2004 and up......

[barry1982]

Good Evening Gentlemen, Just thought I would pass along a little information I wish I had a few months ago before buying a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Z-71.
Have been driving Chevy/GM trucks since 1983. Currently own at least 10 from 67 up to 05. My 05 has low mileage. I purchased it from the original owner who is an older Gentleman. I'm having a few problems with the truck, and am slowly discovering that starting in 04 GM made the trucks a lot harder/expensive to work on. I have a couple burnt dash lights. Well, 2003 down have old style light sockets that are easy to change. 2004 up..... you have to change the whole cluster,(and get reprogrammed at GM) or try take it apart, and solder in tiny bulbs. My 05 started "bucking" a little on the drive home today. Thought it would be a good idea to change the fuel filter. Well, 2003 down have a nice stainless fuel filter mounted on the frame under cab. 2004 up, the fuel filter is part of the fuel pump/sending unit mounted inside the fuel tank! What used to be a ten minute driveway job is now "major surgery". Had I know these things a few months ago....probably would have looked for a low mileage 02 or 03.

[Desert1957]

I'm sorry to inform you of the LONG list of problems you are going to encounter, Here is a short list of my issues on my 2004 Z71.

* power steering box
* power steering pump
* power steering cooler and lines
* steering shafts
* tailgate cables
* brake lines
* fuel lines
* transmission lines
* fuel pump
* multiple 4wd issues
* transfer case shift motor
* front differential shift actuator
* all u-joints
* all shock aborbers
* dash cluster (2 times)
* radio/CD player
* alternator
* blower resistors
* blower motor
* water-pump
* serpentine belts
* idler and tensioner pulleys ( 2 times)
* drivers door latch switch
* tailgate handle and latch
* blend door actuator motors
* rusted out rear bumper
* OEM trailer hitch failed due to poor quality
* transmission has had the infamous "clunk" during shifting since day one

These are the only things I can think of, Truck was purchased new 2004. Current mileage 115,000. I know some of these things are due to age, but I have NEVER replace most of these parts on anything Iv'e ever owned in 45 + years of driving.
Most of these issues started 1 year out of factory warranty or about 3-5 years in.

[barry1982]

Well, sounds like you have yourself a real "gem". A shame as these trucks are a pleasure to drive. Will keep an eye on mine. If problems persist, it's down the road. I keep busy enough working on my old trucks, don't need a full time job fixing my newest one.

[Desert1957]

Forgot to mention I'm a certified technician with over 40+ years of experience.
Yea, I like mine too when its all running good. Road salt and lately brine on the road pre treatment has really taken its toll on the old girl.

[Tom]

Everything is in the name of producing the truck using less money invested, meaning more profits. Amazing how they get cheaper made yet keep skyrocketing in price isn't it?

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by Tom

Everything is in the name of producing the truck using less money invested, meaning more profits. Amazing how they get cheaper made yet keep skyrocketing in price isn't it?

Very sad indeed. This was my first experience with buying a new truck back then. Guess its no surprise I keep going back to my old square body.

[greasemonkey]

Both my '04 and '05 are southern trucks, so I don't have the rust issues you guys up north have. Maybe because of that, I have the opposite opinion. I think they're some of the best trucks made. My '05 had the stock brake pads and rotors on it at 120k miles, I finally changed them just because they were 12 years old. They still had plenty of meat on them. My Tahoe has 280k with all original drivetrain, including the 4l60e. I also use it for towing. I do have a replaceable fuel filter on the Tahoe due to it being a flex fuel truck. I agree that some things (like dash lights and AC actuators) should be more maintenance friendly, but I feel like the tradeoff is worth it.

[chevlady]

I had replace the brake lines in my 2005 Silverado a couple weeks ago.Went to push on the brake pedal and no brakes.Found a spot on the floor which was brake fluid seeing the brake lines were rusted out.I went with the pre bent kit made out of stainless steel made by Dorman.The instrument cluster,I sent out to get rebuilt yesterday.

[treveiger]

Fixing the LEDs in the dash cluster is a two hour job tops. I've done it a few times. I have a 05 Yukon and have had a few issues but mostly wear and tear due age and mileage. With anything newer your going to have more complicated issues. The more accessories the more things will go wrong. It's the trade for comfort and ease for price and headache.

