A lot of people are misunderstanding this video. Most of these ARE common problems. I have owned 3 of these trucks. Some of these are just regular issues that come with any vehicle but I tell you the mileage it happened to me so maybe can help someone out looking to get one of these. These trucks are solid. This isn’t a hate video.

Bought a used 2005 silverado with 50k miles on it, in 2007. 14 years later, and just a tick over 210,000 miles now on the clock, it's been the most solid performing truck I've ever owned and the best investment I've ever made. It's only ever been into the dealer once, to replace the faulty Castech heads (under warranty).

Not Doing burnouts is prolly a good first step to not having problems

I have a 2004 with 200000 miles bought it new and have never had any of those problems, it is by far the best truck I have ever purchased....all chevys are, and I have been purchasing them for years because of the outstanding performance you get from them...

Thanks Man! You already answered most of my problems right out of the gate 😅

I own 04 got from brother in law up in Traverse City Mich. He had 4 wd diff.go out, gauge cluster fixed, i had both hubs replaced and corroded brake lines too. It has 187k on it now. I got it at 155k. Runs like new. 5.3. Not bad considering it had a tough life up north in severe snow rust belt conditions and its a favorite pastime to go 2 tracking in the woods up there.

Every single problem u have mentioned my 03 has had

I actually just bought an 05 for myself, and the only issue I’ve had, same as you is the panel lights all went out. But otherwise it has no issues. It’s only had 1 owner before me and it was an older man who took great care of it. Thanks for the video so I can watch out for similar problems that may come up.

My 04 would be in various transfer case positions on startup. Changed my switch as well and kept doing it. Finally got a service 4wd code and changed my transfer case motor and it’s been fine. 282,000 miles and going.

I have an 06 LT ext cab. I replaced the evap and relocated it above the tank. Transmission was replaced. Driver's ball joint. Knock sensors and harness. Sway bar linkage and bump stops. I dumped the spare tire mechanism and took it off. I keep the spare in the bed. Steering rack replaced. Headliner replaced. All the speakers, head unit. The AC controls replaced twice. One rear light assembly screws into plastic broke and I replaced the entire assembly. Intermediate steering shaft replaced. My blend door is clicking now and needs to be replaced. No leaks. Drives smooth and looks great. Paint is just now starting to fade and develop crows feet in the clear coat. Sounds like allot but that's over 15 years of ownership. ( Made in 2005).

Still have my 2003 Silverado that I bought new. The cluster went out long time ago but luckily it was covered under warranty. I now have 282,000 on it and recently I had to replace all the brake lines due to corrosion which resulted in me not having brakes. Besides that a water pump and alternator is all it has needed. But watch those brake lines if you live where they use salt in the winter.

I just had my encoder on transfer case replaced as well as wiring harness it runs good now

Another common problem is that the fuel level sensor or float whatever you want to call it. They commonly fail in these trucks. The level sensor has a 2 prong detent needles that go up and down on a guage in the the tank. The problem is that one of the needles or prongs what have you. Do break off and can cause a false reading on the fuel guage. You can fill the tank up and when you start it it would read zero gas light on then once in awhile it would read properly. Depending on your driving habits and such. I currently have this problem on my 2003 z71 1500 extended cab. Not a huge issue to me. My fuel guage reads properly about 65% of the time or so. You could calculate mileage whatever you want. Mine is the extended cab with the 6 foot bed. Which has a 26 gallon tank. You can fix this issue by either dropping the fuel tank and replacing it which if you do I recommend having it done on a tank close to empty because it can be heavy. Or you could remove the truck bed. Unbolt and disconnect the wiring harness to the taillights amd trailer hitch of equipped. Both can be done at home with a tool set and a couple of buddies. Don't forget to be safe when working around gasoline and fuel tanks and the vapors. No cell phones or cigarettes. Hope this helps. Sorry for the long comment

The transfer case shifting issue is most likely the ground. They rust up and stop connecting. It is located on the Drivers side frame/cab mount under the drivers door. Take the bolts out and wire wheel the connection and remount it.

Real good video Jeff. I'm looking to buy a Silverado in this year range, and I appreciate the heads up on problems I might run into. Thanks!

Looking at buying a 05 1500HD with a P2771 code pending, but transfer case works fine. Definitely interesting. It also has a Viper system on it.

2006 6.0 All the same problems thanks . Great Video

I have a 2003 with 385,000. If you drive a vehicle you will have to maintain them. My wife bought me a 2017 for a retirement gift. I can’t sell my 2003 though.

The nice thing about those gauge clusters is that after you get the core charge refund it only really costs like $20-30

My 05 definitely has electrical problems too. Blender actuator just recently went out and as far as the blower motor resistor plug, well mine fried as well.

