96 Gmc Sierra 2500 Issues

Rogue Leader · October 18, 2011

Hi all, Sorry for the cross post I had already posted this in the HD forum but this one seems to get a lot more action so I though I would post this here. Just bought a 96 GMC Sierra SLT 2500 ext cab, 4wd, 8ft bed, 5.7L w/towing package. Its got 200k on it and I get it cheap so it has some issues and the SES light is on. Need it for towing my race car next year.

1. The SES light code is P1345 I think. It showed on the code reader as "Crankshaft/Camshaft position sensor". My problem with that is, if either sensor was bad in my experience the truck either wouldn't run or would run like crap, however it purrs like a kitten and runs great. Wasn't about to spend $80+ on 2 sensors so I want to hook it up to a better computer to see what the real problem is. Any ideas? Am I possibly just wrong?

2. That said when the truck has been driven for a little while the oil pressure is at 0 when I'm stopped at a light. I feel like the sensor may be wrong, as i said, runs great, plenty of oil, no noise at all. Pressure gets up over 20 at 2k rpm, and continues to rise.

3. Brakes are strange. They work great except for the last like 2 mph when youre coming to a stop the ABS activates and it seems to pull to the right. My friend said it may be the rear drums however unfortunately the wheel was stuck on so we just hosed it down with PB blaster and are letting it sit for a bit.

4. When the headlights are off the Green brights indicator is on on the dash, then if I turn them on it goes off. Is that supposed to be like that? The brights and headlights function properly.

5. Any cheap place to source the factory style leather seat covers (or cloth even) and instructions on replacing them myself? I know its brave to try but I don't want to spend a lot to have an upholstery shop re do the seats. I have the 2 bucket seats with single armrests.

Thanks all.

Sierra89 · October 18, 2011

I'll take a swipe at number 4.

Assuming you have DRLs, the green "brights" indicator is in fact your DRL indicator. (Daytime Running Lights) It lets you know that your DRL's are on so you don't forget to turn on your driving lights at night.

Enjoy the truck!

Sierra6.0 · October 21, 2011

As mentioned above, #4 is correct, this is how they work. My '97 is a 5-spd, and so I learned a little known fact: If you put your parking brake on, the DRL's turn off.

When I bought my 2011, the dealer said that "After so many complaints, GM finally switched it so you can turn the DRLs off at the switch. Before, when you were watching a christmas light show, you had to turn the car off and get cold or everyone would get mad because your lights were on".

Not so, the e-brake shuts 'em off. At least that is how it is on my truck. Those with autos probably never knew as they probably rarely ever used the ebrake.

As for the other stuff, I can't really help you at the moment. My brakes are fantastic, but then again the ABS light is "ON".

Rogue Leader · October 21, 2011

As mentioned above, #4 is correct, this is how they work. My '97 is a 5-spd, and so I learned a little known fact: If you put your parking brake on, the DRL's turn off.

When I bought my 2011, the dealer said that "After so many complaints, GM finally switched it so you can turn the DRLs off at the switch. Before, when you were watching a christmas light show, you had to turn the car off and get cold or everyone would get mad because your lights were on".

Not so, the e-brake shuts 'em off. At least that is how it is on my truck. Those with autos probably never knew as they probably rarely ever used the ebrake.

As for the other stuff, I can't really help you at the moment. My brakes are fantastic, but then again the ABS light is "ON".

Strangely enough the truck has no DRLs, or they don't work. But the light on the dash is on lol. Thats what confused me, as of course I have another car with DRLs that that light is on. But unless they are broken its just weird. Heck based on the rest of my post its the least of my worries.

I would love to go no ABS, but I would never pass NY state inspection.