1990 GMC K3500

Introduction

The 1990 GMC K3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its powerful V8 engines and rugged construction. It was available with either a gasoline or diesel engine, and with a variety of transmission options. The K3500 was praised for its towing and hauling capabilities, but it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and uncomfortable ride.

Engine

• 5.7L Gasoline V8

Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: Engine coolant or oil leaks, loss of coolant, overheating, rough idle, poor acceleration. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+ Recalls: None Found

Fuel Injector Failure: Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, engine misfiring, poor fuel economy, black smoke from exhaust. Solution: Replace the failed fuel injector(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found

• 6.2L Diesel V8

Cylinder Head Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: Engine coolant or oil leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, loss of coolant. Solution: Replace the cylinder head gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500+ Recalls: None Found

Turbocharger Failure: Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from exhaust, whining or whistling sounds from the turbocharger. Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+ Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4L80E 4-Speed Automatic

Torque Converter Shudder: Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shuddering when accelerating or shifting. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 Recalls: None Found

Transmission Slippage: Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, delayed or jerky shifting. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

Leaf Spring Failure: Description/Symptoms: Sagging or broken leaf springs, rough ride, uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the leaf springs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Shock Absorber Failure: Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling, excessive bouncing. Solution: Replace the shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found

Electrical

Alternator Failure: Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, dead battery, squealing or growling noises from the alternator. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found

Battery Failure: Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, dim lights, dead battery. Solution: Replace the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 Recalls: None Found

Exterior

Rust: Description/Symptoms: Rust spots or corrosion on the body panels, frame, or other metal components. Solution: Repair or replace affected parts. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the damage.

Interior

Dashboard Cracking: Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits in the dashboard material. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Seat Upholstery Tearing: Description/Symptoms: Rips or tears in the seat upholstery. Solution: Repair or replace the seat upholstery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 GMC K3500 is a reliable and capable heavy-duty pickup truck, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, fuel injector failure, cylinder head gasket failure, torque converter shudder, and transmission slippage. These issues can be costly to repair, but they are generally not severe enough to warrant avoiding the vehicle altogether.