1990 Chevrolet R2500 Suburban

1990 Chevrolet R2500 Suburban

The 1990 Chevrolet R2500 Suburban is a full-size SUV that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was a popular choice for families and businesses due to its spacious interior and powerful engine options. However, like all vehicles, the R2500 Suburban is not without its problems.

Engine

• 5.7L V8
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, poor engine performance, and check engine light
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Head Gasket Blown
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, white smoke from exhaust, overheating
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Valve Guide Seal Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, oil consumption
    • Solution: Replace valve guide seals
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
• 6.5L Diesel
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, poor fuel economy, hard starting
    • Solution: Replace fuel injectors
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000
  • Glow Plug Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, especially in cold weather
    • Solution: Replace glow plugs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace turbocharger
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500

Transmission

• 4L60E 4-Speed Automatic
  • Overdrive Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips in overdrive gear
    • Solution: Replace overdrive clutch pack
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • TCC Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, shuddering
    • Solution: Replace TCC solenoid
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Valve Body Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts erratically, slipping
    • Solution: Replace valve body
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800
• 700R4 4-Speed Automatic
  • Overdrive Servo Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips in overdrive gear
    • Solution: Replace overdrive servo
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Band Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, rough shifts
    • Solution: Replace transmission bands
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, no power transfer
    • Solution: Replace transmission pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800

Suspension

• Front End Clunking
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or clunking noise while driving over bumps
  • Solution: Replace worn suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, etc.)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Rear Leaf Springs Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace worn leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• CV Axle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or popping noise while turning, vibration
  • Solution: Replace CV axle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical system problems
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after a few days
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical component causing drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Wiring Harness Damage
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems
  • Solution: Repair or replace damaged wiring harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500

Exterior

• Rust on Frame
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on vehicle frame
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted frame sections
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500
• Broken Door Handles
  • Description/Symptoms: Exterior door handles break or become loose
  • Solution: Replace door handles
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows do not operate
  • Solution: Replace power window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Interior

• HVAC System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning or heater not working
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair HVAC system
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
• Steering Wheel Vibration
  • Description/Symptoms: Steering wheel shakes or vibrates
  • Solution: Balance tires or replace steering components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
• Seat Belt Mechanism Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belts do not retract or lock
  • Solution: Replace seat belt mechanism
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600

Summary

The 1990 Chevrolet R2500 Suburban is a reliable and capable full-size SUV. However, like all vehicles, it is not without its problems. Some of the more common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, head gasket blown, valve guide seal leaks, transmission slipping, suspension clunking, electrical problems, and rust. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the severity of the problem and the parts that need to be replaced. It is important to have any potential issues diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic to ensure the safety and longevity of the vehicle.