2004 GMC Sonoma

Introduction:

The 2004 GMC Sonoma is a mid-size pickup truck that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.2L I-4, which produced 118 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 3.0L V6, a 3.4L V6, and a 4.3L V6. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed automatic.

Overall, the Sonoma was praised for its affordability, practicality, and spacious interior. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power and refinement compared to some of its competitors.

Engine

2.2L I-4

• Blown head gasket: Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, and loss of coolant. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

• Timing chain failure: Symptoms include rattling noises from the engine, especially on startup. Solution: Replace the timing chain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

3.0L V6

• Piston ring failure: Symptoms include excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Rebuild or replace the engine. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+

• Intake manifold gasket failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks and overheating. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

3.4L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks and overheating. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

4.3L V6

• Rear main seal leak: Symptoms include an oil leak at the rear of the engine. Solution: Replace the rear main seal. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700

Transmission

5-speed manual

• Clutch failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears and slipping. Solution: Replace the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

• Transmission fluid leak: Symptoms include a leak of transmission fluid from the transmission. Solution: Repair or replace the leaking component. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

4-speed automatic

• Torque converter failure: Symptoms include shuddering or slipping when shifting gears. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

• Transmission control module failure: Symptoms include erratic shifting and loss of gears. Solution: Replace the transmission control module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

5-speed automatic

• Transmission failure (4L60E): Symptoms include slipping, shuddering, or loss of gears. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Suspension

• Front suspension wear: Symptoms include excessive noise, vibrations, and poor handling. Solution: Replace worn suspension components (e.g., ball joints, bushings). Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800

• Rear suspension wear: Symptoms include excessive noise, vibrations, and poor handling. Solution: Replace worn suspension components (e.g., leaf springs, shock absorbers). Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800

Electrical

• Battery failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, loss of power, or dim lights. Solution: Replace the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

• Alternator failure: Symptoms include flickering lights, dim headlights, and difficulty starting the vehicle. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Exterior

• Fender rust: Symptoms include rust spots on the fenders. Solution: Repair or replace the fenders. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000

• Rear bumper corrosion: Symptoms include rust or corrosion on the rear bumper. Solution: Repair or replace the rear bumper. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: Symptoms include cracks on the dashboard. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

• Seat fabric tearing: Symptoms include tears in the seat fabric. Solution: Repair or replace the seat covers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Summary:

While the 2004 GMC Sonoma is an affordable and practical pickup truck, it is plagued by a number of potential issues that can be costly to repair. The most severe and expensive issues include transmission failure, engine failure, and suspension wear. However, many of these issues can be avoided with proper maintenance and care.