2019 Chevrolet Silverado 5500 HD

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 5500 HD is a heavy-duty work truck designed for demanding tasks, available in various configurations including regular, extended, and crew cab options. Powertrain choices include the standard 6.6L Duramax diesel V8, producing 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission or the optional 6.0L Vortec V8 gasoline engine that produces 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, paired with a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Silverado 5500 HD for its robust towing and payload capabilities, as well as its comfortable cabin and relatively smooth ride for a heavy-duty truck. Common dislikes include the vehicle’s large size, which can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and the relatively high fuel consumption, especially when towing heavy loads. Category Engine

6.6L Duramax Diesel V8

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, reduced power, black smoke from the exhaust, and potential engine misfires. Can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s). It’s recommended to replace all injectors on the affected bank to ensure balanced performance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Frequent regeneration cycles, DPF clogging, “Reduced Engine Power” message, and potential damage to the exhaust system.
  • Solution: Forced DPF regeneration, replacement of the DPF if heavily clogged or damaged. Addressing underlying issues causing excessive soot production is essential.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, decreased fuel economy, black smoke from the exhaust, and a check engine light. Can lead to carbon buildup in the intake manifold.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty EGR valve. Cleaning the intake manifold may be required if carbon buildup is significant.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L Vortec V8 Gasoline

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, ticking or knocking noises from the engine, and a check engine light. Can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected lifters, and in severe cases, camshaft replacement. Some owners choose to disable AFM to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil levels, the need to frequently add oil between changes, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the source of oil consumption (e.g., valve stem seals, piston rings). Repair or replace the faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ (depending on the source and severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Allison 1000 6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, and abnormal noises from the transmission.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. Inspecting and potentially replacing the transmission fluid and filter is also recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Flare
  • Description/Symptoms: High RPM between gear changes
  • Solution: Replacing Valve Body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000
  • Recalls: None Found

Heavy-Duty 6-Speed Automatic (Gas Engine)

• Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, difficulty finding the right gear, and a general lack of smoothness.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the cause (e.g., valve body issues, sensor failures). Repair or replace the faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found Suspension
• Leaf Spring Sag
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced load capacity, uneven ride height, and potential handling issues.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs. Consider upgrading to heavier-duty springs if the truck is frequently used for heavy loads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive play in the front suspension, clunking noises when driving over bumps, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn ball joints. Inspecting and potentially replacing other suspension components is also recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as malfunctioning lights, power windows, or door locks.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to confirm BCM failure. Reprogramming or replacing the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: A variety of issues depending on the affected sensor (e.g., ABS sensor, mass airflow sensor). Check engine light.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty sensor. Replacement of the sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the undercarriage, frame, or body panels, especially in areas exposed to road salt.
  • Solution: Rust removal, treatment, and prevention. Application of rust inhibitors or protective coatings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3000+ (depending on the extent of the corrosion)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or warping of the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 5500 HD faces common issues related to the Duramax diesel engine (fuel injectors, DPF, EGR), the gasoline V8 (AFM lifters, oil consumption), and both transmissions (torque converter, erratic shifting). Suspension components are also subject to wear and tear, especially under heavy use. Electrical problems stemming from the BCM can be intermittent and frustrating. While some issues, like leaf spring sag and cracked dashboards, are relatively minor, engine and transmission problems can be costly to repair.