2017 Chevrolet LCF 4500
Introduction
The 2017 Chevrolet LCF 4500 is a commercial-grade medium-duty truck available in a range of configurations. It features a powerful 6.6L Duramax diesel engine that delivers 350 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 6.0L V8 gasoline engine and a 6.6L V8 natural gas engine. Transmission options include a 6-speed Allison 1000 automatic transmission and a 10-speed Allison 3000HS automatic transmission. The LCF 4500 is praised for its impressive performance, durability, and customization options. However, some owners have reported specific issues with the vehicle.
Engine
- 6.6L Duramax Diesel V8
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The DPF becomes clogged, causing reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and the Check Engine light to illuminate.
- Solution: Replace the DPF, which typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger fails, leading to reduced engine power, increased exhaust smoke, and the Check Engine light to illuminate.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger, which can range from $1,500 to $3,000, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Failure
- 6.0L V8 Gasoline V8
- No Issues Found
- 6.6L V8 Natural Gas V8
- No Issues Found
Transmission
- 6-Speed Allison 1000 Automatic Transmission
- Shift Solenoid Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The shift solenoid malfunctions, causing delayed or harsh gear shifting, and the Check Engine light to illuminate.
- Solution: Replace the shift solenoid, which typically costs between $300 and $500, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter fails, causing slipping gears, shuddering, and the Check Engine light to illuminate.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter, which can range from $1,000 to $2,000, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Shift Solenoid Malfunction
- 10-Speed Allison 3000HS Automatic Transmission
- No Issues Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: One or more leaf springs break, causing the truck to sag, handle poorly, and produce a rattling noise.
- Solution: Replace the broken leaf springs, which can range from $500 to $1,000, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Shock Absorber Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The shock absorbers fail, resulting in a rough ride, reduced handling, and increased wear and tear on other suspension components.
- Solution: Replace the shock absorbers, which typically costs between $200 and $400, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains prematurely, causing difficulty starting the truck.
- Solution: Identify and repair the source of the battery drain, such as a faulty alternator, parasitic electrical draw, or corrosion.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Electrical Short
- Description/Symptoms: An electrical short occurs, causing blown fuses, erratic electrical behavior, and the potential for fire.
- Solution: Identify and repair the source of the electrical short, which may require extensive electrical diagnostics.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Lock Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The door locks malfunction, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking properly.
- Solution: Replace the door lock actuator, which typically costs between $200 and $400, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Rust on Frame
- Description/Symptoms: The truck’s frame develops rust, which can weaken the frame and lead to safety concerns.
- Solution: Repair or replace the affected areas of the frame, which can range from $500 to $3,000, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Panel Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: The dashboard panel cracks, affecting the aesthetics and functionality of the gauges and controls.
- Solution: Replace the dashboard panel, which typically costs between $500 and $1,000, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Cushion Collapse
- Description/Symptoms: The seat cushion collapses or becomes deformed, causing discomfort and reduced support.
- Solution: Replace the seat cushion, which can range from $300 to $600, plus labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
While the 2017 Chevrolet LCF 4500 is generally a reliable and capable truck, it has experienced some specific issues. The most common and potentially expensive issues include DPF failure, turbocharger failure, and shift solenoid malfunction. Other issues, such as rust on the frame and dashboard panel cracking, can affect the longevity and usability of the truck. The severity and cost of these issues vary, and some owners may experience no problems at all. It’s important to consider these potential issues when purchasing or maintaining a used LCF 4500.