1988 Gmc C15 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.

1988 Gmc C15

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Common 1988 Gmc C15 problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems with the GMC C15 1988 based on complaints from owners:

  • Internal Distributor Faults: Some drivers reported internal faults in the distributor, causing issues like engine roughness or stalling. This problem may manifest with a squealing noise and could require an overhaul or replacement of the distributor.
  • Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: Models between 1990 and 1999 may experience intermittent wiper failure due to a defective wiper motor. Recalls have been issued for this problem on some models, and replacing the wiper motor control board is a common solution.
  • Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks From Intake Manifold Gaskets: Owners have reported coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold gaskets. This issue can lead to engine overheating or oil consumption problems and may require gasket replacement to resolve the leaks.
  • Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure: Some Silverados and Sierras may display a service stability message due to a failed steering wheel position sensor. Replacing the sensor, costing about $200 to $300, is necessary to address this issue, which typically occurs around 90,000 miles.

These problems highlight some common issues that owners of the GMC C15 1988 may encounter, ranging from electrical components like the alternator and distributor to mechanical issues such as coolant leaks and steering sensor failures.

1988 Gmc C15 engine

1988 Gmc C15 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc C15 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Gmc C15 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Gmc C15 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Gmc C15.

1996-05-14

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-30
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2GTEC19K1J1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THE TRANSMISSION CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. AND PULLING A TRAILER. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

1988 Gmc C15 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1988 Gmc C15.

1987-09-01
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: RIGHT AND LEFT HAND BRAKE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE WHEEL OR TIRE IN A FULL TURN.
  • Consequence: IF THE HOSE MAKES CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL OR TIRE IT WILLEVENTUALLY WEAR THE HOSE TO A POINT OF RUPTURE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF THEFRONT BRAKES. LOSS OF FRONT BRAKES WOULD INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE WHENMINIMUM TIME IS REQUIRED AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: INSTALL NEW REPOSITIONING BRACKETS FOR THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES.
1987-08-10
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
  • Summary: TRUCKS MAY HAVE CRACKED OR BROKEN DOOR STRIKER NUTS, WHICH DO NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 206.
  • Consequence: IN A COLLISION, CRACKED OR BROKEN STRIKER NUT COULDALLOW DOOR TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY AND POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
  • Remedy: REPLACE EXISTING DOOR STRIKER NUTS.
1987-08-10
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: ONE OR BOTH OF OUTER TIE ROD NUTS MAY BE LOOSE AND NOT CRIMPED.
  • Consequence: LOSS OF ONE OR BOTH NUTS COULD LEAD TO TIE RODDISENGAGING FROM STEERING KNUCKLE RESULTING IN POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.
  • Remedy: REPLACE TIE ROD AND KNUCKLE AND SET TOE-IN.
1987-08-10
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
  • Summary: CRUISE CONTROL CABLE LOCK MECHANISM MAY SELF DISENGAGE CAUSING ERRATIC OPERATION OR THROTTLE NOT RETURNING TO IDLE.
  • Consequence: ENGINE SPEED WOULD NOT DECREASE; LOSS OF ACCELERATORCONTROL COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • Remedy: INSTALL A CLAMP AROUND THE LOCK TAB OF CRUISE CONTROL.
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