2003 Silverado 2500 Help?

Daryl LBZ · April 25, 2014

Stopped at a guys place today to look at a 2003 2500 6.0L with 206,000 miles on it. It drives really nice for all those miles, even drives better than my dads with less miles. Price is really good IMO at $6,000, but it has a couple problems that I was wondering if anyone on here knew what they could be?

First one has something to do with security. It doesn't happen often, but he told me that it will start up, show a lock symbol on the upper left dash, and the truck will shut back off. Sometimes it takes a few tries after this happens before it will start again. When I test drove it everything worked fine.

Second problem is that when you turn the right turn signal on the high beams come on. I'm guessing it needs a new switch???

When I looked under the hood it had some kind if module hooked up too. Not sure what it is, but I have a picture along with some others.

Sent from my Droid Ultra

kstruckcountry · April 25, 2014

The infamous "performance chip"! known to increase power by 100hp and give 5 mpg. Basically my understanding is it lies to the computer. This one appears to be hooked in with POS crimp clips to the MAF, probably to trick the ECM into thinking it needs more fuel. Gotta give them an F for wiring know how.

It doesn't look like a bad truck, I would talk them down more though. I wouldn't pay $6k since apparently it was owned by an idiot.

Daryl LBZ · April 25, 2014

Ugh. I figured as much on that stupid performance module. Makes me wonder about the rest of the truck. I definitely think he has more room on price the way he was talking, but the thing with the security issue really worries me.

Sent from my Droid Ultra

kstruckcountry · April 25, 2014

I bet a shop could figure it out. Never had it happen on mine.

Daryl LBZ · April 25, 2014

On Google I'm getting either a bad BCM, Passlock sensor inside the ignition switch, or bad wiring.

Sent from my Droid Ultra

zach1990 · April 25, 2014

Just 100 hp? I guess those are going down in quality

Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk

Daryl LBZ · April 25, 2014

I need the expert in here, Rich where you at? Lol!

Sent from my Droid Ultra

dirtfan21 · April 25, 2014

These trucks are so temperamental with wiring that the module and its associated wiring my be triggering a lot of those issues. Anything electrical is always scary to me because with a closed loop system it could seriously be anything. If you do buy it I would start with pulling that module, cleaning up the connections, and hooking it back up stock. That module may be totally fried considering it is zip tied to a coolant hose as well.

I don't think it is a bad buy for 5-6K at all to be honest.

EDIT: Side note, does the front end feel tight? It may be the photo but the front tires look like they are cupped pretty good. May never have rotated either which would do that too.

Daryl LBZ · April 25, 2014

Yup front end felt pretty good to me. As for that module if I bought it that thing would go in the garbage can, but I'm with you the electrical problems scare me. I don't like to pay someone an arm and a leg to fix stuff if I can do it.

Sent from my Droid Ultra

06_GMC · April 26, 2014

That looks like a really nice truck to me. 206K is a lot of miles but 6.0L's can run 300K easy. The truck looks well taken care of from the pics. Maybe ask if you can take it to get inspected by a reputable shop? Then ask the shop about the turn signal lever and the pass lock issue.

02suburbanZ71 · April 26, 2014

Lmc has a replacement lever at a good price. Check em out they will send you a free catalog. I stay away from trucks with those "100+ HP" chips.

KMGZ400 · April 26, 2014

Eh, 6k would be a little to high for me. A safe number for me would be around 4500. Especially since (I'm assuming) it's a PA truck, and a 2003, the rockers and bedsides could be 1 winter away from rusting out.

Daryl LBZ · April 26, 2014

Yea I believe I'm going to pass on it. Just so many miles that it could become a headache anytime now. It's also only worth about $6800, and I don't see him going down to $4 to 5k. I would be less afraid of it if it weren't for the electrical problems. Guess he'll be taking it to the sale on Thursday.

Sent from my Droid Ultra

chupe442 · April 28, 2014

I think he is in the ballpark for the price. He has 6500obo on the window. 5500 would be a good deal for the way the truck appears to have been taken care of.

Now, are you a do it yourself guy, of a take it to the dealer guy? If you are able and like to work on your own for the most part, this may be a great truck for you... If you tend to take things to a shop all of the time, it more than likely will cost you too much in the long run.

Daryl LBZ · April 28, 2014

I'm definitely a do it myself kind of guy. Only thing I see it going to the shop for would be the passlock issue if I can't figure it out myself, but I won't get the chance because I'm going to pass on it.

Sent from my Droid Ultra