2000 GMC T6500

The 2000 GMC T6500: American Medium-Duty Truck

The GMC T6500 is a medium-duty truck manufactured by General Motors. It is designed for heavy-duty applications and is available in a variety of configurations, including box trucks, flatbeds, and dump trucks. The T6500 is powered by a range of diesel engines and is available with either a manual or automatic transmission. People enjoy the T6500’s utility, power, and towing capacity, but complain about its fuel economy, rough ride, and dated interior.

Engine

• Caterpillar C7 3126e
  • Injector Failure: Leaking or stuck injectors lead to rough idling, misfires, and smoke.
  • Solution: Replace injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Caterpillar C7 3306e
  • Cylinder Head Gasket Failure: Blown gasket leads to overheating, coolant leaks, and white smoke.
  • Solution: Replace cylinder head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7L
  • Turbocharger Failure: Seized turbo causes reduced power and smoke.
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Allison MD3060 6-Speed Automatic
  • Shift Solenoid Failure: Malfunctioning solenoid prevents proper gear shifting.
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Eaton Fuller RT-11109A 9-Speed Manual
  • Synchro Failure: Worn synchros make gear shifting difficult or impossible.
  • Solution: Replace synchros.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Leaf Spring Failure: Overloaded or worn springs can break or sag.
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Air Bag Suspension Failure: Leaking or ruptured air bags lead to sagging in the rear end.
  • Solution: Replace air bags.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Discharge: Parasitic drain on battery from faulty components.
  • Solution: Locate and repair faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure: Malfunctioning alternator fails to charge battery.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust and Corrosion: Body panels and frame prone to rust and corrosion in humid environments.
  • Solution: Regular cleaning and rust prevention measures.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies based on severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure: Failed blower motor prevents heating or cooling.
  • Solution: Replace blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure: Malfunctioning instrument cluster provides inaccurate or no readings.
  • Solution: Replace instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The GMC T6500 is a powerful and versatile medium-duty truck, but it is not without its issues. While some issues, such as battery discharge and HVAC blower motor failure, are minor and inexpensive to fix, others, such as engine and transmission problems, can be more severe and costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into their purchasing decision.