[chevlady]

With getting the instrument cluster rebuilt,you get a lifetime warranty.The place I sent mine to,they are quick and do a great job.I had a few friends of mine recommend me this option and check out this place, www.myairbags.com

[mountie]

Reading these posts..... 'spooks' me a little.....
My WONDERFUL '88 GMC C2500 SLE is being shipped to Germany to a collector.
I have 392,000 on it and it has practically everything done ( stock).... From recent total front steering & suspension replacement w/ MOOG, engine /tranny mounts, all engine air management sensors, interior.... the list is long....
Just needs a new paint job ( original paint)
Then I found a mint 2005 Yukon XL 4wd ( Graphite color),.. garage kept, one owner.... oil changed every 3,000..... I thought it was time to get something new... but not "too new" because of repair expense on the ridiculous new ones....
VIN # check shows an assume history. Mechanic found no issues.
Hopefully I won't have to learn too many repair tricks....

My old '88 was sort of fun to work on....

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by mountie

Reading these posts..... 'spooks' me a little.....
My WONDERFUL '88 GMC C2500 SLE is being shipped to Germany to a collector.
I have 392,000 on it and it has practically everything done ( stock).... From recent total front steering & suspension replacement w/ MOOG, engine /tranny mounts, all engine air management sensors, interior.... the list is long....
Just needs a new paint job ( original paint)
Then I found a mint 2005 Yukon XL 4wd ( Graphite color),.. garage kept, one owner.... oil changed every 3,000..... I thought it was time to get something new... but not "too new" because of repair expense on the ridiculous new ones....
VIN # check shows an assume history. Mechanic found no issues.
Hopefully I won't have to learn too many repair tricks....

My old '88 was sort of fun to work on....

Garage kept is a PLUS. Mine was garaged for about half its life so far. Some of my issues were related to road salt and brine from the northeast. Hopefully you will have better luck then some of us.

If you do a google search on these trucks (99-06) you will find common problems we all are having. I CAN be objective because I worked as a mechanic on this generation of Chevy's. I personally have NEVER replaced so many parts on any new vehicle Iv'e purchased.

[barry1982]

My 2005 Sierra left me on the road on the way home from work the other day. Just quit like you turned the key off. Let it sit 10 min....fires up and drives a few miles, quits again..... Tested fuel pressure....good.... cleaned MAP sensor...pulled intake manifold and changed Cam position sensor..... runs until it warms up...and quits. Trailered it 60 miles to closest GM dealer...and now awaiting their findings. Very disappointed with this vehicle. only 150 KM on it, and nothing but problems. I wish I could buy a brand new 72'.....or even 85'. Had both of these trucks, and they seemed a lot better then this one. Maybe not as comfortable, but more dependable.

[mountie]

Originally Posted by barry1982

My 2005 Sierra left me on the road on the way home from work the other day. Just quit like you turned the key off. Let it sit 10 min....fires up and drives a few miles, quits again..... Tested fuel pressure....good.... cleaned MAP sensor...pulled intake manifold and changed Cam position sensor..... runs until it warms up...and quits. Trailered it 60 miles to closest GM dealer...and now awaiting their findings. Very disappointed with this vehicle. only 150 KM on it, and nothing but problems. I wish I could buy a brand new 72'.....or even 85'. Had both of these trucks, and they seemed a lot better then this one. Maybe not as comfortable, but more dependable.

Previous owner had Cam sensor changed ..back during warranty..... It will take a little while for me to get used to my "new" 2005.... So far so good...

But, PLEASE let us know what the findings are. Thanks & I hope it is just one $, and not more $$$ !

[barry1982]

Forgot to update my post....My truck is finally fixed...! Turns out is was a bad wiring harness that goes to the crank position sensor. Worked fine cold, imagine heat from the engine caused a wire to expand losing connection. Would have been a hard thing to try track down at home. Also installed a new crank position sensor for good measure.

[mountie]

Originally Posted by barry1982

Forgot to update my post....My truck is finally fixed...! Turns out is was a bad wiring harness that goes to the crank position sensor. Worked fine cold, imagine heat from the engine caused a wire to expand losing connection. Would have been a hard thing to try track down at home. Also installed a new crank position sensor for good measure.

Thanks for the up-date... From what you said, I should start checking my wiring harness for any hot areas, and protect it..