Hello all. I've got a question I would like to have answered ASAP. My lil' bro plans on getting this 5.3L Silverado, possibly this Saturday. Went to take it for a spin, and the E-brake light stays lit. Tryed to engage it, then release it several times.... no help. Stays on. So what's the problem??

Next question, same truck. The ABS light stays on. What's up with that??

Also, the truck seems to take off weird. From a stop, the truck makes a slight jerk when gas is applied, and a slight noise. What are the possibilities that this could mean??

The truck is a 2000, has 150K on the odometer, and was a fleet vehicle previously. My bro really wants a 5.3L, and they are few and far between. All help, suggestions and responses are much appreciated. TIA, guys.

Paul

 

I would say keep looking. Hard to believe a 5.3 is hard to find, but you know more about your market than we do. 150 is a lot to have on an 00 as well. Keep looking. You don't want to get into a problem that starts with problems. Just my .02.

Andrew

 

1. The ebrake is shot and probably grinding in the hub inside the rear rotor. Chances are it's never been replaced, and they will go bad on a 2000 model. The fix started in 01 for that problem.

2. the front ABS module is shot and that's about anywhere from a 300 to 1000 fix depending on new/used parts and labor. This could be causing the jerky take off's also.

3. Tranny will be going very shortly at 150k.

 

I say the ABS controll module is shot and they pulled the fuse under the hood. Take a for a test drive and stand on the brakes and see if the ABS kicks in. I have the same problem on mine.

 

Ditto. Look for a missing ABS fuse. Put in a new fuse and you will probably hear something like an electric motor buzzing under the cab, that means the Brake Control Module is crapped out. Obviously, you don't have to replace it, you just gotta remeber that your truck doesn't have ABS anymore. If you do want to replace it, I think there is a guy on the net who has an exchange deal going for $200-300.

The second problem sounds like it is just the old famous driveline slack/clunk problem. You didn't say what cab the truck has, but I'm betting it's an extended cab. There's no real fix for it, you can replace the input yoke on the driveshaft with the updated nickel-plated version, but the noise may or may not go away. You just gotta grease the shaft on the transmission/driveshaft and keep fresh U-joints in it to keep the noises to a minimum.

I hope the truck is dirt cheap....if not, I'd keep looking for a 2001+

 

Thanks all for the replies. Yeah, it is hard to believe a 5.3L hard to find around here. Its a single cab. Been looking for two months now for a 5.3L single cab and have come across 5. 3 have been worthy of consideration, with body damage, paint, etc.etc. The truck is now going for 7G's, my dad talked the seller down. But from what you guys are telling me, sounds like we can push for a better price with so many miles and everything that's wrong.

Another thing happened since I posted this thread. It threw an SES light, went to Autozone, and told my dad it was a knock sensor, $35 part.

How hard is all this work to do? ABS, E-brake and sensor replacement??

I would dig into the truck with my friend if it's relatively easy to handle to keep the cost of all this down.

 

Sup everyone! This is Paul's brother. Just wanted to thank everyone that responded. I joined the site because I wanted to start the quest for knowledge on my future truck. I've been lurking around for a while, and thought why not join instead of having my brother ask all the questions for me? Thanks again for all your help, and will post up again when I got another question, and when I finally get a truck.

 

dont buy it. find one in better shape and less miles. unless this guy is willing to sell it for dirt cheap

 

Yeah. Before I left for class, my bro and dad walked in. The shop we took it to for a diagnostic said almost 3G's including parts and labor. The search continues...

 

i am assuming you are looking for a 2WD standard cab 5.3

i wouldn't mind buying one either. i have looked online for used one, and i can only find 4WD's with 5.3's, or 2WD with 4.8

it will be a rare find, but there out there. keep looking