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2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical complaints

Page 2 of 10: complaints 11 to 40 of 267, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 16, 2016 · Electrical · 13,850 miles · VA

Instrument cluster panel gauges quit working. Truck has little less than 14,000 miles on it. Through internet search discovered that a special service bulletin was issued but did not receive one. Noticed that it only covers 7 years or 70,000 miles for gm to replace. I am well under the 70,000 miles and feel that it should be replaced by gm. Speedometer was the first gauge to quit working. All service on vehicle has been performed by gm dealership to date. Do not understand why I have to repair this at my own cost.

Filed Dec 20, 2015 · Electrical · 268,000 miles · MI

2004 chevrolet silverado ls 1500 instrument cluster and heater electrical failures. It is a known problem that the stepper motors in the instrument cluster are guaranteed to fail resulting in not knowing what speed you are going or any other gauge such as fuel, temperature or oil pressure. Gm refused to fix problem when still under warranty. I fixed the first 2 stepper motor failures myself, now at 268,xxx miles there is a problem in the ignition switch which leaves me with no function of the instrument panel and loss of HVAC blower function. It is now winter here in michigan, vehicle problems started when it was winter when the speedometer and fuel gauge failed the first time. Now, the heater fan and instrument cluster have failed at the same time! The law requires a speedometer! This should be made a mandatory replacement of all instrument clusters regardless of miles or age of the vehicle. 2004 chevrolet silverado ls 1500 that has the failed instrument cluster and heater blower problems. As a gm stock holder I demand action be taken to replace instrument clusters in all affected gm vehicles at no cost. As it stands now, I will not buy another gm product if this problem is not rectified at no cost to me!. Loyal gm customers that have bought gm vehicles almost exclusively should have these problems resolved at "no cost" regardless of mileage or age of the vehicle mileage. I am the original owner of the vehicle affected. I am also a native born american citizen. Lets kick gm's behind!

Filed Sep 17, 2015 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · CA

I was driving my truck to a friends house and all of a sudden my cages started going crazy they showed that my truck was overheating and when I stopped its wasn't overheating the the air conditioning started to get hot and then cold and stopped. Know none of the cages work. Two weeks again my wife and I went to breakfast and when I went to turn the ignition off it wouldn't turn off so I had to leave the vehicle running after breakfast we went home and I disconnected the cables and the truck turned off . Then the next morning I hooked them back up and it started by it self. I am a 77 year old senior and I cannot believe that this is happening . I would like help in trying to figure this all out it sounds like defects to me I have always owned silverado trucks and never has anything like this happened.

Filed Aug 17, 2015 · Electrical, Seat belts · 50,000 miles · OR

A few months ago 2 of the seat belts on the middle row seats of my vehicle became stuck so they are unable to be pulled out long enough to reach to be clipped in. Around 2010 several of the gauge needles on the instrument panel of my 2004 chevy tahoe started to stop working. From 2010 till 2015 I tried to take to a dealership 2 times to get it look at but by the time I took it into the dealership it would start working again so I was advise to bring it in when it was not working. A couple months ago when having the same issue I decided to take it to a local shop where I have paid $300 to try to get it fix, however the electrician found a report in regards to my car's problem and advise me to take my vehicle to a dealership to seek repairs at no cost. I then took it to ron tonkin chevrolet on 8/10/2015 located at 122nd ave and was told that no recalls were found for this issue just a notice and advised me to contact gm to seek cost assistance. On 8/11/2015 I called gm at (800)630-2438 and talked to a rep, then a senior advisor and was told that my request was denied and so I requested to talk to someone above the senior advisor. I was told that I will get a call in the next 24-48 hrs but since I didn't get a call I called them back on 8/17/2014 and was told by a supervisor that my request is denied because the smart care coverage ended in 2011 and I should had follow the instructions on the notice sent to vehicle owner before 2011 to get my instrument panel gauges and seat belts repair. I explained them that I did not received that notice but they claimed that it was sent to me and for that reason nothing else they can do. I consider that this should be a safety matter and that gm should be responsible to cover the cost for the repairs.

