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2007 Chevrolet W5500HD Tiltmaster

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2007 Chevrolet W5500HD Tiltmaster, organized by category and engine/transmission option where applicable.

The 2007 Chevrolet W5500HD Tiltmaster is a cab-over-engine (COE) medium-duty truck, often used for delivery, utility, and service applications. This truck came standard with a 5.7L Vortec V8 gasoline engine (around 295 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque) or an optional 5.2L Isuzu 4HK1-TC turbocharged diesel engine. The gas engine was typically paired with a 4L80E 4-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine came with an Aisin A465 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Tiltmaster for its maneuverability in urban environments and its good visibility due to the cab-over design. Dislikes include the limited space in the cab and potential maintenance complexities due to the COE configuration.

Engine

5.7L Vortec V8 (Gasoline)

  • Engine Misfires
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, reduced power, check engine light illuminated. Often caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or vacuum leaks.
    • Solution: Replace spark plugs, ignition coils, or repair vacuum leaks. Diagnose and address any other underlying causes (e.g., fuel injector issues).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause and the number of components that need replacing.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak locations include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals. Inspect for any damage to the mating surfaces.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+ depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found

5.2L Isuzu 4HK1-TC (Diesel)

  • Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idling, excessive smoke (white or black), reduced power, poor fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s). It is recommended to check the health of all injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on how many injectors need to be replaced.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining or screeching noise from the turbocharger, reduced power, excessive smoke, check engine light illuminated. Can be caused by bearing failure or wastegate issues.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the turbocharger. Check oil supply lines to the turbocharger for restrictions.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ depending on the extent of the damage.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, check engine light illuminated, frequent regeneration cycles, DPF clogging.
    • Solution: Attempt a forced regeneration. If unsuccessful, the DPF may need to be cleaned or replaced. Check for underlying issues causing excessive soot production.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (for cleaning) - $2000+ (for replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L80E (Gasoline Engine)

  • Slipping or Erratic Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifting, inability to shift into certain gears. Can be caused by worn clutches, low fluid level, or faulty solenoids.
    • Solution: Check and refill transmission fluid. If the problem persists, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $3500+ (rebuild or replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, poor acceleration.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Aisin A465 (Diesel Engine)

  • Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jarring shifts, especially between certain gears. Could be caused by solenoid issues, valve body problems, or worn internal components.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace faulty solenoids or valve body components. Transmission flush with filter change may resolve some issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Overheating
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission warning light, fluid leak, and/or harsh shifting.
    • Solution: Replace faulty solenoids or valve body components. Transmission flush with filter change may resolve some issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Worn Leaf Springs
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, poor ride quality, bottoming out, reduced load capacity.
    • Solution: Replace worn leaf springs. Consider upgrading to heavier-duty springs if the vehicle is frequently used for heavy loads.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+ per axle.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive play in steering, clunking noises while driving
    • Solution: Replace worn/damaged bushings
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Wiring Harness Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights not working, gauges malfunctioning, or engine stalling. Can be caused by corrosion, chafing, or broken wires.
    • Solution: Inspect and repair or replace damaged wiring harness sections. Use dielectric grease on connectors to prevent corrosion.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the extent of the damage and labor involved.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery not charging, stalling, and/or battery warning light on.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the frame, body panels, and undercarriage, especially in areas exposed to road salt.
    • Solution: Treat surface rust with rust converter. For more severe rust, cut out and weld in new metal. Apply rust preventative coatings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5000+ depending on severity and extent.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor stops working, air does not get cold or hot, airflow only comes from one vent.
    • Solution: Replace the blower motor, actuator, or HVAC control module. Repair leaks in the AC system and recharge with refrigerant.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Chevrolet W5500HD Tiltmaster can present several issues related to its engine (both gas and diesel), transmission, suspension, electrical system, and body. Diesel engine models can suffer from costly injector and DPF problems. All models are susceptible to rust, especially in areas with road salt use. The severity and cost of these issues can vary significantly depending on the vehicle’s maintenance history and operating conditions, but owners should be prepared for potential expenses related to these common problems.

Chevrolet, W5500HD Tiltmaster
Chevrolet W5500HD Tiltmaster 2007
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