1989 Gmc R1500 problems

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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).

1989 Gmc R1500

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Common 1989 Gmc R1500 problems

The GMC R1500 1989, also known as the GMC Sierra K1500, is a popular pickup truck with a reputation for reliability. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain problems over time. Here are some common issues reported by owners of the GMC R1500 1989, based on search results:

  • EGR valve and idle air solenoid issues: The EGR valve and idle air solenoid are crucial components of the engine management system. If they fail, they can cause various problems, including hard starting, stalling, and poor performance. To diagnose and fix these issues, you'll need to perform a thorough under-hood visual inspection, looking for loose wiring harness connections, damaged wiring, clean and tight battery connections, secure vacuum lines, clean and secure ground connections, and check for ignition spark and fuel pressure.
  • Ignition system problems: The ignition system is responsible for providing the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders. If it fails, it can cause various problems, including hard starting, stalling, and poor performance. To diagnose and fix these issues, you'll need to perform a thorough under-hood visual inspection, looking for loose wiring harness connections, damaged wiring, clean and tight battery connections, secure vacuum lines, clean and secure ground connections, and check for ignition spark and fuel pressure.

In summary, the GMC R1500 1989 can experience various problems, including distributor issues, fuel pressure regulator problems, faulty coolant temperature sensors, EGR valve and idle air solenoid issues, and ignition system problems. To diagnose and fix these issues, you'll need to perform a thorough under-hood visual inspection, looking for loose wiring harness connections, damaged wiring, clean and tight battery connections, secure vacuum lines, clean and secure ground connections, and check for ignition spark and fuel pressure. Additionally, you'll need various tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, ratchets, and a timing light, to perform these repairs.

1989 Gmc R1500 engine

What engine is in a 1989 GMC Sierra 1500?

POWER FOR WORK OR SPORT The standard Sportside powerplant is a gutsy 4.3 Liter Vortec V6 rated at 160 SAE net horsepower at 4000 RPM.

Is GMC Sierra 1500 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.

What is the best year for the Sierra 1500?

Overall, the GMC Sierra 1500 is worth it if you're willing to keep up with regular maintenance for the machine. We recommend 2004, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018 options as your top picks on the market.

Which GMC 1500 engine is the best?

The 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 is the engine for you if you're looking for the beefiest horsepower possible in the GMC Sierra 1500 lineup — 420 horsepower. You'll also find that it boasts the second-highest GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity at 13,100 pounds.

1989 Gmc R1500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc R1500 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 1989 Gmc R1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Gmc R1500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Gmc R1500.

2000-06-15

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GTDK14Z7KZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE SYSTEM NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE VEHICLE SIZE. YH

1989 Gmc R1500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Gmc R1500.

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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Gmc R1500 problems:

89 tbi idle issues - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck ...
89 tbi idle issues - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck ...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=578545

Common would be the IAC or the TPS. Possibly low fuel pressure too but since you say beyond 1/4 throttle it runs good and gets to speed fine.

2 problems (TBI) - high idle & hard to press gas pedal - Chevy ...
2 problems (TBI) - high idle & hard to press gas pedal - Chevy ...
https://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/190016/

(was all Mopar until I picked up this 1989 Suburban V1500. ... Is this a common problem? The accelerator ... Reset the timing too. '83 Silverardo ...

1990 Sub wiper problems - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC ...
1990 Sub wiper problems - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC ...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=316601

Is the most difficult part pulling the wheel off? 1990 Chevy Suburban R1500 ... Your problem is common to these trucks. ... 89 GMC S-15 Extended Cab ...

1990 Suburban Headlight Problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet ...
1990 Suburban Headlight Problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet ...
https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard//showthread.php?t=724477

That looks like the newer body style 88+ trucks. You need the R/V wiring diagram for the 1990 or 1991. (1989 does not have rear abs brakes but ...

GMC Sierra 1500 Questions - rough idle, stalling, loss of power ...
GMC Sierra 1500 Questions - rough idle, stalling, loss of power ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t14325_ds534062

Nov 27, 2012 ... ... engine. .. Oh It's a 1989 v8 305 5.0 gmc vandura 2500 ... problems with. 0 ... i have issue 90 chevy 5.7 is driving me crazy original problem engine ...

Other years of Gmc R1500

gmc r1500 1991 photo
R1500 1991
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gmc r1500 1989 photo
R1500 1989
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