Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-71
There is an intermittent short/overload in the electrical system. When it is very hot out (>100 degrees F), and I have the air conditioning running and stereo on, and then perform a maneuver such as a turn or acceleration, it blows a fuse. This shuts down the vehicle. This has happened twice, once in a parking lot, once in traffic. It cost me $250 to get this diagnosed, but they could not find the specific problem. Now I just carry spare fuses so I can fix the problem on the spot. Not an ideal solution.
The fuel tank sending unit is experiencing intermittent failure. When the tank is full, it will occasionally read empty, then flip back up to full. This only happens when the tank is completely full. The dealership said this would cost about $600 to repair. I'm living with it for now.
There was a build-up of carbon in the fuel injection system which caused the gas pedal to 'stick' when being depressed. It would release without any problem, so this was not a big safety issue. The stickiness upon depressing the accelerator would cause the truck to 'jump' from a standing start, and could not have been good for the transmission. This cost $100 to have a Chevy dealership fix.
The transmission is starting to slip a little when shifting between 3rd and 4th. The tachometer jumps and then drops back about 400 rpm. I talked to a transmission specialist and he suspects that the converter is failing. This will be $240 just to pull the transmission and have a look.
The ABS module failed, leaving the ABS pump running continuously. I was able to shut the pump off to prevent it's burning up by removing the ABS fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. The Chevy dealership states that a new Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) costs $700, and another $200 or so for labor. It will have the same undersized components, and will fail again. I'm seriously considering getting the module repaired by Circuit Solutions for $100 instead.
This truck has been nice, and I've put a lot of miles on it. In this day and age I expect to be able to get 200,000 miles out of a vehicle. The way this one is going I'm not sure it is going to make it. If I have too many more inexcusable problems with it I won't be returning to Chevy for another vehicle.
Very good review! I have a 1999 Silverado with exactly the same issues... We are not alone, these issues are quite common with this truck. There are Silverado news groups where other Silverado owners are commenting on the same problems you did here, maybe GM should read them and try to produce a vehicle that lasts longer then the length of the lease...
I also have a Chevy Silverado LS and it also has a problem with the ABS module, gas gauge, AND sticky gas pedal. Reading your comments about these problems was like reading about my own truck. I hope the two problems mine doesn't have won't show up, but they probably will.
GM knows about the problem (s), but won't issue a recall.
When I asked about it, they told me that 'x' number of the same type of vehicle have to be documented (i.e., fixed by a dealer) before the problem (s) can be viewed as chronic and thus a recall issued. The catch 22 is that because each of the problems cost so much to fix, everyone is just pulling the fuse for the ABS problem and using their trip meters to determine when to fill up. (The truck bed must be removed to access the fuel sending unit.) Oh well...
I also own a 1999 Silverado Z71. My ABS module failed and for one year I ran around without ABS. As I understand it simply replacing the control unit my not work because of incompatibility issues in the software of the control unit. My wife found out about the Electrical Engineer that rebuilds the ABS units on Ebay. He did a pretty good job repairing and even upgrading the control unit, the cost for the rebuild was $120 including shipping and new screws. The only thing that I have noticed that is different is the ABS tends to activate more when I am braking over rough roads.
I have a 1999 silverado pick up extended cab.
I too have had to disconnet the ABS. Currently the tow haul is stuck in the on position. I have been to several garages and no one can give an answer as to how to fix the problem.
Can any one please advise me on who could help to resolve this or how to fix problem.
Jan.
We own a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado. The ABS module went bad and we had to disconnect the fuse to keep the pump from running. When this happened the red brake warning light came on with the ABS light. The truck was failed on inspection because the brake light was on. The ABS was not required to be working. General Motors has it fixed as to where they both burn when there is a malfunction. The mechanic we took it to has been sent two wrong ABS modules and we were quoted $600 for these. Since the two were wrong, we are now told that the "right" one will cost $1,200. We have written General Motors to complain as well as the NHTSA. We have sent the module to be rewired and sincerely hope this works as we do not have $1,200 for the part and who knows how much more for the labor. Everyone should complain loudly about these problems since they are so common and so expensive to repair.
All your ABS problems can be put to rest. www.absfixer.com can repair your EBCM module from that awful pump running issue for only $158. The repair includes overnight shipping back to you and a one-day turnaround. They upgrade the malfunctioning circuitry to standards that way exceed the original so it won't happen again. These guys are great and they have helped out so many people. Check them out!!!
I also have a 1999 ls z71 & my ABS failed chevy is aware of issue, but will not recall very dangerous on a rainy day all 4 tires will lock up if on brakes too much.