Love my 2003 2500hd 6.0. Still strong @277,000 miles....but electrical issues have been a problem for awhile. Surging lights and battery drain when parked a few days. Tks for the tips

2003 SS with 100k miles. Drove from NC TO California and I’m about to head back. Had to replace front driver wheel bearing, should have done both but I’m gonna wing it

Just got an 05 4x4 off road and it's bin great so far

I’m buying one tomorrow 201,000 miles 🤞🏼 thanks for the heads up!

I now its been a few years buddy but i have the same color and model of truck , ive kept mine running and going thru the same issues, but all in all its been a good truck to me. Greetings from Texas lower rio grande valley.

Bought the inner tie rods and ball joints and Hubs from a cheap Chinese parts supplier called autoshack the tie rods were twice as thick as the originals and the ball joints litterally weighed twice as much as the oem units. I turn 35 125 17 s on them light wheel weekly and pull 7-10k daily for work and I've never had a problem In 30000kms. The weak point is the front diff always seems to grenade in winter pulling my trailer.

I have a 2003 Chevy Silverado, the biggest problem that it has given me is the fuel pump going bad and the gear box, I haven't had any of the problems he have had, and I have noticed that it has lost some power but I can deal with that, and of course as any Silverado has to deal with is the damn 2 small leaks on the evap system

You deserve more subs awesome video

I have a 2004 2500 hd 6 litre LS 4x4 . I have the odometer display issue. I had it fixed once. I again have to tap on the screen and it lights up. I also have an EVAP valve not working . I had it fixed but it once again reads as a problem. The check engine light stays on because on an EVAP valve that doesn't affect performance. I have replaced idler arms but ball joints are good. I do love the truck still.

I had the same issues with my 04 cluster and AC harness also. Seems pretty common. Just replaced my injector spider a few days ago, waiting to see wtf gonna go out next. If it wasnt my Dads and paid off for Id trade it in. Sentimental value.

Keep the videos coming

Brake lines replaced with SS, brakes, shocks, spare tire hoist mod.+ replaced crossmember, airbag sensors, all of the AC actuators on climate control plus both cabin temp. sensors, oil pressure sender (2X), fuel pump module, Evap solenoid, knock sensors(mounted new ones to heads), both front hubs (2X) in 100k, headlight switch. Seems like electrical stuff fails, but most of is easy to fix and pretty cheap. Currently needs gas tank straps, reseal on steering box, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings- mostly due to salt on rods corroding everything and destroying rubber

Do forget about the transfer case they like to put holes in them. Also know for snapping the power steering shaft in half. Knock sensor, intake gaskets, g80 like to break. Your intermediate shaft for steering likes to go out and they will clunk if bad. Axel seals on the front diff. 2-3 shift in trans sucks that's why you put the corvette servo in, it holds longer and more of a firm shift. Door pins suck.

I had my blend actuator go out , Blower motor resister went out. I redid my whole front end at 199000 miles. I did replace my transmission at about 165000. My knock sensor, oil pressure sensor and oil pump also went out.

It’s the sensor in the encoder motor on the transfer case

You have a dash mat cover? If so what kind?

Keep up the great videos bro I'm subscribeing to your channel

Any ideas why my 2003 silverado wont turn over. I turn key to on pos lights on dash come on and shift indicator lights does not appear at all and when i turn key to start position all lights on cluster go out completely and when i let key go back to on position lights come back on. Any ideas. I already changed neutral safety switch????

Most likely a poor connection. Check the ground wire for the 4x4 actuator/switch. It's screwed into the outside of the frame rail, under drivers side. Road salt, dirt, rust= problems 🤙

Biggest issues with mine are the rusty rockers and a crossmember needing replacement.

Don't forget hubs and rockers and cab corners lol headliners etc. Love mine though and will keep her going

Encoder motor are super common problems. I replaced a ton as a gm tech.

For the gas fill problem check the vent tube I had bugs make a nest in mine and I was having same symptoms

I have an 07 classic and a 2018 f150 ecoboost. Both are 4wd and I like both for different reasons. My chevy has the floor shifter 4wd and my Ford has the turn knob crap. Both have had their issues, but not enough to want to get rid of them. The 5.3 has no where near the power of my 3.5 ecoboost, but the non DOD 5.3s are some of the most durable engines ever made.

When your truck changes between 2wd and auto it would be the fault of the encoder sensor on the tcase. Mine failed and that was the fix for me. Mine would shift randomly whenever it wanted

If you have coolant issues check to see if you have 706 heads I had an issue where it was cracked behind the valve pressurizing the coolant system

The problem is #3 motor circuit for hot air and ac if you stay away from #3 and just the other fans you’ll won’t have table again,there was a recall on#3 burning out but I found same hot and ac after just don’t use #3

The EPC computer fuse became melted, then the electricity won’t go. I change it and became with the same problem after 2 month. Looking to find the problem. As I find out, is a wire making grown, but I have no found any wire.

