1994 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 1994 Gmc C1500 problems
The 1994 GMC C1500 is a popular pickup truck known for its reliability and versatility. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain issues over time. Here are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 1994 GMC C1500, based on real-life complaints and experiences.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: This is a common problem in many GMC and Chevy trucks from 2007 to 2013, and it may also affect the 1994 C1500. The engine may consume more oil than usual, leading to frequent top-ups or even engine damage in severe cases. The root cause of this issue can be a worn-out piston ring, cylinder wall, or valve guide, among other things.
- Alternator Failure: In older Sierras and Silverados, the alternator may eventually fail, causing the battery to die and possibly an abnormal noise to occur. This problem may or may not cause a dash warning light to come on. If your alternator fails, you will need to replace it, which typically costs around $300 to $400. This problem occurs on average at around 125,000 miles.
- Internal Distributor Faults: Numerous drivers have reported that their truck developed internal faults in the distributor, although this problem isn’t as common as some of the others on this list. You may hear a squealing noise coming from the distributor, and the issue may cause the engine to run roughly or stall. The check engine light may or may not come on. You’ll need to overhaul or replace the internal distributor to correct this problem. Start watching out for internal distributor fault issues at around 130,000 miles.
- Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure: If you get a service stability message in your Silverado or Sierra, it may be because of a failed steering wheel position sensor. These errors may occur intermittently or more regularly, such as every time you start your truck or turn the wheel. Replacing the sensor, which will cost you about $200 to $300, should fix this issue. This issue could occur at any time, but the average mileage at which it occurs is around 90,000.
- Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: The windshield wipers on models made between 1990 and 1999 may stop working intermittently due to a defective wiper motor control board. Auto manufacturers issued recalls for this problem on some models. If you experience trouble with your windshield wipers, check with a dealer to see if there is a recall on your vehicle. If you have a faulty wiper motor control board, your wipers may, at times, stop working, fail to turn on or keep running after you turn them off. You might also find your wipers only work on one speed setting. When the wipers are not working, you should hear the motor control box buzzing. As a temporary fix to the problem, lightly tap on the control box, and the blades should start working again. For a more permanent fix, replace the wiper motor control board.
- Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold Gaskets: The intake manifold gaskets in 1988 and 1998 GMC C1500 trucks also often develop external engine oil or coolant leaks. These vehicles may also develop internal coolant leaks that cause coolant to mix with the engine oil, which can damage the engine. This problem most often occurs at around 175,000 miles. Fix this problem by replacing the intake manifold gasket, which will most likely cost somewhere between $300 and $450.
- Front Wheel Speed Sensor Failure: The front wheel speed sensors or anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensors may fail in the C1500 trucks. This issue may cause the ABS warning light to turn on or the ABS to activate erratically. Many users report the ABS activates on dry roads at slow speeds.
- 4L60E Transmission Shifting Problems: The 4L60E transmission in the 1994 GMC C1500 may experience shifting problems, such as staying in low gear or not shifting into higher gears. This issue may be caused by a faulty solenoid, a dirty transmission filter, or low transmission fluid levels.
- Speedometer Not Working: The speedometer may stop working due to a faulty speed pickup on the transfer case or a damaged vehicle speed sensor. This issue can affect the transmission's shifting behavior and should be addressed promptly.
- Heater Controls Failure: The heater controls in the 1994 GMC C1500 may fail due to a faulty heater control module or a damaged blend door actuator. This issue can affect the temperature control in the cabin and should be addressed promptly.
In conclusion, the 1994 GMC C1500 is a reliable and versatile pickup truck, but like any vehicle, it can experience certain issues over time. By being aware of these common problems and addressing them promptly, you can ensure your C1500 remains a dependable and enjoyable vehicle for years to come.
1994 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:
- Seats problems
- Visibility problems
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Gmc C1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Gmc C1500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Gmc C1500.