Filed Jun 15, 2015 · Acceleration, Electrical · 117,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet 1500. While driving 30 MPH, the speedometer failed to display the correct speed. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the dash cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000. Updated 09/11/15

Filed Apr 23, 2015 · Airbags, Electrical · 160,000 miles · WA

A month or two ago the heating system stayed blowing while in off position and even while the car was turned off, kept killing the battery so it had to be disconnected. Rear window will roll down at start up. Radio will squeal at start up and had to be turned on or off from the center console. This week the air bag light came on and check tire. Periodically the service stability light will blink on. Today the wipers will not turn off. Very worried that it will accelerate, catch fire or shut off while driving. We have an apt for repair on monday. Is the electrical panel a category included int he recalls?

Filed Apr 4, 2015 · Electrical, Fuel system · 92,000 miles · FL

The gas gauge became very inaccurate and then stopped working altogether. Then the alternator gauge stopped being accurate. Works sometime and others it indicates max amps. Checked with a meter and the charge, with motor running is 14.2. My brother had a 2003 when the same happen, cost him 400.00 to have instrument package replaced. This should have been a recall to replace defective instrument package.

Filed Dec 10, 2014 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · ME

I have owned several chevy silverados and have had good experiences so far. I noticed back in 2013 that my fuel gauge was not registering correctly - needle gone crazy. All the other gauges were perfect. The diagnosis was a bad fuel sensor and the entire dashboard cluster had to be replaced. (over $500) I just continue to reset my tripometer when I fuel up now rather than spend that much money. The dealer said it was a common problem with dashboard concerns. Maybe some defective parts????? Anyways, since then I have replaced the brakes, the front struts, the water pump, and recently the entire brake lines at $1200 due to severe corrosion. Still have not replaced the dashboard cluster as I am waiting for the next failure. My other trucks did not seem to fail as much as soon. May be looking at that new aluminum f150 soon.

Filed Nov 14, 2014 · Electrical · 129,000 miles · KS

The dash instrument cluster failed and does not read a correct temperature nor does the oil gauge read correctly. The temperature gauge read that the temperature was above the highest reading on the gauge. There is a clicking sound within the instrument panel continuously. The vehicle was taken in for evaluation at a service station, they ran a diagnostic and determined that the instrument cluster is failing and its readings are not correct. It will require replacement.

Filed Oct 23, 2014 · Electrical · TX

The dashboard digital command center (language, odometer, trip meter, warning messages) does not display odometer, trip meter or warning messages. The language switches from english, french & spanish without allowing for a selected language. Mileage is not able to be displayed at all.

Filed Oct 9, 2014 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · FL

The air conditioner stopped working and there was a slight burning smell. The air conditioner was turned off and the vehicle driven home without incident. Upon inspecting the system, the blower motor resistor was found to have a burnt appearance and slight odor.

Filed Aug 23, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 80,000 miles · AZ

When coming to a stop, the ABS system fails. I researched and I found a recall up to 2003 model for the same exact problem. I do not think it was corrected in the 2004 model. Disconnected the fuse to stop the problem but it now is an issue because I'm trying to sell the vehicle and the ABS light on all the time. They want $900 to replace the ABS module.

Filed Jun 16, 2014 · Electrical · 1 miles · IN

Everytime I drive on the interstate my speedometer reads the wrong speed, or quits working entirely. The tachometer does not even work at all. Speedometer reads wrong in winter time, freezes after I hit a bump in the road. Usually requiring me to turn off the engine to reset it.

Filed Jun 10, 2014 · Electrical · 39,958 miles · NJ

The truck's instrument panel failed. With the exception of the speedometer, all the gauges failed to show accurate readings. The issue began as a sporadic condition. The panel would work some days and then not work on others. In addition, we experienced the situation where the entire panel, including all dash lighting and digital displays have gone out for days at a time. As of december 2013, the main gauges are completely inoperable. We only have the working speedometer, no other gauges. We purchased this truck new and kept it well maintained. This problem should not occur under normal conditions. Please research and advise.

Filed May 21, 2014 · Electrical · 155,000 miles · NM

Speedometer on the instrument panel stopped working.