4x4 actuator motor attached to the exterior of the transfercase they somtimes stick. In auto 4wd. My 03 z71 1500 did it just one night and I had to switch to neutral put in 2wd move forward about 15 feet. Shut it off. Start back up back in auto 4wd repeated. 3 times. Works fine now. Have not replaced the actuator motor yet. 4x4 still engages low and high fine. Just keep a look out

I have an 03 1500 getting the whole rear end replaced because I blew up my rear diff. I’ll start working on the front end after I get new tires.

Just today bought me a 04 Silverado 4x4 5.3...275,000 but paper work on a rebuild performed at 200,000..whether its fake or not I'm not positive but seems legit...same issue dash lights are dim on mine and oil pressure guage just stays at 80 but all other guages seem to be accurate..but the oil pressure is prob most important so I will address it asap..i dont think yours is a lemon just to each its own with the issues..i had a 08 f150 4x4 that I swore was a lemon,was plagued with rust issues,had the 5.4 with its issues but I loved the damn thing.. I dont have a preference,I love the chevys,dodges,Yotas, just dont matter,as long as it can take me n the kids down the occasional dirt road and a trail or two,and is half ass dependable then I'm good!!👍 thanks for your info!

You have a lemon 🍋 , lol I have a 03 1500hd with 220,000 and have only replaced fuel pump and water pump and they both went around 190,000 miles , of course the frames are a different story , doing a rear frame section on mine now .

electronic 4x4 selector issues my be caused with ground connection. check frame under the drivers side.

Check your ground under driver side to frame. Can cause weird actions.

my only problems were my ac went out and it started in 4wd low one time but I’ve got 270,000 miles on it

Same issues with the lights..I got cluster rebuilt with new lights and i still blow fuses.. 06 1500 HD

I have a 2004 Silverado and the electrical issues are coming on hard after 160k. Parasitic drain that has been a beyotch to track down. I'm thinking of just putting in a battery kill switch. I have had to replace tie rods, balls joints, wheel bearings, both front axles and a rear seal on the motor/trans. . . . which was real fun. Head gaskets were replaced. . . . I'm just hoping she chugs along for another 75k. . . .

On July 18th i'm getting a '04 2500HD with 130k! Appreciate all of this so I can look out of these in the future! Also are you in the BCS area I swear I've seen this truck around my town!!

I have had some weird electrical things happen on my 2004. Dash bulbs, air vent louvers, radio stops working and starts again, anti theft kicking in, wiper blades not turning off, fuel purge valve, etc. It is sitting at 340k right now despite the issues.

Hot air, ac cables burned, my a.c went out during summer as well! Gas spits out stained below my tank. I cant fill up without it clicking off like if it's full , guess the sensor is flipped upside down. WHAT ABOUT BUMPER? My bumper is falling off the brackets broke ! I've noticed it's a big problem with a lot of chevy trucks

My issues are electrical and suspension right now engine is fine and transmission is uh... probably fine?

Fix the cluster yourself. It's simple resistors that broke free from the board. Remove it from the truck. Open it up. Push on each resistor. The loose ones will move. Solder them back and you're done.

I've never had any of those issues with my truck..mine is a 06..206.000 miles and been flawless...

The reason that it goes to different settings on your four wheel drive switch is the encoder motor sensor it's best to buy a whole new encoder motor then just the sensor

Good heads up but i would go to the professional mechanics sights to get the pros insights and how to repair these common problems. I paid a pro 600 bucks to put new hub on because of the common problem of anti lock brakes activating at low speed. On A1 auto parts sight the pro does the repair simply and free.

Transfer case control motor will fix it from kicking n to 4wheel that's what fixed mine same issue

My 03 gmc sierra 4x4 would do the same thing sometimes start in 4wd and I found and inputs speed sensor electrical burnt off replace the sensor and connector ,sensor connection was burnt off too

Crazy how we all live the same life 😂🤝

Body control module is known for going bad. And causing the battery to drain after sitting a couple of days. And you have to remove the body ground wire under the drivers side, and clean it and put it back. That will solve a lot of problems.

I have a 2006 just purchased used and the cluster panel lights don't work sometime because of a short in the dome light switch was getting wet from leaking windshield. Driver side carpet was getting soaked and light switch was too. Check engine light and flashing warning for tighten gas cap even with new cap. Saw a rusty ground connect during inspection of gas cap area.

Mine dont work either the button for the 4 wheel drive

I’ve only had mine for probably 2 months now and it’s a 2004 2500HD 6.0 gas and my A/C is going out now my bulbs in my speedometer are out half are dim now and I think that’s almost it right now

GM IMPROVED electronics in 2004 Silverado . To reset your hvac if its not blowing cold out all vents I had good luck taking both cables off battery for 5 minutes and turning on headlight switch to drain excess electricity while disconnected. Then turn light switch off and reconnect cables. This was only thing that worked for me.

