2000 Chevrolet T6500

The 2000 Chevrolet T6500 is a medium-duty truck often used for commercial purposes such as delivery, construction, and utility work. It was available with a variety of engine options including the 5.7L gasoline V8, the 6.0L gasoline V8, the 7.4L gasoline V8, and the 6.6L Duramax Diesel V8. Horsepower and torque varied depending on the specific engine. The transmissions were typically manual or automatic, based on the specifications of the buyer when it was ordered. Owners often appreciated the T6500’s workhorse capabilities, its ability to handle heavy loads, and its relatively simple design for maintenance. Common dislikes include the basic interior, the relatively poor fuel economy, and the age of these vehicles now makes finding parts difficult.

Engine

5.7L Gasoline V8

• Engine Knock/Pinging
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine produces a knocking or pinging sound, particularly under load. This may be caused by carbon buildup in the cylinders, lean fuel mixture, or faulty knock sensor.
  • Solution: Cleaning the fuel injectors and intake valves, adjusting the air/fuel mixture, or replacing the knock sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks are noticed around the intake manifold gasket or water pump. Overheating can occur if the coolant level drops too low.
  • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gasket or water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L Gasoline V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks occur from the rear main seal, valve cover gaskets, or oil pan gasket. Burning oil smell may also be present.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

7.4L Gasoline V8

• Exhaust Manifold Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: A ticking sound is heard, especially when the engine is cold, indicating an exhaust leak from the exhaust manifold gasket.
  • Solution: Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket and potentially the exhaust manifold if warped.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.6L Duramax Diesel V8

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough running, poor fuel economy, and excessive black smoke from the exhaust, indicating a faulty fuel injector.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, especially in cold weather, due to faulty glow plugs.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty glow plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Worn Leaf Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, poor ride quality, and reduced load capacity due to worn leaf springs.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, and worn shocks.
  • Solution: Replacing the shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, slow cranking, and eventually complete electrical failure due to a failing alternator.
  • Solution: Replacing the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights flickering or components not functioning, due to damaged or corroded wiring harness.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the affected sections of the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust is common on the lower body panels, wheel wells, and frame, especially in areas with harsh winters or coastal climates.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, and rust prevention treatments.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor stops working or only works on certain settings, resulting in no airflow or limited airflow from the vents.
  • Solution: Replacing the HVAC blower motor or blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Chevrolet T6500, being a medium-duty truck of that age, is prone to various issues related to wear and tear. Engine issues such as leaks, knocking, and fuel injector problems are common, depending on the engine configuration. Suspension components like leaf springs and shocks are also likely to wear out, affecting ride quality. Electrical problems like alternator failure and wiring harness issues can also occur. Rust is a major concern on the exterior. Interior issues are typically limited to HVAC malfunctions. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, with repairs potentially ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, especially for major engine or transmission work. Due to the age of the vehicle, finding replacement parts may also pose a challenge.