TRUCKS

4 Top Issues With an Old Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra—According to a Mechanic

As pickups go, the 2007-2014 generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are particularly reliable. Like any vehicle, things can go wrong as the miles pile up, but fortunately for the owners of this truck it’s relatively easy to deal with. Here’s the scoop.

A faulty throttle body causes the check engine light to come on

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | general motors

Depressing the accelerator pedal in your Silverado/Sierra opens a valve inside and allows more air to flow into the engine. If you have a check engine light with the corresponding code P2135, you know you have a problem with the throttle body. But wait! You may not need to replace the entire unit.

On the dashboard and even the cruise control system to stop working.

This is also a relatively easy fix. Simply buy a new pressure sensor and replace the old one. You can access the sensor from the driver’s side floor of your truck. You only need to loosen one screw and one clip to remove the old screw.

A broken steering wheel position sensor causes the stability system warning light to come on

A gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a tan cabin is in a photo studio with all its doors open for a publicity photo.
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | general motors

The 2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra has a relatively advanced stability control system. The system includes a yaw sensor that tracks how the car is moving on the road and a steering wheel position sensor. If the two sensors differ, the on-board computer can activate the stabilization system. But if you see the stability system light come on while driving straight on the road, you may have a broken steering wheel position sensor.

Since the steering position sensor is located at the base of the steering column, replacing it can be a involved process. 1A Auto warns that you will need to remove the entire steering column. And while this doesn’t require as much mechanical knowledge as other auto repair procedures, it is a job with many steps.

A worn intermediate steering column causes excessive noise

A couple stands next to trays of starter seedlings, a silver Sierra 1500 pickup truck visible behind them.
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 | general motors

The front wheels on your Silverado/Sierra must be able to move up and down while the steering wheel remains in one place. Because of this, the steering column can overlap up and down. On some Chevy/GMC trucks, this flex point wears out and causes excessive thumping sounds when you go over bumps.

Some 2007-2014 Sierra/Silverado models have a greased telescopic linkage in the center steering column. In this case, the short-term fix for a “clunking” joint is to re-enlarge it. But A1 Auto warns that the noise will start again in 5,000 miles. Eventually, you’ll have to replace its telescoping hinge.

So there you have it, the top five issues with the 2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra – according to 1A Auto. While there aren’t major powertrain safety concerns on this list, there are a few components that are prone to early wear and it’s good to have them checked.

Then, read or watch the 1A video for yourself below:

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