1990 Gmc C1500 problems
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.
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Common 1990 Gmc C1500 problems
The 1990 GMC C1500, also known as the GMC Sierra, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues include stalling, excessive oil consumption, alternator failure, internal distributor faults, steering wheel position sensor failure, and problems with the tail-light boards.
Stalling is a common problem with the 1990 GMC C1500. The truck may stall when idling for about 30 seconds or when shifting into reverse or drive without applying gas. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty idle air control (IAC) valve, a malfunctioning throttle position sensor (TPS), a bad ECS module, a failing ignition module, worn-out spark plugs, a damaged distributor cap and wires, a faulty fuel pump relay, a clogged fuel filter, or a dirty carburetor. Replacing or cleaning these components may resolve the stalling issue.
Excessive oil consumption is another common problem with the 1990 GMC C1500. This issue can be caused by worn-out piston rings, damaged cylinder walls, or a malfunctioning positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. Excessive oil consumption can lead to engine damage and reduced performance. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and engine inspections, can help prevent this issue.
Alternator failure is also a common problem with the 1990 GMC C1500. The alternator may eventually fail, causing the battery to die and potentially producing an abnormal noise. This issue can be caused by worn-out bearings, a damaged rotor, or a faulty voltage regulator. Replacing the alternator can resolve this issue, which typically costs between $300 and $400.
Internal distributor faults can cause the engine to run roughly or stall. This issue can be caused by worn-out components, such as the distributor cap, rotor, or ignition module. Overhauling or replacing the internal distributor can resolve this issue. This problem typically occurs around 130,000 miles.
Steering wheel position sensor failure can cause the service stability message to appear in the Silverado or Sierra. This issue can be caused by a faulty sensor, which may need to be replaced. This issue can occur at any mileage but is most common around 90,000 miles.
Problems with the tail-light boards can cause the bulbs to fail to work after replacement. This issue can be caused by a failed circuit board, which may need to be replaced. These circuit boards can get hot and potentially burn, requiring replacement. This issue can occur at any mileage.
In summary, the 1990 GMC C1500 is known for several common problems, including stalling, excessive oil consumption, alternator failure, internal distributor faults, steering wheel position sensor failure, and problems with the tail-light boards. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent or resolve these issues.
1990 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Power train problems
- Tires problems
- Seats problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Gmc C1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Gmc C1500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Gmc C1500.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GTDC14K5LE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/T TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND A BLOWOUT WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DAMAGE AND TIRES. *MJS
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE RED RELEASE BUTTON BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT NOT TO LATCH INTO BELT BUCKLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-05
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE, RED RELEASE BUTTON HAS BROKEN. TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-07-15
- VIN: 1GTDC14K9LZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SIXTY-FORTY SPLIT SEAT; WHEN BRAKING, BACK REST WILL LEAN FORWARD W/ PASSENGER CAUSING ENTIRE BACK AND SEAT REST TO SLIDE FORWARD. KT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PURCHASE TRUCK NEW HAD TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION . TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-10
- VIN: 16TDC14K2LZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SPARK PLUGS MANUFACTURED BY SPLIT FIRE INC. DAMAGED ENGINE PISTONS AND VALVES. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-17
- VIN: 1GTDK14K7LE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR AXLE SEALS CONTINUE TO LEAK. TT
1990 Gmc C1500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 Gmc C1500.
- 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.
- 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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