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1994 GMC C2500 Suburban

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By Research the Car 4 min read

1994 GMC C2500 Suburban

The 1994 GMC C2500 Suburban is a full-size SUV that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine was a 5.7L V8 with 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engines included a 6.5L V8 diesel with 180 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque and a 7.4L V8 with 230 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The C2500 Suburban was available with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.

Engine

5.7L V8

  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, low coolant levels, and a rough idle. Repair involves replacing the gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Vortec Head Cracking: The Vortec heads on some 5.7L V8 engines can crack, leading to coolant leaks and overheating. Repair involves replacing the affected heads. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Timing Chain Failure: The timing chain on some 5.7L V8 engines can fail, causing catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine and a loss of power. Repair involves replacing the timing chain, gears, and possibly the camshaft. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign ID: 98V227000, 99V045000, 04V028000

6.5L V8 Diesel

  • Fuel Injection Pump Failure: The fuel injection pump on some 6.5L V8 diesel engines can fail, causing a loss of power and difficulty starting. Repair involves replacing the fuel injection pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Injector Failure: The injectors on some 6.5L V8 diesel engines can fail, causing a loss of power and increased emissions. Repair involves replacing the affected injectors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Cylinder Head Gasket Failure: The cylinder head gasket on some 6.5L V8 diesel engines can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, low coolant levels, and a rough idle. Repair involves replacing the gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign ID: 99V019000, 03V108000, 04V029000

7.4L V8

  • Oil Pressure Loss: The oil pressure sensor on some 7.4L V8 engines can fail, causing a loss of oil pressure. Symptoms include a low oil pressure warning light and a loss of power. Repair involves replacing the oil pressure sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign ID: 98V173000, 98V226000, 04V028000

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Transmission Slipping: The transmission can slip, causing a loss of power or difficulty shifting gears. Repair involves rebuilding or replacing the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

5-Speed Manual Transmission

  • Clutch Failure: The clutch can wear out, causing difficulty shifting gears or a loss of power. Repair involves replacing the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Suspension

  • Ball Joint Failure: The ball joints on the front suspension can wear out, causing clunking noises and a loss of steering control. Repair involves replacing the ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Leaf Spring Failure: The leaf springs on the rear suspension can break, causing a loss of ride height and difficulty controlling the vehicle. Repair involves replacing the leaf springs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Electrical

  • Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing a loss of electrical power. Symptoms include dimming headlights and a dead battery. Repair involves replacing the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Battery Failure: The battery can fail, causing a loss of electrical power. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle and a dead battery. Repair involves replacing the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

  • Rust: The body of the C2500 Suburban can rust, especially in areas that are prone to salt or moisture. Repair involves repairing or replacing the affected body panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the rust

Interior

  • Seat Adjustment Failure: The power seat adjustment motors can fail, causing difficulty adjusting the seats. Repair involves replacing the affected motors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Door Lock Failure: The door locks can fail, causing difficulty locking or unlocking the doors. Repair involves replacing the affected locks. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Summary

The 1994 GMC C2500 Suburban is a reliable vehicle with a few potential issues. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, Vortec head cracking, and alternator failure. The cost of repairs for these issues can range from $100 to $4,000+. Overall, the C2500 Suburban is a good choice for those who need a full-size SUV with plenty of power and towing capacity.

GMC, C2500 Suburban
GMC C2500 Suburban 1994
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