Hi there. The backup lights are controlled by the park neutral switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/neutral-safety-switch-replacement) on the side of the transmission. Check the switch to make sure the transmission is not leaking fluid out into the switch. The switch may have a...
Hello. When a vehicle sits for this long there can be a number of issues keeping it from starting and running right. You do need to replace the battery, and you should replace all of the fluids before starting it...
Yes, you do have an old truck, but that doesn't mean it can't run well. If you noticed this problem about the time you replaced the catalyst, it could be that the replacement catalyst is not large enough to breathe...
Hi there. Check the fuel injectors and make sure that they are hooked up properly. A leaking fuel injector will cause fuel to flood the cylinder and hydro lock the piston making the engine stop cranking. Also, check for anything...
Most vehicles require at least 13 volts to operate properly. Ideal voltage is 13.8 - 14.4 volts. 14.5 volts is completely acceptable and should cause no issues.
Check for low coolant level and, if low, there is a possibility of air trapped in the system. Check for collapsed (or soft) hoses. Check your engine operating temperature to see if it is in the normal range of 195...
Hi there. Water will sink down in the fuel. Check the air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-filter-replacement) to see if it is dirty. On a diesel engine, if the air filter is dirty then the engine will not start. Check to see if...
The BCM or body control module will be located under the dashboard on the driver side towards the center of the vehicle. Look to the right of the steering column towards the firewall. It will be a small black rectangle....
Hi, the blue-grey smoke you mention is your engine burning oil, probably due to worn piston rings or valve guides and seals. This is expected from an engine with 300K miles on it. Unfortunately for you, California has pretty stringent...
Excessive pressure inside the fuel cell could be caused by a clogged EVAP canister (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-an-evaporative-emission-control-canister-by-timothy-charlet). This system is designed to filter vapors from the fuel tank for environmental reasons. If the canister is full or the purge solenoid is damaged...
Assuming you have the stock equipment still in your truck, it should have come with throttle body fuel injection and not a carburetor. If this is the case, you likely have a low fuel pressure issue that is preventing the...
Hi, thanks for writing in. The charging system is not very complicated. If the alternator and the battery are absolutely 100% good, no doubts about it, then the issue is likely a bad ground. Both the battery and the alternator...
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be having issues the with ABS system. Considering the timing with the brake light switch, you will want to verify that installation and make sure it is clean, dry, and tight....
Check the ignition timing on the distributor and see if the timing is off. If the timing is good, then the accelerator pump in the carburetor or the fuel injectors are not working properly (if your vehicle has TBI injection)....
The brake pedal is working to stop the vehicle, but there may be air in the controller unit causing the ABS brakes to not function. I recommend bleeding the brake system from the farthest location from the master cylinder to...
The harnesses are referred to in GM parts catalogs as "body wiring" and "rear lamp wiring". However, the correct wiring harness for your vehicle can only be found via a VIN number search in the catalog. It can't be searched...
The BCM is under the center console up near the front near dash. One of the seats need to be removed first, then you will need to remove center console. Once the console is removed you can then access the...
Hi - wow, what a challenge! Regarding the reverse lights being on all the time, I would check the reverse light switch on the transmission. I suspect it is stuck in the "ON" position. Regarding the fuel pump being inoperative,...
Hello. A shock is not always bad, but if you see some residue oil leaking from the shock then it may not be functioning fully. If you see a really wet and dripping shock, then it should be replaced. The...
Hello. It is not in the ABS, but may be the proportional valve not giving the correct pressure split front to the rear. The vehicle never had enough pressure for the rear brakes. Have the rear shoes adjusted properly if...
