2003 Chevrolet S10: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 17, 2021 · Airbags, Brakes · KS

Twice now while lightly applying brakes to come to a stop at an intersection the antilock brake system engaged. Since it was unexpected I almost didn't come to a stop in time before rolling into the intersection into traffic. The ABS warning indicator was illuminated intermittently before this with recorded DTC C0268 (Pump motor circuit shorted). Also the transfer case input shaft seal failed which caused transmission fluid to leak into the transfer case, completely filling it. That caused the transfer case vacuum switch to fail and transmission fluid was sucked into the vacuum lines and eat through them causing a vacuum leak. Because of the vacuum leak, whenever I would accelerate to highway speeds and the engine would use what vacuum it could, the 4WD actuator would lose its vacuum then regain it when the RPM's dropped and try to lock the front axle while at highway speeds which would cause the truck to jerk and the gears to grind. And lastly the Airbag warning indicator is always illuminated for reasons I do not know.

Filed Jul 26, 2010 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · NC

Bought 2003 s-10 v6 one year ago.(11/2009) truck has less than 45000k on it brakes on the vehicle squeal and lock up all the time. I have had my brakes worked on 4x's by a gm certified mechanic, the problem still is not fixed. I have turned rotors, changed brake pads, loosened back brakes, etc. Nothing works! If it is raining outside vehicle is unsafe to drive due to skidding into car in front of you. As a matter of fact it is unsafe to drive all the time due to skidding/brakes locking up/increased stopping distance. Mechanic has looked online to see if anything is mentioned about what to do next. I have looked and looks like more people are having the same problem. I have spent already close to $700 on this brake problem. One diagnosis is to replace rotors but I feel this should be something gm does since more people are having this problem and the severity of this issue. Someone could be hurt or even killed.

Filed Jan 16, 2009 · Brakes, Visibility · 3,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet s-10. In inclement weather conditions, the windshield wipers fail to return to their proper position. As a result, the windshield remains partially covered with debris. The contact, who is a certified mechanic, stated that the failure was due to improper spring tension in cold weather conditions. He heard grinding metal when the brake pedal was depressed. Eventually, the brake pads completely failed and needed to be replaced. He called the dealer and the manufacturer, but was not provided any assistance. The failure mileage was 3,000 and current mileage was 62,000. Updated 2/9/09 *cn updated 02/13/09.

Filed May 23, 2008 · Engine · 29,896 miles · TN

I bought a new chevrolet s-10 in 2003. From the very first time I drove it I noticed the A/C compressor made a grinding noise which was much nosier than any other compressor I've ever heard on any vehicle. I took it back to the dealer and they supposedly "checked it out", on a couple of different occasions and claimed there was nothing wrong with the A/C. All I know is two months after the warranty expired, my A/C compressor started smoking, blowing heavy clouds of white smoke into the passenger compartment, and the air coming into the passenger compartment was hot. The clutch had went out on the compressor. Now I have a fairly nice truck that I have to bake in when I drive it. This is the first car I've ever owned in my 52 years that ever had this to happen. I certainly feel cheated in that I was at the time still making payments on the vehicle, which I bought brand new and took good care of. Do I have any avenue of recourse? I feel my A/C compressor was defective from day one, as does my brother, who owns a large professional HVAC company here in town. Please help me. Thank you.

Filed Jul 2, 2004 · Suspension · 1,866 miles · NC

2003 s-10 pickup, VIN [xxx] . When I took this vehicle to fletcher chevrolet for an oil change on oct 28, 2003, at 1,866 miles, I mentioned that there was a squeak coming from the front right suspension. They checked and heard the squeak. The vehicle was scheduled for repair on nov 17, 2003. On dec 3, 2003, 2 weeks later, I picked up the vehicle and was told that the coil spring insulators were replaced. On dec 11, 2003, I went to fletcher chevrolet for an oil change and again mentioned having a squeak in the front. The front end was lubricated. This did not fix the problem but I procrastinated until june 7, 2004 before taking the vehicle back for service. Fletcher chevrolet checked the vehicle and said that they needed to order upper control arm bushings. The vehicle was scheduled for repair on june 17, 2004. On july 1, 2004, 2 weeks later, I was informed that the vehicle was ready. This time they lubed joints and bushings, removed the stabilizer bar to grease bushings and replaced the stabilizer link bushings and upper bushings. This did not fix the problem. The noise still existed. The nice folks at the fletcher chevrolets service department explained that they had done all they could but since gm told them that my defect was not a problem stemming from drivability part of normal operation, additional work would not be performed under warranty to fix this defect. I called this number and spoke with sara hartmann. After checking she informed me that chevrolet knew that some s-10s were experiencing a suspension noise problem but it was characteristic of the vehicle and there was no known fix. In essence she is saying, to make me feel better, that I am not alone. I told her that this was my 4th s-10 and I did not have this problem with the others. She did offer me a smart care package consisting of free oil changes for 12 months or 12,000 miles. I would rather have the defect fixed. *ak updated 07/25/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.

Filed Sep 26, 2003 · Transmission · 7,300 miles · CA

Tailgate fell off while driving. One side stayed attatched causing tailgate to drag. Also, engine makes high pitch squealing noise between 4000-4500 rpms. Also 5th gear went out while driving down the freeway. Have had several friends that own the same vehicle have transmission problems like this. Also, molding around front windshield likes to melt.