2006 Chevrolet T6500

2006 Chevrolet T6500

The Chevrolet T6500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for commercial use. It comes standard with a 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine and a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission. The T6500 can also be equipped with a 6.0-liter gasoline engine with either the 6-speed Allison transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Despite its rugged design, the T6500 has a few known issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

6.6-liter Duramax V8 Diesel Engine

• Injector failure: Injectors can fail, causing a loss of power, rough idle, and black smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V365000
• Oil leak from the valve cover gasket: A loose or damaged gasket can cause oil to leak from the valve cover.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

6.0-liter Gasoline Engine

• Intake manifold gasket failure: A leaking intake manifold gasket can cause a loss of power and a rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-speed Allison Automatic Transmission

• Shifting problems: The transmission may have issues shifting gears, causing delays or harsh shifts.
  • Solution: Replace solenoids or torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Overheating: The transmission may overheat, causing a loss of power and slipping gears.
  • Solution: Replace transmission cooler or rebuild transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf spring breakage: The leaf springs can break, causing the truck to sag and become unstable.
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball joint failure: Ball joints can fail, causing the wheels to wobble and the truck to wander.
  • Solution: Replace ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to lose power.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain: The battery may drain prematurely, causing the vehicle to fail to start.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on the frame: The frame can rust, weakening the structural integrity of the vehicle.
  • Solution: Repair or replace frame.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat fabric tearing: The seat fabric can tear, reducing the durability and comfort of the interior.
  • Solution: Repair or replace seat fabric.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard rattle: The dashboard may rattle, causing a distracting noise while driving.
  • Solution: Remove and tighten loose components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the Chevrolet T6500 is a reliable and capable truck, but it does have some known issues that owners should be aware of. The most common issues are with the engine, transmission, and suspension, and some of these issues can be expensive to fix. However, many of the issues are relatively minor and can be resolved with proper maintenance and repairs.