2008 Chevrolet T6500

2008 Chevrolet T6500

The 2008 Chevrolet T6500 is a heavy-duty commercial vehicle with a variety of engine and transmission options to choose from. The base engine is a 6.6L Duramax diesel engine that produces 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 7.8L Vortec gasoline engine and a 8.1L Vortec gasoline engine. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission, and a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission.

The T6500 is known for its durability and reliability, but it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems reported by owners include:

Engine

• 6.6L Duramax Diesel
  • Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough running, loss of power, increased emissions
    • Solution: Replace injectors
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Numbers 08V195000 and 09V108000
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive smoke, whistling noise
    • Solution: Replace turbocharger
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 7.8L Vortec Gasoline
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, rough running, decreased fuel economy
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 8.1L Vortec Gasoline
  • Valve Train Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Tapping noise, loss of power, decreased fuel economy
    • Solution: Replace valve train components
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 6-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Synchronizer Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise
    • Solution: Replace synchronizer
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 6-Speed Allison Automatic Transmission
  • Valve Body Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping gears, failure to engage gears
    • Solution: Replace valve body
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 10-Speed Allison Automatic Transmission
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, slipping gears, overheating
    • Solution: Replace torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging, broken springs, rough ride
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, excessive bounce, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery discharge, warning light
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but does not start
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Interior

• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working, warning lights not illuminating
  • Solution: Replace instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Conditioning Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No cold air, excessive noise
  • Solution: Replace air conditioning compressor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2008 Chevrolet T6500 is a reliable and capable heavy-duty commercial vehicle. However, it is not without its issues, and some of the repairs can be expensive. The most common problems reported by owners include engine injector failure, turbocharger failure, valve train failure, and transmission valve body failure.