With your 4x4 problem the is a ground right under your door by one of the cab mounts it sometimes gets a bad connection. I have the 4x4 on the floor so i dont have the same problem. Mines a 05

There’s a recall on the blower switch burning the wires up

When you start your up does it humm kinda loud or is it just mine like the humming is on the drivers side but then after awhile it stops ?

My 2006 Silverado 4×4 will not stay in drive when in 2 wheel drive

There is one thing you all are not considering. Your trucks are getting old. When you get past 100,000 miles stuff starts to wear out. When your parents were your age a vehicle with 100,000 miles was likely got one wheel in the bone yard. The problems you are talking about started at 75,000 mi. If you lived where it snows it probably has a good bit of rust around the wheel wells and doors. Everything you named are common on all Silverado's and Sierras. I got one of each. Same problems. Mine are both near 250,000. If you want to keep it, fix it. If not sell it. If you do keep it We would be grateful if you post it. Complaining about the vehicle that you bought makes you seem a little lets say, young at heart. So thank in advance for the things you learn and post for the rest of us to learn from.

I bought a one owner 2003 Florida one this year…115k miles on it, so I should be good for a while.

What aftermarket radio do you have in this?

I like the L.S model with the 4.8 vortec. 5.3 vortec active fuel management . From 03 to 07. Is s nightmare engine.

I had to get my cluster repaired too also transmission is started to slip won’t be long for it I’m almost at 300k miles though

I have an 04' with 265,000 miles. The only issues I've had are brake lines and a transmission rebuild at 190k

what wheels and tires are you running? also stock height?

Transmission and rear end problems notorious with these models

Just had to put all new fuel lines, fuel pump, and fuel tank hangers on my 03 extended cab at 199,000 miles.

What size wheel and tires are those? Are you running any type of lift ?

switch to a solid aluminum radiator I went through to used factory ones b 4 I did and its 100x better 2 water pumps and misc thing ls has 322k

I've had my 06 for about 6 months I've already replaced the transmission the master brake cylinder, the oil pressure sensor , and I grinded off the safety feature for the spare tire so now it lowers so now after listening to your headaches with this truck I think I'm going to sell it

Ac fan motor may be going bad causing the harness to burn out. I’ve had the same issue with my 05.

I cant believe how everything has happened to me in the exact same order. I really feel like the waterpump thing is avout to happen. Did yours start riding at a higher temp before hand??

Same problems with my 05

I have a 2007 2500 6l every works great aside from the rear driver back door ,got 456.000 kms

Good truck my has 326.....miles Runs like champ...

Hey man I've had the same problem with my 03 with the "4wd" situation that you are having try replacing the encoder motor on the transfer case mine would go into auto 4wd about 3 times in a row when I would crank the truck after I used 4wd once so I'd try replacing it its not too expensive but I figured I'd try to help you out so you won't have that problem anymore let me know if you try that and if it works

Have a 2000 sierria and kept dieing because of the factory alarm so tried disable it from utube instruction and it worked for while then open passenger foir and alarm goes off and after that no start ! So pulled under dash wire connect and truck started but can't pass emmissions because can't get a reading. , then tranny went cost 3 500 dollars ! Fuel gage dont work and this truck is one thing AFTER another so gonna fix what needs and send doen the road ! Had square body before and really no real problems because less gizmo modulators and computers that dont really need ! Truck looks nice with huge lift kit and wheels but everything. Got PRICE !

i’ve had almost all of these problems but i love my truck and wouldn’t trade it for anything. they are kinda petty and insignificant issues

my 03 has a nock in the engine when started then go's away the trans shifts hard , rusted out bad won't come off one setting on the heater just blows in your face the antilock brakes make noise when stopping 100,019 miles cold air and would drive it across the county with no hesitation I would still buy chev !!

One great part about these trucks is you can beat them to death and with about 3 wrenches a screwdriver and some vice grips you can fix them

For people looking to buy one of these trucks these are the problems I had between my 05 with 284000miles and my stepdads with 211000 miles both are 5.3 engines Both trucks ac blend motor failed( video mentions) My truck had knock sensor failure Both trucks charcoal canister needed washed out from gravel roads 4l60e both shift a bit hard at times but are both original transmissions Both have Rust everywhere (bed,rockers,cab corners, fenders, rear bumper) Both have had cracked frames Both trucks needed cluster rebuild My truck has had 4x4 problems I put new tccm and it’s now works most of the time, sometimes goes into 4low by itself, but I’ve heard about all the 4x4 parts are a common problem they both leak a bit of engines oil but don’t seem to be a common place mine leaked from the valve covers and I believe the rear main seal