Filed Apr 12, 2014 · Electrical · 46,000 miles · NH

Stopped to get gas. Truck was idling went to shut ignition switch off. Key comes out without locking steering. Went to start truck and when running could pull key out of ignition and still running. Never had this issue with a vehicle before. Ignition switch is does not always turn without jiggling(intermittent). Similar ignition switch not turning without jiggling on my 2007 saturn vue([xxx]).I believe this is a safety defect peculiar to gm ! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr updated 09/29/2014

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 130,000 miles · CT · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated the while he attempted to accelerate after a stop, the vehicle stalled and caused the contact lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle veered into the left lane and crashed into another vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to the face, neck and right hand. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 04/29/14

Filed Feb 28, 2014 · Electrical, Visibility · 116,159 miles · IN

I bought my 2004 used with 116,159 miles on it. I noticed the blower motor for the A/C and heater would act up on its own and thought it was just the auto climate control it has. I smelled electrical wiring burning at different times but could not find anything burnt in the wiring after inspecting the wiring under the dash and hood. On feb. 25,2014 I went to the grocery store and when I shut my suburban off the blower motor stayed on. I tried turn the key on and off but the motor stayed on. I went in the store and when I came out 1/2 hour later the blower motor was still running. Now every time I turn the suburban off the blower keeps running so I had to pull the fuse out so it would not run the battery down. I googled the problem and found that this has happened to several other vehicels. After finding out the part that is defective is called a blower relay resistor module I called the parts store to get the part. They said they could not get the part and to try the dealership. The chevrolet dealer had the part and I asked if there happened to be a recall on the part. They wanted my VIN. # so they could check my suburban and said that my suburban was not included in 'that' recall. That sound alittle weird the way he said it so I got on the web and checked myself. There is a recall # 10240 that describes the exact same problems with other 2004 suburbans that is happening with my suburban to the "t". It said in the recall that the problem could cause a fire. Does someone need to die before the recall is expanded to vehicles,the same make,model and year is included!!!!!!

Filed Feb 20, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 42,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the instrument panel malfunctioned and all of the gauges provided inaccurate readings. In addition, the anti-lock system would engage independently and without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the anti- lock braking system needed to be cleaned and the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 42,000 and the current mileage was 44,800. Updated 3/28/14*cn

Filed Jan 15, 2014 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · KS

The vehicle will not start and the security light flashes showing that there is a passlock system problem. The system sensor thinks that it has been tampered with and shuts down the starter. After some period of time usually about 30 minutes it will reset and the vehicle will start again. As time goes by the problem becomes more frequent and the time of reset takes longer, until at some point it will not start at all. Chevy refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem with their passlock system, but a little research on the computer shows that it has become a common problem. Being stranded may not seem like a big deal, but in severe weather conditions, or medical emergency it can be life or death. Since chevy refuses to acknowledge a problem they don't send out information to their shops about how to fix the problem so consumers are spending huge amounts of money on unnecessary parts and labor. This is the third electrical problem my vehicle has had, I am concerned about the entire electrical system going up in flames.

Filed Jan 9, 2014 · Electrical · 57,000 miles · WI

Speedometer stuck at 70mph and stayed that way for a few days. After multiple starts of the vehicle, the speedometer eventually worked its way back to zero. It's now happened again. After contacting gm, they told me to take it to an authorized shop for a diagnosis, which I did and they confirmed it was the issue that gm issued the contract adjustment for, but since it has now expired, there is nothing they could do for me. So why did they ask to have the truck taken in for an inspection? The vehicle now has 66,000 miles on it and I'm very displeased with the customer service.

Filed Jan 9, 2014 · Electrical · 68,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the speedometer malfunctioned and provided an erroneous reading of 30 MPH when the contact was actually traveling 60 MPH. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 68,000. Updated 02/11/14*lj the vehicle was repaired, at a local repair shop. Updated 02/12/14

Filed Dec 31, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 69,983 miles · IN

I realize that this vehicle is well out of the 3 year 36,000 mile manufacturer warranty. But lately with how rapidly this truck with less than 70,000 miles seems to be falling apart on me its just really been frustrating. I've only had the vehicle out of the shop less than two weeks for front wheel bearing/ ABS sensor repair when my speedometer completely went out. Most of the time speedometer is reading 0 MPH occasionally it will flutter between 5-10 MPH. Reading online I see gm extended their speedometer warranty to 7 yrs/70k miles. Just very frustrating general motors. I can only imagine what this what this repair will cost. In the past year alone the repairs that were made to this truck with less than 70,000 miles have been... Front wheel bearings,sway bar(links/bushings), inner/ outer tie rods( both sides), upper/ lower a arms (both sides), new brakes/rotors( all the way around) , a front end alignment with my new tires. This is a 2 wheel drive 1500 truck not a 2500 4x4 that was used to plow snow with for years. No idea why the whole front end of my truck was so rotted out to the point everything needed replaced. Not for a truck with so few miles on it. And now this.