2004-04-27
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-15
- VIN: 1GCEC14Z1RZ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DURING RAINY WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED, RECALL 03V159000 WAS ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK
2001-03-01
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- VIN: 2GTC19K0R15
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT KEEPS BREAKING CONSUMER HAS HAD THIS SEAT REPAIRED 4 TIMES, THE SAME ONE.*AK
2000-12-15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GTDC14K2RZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: PISTON ON RIGHT FRONT CALIPER IS HANGING INSIDE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL TO LEFT WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *AK
2000-09-24
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
- VIN: 2GTEK19KXR1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: I HAVE HAD APPROXIMATELY 7 COMPLAINTS AND FAILURRES WITH DRIVERS SEAT. BOLTS, CABLES,LOOSE BOLTS AND PORTIONS OF SEAT REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL FROM GM THAT WAS INSTALLED IN MY TRUCK ON 6-17-96. "RECALL 94C62"- "GM12386793 16682 BOLT" "SV V9870 CAMP 94-C-62" - "AS PER GM INSTRUCTIONS INSTALL UPDATED SEAT RELCINER BOLTS TO COMPLETE POLICY 94C62." THIS SEEMED TO FINALLY SOLVE MY DRIVERS SEAT PROBLEMS UNTIL MARCH 2000, WHEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE SEAT RELINER BROKE AND I FOUND MY SELF IN A COMPLETE RECLINED POSITION TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. THERE WASNT AN ACCIDENT AND OTHER THAN TEMPORARILY AGRIVATING AN EXISTING BACK INJURY THERE WAS NO ONE HURT. I HAVE ATTEMPTED SINCE MARCH TO GET A RESOLUTION FROM GENERAL MOTORS,PRODUCT ALLEGATION MANAGER TIMIKI JACOBS, ESIS TRACY SAVERINO, GM CLAIM ADMINISTRATOR GENNIE CHANDLER AND HAVE ALSO TALKED WITH A LOCAL PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR THEY HIRED TO INTERVIEW ME, TAKE PHOTOS AND I GAVE HIM 0NE PIECE OF THE FAILED BOLT. UN BEKNOWNST TO THEM I HAVE ALSO KEPT A SMALLER PIECE OF THE BROKEN BOLT. TO DATE I CONTINUE TO GET THE RUN AROUND AND TREATED AS IF I AM FRAUDULENTLY CLAIMING SOMETHING. THEY SHOULD HAVE COMPUTER COPIES OF ALL OF MY PERSONAL HARD COPY SERVICE REPAIRS BUT THEY CONTINUE TO ASK ME TO PRODUE MORE AND REDUNDANT INFORMATION. ON YOUR FORM, THE DATE OF OCCURANCE, MILAGE AND COST ARE GUESSES. IT WAS IN MARCH BUT I CANNT FIND WHERE I WROTE IT DOWN. I NEVER DID WRITE DOWN THE MILEAGE. THE COST LISTED WOULD BE TO HAVE A NEW DRIVER SEAT INSTALLED, WHICH IS ALL THAT I HAVE BEEN ASKING THEM TO DO. THE SERVICE CENTER HERE SAYS THAT THEY CANNT TOUCH IT UNTIL GM /ESIS RESOLVES IT. ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. IN LIGHT OF FIRESTONE AND FORD MOTOR, I AM WONDERING IF THIS DRIVER SEAT ISSUE MAY BE SIMILAR. IS IT POSSIBLE AND IF SO HOW COULD I FIND OUT HOW MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS THERE HAVE BEEN ON THIS TYPE OF COMPLAINT? AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP. SINCERELY BRYAN BELLVILLE
2000-06-22
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING DURNING RAINY WEATHER WINDSHELD WIPERS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2000-05-30
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-01
- VIN: 1GTDC14Z4RZ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #'S 98V150000 AND 98V150001. HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, BUT GMC INDICATES THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. I HAVE RETAINED PART FOR INSPECTION IF NEEDED.
