New to Sierra 2500HD some questions...

[ebrammer252]

So my fiancee and I just picked up a 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD Extended Cab and I have some questions for things we need/want to look into. First off, I've noticed the frame (mainly under hood areas) are pretty rusty and flaking, it appears to all be surface rust, so nothing major yet. Aside from wire brushing it and hitting it with Rustoleum or POR15 are there any better options? I know I'd read about the rubberized factory coating coming off if not removed prior to putting something else on there. What about things like Fluid Film, like a heavy oil coating that stays on? Do those work well? and if so does the rust need to be removed prior to applying it?

[ebrammer252]

Another thing I just thought of, I noticed the truck has difficulty shifting into 4WD. Vehicle is parked, parking brake on, you can drop from 2H to 4H (or L whichever it is). But going up to N and the other 4WD it won't go, sometimes you have to shift out of Park, into Neutral and then push up past N into the other 4WD. If you're still in Neutral and/or have shifted back to park and try to bring it back down into 2WD sometimes there's a grinding noise. What's going on here?

[KMGZ400]

the 4wd is normal... i assume its a manual shift 4x4? you should be in neutral and rolling very very slow to slide it into 4lo. read the manual

[ATMINF]

I just spray the rusting/bare metal areas with rubberized coating stuff that comes in the spray rattle cans. Granted my factory undercoating is still good to go, it's mainly in the areas that I rub the frame when using the jack stands, or Jack.

[coopers92661]

Hello my name is Sandy and I am new to this site. I do not work on my GMC Sierra 2500 Extended Cab (left to me by my late husband), but I am trying to educate myself to somewhat prevent being taken advantage of because I am a woman. I just sold my 2008 PT Cruiser to an auto shop for $875.00. They said the timing belt had to be fixed for $1,100.00, but when they got under the cover they found that the valves were bent and that would be another $1,000.00. But if the piston or heads were bad after they replace valves, that could be major $$. Just in the last month I had the brakes done for $679.00, and a new radiator put in for $400.00. Needless to say, I sold the car to them instead of putting more money into it.

Back to the GMC...I bought a code reader and it has a code P0449 (EVAP Emission Control System Vent Viv/Sol Malf) I asked the same auto shop about how much that would cost to fix. He said that I need to pay $75.00 for some sort of smoke test that will see if hoses are leaking or ?. He also said that I may need to replace canister and if they run into any other problems it would cost more than $375.00 for the canister and labor. (not including the $75.00 for the smoke test). After what happened with the PT Cruiser, I am afraid to take it in for fear they will tell me it is going to cost another $2k. Can anyone please explain this P0449, in layman's terms, to me so that I can somewhat know what is going on and not seem so ignorant to the auto mechanic. I appreciate your time! Sandy

[Formulabruce]

So my fiancee and I just picked up a 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD Extended Cab and I have some questions for things we need/want to look into. First off, I've noticed the frame (mainly under hood areas) are pretty rusty and flaking, it appears to all be surface rust, so nothing major yet. Aside from wire brushing it and hitting it with Rustoleum or POR15 are there any better options? I know I'd read about the rubberized factory coating coming off if not removed prior to putting something else on there. What about things like Fluid Film, like a heavy oil coating that stays on? Do those work well? and if so does the rust need to be removed prior to applying it?

Welcome to GM-Trucks.com ! .

Rust. Its very common to have the brake lines and ABS box rust pretty bad right under the DS just inboard on the frame. IF its not rotted and has to be replaced, I would get a couple cans of 'Fluid film" and spray it down good. This is NOT a rubber that will trap any rust or moisture, and its stays put and doesnt fully dry. . If you need new lines, GM sells a kit for your truck with coated lines, give a dealer your VIN and they can get you the kit with all the lines. YOu Really need to have a look under there. You were right.. Fluid film.... Good luck!!

[Formulabruce]

Hello my name is Sandy and I am new to this site. I do not work on my GMC Sierra 2500 Extended Cab (left to me by my late husband), but I am trying to educate myself to somewhat prevent being taken advantage of because I am a woman. I just sold my 2008 PT Cruiser to an auto shop for $875.00. They said the timing belt had to be fixed for $1,100.00, but when they got under the cover they found that the valves were bent and that would be another $1,000.00. But if the piston or heads were bad after they replace valves, that could be major $$. Just in the last month I had the brakes done for $679.00, and a new radiator put in for $400.00. Needless to say, I sold the car to them instead of putting more money into it.

Back to the GMC...I bought a code reader and it has a code P0449 (EVAP Emission Control System Vent Viv/Sol Malf) I asked the same auto shop about how much that would cost to fix. He said that I need to pay $75.00 for some sort of smoke test that will see if hoses are leaking or ?. He also said that I may need to replace canister and if they run into any other problems it would cost more than $375.00 for the canister and labor. (not including the $75.00 for the smoke test). After what happened with the PT Cruiser, I am afraid to take it in for fear they will tell me it is going to cost another $2k. Can anyone please explain this P0449, in layman's terms, to me so that I can somewhat know what is going on and not seem so ignorant to the auto mechanic. I appreciate your time! Sandy

Hi Sandy, Welcome to GM-Trucks.com ! .Sorry about your cruizer.., What year is the truck?

Sandy, Here is the problem most likely. You can buy parts at a discount from GMPARTSDIRECT.com, or other Gm wholesale outlets, the part number is in the video for this kit. I would find a guy locally in this forum, or on the net that works on these trucks. The Kits and install and reset shouldn't take more than 2 hours of Labor, Good luck!!

http://www.autocodes.com/p0449_chevrolet.html

[coopers92661]

Thank you for your help Formulabruce! My truck is a 2005 GMC extended cab. The link you sent was very helpful and it is good to know how long it should take to fix. I am not sure who is around locally to fix, but I will check. I have been driving the truck for a few months now with this check engine light and code P0449. I hope it does not do other damage before I can get it repaired. Again, thank you so much for your help! Sandy