Hello,
I have a 1998 Chevy K1500 4x4 which is experiencing issues on two fronts: brakes and general operation.
For the brakes, over the last couple years we have replaced just about every part of the system, including:
- master cylinder
- calipers
- brake lines
In addition, in the last week I worked with a local mechanic to bleed the lines and he turned the rotors as well. The result is that while the truck does stop, the pedal height is still really high and feels like there’s no pressure until the pedal’s nearly to the floor. I get the feeling that if I needed to stop abruptly or at a higher speed than 35mph, I wouldn’t be able to. I’m not sure what needs to happen next.
As to the general operation: the first time I start the truck on any given day, it fires up and runs smoothly. If I take it across town, however, and put it in park, it gasps, sputters, and dies. It is then very difficult to get the vehicle to start again–usually I have to push the gas pedal all the way to the floor and grind the starter until the engine turns over. After that, I have to keep my foot on the accelerator for 15-30 seconds at around 3000 RPM as the truck shudders and lurches, until it smooths out. Once I put it into drive or reverse, however, it dies, unless I am quick to push the accelerator again.
Until recently, the truck had only been driven four times in the last two years or so.
So far, I have:
- replaced the air filter
- added fresh gas (to the old)
- added an engine treatment (Sea-Foam)
Everything I have done is stuff that needs to be taken care of anyway, and I want to take care of all the little things before I take it to a dealership to have a full diagnostic run on it. I also plan to have an oil change done on it this week.
Any thoughts?
Thanks so much,
Kristel
Does the truck have ABS?
Tester
Yes it does.
Kristel
To get a firm brake pedal again, locate an area where the brakes can be locked up. Such as on grass or on a gravel road. Get the vehicle speed up to about 15 MPH and then slam on the brakes. Repeat this until the brake pedal is firm.
The second problem you describe might be a problem with the Idle Air Control circuit. Such as a defective Idle Air Control valve.
Tester
Or an air leak at the intake manifold gasket.
Thanks for the advice–for the brake issue, is this a permanent fix or a diagnostic maneuver?
I was wondering if it had to do something with air control/intake, as I had a similar problem with an older Pontiac–same shuddering, etc, except it was old enough to have a carburetor. With it, a vacuum line had a leak.
The gaskets are all original, so it’s very possible that there’s a leak somewhere.
Thanks,
Kristel