, Navistar International (now partnering with GM) would sell the medium-duty trucks as a rebadged counterpart, called the CV. This is in fact a very similar nod to how the Avalanche did not have a GMC Yukon–based equivalent, but instead, Cadillac would take its place as the former's rebadged counterpart, the Escalade EXT.
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Common 1985 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Common Problems with the Chevrolet Silverado 1985:
- Loose Running Board Covers: Some Chevrolet Silverado 1985 owners have reported loose running board covers due to faulty retaining clips. This issue can be resolved by replacing the clips, a task covered in the Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
- Air-Conditioning System Defaulting to Defrost Mode: A fault in the air-conditioning system may cause it to default to defrost mode. This problem has been traced to a sharp edge on the instrument panel support brace, which can chafe the wires for the air-con system. Repairing and protecting the affected wires can solve this issue.
- Growling or Howling Noise from the Front Differential: Some owners have reported a growl or howling noise from the front differential of their pick-up trucks. This noise manifests itself when the truck is being run in two-wheel-drive mode. The fault has been traced to the front axle differential case, which needs to be replaced. While the actual case will have to be replaced by a professional, the removal and replacement of the differential is a job covered in the Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
- Engine Failing to Start: The Chevrolet and GMC pick-ups sometimes suffer an intermittent issue that causes the engine to fail to start. This problem generally afflicts vehicles with side-mounted battery terminals. Cross-threaded and stripped battery cable bolts can cause a poor connection. Disconnecting the battery and replacing the bolts is an easy job that will be covered in the Haynes Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra manual.
- Rear End Problem: Some 1985 Chevrolet Silverado owners have reported issues with the rear end, such as a broken pinion gear. This problem may require professional assistance to diagnose and repair.
- Carburetor Issues: If the engine runs better, then you probably have a problem inside the carb. This issue may be caused by worn-out components or a need for adjustment, which can be addressed by a professional or through DIY maintenance.
- Transmission Issues: Some 1985 Chevrolet Silverado owners have reported issues with the transmission, such as the vehicle not shifting properly. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent and address these issues.
It's important to note that while some of these issues can be addressed by DIY maintenance, others may require professional assistance. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent and address these issues, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the 1985 Chevrolet Silverado.
What is the most common problem with Chevy Silverado?
1. 4WD Position Switch Failure. Almost every generation of Chevy Silverado has suffered various issues with the 4WD switch. Drivers of early models reported that their truck would automatically switch between 4WD and 2WD and the Service 4WD light would appear on the dashboard.
Are older Silverados reliable?
First Generation: 1999-2006. The first generation of the Silverado may not be the most reliable choice, as the vehicle underwent significant growing pains as a new full-sized truck on the market. The most common complaints from early model years are loud knocking and clanking sounds from the steering system.
What engine does a 1985 Chevy truck have?
For 1985, the long-running 250 inline-6 (the standard C/K engine since 1966) was replaced by the 262-cubic-inch (4.3 L) V6. As the Rounded-Line series were redesignated the R/V trucks for 1987, several changes were made to the powertrain line.
What year Silverado has bad transmission?
Chevy Silverado Year Models With the Least Reliable Transmissions. Overall, the 2015, 2016, and 2017 versions are the worst for transmission troubles. They are known to have transmissions that surge throughout their lifespan or even just fail outright and without warning.
What are the bad years of Silverado?
The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.
Are older Silverados reliable?
First Generation: 1999-2006. The first generation of the Silverado may not be the most reliable choice, as the vehicle underwent significant growing pains as a new full-sized truck on the market. The most common complaints from early model years are loud knocking and clanking sounds from the steering system.
What engine is in a 1985 Chevy Silverado?
Chevy offered four different engine options with the 1985 Silverado K10. The starting engine options were a 4.3-liter 262-cubic-inch V6 that made 155 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque and a 292 ci inline-six engine that made 120hp and 215 lb-ft of torque.
What are the best years of Silverado?
The Most Reliable Chevy Silverado Years
- 1999-2006 Chevy Silverado. The first generation of Silverado marks a whole new era of the storied pickup truck series. ...
- 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado. ...
- 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado. ...
- 2019-Present Chevy Silverado. ...
- Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You.
1985 Chevrolet Silverado car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Silverado problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Chevrolet Silverado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Chevrolet Silverado complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Chevrolet Silverado.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- VIN: 2GCDC14H3G1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE TANKS ARE SADDLE TANKS. THE PLASTIC DOESN'T GO ALL THE WAY UP ON THE TANKS A DESIGN FLAW. BOTH TANKS ARE LEAKING GASOLINE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCGC24M3SJ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, ALL OF SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO A HIGHER SPEED. WHEN HITTING THE BRAKE PEDAL, SPEED WOULD NOT DECREASE. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ENGAGED AT THIS TIME. DRIVER HAD TO REALLY STAND ON THE BRAKES AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION TO STOP TRUCK. NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG WITH THE TRUCK WHEN TAKEN TO A SHOP. OWNER HAS NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-15
- VIN: 1GCDC14HOFF
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK HAS PIN HOLES FROM A PLASTIC COVER THAT WAS PUT ON IT. THE TANK RUSTED AND HAS HUNDREDS OF TINY PINHOLES, ALLOWING GASOLINE TO LEAK. DEALER REPAIRED TANK FOR THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND CANNOT REPAIR AGAIN. *AK
Other years of Chevrolet Silverado
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