Post
Research the Car Logo

2002 GMC T7500

Introduction

The 2002 GMC T7500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck offered with various engine and transmission options. It is well-liked for its powerful engines, robust construction, and comfortable interior. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its share of issues. Here’s a comprehensive list of known problems with the 2002 GMC T7500:

Engine

8.1L V8

  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idling, reduced engine power
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Power steering pump failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficult steering, whining noise, fluid leaks
    • Solution: Replace power steering pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Oil pressure sensor failure
    • Description/Symptoms: False low oil pressure readings, engine damage if ignored
    • Solution: Replace oil pressure sensor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Duramax 6.6L V8

  • Injection pump failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, loss of power, engine stalling
    • Solution: Replace injection pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Turbocharger failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, black smoke from exhaust, whistling noise
    • Solution: Replace turbocharger
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace head gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+

Transmission

4L85-E Automatic

  • Torque converter shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: Vibration when accelerating or decelerating
    • Solution: Replace torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Shift solenoids failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or refusing to shift, harsh shifting
    • Solution: Replace shift solenoids
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Transmission cooler lines leaking
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks, overheating
    • Solution: Replace transmission cooler lines
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Allison 2000 Automatic

  • Low fluid pressure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or refusing to shift, overheating
    • Solution: Check and adjust fluid level, replace filter or pump if necessary
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Solenoid pack failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, transmission slipping or refusing to shift
    • Solution: Replace solenoid pack
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Valve body failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or refusing to shift, delayed shifting
    • Solution: Replace valve body
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+

Suspension

  • Leaf spring breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sagging, rough ride, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per axle
  • Shock absorbers failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling, excessive body roll
    • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per axle

Electrical

  • Battery drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use
    • Solution: Check for parasitic draw, replace battery if necessary
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Alternator failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dim lights, flickering gauges, charging system warning light illuminated
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Starter failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to crank, clicking noise when trying to start
    • Solution: Replace starter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Exterior

  • Headlight switch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights don’t turn on or flicker, high beams don’t work
    • Solution: Replace headlight switch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Tail light assembly leaking
    • Description/Symptoms: Water or condensation inside tail light assemblies
    • Solution: Replace tail light assemblies
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per assembly

Interior

  • Climate control unit failure
    • Description/Symptoms: HVAC system not working, temperature not regulating
    • Solution: Replace climate control unit
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Power window motor failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Windows won’t go up or down, humming noise
    • Solution: Replace power window motor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Cruise control switch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Cruise control not engaging or disengaging, cruise control light not illuminating
    • Solution: Replace cruise control switch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Summary

Overall, the 2002 GMC T7500 is a reliable and capable truck. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of issues. Some problems, such as intake manifold gasket failure and injection pump failure, can be quite severe and expensive to fix. Others, like battery drain and power window motor failure, are relatively minor and can be fixed at a reasonable cost.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.