1988 Gmc Sierra problems

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The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.

The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram Pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.

History

The Silverado nameplate made its debut for the 1975 model year, becoming the top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks, slotted above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne. For the 1968 model year (seven years before the Silverado), GMC C/K trucks used variations of the Sierra name (Sierra, Sierra Classic, Sierra Grande, and High Sierra). Even after the C/K series officially ended, GM still uses the CK and the CC in their current model codes, to denote a two-wheel drive (CC), and four-wheel drive (CK).

For the 1988 GMT400 model architecture, Chevrolet retained the C/K model nomenclature, with GMC branding its full-size line as Sierras. While sharing the same body and chassis, the model chronology of the Silverado and Sierra are different, with five generations of the Sierra, while four of the Silverado.

In 2018, at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chevrolet unveiled the first medium-duty Silverado, expanding the model line to a 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD chassis cab. Largely the successor to the 2003–2009 GMT560 chassis, the medium-duty trucks are exclusive to Chevrolet, with no plans for an equivalent GMC version. Instead, Navistar International (now partnering with GM) would sell the medium-duty trucks as a rebadged counterpart, called the CV. This is in fact a very similar nod to how the Avalanche did not have a GMC Yukon–based equivalent, but instead, Cadillac would take its place as the former's rebadged counterpart, the Escalade EXT.

1988 Gmc Sierra

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Common 1988 Gmc Sierra problems

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

  • Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks From Intake Manifold Gaskets:
    • Owners have reported coolant leaks or oil leaks from the intake manifold gaskets. This problem may require a repair that costs approximately $1,000 if done by a mechanic. Some drivers have had to replace the motors multiple times due to this issue.
  • Restricted Secondary Air Injection Valves:
    • Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007 are prone to issues with the secondary air injection check valves, leading to reduced airflow and triggering the check engine light. To resolve this problem, the check valves need to be replaced, costing between $100 and $150 per valve. It is recommended to replace both valves even if the fault code indicates an issue with only one bank of cylinders.
  • Failed Steering Wheel Position Sensor:
    • A common problem that may lead to a service stability message in Silverado or Sierra models. This issue can occur intermittently or regularly, especially when starting the truck or turning the wheel. Replacing the steering wheel position sensor, which costs around $200 to $300, should resolve this issue. On average, this problem occurs around 90,000 miles.

These issues highlight some of the common complaints and problems faced by owners of the GMC Sierra 1988 model. Owners experiencing these problems may need to address them promptly to ensure the optimal performance and reliability of their vehicles.

1988 Gmc Sierra engine

1988 Gmc Sierra car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Tires problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Power train problems
  • Service brakes problems

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

1988 Gmc Sierra complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Gmc Sierra.

2004-08-10

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-08-09
  • VIN: 1GTDC14K3JE
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, . AFTER PULLING OVER AND EXITING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED.*AK
2002-03-12

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-05-01
  • VIN: 2G1GC39N4J1
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. UNIROYAL LARADO ALL SEASON. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHILE PULLING A 24 FOOT TRAILER, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING FRONT UNIROUAL LAREDO TIRE 37000 MILES ON, SIZE LT 245/75R16C, DOT#AN11DAU143, TREAD SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. *YD
2001-08-18

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-26
  • VIN: 2GTEC19K7J1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE ACC.ELERATOR BRACKET BROKE AT THE POWER STEERING PUMP/I ALSO HAD A CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN THAT USED THIS SAME BRACKET AND IT BROKE ON ME AT THE SAME EXACT SPOT. *AK
1998-11-03

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GTFK24K5JE
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: ALIGNMENT KIT AND ADJUSTMENTS WERE NOT INSTALLED ON VEHICLE AT TIME OF PURCHASE.
1998-08-24

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-16
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2GTKF29K8J1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION COOLING UNIT AND LINES MALFUCTIONED, CAUSING A LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH SPRAYED TRANSMISSION FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING A FIRE. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
1997-12-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GTDK14H0J2
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY BECOME HARD, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE BRAKES, THEY CANNOT BE REPAIRED. *AK

1988 Gmc Sierra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Gmc Sierra.

2008-08-11
  • Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
  • Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
1993-08-02
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
  • Summary: SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
  • Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.
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