2008 Chevrolet T8500

The 2008 Chevrolet T8500 is a Class 8 heavy-duty truck designed for various commercial applications like hauling, construction, and vocational tasks. Engine options include the Caterpillar C13 and the Cummins ISX15, both robust diesel engines. The Caterpillar C13 produces approximately 430-470 horsepower and 1450-1650 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options consist of Eaton Fuller manual and automated manual transmissions. Owners generally appreciate the T8500’s durability and workhorse capabilities. Common complaints often revolve around maintenance costs associated with heavy-duty trucks and occasional electrical gremlins.

Engine

Caterpillar C13

• Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, black smoke from the exhaust, reduced power, and potential engine misfires.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per injector (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the turbocharger, loss of boost pressure, reduced power, and potentially black smoke.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+ (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Cummins ISX15

• EGR Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough idling, and black smoke.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, stalling, reduced power, and potential engine failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Eaton Fuller Manual Transmissions (Specific Models Vary)

• Shift Fork Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into certain gears, grinding noises during shifts, and potential gear lockout.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn shift fork(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (parts and labor, depends on the number of forks)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty engaging gears, and potential inability to move the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacement of the clutch assembly (disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $3000+ (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Eaton Fuller Automated Manual Transmissions (Specific Models Vary)

• Shift Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, difficulty shifting into certain gears, transmission fault codes.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty shift actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of communication with the transmission, erratic shifting, inability to shift, and transmission fault codes.
  • Solution: Reprogramming or replacement of the TCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, uneven ride height, hissing noises from air leaks, and potential ride quality issues.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of air springs, air lines, or leveling valves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ per air spring (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaf Spring Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or cracked leaf springs, sagging suspension, and reduced load-carrying capacity.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected leaf spring(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per leaf spring (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights not working, gauges malfunctioning, and sensor failures.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of damaged wiring harness sections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the extent of the damage, parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Various)
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, fault codes, and problems with engine performance, such as reduced power or poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the frame and body panels.
  • Solution: Treat rust with rust-inhibiting chemicals, body work to remove rusted-out panels, and repaint any affected area.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500+ (depending on the severity of rust, parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning not blowing cold, heating not working properly, or issues with the blower motor.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the faulty component (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ (depending on the component, parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2008 Chevrolet T8500, while a durable workhorse, can present owners with a range of issues common to heavy-duty trucks. Engine problems like injector failures and EGR valve issues, along with transmission concerns like shift fork wear and shift actuator failures, represent the most potentially costly repairs. Electrical gremlins and suspension issues also contribute to the overall ownership experience. The severity and cost of repairs can vary greatly depending on the specific issue and the extent of the damage, making proactive maintenance crucial for minimizing downtime and maximizing the vehicle’s lifespan.