1988 Gmc Gmc truck problems

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GMC (formerly the General Motors Truck Company (1911–1943), or the GMC Truck & Coach Division (1943–1998)) is a division of American automotive manufacturer General Motors (GM) for trucks and utility vehicles. GMC currently makes SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and light-duty trucks. In the past, GMC also produced fire trucks, ambulances, heavy-duty trucks, military vehicles, motorhomes, transit buses, and medium duty trucks.

While many of their vehicles are mechanically similar, GMC is positioned as a premium offering to the mainstream Chevrolet brand, and includes the luxury trim Denali. In North America, GMC vehicles are almost always sold alongside Buick (another premium brand) vehicles at multi-brand dealerships.

History

Roots to the GMC brand can be traced to 1900, when the "Grabowsky Motor Company" was established by brothers Max (1874-1946) and Morris Grabowsky, in Detroit, and renamed Rapid Motor Vehicle Company in 1902 when the brothers moved operations to Pontiac, Michigan. In 1909, William C. Durant gained control of Rapid Motor Vehicle Company and made it a subsidiary of his General Motors Company.

In 1911, General Motors formed the "General Motors Truck Company" and folded Rapid and Reliance Motor Car Company (another early commercial vehicle manufacturer that Durant had acquired in 1908) into it. In 1912, the Rapid and Reliance names were dropped in favor of "GMC". All General Motors truck production was consolidated at the former Rapid Motor Plant 1 in Pontiac, Michigan.

GMC maintained three manufacturing locations in Pontiac, Michigan, Oakland, California, and St. Louis, Missouri .

In 1916, a GMC truck crossed the country from Seattle to New York City in thirty days, and in 1926, a 2-ton GMC truck was driven from New York to San Francisco in five days and 30 minutes. During the First World War, the company provided the Model 16 3/4-ton truck, and modified its production to provide 1-ton troop carriers and aviation support vehicles, and by 1918, more than 90 percent of GMC truck production was for military use. GMTC provided a total of 8512 trucks to the U.S. government during the war years and earned a Distinguished Service Award. During the Second World War, GMC Truck produced 600,000 trucks for use by the United States Armed Forces.

In 1923, GMC trucks were exported to Japan to help recovery and reconstruction as a result of the Great Kantō earthquake, and the company continued to provide vehicles as the transportation infrastructure was rebuilt. Before the earthquake struck, most of Japan's transportation of commerce and people was by wooden carts and government owned railroads, which were severely damaged when the train tracks were twisted beyond use. Autonomous trucks were much more effective at traveling to heavily damaged areas.

In 1925, GM purchased a controlling interest in Yellow Coach, a bus and taxicab manufacturer based in Chicago, Illinois which was founded by John D. Hertz. The company was renamed Yellow Truck & Coach Manufacturing Company (YT&CMC), an affiliated subsidiary of General Motors. All manufacturing operations of General Motors Truck Company were placed under YT&CMC. In 1928 Plant 2 opened and all headquarters staff moved to the administration building at 660 South Boulevard E in Pontiac, MI. In 1943, GM purchased the remaining interest in YT&CMC and renamed it GMC Truck and Coach Division.

In 1981, GMC Truck & Coach Division became part of GM Worldwide Truck & Bus Group. Bus production ended in May 1987 and the division name was changed from GMC Truck & Coach to GMC Truck Division. The Canadian plant (in London, Ontario) produced buses from 1962 until July 1987. GM withdrew from the bus and coach market because of increased competition in the late 1970s and 1980s. Rights to the RTS model were sold to Transportation Manufacturing Corporation, while Motor Coach Industries of Canada purchased the Classic design. In 1998, GMC's official branding on vehicles was shortened from "GMC Truck" to simply "GMC".

In 1996, GM merged GMC Truck Division with the Pontiac Motor Division in order to "give the combined division a brand image projecting physical power and outdoor activity". This coincided with many GMC dealerships merging with Pontiac dealerships, allowing a single dealer to offer both trucks and entry-to-mid-level cars, using a similar approach already in use by Chevrolet.

In 2002, GMC celebrated its 100th anniversary and released a book entitled GMC: The First 100 Years, a complete history of the company.

In 2007, GMC introduced the Acadia, a crossover SUV, which was the division's second unibody vehicle (after the Vandura) whose predecessor, the GMT-360 based Envoy, was discontinued with the closure of GM's Moraine, Ohio plant on December 23, 2008.

In 2009, GMC ended production of medium-duty commercial trucks after over 100 years. They became exclusive to Chevrolet with the launch of the 4500HD/5500HD Silverado in 2018. Also in 2009, GMC introduced the Terrain, a mid-size crossover SUV based on the GM Theta platform shared with the Chevrolet Equinox. It replaced the Pontiac Torrent after the brand's demise.

In 2020, General Motors announced the return of the Hummer nameplate, this time as a sub-brand of GMC instead of a stand-alone division. The Hummer lineup includes two models, an electric pickup truck and SUV, to be sold as the "GMC Hummer EV". According to GM, the Edition 1 production electric pickup truck will feature 1,000 horsepower, hit 60 mph in 3 seconds and is scheduled to launch in late 2021. The new Hummer EV was revealed on October 20, 2020.

In 2022, the GMC brand was introduced in South Korea as a subsidiary of GM Korea.

