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1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical problems

23 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 106,000.

owner complaints
23
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
106,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Wiring
    8
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    3
  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    1
  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    1
  • Horn
    1
  • 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 14, 2015 · Electrical, Fuel system · 200,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet silverado 1500. When turning the key in the ignition, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the fuel pump warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and replaced the fuel pump. The contact also stated that the windshield wipers functioned intermittently and the vent controls failed. The bolts on the tail lights were replaced twice, but the failure recurred where a wire failed causing the lighting for the rear tail lights to fail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2015 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · AL

The heater blower on the high setting that defrosts the windshield for visibility stopped working. The cab of the truck filled with smoke and smelled like plastic burning. The electrical harness for the blower motor was burning. The dealership said it was a design defect but the year of my truck didn't qualify for the recall. If I didn't can't the burning wires when I did my truck would have burned to the ground. This is a life threatening defect. I had it verified that the load for the wire and the type of connector used for the wiring harness is not adequate for the electrical load of blower motor and blower speed relay. I owned this truck for years without being in a hot or extreme cold environment. When I used the high speed blower to defrost the windshield it could have killed me. The truck still has not been repaired, the mfr refuses to accept that this truck falls under the same defect as other years.

Filed Jul 25, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 230,000 miles · PA

This is an ongoing problem for several years. My battery has side mounted terminals. Each time the temperature goes up or down the positive post becomes loose. Most times it is a problem as I start the vehicle. When I turn the key the engine begins to start, then it shuts down due to lack of electrical power. Twice in the past week it has shut down while traveling down the road, once in the middle of I-83, during rush hour in downtown harrisburg, pa. Over the last few years it has, on several occasions, "hiccupped" several times while I was driving. I have tightened the screw-in post down (twice) to the point where I have rounded the hex head off and the wrench jumped off the head but, it continues to come loose. I spoke with an auto parts store and they recommended an adhesive, which I tried. It still came loose. I have even changed out the battery but, still the problem exists. This was a very popular year for chevy w/t pick up trucks. I cannot imagine these problems have not been involved in recalls before now. The obvious fix is to replace the battery with one that has top mount posts. I would also have to replace the cables. Why should I have to pay that when this is obviously a design flaw?

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 184,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 184,000. Updated 06/17/14*lj the consumer stated there was intermittent smoke coming from the steering column for a week. There was also an intermittent problem with the headlights. Updated 06/24/14

Filed May 10, 2007 · Electrical · 106,000 miles · OK

1998 chevorlet silverado c1500 pickup failed to start intermittently. Problem is related to the gm pass lock ii system. Problem started 1.5 years ago and has become more frequent. I talked with the local gm repair facility , and they said it would cost between $200 - $6oo to troubleshoot. Replacement parts would be an additional cost. Also, they stated that gm was aware of an occasional malfunction with the pass lock ii system, but gm didn't think there was a widespread problem. This problem has left me stranded on several occasions. This malfunction happened without notice, and sometimes it took anywhere from a few minutes to several hours for the malfunction to correct itself to the point where I could start the truck. I have replaced several parts related to the pass lock ii system, but the problem still persisted. Gm offered no help.

Filed Nov 9, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · 10,000 miles · IN

1998 chevrolet, k1500,4x4, 5.7 vortec at about 40,000 miles had to have intake manifold gasket replaced, windshield wiper motor works and then doesn't,master cylinder has failed twice,d/s electric window works and then doesn't and rear turn signal housing and connection on right side keeps failing, not bulb! Also leak resulting in loss of coolant from reservoir, in the middle of underneath vehicle. Bought new!

Filed May 3, 2005 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · OH

Fan control for air conditioner failed causing blower motor to stay continuously even after truck turned off and key removed- causing multiple drained and replaced baterries before defect found

Filed Mar 23, 2005 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · TX · fire

Vehicle was parked for about 24 hours when all of a sudden it caught on fire. Results showed that there was an electrical short in the dashboard, which caused the fire. Consumer will contact manufacturer.

Filed Mar 2, 2005 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · AL

On two separate occasions the vehicle stalled while driving at highway speed of 50 MPH or more. Vehicle was towed to the dealer on the second incident which occurred on february 9, 2005. The dealer believed that the problem maybe a faulty safety cut off switch. *ak consumer had buddy-booster removed and problem has not reoccurred.

Filed Dec 27, 2001 · Electrical · FL

Consumer was traveling about 65mph on highway to make a exit onto another ramp and without prior warning vehicle shut off. Consumer was able to pull over to shoulder. A few minutes later, vehicle turned back on. He was able to make it home. Dealership was aware of problem. Mechanic told consumer that connectors to positive battery cable were defective. Mechanic replaced cable.

Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the electrical of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 106,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2014 (341 complaints), 2004 (267 complaints) and 2003 (195 complaints).

Other 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

Brakes 122Visibility 59Steering 46Transmission 26Engine 18Suspension 17Acceleration 15Body 15Fuel system 12Tires 12Seat belts 10Seats 10Airbags 7Lights 7Locks 4Wheels 3Driver assistance 1

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