The 4th generation Chevy C/K 1500 truck existed from 1998 to 2002 and veered off into the 1st gen Chevy Silverado line for the 1999 model year. While it lasted for a long time for good reasons, it also ran into common problems. Here’s a list of 5 common problems of the 4th gen Chevy truck.
Top 5 Problems on the 4th Gen Chevy Truck (1988 to 2002)
1. Windshield Wiper Problems
Symptoms of Windshield Wiper Problems on the 4th Gen Chevy Truck
- Windshield wipers don’t work
- Wipers don’t work at the set settings
- Windshield wipers won’t shut off
Causes of a Windshield Wiper Problems
The wiper board controls the speed of the wiper motor. Sometimes this board can fail on the 4th gen Chevy truck.
How to Fix a Bad Wiper Board
The wiper board is located under the hood on the firewall. You might be able to replace the wiper board separately. We recommend replacing both the wiper board and the wiper motor.
2. Body and Chassis Grounds
Symptoms of Bad Body and Chassis Grounds
There may be no immediate or apparent symptoms of bad body or chassis grounds on the 4th gen Chevy truck, but there may be odd electrical problems like the engine not starting or the dash lights flickering.
Causes of Bad Body and Chassis Grounds
The grounds tend to break and corrode, and this can cause electricity to ground at other parts like the bolts. While this can work temporarily, over time it can cause issues with electrical components.
How to Fix Body and Chassis Grounds
Repair the ground strap by installing a new ground strap close to the area on the backside of the engine and installing the wire to the chassis. Generally, there’s a ground from the chassis to the cabin and also from the cabin to the motor.
3. Door Pins and Bushings
Symptoms of Bad Door Pins and Bushings
- When opening the door, the door may sag
Causes of Bad Door Pins and Bushings
The doors can sag on the C/K 1500 truck when the pins and bushings wear out.
How to Fix Door Pins and Bushings
The pins and bushings are in the door jamb. To replace the bushings, the spring will need to be removed from the door check. A special compressor tool is needed to reinstall the spring. The steps include having an assistant hold the door or place a floor jack underneath the door to support it, and then popping the pins and bushings out with a chisel and a hammer.
4. Engine Oil Leaks
Symptoms of Engine Oil Leaks
Oil leaks on the ground
Causes of Oil Leaks
As vehicles age, it’s common for parts to corrode and wear over time and leak, like the oil pan gasket. A lot of 4th gen Chevy trucks have an oil filter adapter that can leak.
How to Fix Engine Oil Leaks
Remove the oil filter adapter and remove the o-ring and the gasket on the top. If the vehicle has oil cooler lines, these will also have to be disconnected.
5. Tail Light Problems
Symptoms of Tail Light Problems on the 4th Gen Chevy Truck
- Bulb not working after being replaced
Causes of Bad Tail Light Boards
The tail lights on the 1998 to 2002 Chevy C/K trucks have electrical circuit boards the bulbs attach to that can overheat and fail. Sometimes the tail light bulb may not work after being replaced. This is because the circuit board has most likely failed.
How to Fix Bad Tail Light Boards
Inspect the circuit board for burning, which is a definite sign it has failed. Replace the circuit board if it has failed.
Replace These and Other Parts Yourself
Complete these and many more repairs on the 1988 to 2002 Chevy truck, also known as the GMT 400 truck, with how-to videos in 1A Auto’s video library
Shop 4th Gen (1988-2002) Chevy/GMC C/K Truck Parts
Related Content
- Truck Cab Styles Explained
- Common 1st Gen Silverado Problems: 1999 to 2007
- Top Problems GMT 400 (1988-2002)
- Why Won’t My Tail Lights Turn Off?
- Windshield Wipers Not Working? [Diagnose & Fix]
- Why is My Car Leaking Oil?
- Why Are My Brake Lights Staying On?
- Car Door Squeaking? How to Diagnose and Fix a Car Door Hinge
4th Generation Chevy Truck Model Years
- 1988 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1989 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1990 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1991 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1992 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1993 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1994 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1995 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1996 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1997 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1998 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1999 Chevy C1500 C2500 C3500
- 2000 Chevy C2500 C3500
- 2001 Chevy C3500
- 2002 Chevy C3500
- 1988 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1989 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1990 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1991 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1992 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1993 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1994 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1995 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1996 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1997 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1998 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1999 Chevy K1500 K2500 K3500
- 2000 Chevy K2500 K3500
- 1988 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1989 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1990 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1991 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1992 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1993 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1994 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1995 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1996 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1997 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1998 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 1999 GMC C1500 C2500 C3500
- 2000 GMC C2500 C3500
- 2001 GMC C3500
- 2002 GMC C3500
- 1988 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1989 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1990 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1991 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1992 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1993 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1994 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1995 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1996 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1997 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1998 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 1999 GMC K1500 K2500 K3500
- 2000 GMC K2500 K3500