1988 Gmc Gmc truck

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Common 1988 Gmc Gmc truck problems

Based on the sources provided, here is a list of common problems with the GMC truck 1988, along with detailed information about each issue:

  1. Alternator Failure: One common problem is alternator failure, which can lead to the battery dying and abnormal noises. This issue typically occurs around 125,000 miles and may require a replacement costing around $300 to $400.
  2. Internal Distributor Faults: Some drivers have reported internal faults in the distributor, causing squealing noises, rough engine running, or stalling. This problem may require an overhaul or replacement of the internal distributor, usually around 130,000 miles.
  3. Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: Another issue is the failure of the windshield wiper motor components, which can affect the wiper's functionality. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of these components are essential to avoid issues.
  4. Restricted Secondary Air Injection Valves: Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007 may experience problems with the secondary air injection check valves, leading to reduced airflow and triggering the check engine light. Replacing these valves may cost between $100 and $150 per valve.
  5. Failed Steering Wheel Position Sensor: If a service stability message appears, it could be due to a failed steering wheel position sensor. Replacing this sensor, which costs around $200 to $300, can resolve the issue, typically occurring around 90,000 miles.
  6. Problems Shared With 2007-2013 Models: Some common issues shared with later models include failed 4WD transfer case encoder motor position sensors or selector switches, failed HVAC actuators, and failed fuel level sensors.

These problems highlight various mechanical and electrical issues that GMC truck owners may encounter with their vehicles. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and addressing these issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and performance of the GMC truck 1988.

1988 Gmc Gmc truck engine

Are GMC Sierra trucks reliable?

Yes, GMC trucks are among the most reliable pickups on the market. Year after year, the J.D. Power Dependability Study has ranked the Sierra 1500 and Sierra 2500HD in the top five of their respective segments.

Are GMC trucks better than Chevy?

GMC trucks and vans came with upgraded suspension and transmission, versus Chevy trucks, which were used more for commuting and daily traffic. Today, GMC trucks still retain larger and stronger braking systems, a beefier transmission, and larger wheel axles and suspension strength than their Chevy counterparts.

Does GMC last longer than Chevy?

The longevity of GM commercial vehicles

Chevrolet and GMC are both considered long-lasting brands, and commercial vehicles are no exception.

Why is my Chevy truck losing power when accelerating?

One of the primary reasons your Chevy truck may be losing power when accelerating is a dirty air filter. The air filter plays a crucial role in your vehicle's performance by ensuring a clean and steady air supply to the engine.

Are GMC trucks good or bad?

The Sierra is a light-duty truck, rated number one in safety for 2020. The GMC Canyon is the automaker's heavy-duty pickup truck. There are three trims, all of which are part of the GMC Canyon reliability that ranks above average in J.D. Power's 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Survey (VSD) for 2023.

Why are GMC trucks better than Chevy?

GMC trucks and vans came with upgraded suspension and transmission, versus Chevy trucks, which were used more for commuting and daily traffic. Today, GMC trucks still retain larger and stronger braking systems, a beefier transmission, and larger wheel axles and suspension strength than their Chevy counterparts.

Does GMC last longer than Chevy?

The longevity of GM commercial vehicles

Chevrolet and GMC are both considered long-lasting brands, and commercial vehicles are no exception.

Why is GMC so similar to Chevy?

Chevy and GMC aren't the only twin brands around. General Motors uses similar platforms and materials across several brands that it owns. That's why vehicles like the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse all look alike; they're all built on the same chassis and use similar parts.

1988 Gmc Gmc truck car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

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

1988 Gmc Gmc truck complaints

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

1994-12-08

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-12-06
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BACKING PLATES REPLACED DURING ROTOR RECALL REPAIRS DUE TO SEPARATION FROM THE BRAKE PADS. *SKD
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Gmc Gmc truck problems:

1988 GMC rough idle, no power, stalls | GMT400 - The Ultimate 88 ...
1988 GMC rough idle, no power, stalls | GMT400 - The Ultimate 88 ...
https://www.gmt400.com/threads/1988-gmc-rough-idle-no-power-stalls.40346/

Jan 22, 2018 ... I wondered if this might be a common issue. Pic of my truck added! THanks. You must be registered for see images attach. Jan 22, 2018. #2 ...

Common problems with an early 90's Chevy Pickup - The 1947 ...
Common problems with an early 90's Chevy Pickup - The 1947 ...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=202227

... Pickup The 1988 - 1998 GMT400 Chevy & GMC Pickups Message Board. ... Re: Common problems ... gm trucks, along with cars have had the peeling paint ...

How to troubleshoot 4x4 - 1988-1998 GMC Pickup - iFixit
How to troubleshoot 4x4 - 1988-1998 GMC Pickup - iFixit
https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/463925/How+to+troubleshoot+4x4

Feb 20, 2018 ... I bought a 98 gmc 1500 5.7L and the 4x4 does not work I was wondering how I go about troubleshooting the issue to find out what the problem is?

Problems with my 97 z71 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC ...
Problems with my 97 z71 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC ...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=454321

... GM Trucks > The 1988 - 1998 GMT400 Chevy & GMC Pickups Message Board ... Common problem. The "circuit board" beneath ... General Truck Forums, All ...

454 Problems - 1988-1999 Chevrolet & GMC C/K GMT400 Platform ...
454 Problems - 1988-1999 Chevrolet & GMC C/K GMT400 Platform ...
https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/149639-454-problems/

Jan 11, 2013 ... I am working on a truck for the inlaws. its a 1991 r3500 gmc (1980's body style crew cab dually tbi 454 4l80e) Original motor broke the ...

Other years of Gmc Gmc truck

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1988 Gmc Gmc truck photo