2000-02-21
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-18
- VIN: 2GTEK19K9R1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE REAR MAIN SEAL IS LEAKING ALONG WITH WITH THE SEAL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION. I ALSO BELIEVE THE VALVE COVER GASKETS ARE LEAKING TOO. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE REAR MAIN SEAL HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS. I LEAVED IN AN APARTMENT FOR 3 YEARS AFTER I PURCHASED MY TRUCK. IT WAS NOT UNTIL I BOUGHT MY HOUSE THAT I REALIZED THIS PROBLEM WHICH PROBLEM HAD BEEN A PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME. I WAS JUST WONDERING IF THEIR WAS ANYTHING THAT THE DEALER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AT THIS POINT OR AM I SOL?*AK
1999-06-28
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VISUAL DIFFICULTY WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. NEEDS TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD MOTOR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
1998-11-01
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-01
- VIN: 2GTEC19H1R1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN YOU STOP YOU ALWAYS HEAR A CLUNK. IT WILL MOVE YOU IN YOUR SEAT AS IF THE SEATS ARE LOOSE.THEY ARE NOT WE HAVE CKECKED.
1998-07-13
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-10
- VIN: 2GTEK19KXR5
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILURE, AND THE OWNER OF THIS TRUCK EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS LISTED ON THE INVESTIGATION. THE SEAT MOUNTING BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO ROCK BACK AND FOURTH, PE 97 027. *AK
1997-12-05
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-15
- VIN: 2GTEK19K4R1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN TURNING ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHEN IT'S RAINING THEY WILL WORK FOR A WHILE AND THEN THEY WILL STOP, MAKING IT HARD TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS HAPPENS AT ALL WIPER SPEEDS, SOMETIMES CONSUMER CAN RESTART WIPERS BY MOVING THE ARMS, DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE EVERYTHING SINCE THEY COULD NOT FIND THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM. *SLC
1997-09-11
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- VIN: 2GTEK19K7R1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE GETTING INTO DRIVER'S SEAT, THE SEAT FRAME BOLT BROKE AWAY FROM THE TRACKS IN VEHICLE & SEAT GAVE WAY. WILL BE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
1996-12-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-06
- VIN: 2GTEC19S8R1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ENGINE DIED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. OWNER IS CONCERND THAT DRIVER MAY BE IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF STALLING. *AK
1996-12-04
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S SEATBACK BOLTS BECAME LOOSE, CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE, HAVING LOT OF PLAY WHILE DRIVING. *AK
1996-09-11
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-15
- VIN: 2GBEC19K2R1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN YOU ARE PULLING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE PULLS BACK OR JERKS BACK. THIS HAPPENS ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE PROPELLER SHAFT ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED (3) TIMES IN (3) YEARS.*AK
1996-06-17
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BOLT BROKE DURING COLLISION, CAUSING INJURY PRIOR TO RECALL. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
1996-01-18
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-04
- VIN: 1GTEK19K0RE
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER'S SEAT BACK HAS BROKEN TWICE; TILTING BACKWARDS. TT
1996-01-17
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-09
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE, PASSENGER IS UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELT. TT
1995-11-13
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-05
- VIN: 1GTEC19KXRE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES. TT CONSUMER STATES HE FEELS VEHCILE WAS IN A FLOOD. *SLC
1995-07-05
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-04
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRUCK SKIPS AND JERKS AND HAS ABS BRAKES. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
1995-06-09
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-07
- VIN: 2GDEC19K9R1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE DOOR GLASS WAS NOT TEMPERED PROPERLY. IT SHATTERED INTO LARGE CHUNKS. TT
1995-02-27
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-24
- VIN: 2GTEC19K8R1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVE SEAT BACK REST LOWER RECLINER RELEASE BROKE, RESULTING IN SEAT COLLAPSING WHILE DRIVING, REPLACED BOLT TWICE. TT
1995-02-13
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-12
- VIN: 2GTEC19K1R1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: STRAP HOLDING FUEL TANK UP FELL OFF. TT
1995-01-31
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-30
- VIN: 1GTDC14ZPRZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CHATTERED WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. AT DEALERS FOR (4) DAYS NO SERVICE. RIGHT WHEEL LOCKED UP AFTERWARDS. BRAKE PAD NOT IN LOCK POSITION. TT
1995-01-23
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT OPERATE. TT
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