1990 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 1990 Gmc K3500 problems

Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a list of common problems with the GMC K3500 1990 based on complaints from owners:

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL):
- The malfunction indicator light, also known as the check engine light, can illuminate due to various reasons like engine issues, electrical problems, or transmission issues. Resetting the light without addressing the underlying problem can lead to further damage, so it's recommended to have it checked by a professional mechanic.

Differential Service:
- Differential service frequency varies, but it's generally advised to have it inspected and the fluid changed regularly as part of routine maintenance to ensure proper vehicle function.

Transmission Issues:
- The transmission is part of the drivetrain system and can experience problems like slipping, which may require attention from a mechanic to diagnose and repair.

Backfiring:
- Backfiring in the 1990 GMC Truck Sierra K3500 with a 454 engine could be caused by the timing chain jumping a tooth, leading to issues with the distributor. Checking the timing mark and rotor position can help diagnose and address this problem.

Coolant Leaks and Oil Leaks:
- Intake manifold gaskets in GM pickup trucks from 1988 to 1998 may develop leaks, leading to coolant or oil leaks. Addressing these leaks promptly is essential to prevent engine damage.

Windshield Wiper Motor Failure:
- Models made between 1990 and 1999 may experience intermittent issues with the windshield wiper motor, resulting in wipers not working, running continuously, or working only at one speed setting. Replacing the wiper motor control board is a common solution to this problem.

Restricted Secondary Air Injection Valves:
- Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007 can face issues with restricted secondary air injection valves, affecting the vehicle's performance. Addressing this problem promptly is crucial to maintain proper engine function.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the GMC K3500 1990.

1990 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:

Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Gmc K3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Gmc K3500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Gmc K3500.

1995-09-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
Fire: 1
VIN: 1GDJK34N6LE
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, TWO FIRES INVOLVING ELECTIRCAL SYSTEM. TT

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1990 Gmc K3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1990 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.

1990-09-17

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.