Filed Oct 3, 2013 · Electrical · 101,000 miles · MA

Various gauges intermittently fail. Tachometer reads correctly only part time. Ampmeter does not work. Speedometer either reads incorrectly or not at all. Etc. Entire instrument panel needs to be replaced to safely operate this vehicle. We were never informed of a recall on this unit, mechanic believes that one may have been made. This vehicle was taken to the dealer--a chevrolet dealer--early in our ownership--a new vehicle--with a request to investigate the cluster. We were informed they knew of no problems and said the unit was good.

Filed Aug 28, 2013 · Electrical · 75,000 miles · GA

When turning on the the air conditioner smoke came out of the vents. Changed actuator, it burns out immediately, air still does not work. Recall on this part/product and prince chevrolet in valdosta, ga was unable to fix the problem. Keeps shorting out. Do not want my truck to catch fire. Still have no air!

Filed Aug 9, 2013 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · OH

I just do not understand why a recall has not been issued for the instrument cluster on the 2004 chevy silverado trucks. How is not having a speedometer not a safety issue? Gm did come out with what they do not call a recall for the instrument cluster but it obtained a mileage limit. This is not right they know the part was defective they just do not want to admit it and that is bull. The 1st time I took it to the dealer they would not fix it because the limit was 70k I was at 72+k. Now I am at 187k+ and it should not matter the mileage gm needs to grow up like toyota and admit their faults.

Filed Jun 13, 2013 · Electrical, Transmission · 93,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH the speed odometer failed to operate. The malfunction recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. There was a recall issued by the manufacturer pertaining to the electrical system; however, the VIN was not included. In addition, the gear lever would not shift into the four wheel drive position. The heater blower functioned in only two of the five settings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000. ...updated 07-10-13 *bf the consumer stated a mechanic advised the failures were electrical issues. Updated 7/17/2013

Filed Jun 11, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 113,087 miles · MD

Spontaneous front and rear brake failure on a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500 lt pickup truck. I was pulling up to my driveway and applied the brakes. The pedal went to the floor and I tried to pump the brake with no success. No prior brake level or ABS or proportioning valve warning lights were indicated. I applied the emergency brake and came to a stop. Once I parked the truck I noticed brake fluid dripping down below the driver's door. I crawled under to discover that all four steel brake lines were completely rusted and fluid was steadily coming out. A large puddle under the truck had accumulated over a short time. I noticed that the fuel lines were also severely rusted in the same area. I am 65 years old and have owned many vehicles over my lifetime (including classic cars), but I have never had a brake line rust as bad as these. I am extremely lucky that I wasn't on an interstate highway and had to make a quick stop for traffic ahead. More seriously than the rusted lines is the fact that no prior warning was given before total failure. Dual master cylinders and isolated front and rear lines did not perform as designed. I have been on the internet today and understand that this is not an isolated problem. I can just imagine other people/families who will not be as lucky as me if this continues without something being done to warn and correct the situation. This should be on the news and gm should be involved and resolving the issue. Thanks

Filed May 20, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 79,000 miles · KY

We had received a letter for chevrolet about a recall the mileage on it was up to 150 thousand but the truck then was just about 6000 nothing was wrong 5/18/2013 the dash gauges went out the speedometer and tachometer failed first at about 79000 but now all the dash gauges did not work. We love our 200 silverado truck but have know way to fix it. Lost the letter please send us one because the dealer does not want to fix it for us. Help!!!!

Filed May 24, 2012 · Electrical, Transmission · 42,000 miles · CA

Bought my truck new in 2004 as my retirement vehicle. I have only 42,000 miles. I had my instrument cluster replaced two years ago under a dealer warranty due to a defective speedometer. Within the past week my transmission has randomly slipped from a dead stop as well as double clunked from a dead stop. Most recently, the AC is randomly blowing out hot air. I should have bought a golf cart instead. Since the truck is now 7+ years old it is no longer under warranty. I'm hoping the transmission does not completely shut down and leave me stranded while driving down the freeway on a hot summer day. Note: I was a victim of the us fidelis extended warranty scam.

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