1990 Gmc K1500 problems
The fourth generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors. Marketed by the Chevrolet and GMC brands from the 1988 to the 2002 model years, this is the final generation of the C/K model line. In a branding change, GMC adopted the GMC Sierra nameplate for all its full-size pickup trucks, leaving the C/K nomenclature exclusive to Chevrolet.
Internally codenamed the GMT400 platform, GM did not give the model line a word moniker (e.g., "Rounded-Line series" for its predecessor). After its production, the model line would informally become known by the public as the "OBS" (Old Body Style), in reference to its GMT800 successor. In starting a different tradition, the model line overlapped production with both its predecessor and successor; the model line again shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.
Over nearly a 14-year production run, the fourth-generation C/K was assembled by GM in multiple facilities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After the 2000 model year, the fourth-generation C/K was discontinued and was replaced by the GMT800 platform (introduced for 1999); the C3500HD heavy-duty chassis cab model remained in production through 2002. In line with the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet subsequently adopted a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate for its full-size truck line (which remains in use).
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Common 1990 Gmc K1500 problems
The 1990 GMC K1500 is known to have several common problems, primarily related to its engine, electrical system, and chassis.
- Stalling Issues: Many owners of the 1990 GMC K1500 have reported stalling issues with their vehicles. The truck may stall after starting up, particularly after idling for about 30 seconds. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including faulty sensors, ignition issues, or fuel delivery problems. Some owners have reported success in fixing this issue by replacing the IAC, PT sensor, ECS module, ignition module, spark plugs, distributor cap and wires, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and cleaning the carburetor. However, the problem may persist, and a thorough diagnosis is necessary to identify the root cause.
- High Idle: Some owners of the 1990 GMC K1500 have reported a high idle problem. This can be caused by a faulty throttle body gasket, which can be replaced to fix the issue. However, if the problem persists, it may be necessary to check the ignition control module, which is often overlooked and could be the source of the problem.
- Body and Chassis Issues: The 1990 GMC K1500 is known to have issues with its body and chassis, particularly with the door handles and tailgate. The door handles may become loose or difficult to operate, while the tailgate may sag or become difficult to close. These issues can be fixed by replacing the affected parts or adjusting the tailgate latch.
- Fuel Pump Failure: The fuel pump in the 1990 GMC K1500 is known to fail, causing the engine to stall or fail to start. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump relay, or a damaged fuel pump. Replacing the affected parts can fix the issue, but it is important to diagnose the root cause to prevent further problems.
- ABS Problems: The 1990 GMC K1500 is known to have issues with its ABS system, which can cause the ABS light to come on. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty ABS sensor, a damaged ABS module, or a wiring issue. Replacing the affected parts can fix the issue, but it is important to diagnose the root cause to prevent further problems.
- Heater Controls: Some owners of the 1990 GMC K1500 have reported issues with the heater controls, particularly with the fan control switch. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty fan control switch or a wiring issue. Replacing the affected parts can fix the issue, but it is important to diagnose the root cause to prevent further problems.
- Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: The windshield wipers on the 1990 GMC K1500 may stop working intermittently due to a defective wiper motor. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty wiper motor control board or a wiring issue. Replacing the affected parts can fix the issue, but it is important to diagnose the root cause to prevent further problems.
- Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold Gaskets: The 1990 GMC K1500 is known to have issues with coolant leaks or oil leaks from the intake manifold gaskets. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty intake manifold gasket or a wiring issue. Replacing the affected parts can fix the issue, but it is important to diagnose the root cause to prevent further problems.
- Alternator Failure: The alternator in the 1990 GMC K1500 is known to fail, causing the battery to die and possibly an abnormal noise to occur. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty alternator or a wiring issue. Replacing the affected parts can fix the issue, but it is important to diagnose the root cause to prevent further problems.
- Internal Distributor Faults: Some owners of the 1990 GMC K1500 have reported internal faults in the distributor, which can cause a squealing noise and rough engine running or stalling. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty distributor or a wiring issue. Replacing the affected parts can fix the issue, but it is important to diagnose the root cause to prevent further problems.
In summary, the 1990 GMC K1500 is known to have several common problems, primarily related to its engine, electrical system, and chassis. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors, ignition issues, fuel delivery problems, wiring issues, and faulty parts. It is important to diagnose the root cause of these issues to prevent further problems and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
1990 Gmc K1500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc K1500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Parking brake problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Gmc K1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Gmc K1500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Gmc K1500.
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2GTEK14Z5L1
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: TRUCK PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED AND TRUCK ROLLED DOWN EMBANKMENT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-01-20
- VIN: 1GPOR14K6LE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: EA94-038; IN SUDDEN STOP THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO THE BRAKE DRUMS/ROTORS BEING TOO SMALL FOR THIS SIZE OF VEHICLE, FOR THE VEHICLE, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-16
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2GTEK19K8L1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND CAUGHT FIRE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1DPDK14K2LE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE. TT
1990 Gmc K1500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 Gmc K1500.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- 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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