1997 Chevrolet C3500HD

1997 Chevrolet C3500HD

The 1997 Chevrolet C3500HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine choice was the 6.5L turbocharged diesel V8, which produced 195 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 5.7L V8, a 7.4L V8, and an 8.1L V8. The C3500HD was also available with a variety of transmission options, including a four-speed automatic, a five-speed manual, and a six-speed manual.

People who like the C3500HD appreciate its powerful engine, rugged construction, and spacious interior. However, some people have experienced issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical system.

Engine

• 6.5L Turbocharged Diesel V8
  • Fuel injector failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The fuel injectors can fail, causing the engine to run rough, lose power, and produce excessive smoke.
    • Solution: Replace the failed fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail, causing the engine to lose power.
    • Solution: Replace the failed turbocharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 5.7L V8
  • No Issues Found
• 7.4L V8
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a loss of coolant and overheating.
    • Solution: Replace the failed intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 8.1L V8
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• Four-speed automatic
  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip, causing the vehicle to lose power or hesitate when shifting.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Five-speed manual
  • No Issues Found
• Six-speed manual
  • No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front suspension
  • Ball joint failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The ball joints can fail, causing the front wheels to wobble and the vehicle to pull to one side.
    • Solution: Replace the failed ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension
  • Leaf spring breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: The leaf springs can break, causing the rear of the vehicle to sag and the ride quality to suffer.
    • Solution: Replace the broken leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure * Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to lose power. * Solution: Replace the failed alternator. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+ * Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure * Description/Symptoms: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to not start. * Solution: Replace the failed battery. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ * Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 1997 Chevrolet C3500HD is a powerful and rugged heavy-duty pickup truck that is generally reliable. However, some people have experienced issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical system. The severity of these issues can vary, and the cost to fix them can be significant.