1997 Chevrolet T6500

1997 Chevrolet T6500 The 1997 Chevrolet T6500 is a medium-duty commercial truck available in a variety of configurations. It is powered by a choice of four different engines and four different transmissions. The T6500 is known for its durability, reliability and payload capacity. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of problems.

Engine

• Caterpillar 3126
  • Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, resulting in a loss of power and engine damage. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Injectors: The injectors can fail, resulting in poor fuel economy and engine damage. The solution is to replace the injectors. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Caterpillar C7
  • Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, resulting in coolant leaks and engine damage. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Crankshaft failure: The crankshaft can fail, resulting in a catastrophic engine failure. The solution is to replace the crankshaft. Estimated cost to fix: $10,000 - $15,000+
• Cummins ISB
  • Connecting rod failure: The connecting rod can fail, resulting in a catastrophic engine failure. The solution is to replace the connecting rod. Estimated cost to fix: $10,000 - $15,000+
  • Pistons: The pistons can fail, resulting in a loss of compression and engine damage. The solution is to replace the pistons. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Detroit Diesel Series 60
  • Fuel injection pump failure: The fuel injection pump can fail, resulting in a loss of power and engine damage. The solution is to replace the fuel injection pump. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, resulting in a loss of power and engine damage. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Transmission

• Allison 3000
  • Slipping: The transmission can slip, resulting in a loss of power and transmission damage. The solution is to replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $5,000 - $10,000+
  • Shifting problems: The transmission may have problems shifting, making it difficult to drive. The solution is to replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $5,000 - $10,000+
• Eaton Fuller 10-speed
  • Grinding gears: The transmission can grind gears when shifting, causing damage to the transmission. The solution is to rebuild the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Synchronizers: The synchronizers in the transmission can fail, resulting in difficulty shifting. The solution is to replace the synchronizers. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Meritor 6-speed
  • Clutch problems: The clutch can fail, resulting in difficulty shifting and transmission damage. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Shifting problems: The transmission may have problems shifting, making it difficult to drive. The solution is to rebuild the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Suspension

• Leaf springs: The leaf springs can break, resulting in a loss of ride quality and handling. The solution is to replace the leaf springs. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Shock absorbers: The shock absorbers can fail, resulting in a loss of ride quality and handling. The solution is to replace the shock absorbers. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400

Electrical

• Alternator: The alternator can fail, resulting in a loss of power to the electrical system. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000
• Battery: The battery can fail, resulting in a loss of power to the electrical system. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200
• Wiring harness: The wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in electrical problems. The solution is to repair or replace the wiring harness. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Headlights: The headlights can fail, resulting in a loss of visibility. The solution is to replace the headlights. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200
• Tail lights: The tail lights can fail, resulting in a loss of visibility. The solution is to replace the tail lights. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200
• Mirrors: The mirrors can break, resulting in a loss of visibility. The solution is to replace the mirrors. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Dashboard: The dashboard can crack or fade, making it difficult to read. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Seats: The seats can wear out, becoming uncomfortable and difficult to sit in for an extended period of time. The solution is to replace the seats. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Steering wheel: The steering wheel can wear out, becoming difficult to grip. The solution is to replace the steering wheel. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200

Summary The 1997 Chevrolet T6500 is a reliable and durable truck, but it is not without its problems. The most common issues are with the engine, transmission, and suspension. The severity of the issues can vary depending on the specific engine and transmission option, but the estimated cost to fix most issues is between $1,000 and $5,000. The T6500 is a good choice for those who need a reliable and durable truck, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.