2010 year/model common issues.

[Vanguy16]

I just purchased a 2010 Sierra crewcab.

New to the GM family.

What common issues should I be worrying or concerned with with this year truck?

 

Thanks for the input

[Vanguy16]

I should add that it has the 4.8L engine.

Before I bought her, a bearing slipped out near the torque converter and the tranny has been rebuilt.

[CamGTP]

Well, you lucked out on most if not all of the common engine issues because the 4.8 does not have active fuel management. That truck should only have VVT if I remember right and that is never a problem.

 

The only downside is that it's a smaller engine with less horsepower compared to a 5.3. So pulling power and just all out acceleration is lacking. Lots of people like to re-gear the axles to help with that, if they want it to be quicker and pull trailers better.

 

If you live in the rust belt they are known to rust at the rear wheel wells and under the rubber trim on the bottom of the doors.

 

Then with any vehicle they just have normal wear items. Wheel bearings, brakes etc etc etc.

[dsr611]

Cracks in the dash panel (above the steering wheel and corner of passenget air bag).  GM said there was no "defect" with the panels, yet they designed them to add more support ribbing on the newer dash panels for that generation of trucks.

 

You lucked up with the 4.8 not having AFM.

 

Engine mounts are known to fail prematurely.

 

Door speakers cutting in and out

[Vanguy16]

Thank you guys alot! I was about to spend the money on the disabler! Although, it almost seems like it has it... Acceleration isn't what I would like, with thinking "V8".

 

I've had pretty much the whole dash apart already to run power for the amp I'm going to install and the RCA and amp turn on wire.

 

I shouldn't run into passlock or any other issues with OnStar if I install an aftermarket stereo? I understand that I will lose probably the turn signal chime and key and n ignition warning. 

[swathdiver]

22 hours ago, Vanguy16 said:

I just purchased a 2010 Sierra crewcab.

New to the GM family.

What common issues should I be worrying or concerned with with this year truck?

 

Thanks for the input

Nice looking truck!  Keep the fluids clean, has the 4-speed trans right?  If so, consider the Corvette Servo mod.  Get a Tech-2 or at least a Bluetooth OBDII adapter with Torque Pro App so you can properly diagnose and work on it.

[Vanguy16]

Has the 4l60e transmission, so yes, four forward and one reverse.

A regular OBDII reader isn't as good as the tech-2?

 

I will look into the corvette servo mod.

Also wondering how I can get the exhaust a little more throaty with this V8!!

[CamGTP]

A muffler swap or any decent cat-back system will make the truck sound good.

 

A decent OBD2 scanner will be okay for these, one that can do live data and SRS/ABS codes is ideal so it's an all in one scan tool. A tech 2 isn't a much, they are just nice to have sometimes.

[davester]

A tech II is basically the gold standard for reading codes from all the computers in the truck, live data, performing diagnostic and testing procedures.  It can basically do everything that can be done to the truck.

 

Regular handhelds are a poor substitute, they can only read from 1 or a couple of computers, reset codes, maybe display a limited amount of live data.

 

If you want to diagnose and work on the vehicle yourself, I HIGHLY recommend getting a more advanced code reader like the tech ii, or something like autogenuity w gm enhancement, that can get codes from all the computers, and do a bunch of testing and diagnostic procedures.

 

I bought autogenuity after having a couple of different handheld units (a basic one, and one that could also get ABS/SRS&TCM codes), and it's been way more useful than those handhelds, for not that much extra.  And now you can get knockoff techii's for not a lot of money as well...

[Derome]

On 11/15/2019 at 9:21 AM, Vanguy16 said:

I just purchased a 2010 Sierra crewcab.

New to the GM family.

What common issues should I be worrying or concerned with with this year truck?

 

Thanks for the input

 

 

I recommend you use Autel Scanner MD802 Maxidiag, it is a must tool If you want full systems diagnosis for ABS, SRS, Transmission, Engine, EPB, Oil Reset. I've been using this tool and it work's perfectly for me. And its easy to use too. You can check it here, https://bestobd2scanners.com/autel/maxidiag-elite-md802-review/.

[Vanguy16]

On 11/14/2019 at 7:04 PM, dsr611 said:

Cracks in the dash panel (above the steering wheel and corner of passenget air bag).  GM said there was no "defect" with the panels, yet they designed them to add more support ribbing on the newer dash panels for that generation of trucks.

 

You lucked up with the 4.8 not having AFM.

 

Engine mounts are known to fail prematurely.

 

Door speakers cutting in and out

Uhm....on my brake reservoir, I have a sticker with a barcode that says AFM.

Does that mean I DO have it?

[CamGTP]

No.

 

The 4.8's never had it. That is just a sticker that I've seen tons of brake reservoirs, even the 6.0's and 6.2's.

[Vanguy16]

Thanks everyone. Not saying anyone's wrong, but what's the definitive way to know if this truck does/doesn't have AFM. I can say that with the little time I've had to drive this truck, it seems that maybe the way people describe how it works that maybe this truck may have it. I thought V8, nice. Now I'm not...it's not as powerful or act like a full V8 I would think.

[Colossus]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LS_based_GM_small-block_engine#4.8_L

 

4.8 L

LY2

The Vortec 4800 LY2 (VIN code "C") is a Generation IV small block V8 truck engine. Like its LR4 predecessor, it gets its displacement from a bore and stroke of 96 mm × 83 mm (3.78 in × 3.27 in). The smallest member of the Generation IV engine family, it is unique in that it is the only member of that family that is used in trucks that does not feature variable valve timing.It has a cast iron block. Power output is 260–295 hp (194–220 kW) and torque is 295–305 lb⋅ft (400–414 N⋅m).

LY2 applications:

• 2008–2009 Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
• 2007–2009 Chevrolet Silverado
• 2007–2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
• 2007–2009 GMC Sierra
• 2007–2009 GMC Yukon

L20

The Vortec 4800 L20 makes more power and features variable valve timing. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing, but does not come with Active Fuel Management. The L20 has a cast iron block and power output is 260–302 hp (194–225 kW) while torque is 295–305 lb⋅ft (400–414 N⋅m). The Vortec 4800 base engines were dropped from the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon in favor of the 5300 with Active Fuel Management.

L20 applications:

• 2010–2017 Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
• 2010–2013 Chevrolet Silverado
• 2010–2013 GMC Sierra

[Colossus]

The 4.8L will feel less powerful.  It always has.  But with all the sensors and crap on these engines, if there was something wrong causing robbing of power, you'd most likely have a check engine light on.  That being said, run some BG EGR and BG MOA and BG 44k additives.  You'll feel a bit more power after having done that.  Make sure you are running top tier fuels as well.  Play around with the mid grade and top grade octane fuels (87/89 & 91/93 octane) You might find it runs better on one or the other.  Takes a few tanks of gas of either for the engine to adjust and perform.