1988 Gmc K3500 problems

General information about Gmc-K3500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1988 Gmc K3500 problems

Based on the sources provided, here are some common problems with the GMC K3500 1988 based on complaints from owners:

Intermittent Stalling: Some owners have experienced their GMC C1500 305 shutting off unexpectedly, especially after driving short distances. This issue could be related to the distributor, button, cap, or rotor. Checking the engine to frame and battery grounds, as well as the ignition switch, is advised.

Excessive Oil Consumption: A common problem in 2007-2013 GMC and Chevy trucks is excessive oil consumption. This issue may require monitoring oil levels closely and potentially addressing any underlying engine issues causing the excessive oil consumption.

Failed 4WD Transfer Case Encoder Motor Position Sensors: Models from 1999-2007 are known to experience issues with these sensors. This problem can affect the functionality of the 4WD system and may require sensor replacement for proper operation.

Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: Trucks made between 1990 and 1999 may experience intermittent issues with the windshield wipers due to a defective wiper motor. This can lead to wipers not working, failing to turn on or off, or only working at one speed setting. Replacing the wiper motor control board is a common solution to this problem.

Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks From Intake Manifold Gaskets: Owners have reported leaks from the intake manifold gaskets, leading to coolant or oil leaks. Addressing these leaks promptly is crucial to prevent engine damage and maintain the truck's performance.

Restricted Secondary Air Injection Valves: Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007 are prone to issues with the secondary air injection check valves. This problem can impact emissions and engine performance, requiring inspection and potential valve replacement.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and prompt repairs to ensure the GMC K3500 1988 operates smoothly and reliably.

1988 Gmc K3500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc K3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Seat belts problems
Visibility/wiper problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Gmc K3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Gmc K3500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Gmc K3500.

2013-12-04

SEAT BELTS,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-11-27
VIN: 1GTGK34K0JE
Components: SEAT BELTS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Summary: JUST BOUGHT THIS TRUCK & AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELTS. THE SHOULDER STRAP DOES NOT STAY IN SECURE POSITION & DOES NOT WORK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE. WAS TOLD THIS WAS & IS A COMMON PROBLEM & SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN A SAFETY RECALL. & I WANT TO HAVE SAFE WORKING SEAT BELTS WHEN WE DO GET TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK & NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? THEN THE WIPER MODULE PULSE BOARD IS THE OTHER ISSUE. HAVE REPLACED ALL OTHER PARTS EXCEPT THIS ONE & CAN NOT FIND THE SAME PART THAT WAS ORIG ON THIS TRUCK & ALL OTHERS WE HAVE SEARCHED & BOUGHT DOES NOT FIT. NOT SURE IF YOU HAVE TO REPLACE/MODIFY THE WHOLE BOARD/WIRING ETC. ALSO HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS & IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF 1988 THRU 2003 MODELS OF GMC & CHEVY. ANY HELP OR ANSWERS OR SUGGESTIONS OR INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK-YOU! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

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1988 Gmc K3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1988 Gmc K3500.

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.