1989 Gmc C1500 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.

1989 Gmc C1500

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Common 1989 Gmc C1500 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1989 GMC C1500, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

  1. Intermittent Running Problems:
    • Symptoms include hesitation when pressing the throttle, abnormal idle surge or stalling for about 5 seconds, high idle ranging from 800-1300 rpms, and loss of power under load.
    • Possible causes could be related to the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve, distributor cap and rotor condition, ignition coil, ignition control module, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor), or lack of grounds from the engine to the chassis.
  2. Excessive Oil Consumption:
    • One of the most common problems reported in 2007-2013 GMC and Chevy trucks.
    • Owners experience high oil consumption, which may require frequent refills and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  3. Alternator Failure:
    • Older Sierras and Silverados may experience alternator failure, leading to battery issues and abnormal noises.
    • Replacement of the alternator is necessary, typically costing around $300 to $400.
  4. Internal Distributor Faults:
    • Some trucks develop internal faults in the distributor, causing issues like engine roughness, stalling, or squealing noises.
    • Overhauling or replacing the internal distributor is required to resolve this problem.
  5. Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure:
    • Models between 1990 and 1999 may face intermittent issues with the windshield wipers due to a defective wiper motor control board.
    • Symptoms include wipers not working, failure to turn on or off, or working only at one speed setting.
    • Temporary fixes like tapping the control box may work, but a permanent solution involves replacing the wiper motor control board.

These problems can significantly impact the performance and reliability of the 1989 GMC C1500. Owners experiencing these issues should consider proper diagnosis and timely repairs to ensure the vehicle's optimal functioning and longevity.

1989 Gmc C1500 engine

1989 Gmc C1500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc C1500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Gmc C1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Gmc C1500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Gmc C1500.

2000-01-27

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GTDC14K6KE
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: AFTER APPLYING BRAKES AND COMING TO A STOP, PEDAL EASES DOWN AND STARTS TO CREEP FORWARD UNLESS PRESSURE IS CONSTANTLY APPLIED. DEALER CAN NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
1998-11-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: MAKING A NORMAL OR SUDDEN STOP, BRAKES WILL BECOME SPONGY, GO TO FLOOR, CAUSING A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE, AT LEAST 5 TIMES LONGER.DEALER HAS REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER/BOOSTER/ABS SYSTEM/ROTORS/CALIPERS/DISCS /DRUMS AND SHOES. DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK
1998-05-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-12
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GTDC14K9LZ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: HAD PARKED VEHICLE. WENT TO REAR OF VEHICLE. HEARD A CRACKING SOUND. NOTICED SMOKE & THEN FIRE COMING FROM DASHBOARD AREA. PUT FLAMES OUT. DASHBOARD AREA WAS MELTED DOWN. REPORTED THE FIRE TO INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
1995-04-24

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-04-04
  • VIN: 1GTDC14K9KZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AS RESULT OF OVERFLOW OF FILLER TUBE DUE TO HEAVY LOAD TOWED IN OVERDRIVE WHICH WAS FAILURE TO WARN CONSUMER IN OWNERS MANUAL. TT

1989 Gmc C1500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Gmc C1500.

1993-02-01
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
  • Summary: UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
  • Consequence: THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
  • Remedy: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
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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