Had the same ABS pump problem, its been about 8 years, but when the mileage hit 32001 or 36001 the ABS light came on, I had to go to the Chevy Dealer, they pulled the fuse for free and I have driven 115,000 trouble free miles except for a tail gate arm and seatbelt recall. I wonder how much of a difference the ABS pump could make? I am assuming that I am losing 10-20 feet of non-skidding, etc... but when I use to go over a railroad track when the ABS worked, it was sensitive enough to engage and make me feel like I was losing brakes from the ABS activated. So I really don't miss it or the projected $900 to fix. I would also recommend using Fuel Injection cleaner often, one time I filled up when the truck was still running, like a monkey, and I caused a fuel injection clog, Chevy charged me $250 to add a simple fix it yourself fuel injection cleaner, but anywho, I have also added 3 chamber flow masters, HYPERTECH Powerprogrammer and 160 Powerstat, I have smoked some cars in my past 8 years, even used to go toe to toe with the Corvette off the line, this truck has been the best I have ever owned, but there are sometimes bitter moments, email spotlightdjrich@hotmail.com if you want to talk more 99's, thanx Rich.
As far as the ABS problem, did you try to clean the sensor on the front drivers side wheel. Corrosion build up causes the ABS to come on prematurely. Simply unbolt it and clean the bottom of sensor and area of wheel that it attaches to, after removing tire and brake assembly. Not a big job. As for the sticking gas pedal, the problem is in the air intake to engine, (throttle body). Remove the plastic air intake piece to engine, which will expose the "butterfly", and spray with carberator cleaner and wipe clean. Reattach air intake, should be good for a couple of months. As for the fuel gauge, Seems like everyone has the same problem and GM is not doing anything about it.
I have a 99 Z71 LT and my ABS went out at 77K miles. I was too cheap to pay the repair cost so I went without. I now have 261K miles on it. They did the recall on the ABS sensor, but that wasn't it. I had the Tow/Haul problem which I fixed my self. There is a orange wire on the bottom side of steering column that is small and breaks easily. Respliced and it works fine now. My problems now are my odometer and gear selection work about 20% of the time. If I hit the dash it may come on. It is still registering the miles. The other newest problem is my turn signal is possessed. When I cancel the turn or out of the blue I get the noise, but the turn light isn't flashing. My service engine light is on now so I may have to get that one checked out.
I own a 2003 Chevy Silverado and bought it for the purpose of pulling a horse trailer. I have only owned the truck for six months and already had to have the fuel pump module replaced and the vent valve replaced also. I don't think the truck should have had these many problems already!!! The cost of the pump costs us $750 and the valve $140. Bull I say. Why can't manufacturers build decent vehicles that last longer after your warranty runs out!?
I have the same problem with my '99 4WD Z71. First, my service 4WD light is coming on, I have been told that I might have to just replace the switches on the dash, hope so. Then after reading all of this, it looks like my ABS is going out now! My ABS and brake lights come on randomly and do not go out until the truck is switched off. My truck does have a lot of miles on it, and is a great vehicle, but damn, everything at once?! I just replaced the O2 sensor, put a new single chamber exhaust on it and new tires and brakes, if I'm not careful, the truck is gonna break me!
-Ben.
I also own a '01 Silverado. Same issues as every one else.
Third complete brake job, including rotors and calipers.
Gas gauge goes from empty to full at random.
Ball joints replaced.
Today I had it in for the ABS sensor repair and was told the module was bad. $1145.00 to replace. The cashier at the service counter laughed as she told me "they go bad all the time". Nice job Chevy.
Next new truck will be a Toyota Tacoma. I just can't afford to buy American any more. There is obviously a problem with the brakes on these vehicles, and G.M. refuses to do anything about it. It's no wonder the Japanese automakers are overtaking the big three as fast as they are.
You've got to be kidding. I have 80,000 miles on my truck and have never changed the front brake pads, changed the rears only 5000 miles ago, and even have not had a light bulb burn out. Absolutely flawless truck.
I think the complainers are Tundra owners who are jealous.
Just returned from the Chevy dealer with a 400 dollar bill for two bad front ABS sensors on a 2005 silverado with 44,000 gentle highway miles.
Wish I had known to pull the fuse BEFORE I went.
What a scam. I'm all about a Toyota truck next time around.
The above poster must get his trucks on the GM discount program-where cheap cost supercedes superflous repairs and built in obsolescence. The service area was full and the sales area was vacant. Serves them right.
Anyone else remember a time when they were happy to get your money honestly?