1988 Gmc K2500 problems

General information about Gmc-K2500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1988 Gmc K2500 problems

The GMC K2500 1988, a part of the fourth generation of the GMT400 platform, is known for its reliability and durability. However, like any other vehicle, it is not immune to certain problems. Here are some of the most common issues based on complaints from owners of this car, along with detailed explanations:

Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold Gaskets: Coolant or oil leaks from intake manifold gaskets are common issues in the GMC K2500 1988. These leaks can cause the engine to overheat and eventually lead to more severe problems. Replacing the intake manifold gaskets is the only solution, which can cost approximately $1,000 to have done by a mechanic.

Restricted Secondary Air Injection Valves: Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007 are prone to a problem in which the secondary air injection check valves become restricted, leading to reduced airflow and causing the check engine light to come on. Fixing this problem requires you to replace the check valves. This issue occurs on average at 133,000 miles, and may cost between $100 and $150 per valve.

Failed Steering Wheel Position Sensor: If you get a service stability message in your GMC K2500 1988, 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.

Starting Issues: One common issue with the GMC K2500 1988 is starting problems. The engine might crank over but refuse to start. This issue could be due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor. A technician at a GM dealership can help diagnose and fix the problem.

In conclusion, while the GMC K2500 1988 is a reliable and durable vehicle, it is not immune to certain problems. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

1988 Gmc K2500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc K2500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Gmc K2500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Gmc K2500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Gmc K2500.

1996-04-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Fire: 1
VIN: 1GTFK24K2JZ
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCED ERRATIC OPERATION OF VEHICLE, PULLED TO SIDE, FOUND ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON FIRE, DUE TO ALTERNATOR MALFUNCTIONING. *AK

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1988 Gmc K2500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1988 Gmc K2500.

2007-10-24

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.

2006-05-19

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

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.

1988-05-16

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Summary: REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE (RWAL) FEATURE COULD BECOME DISABLED BY AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION.
Consequence: BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR LAMP ON INSTRUMENT PANEL WILLNOT LIGHT TO INFORM THE DRIVER OF RWAL DISABLEMENT AND THUS NOT COMPLY WITHFMVSS 105.
Remedy: INSTALL A JUMPER WIRE HARNESS BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION CONNECTION AND ENGINE WIRE HARNESS.