Tune Up for a 2004 Silverado 1500 5.3lt

[MaryAnn Fuller]

Hey Guys,

 

I'm new to this site, so forgive me if I don't know all of the protocols.  I have a 2004 Silverado 1500 with a 5.3lt engine (basic fuel) and its been a while since I have done any tune ups on any vehicle, so I kinda need a refresher...  Does this truck need to have a cap and rotor replaced? 

 

As far as I can figure, I just need Iridium plugs, a set of wires, the air filter, and the O2 sensors.  Is there anything I am missing? 

 

Also how many total O2 sensors are there?  I know at least 2, up and down stream, or before and after the cat, but I am not sure if there is supposed to be 2 up stream and 1 down or just 1 up and 1 down...

 

I do plan on buying a Haynes Manual, but I thought ya'll might have some pointers...

 

[dsr611]

Does this truck need to have a cap and rotor replaced? 

No...it has coil packs

 

Also how many total O2 sensors are there?

Depends on your exhaust setup...1 cat will have 3 sensors, 2 cats will have 4 sensors

 

Is there anything I am missing? 

Fluid changes (oil, differential, brake, etc)

Replace transmission filter and top off fluid

Check/replace brakes

Coolant

Edited June 23, 2021 by dsr611

[MaryAnn Fuller]

fluids, brake pads, tranny refresh, and coolant are not a part of a "tune up" as far as I know.  When I did tuneups when I was younger, it was plugs, wires, cap, & rotor. I was asking about the tuneup specifically...  I always keep up on my fluids, brakes, alignments, tires, and all other regular maintenance...

 

with regard to the coil packs.. how often do those need replacing?

[Sharpz]

If you know what a tune up is, then why are you starting a thread about one?  You came here not knowing if your truck had a rotor and cap, but are going to critique the response, because you left your post open to "Is there anything I am missing"?  Since I don't see anywhere in your post where you say engine tune up, and that can leave tune up to many things for some, such as a brake tune up, tranny tune up etc.  Tune up can just be the tweaking of something to increase its optimum performance.  Good luck with your Haynes manual.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Sharpz

[txab]

Coil packs do not require change out, unless there is a bad one, which is RARE. Poster was talking about fluid changes, not just checking the levels. Diff changes and trans fluid changes are important. Also coolant and hoses.

 

You should have 4 O2 sensors. A simple check from underneath will reveal the answer. Pretty easy to spot

[MaryAnn Fuller]

txab and drs611 thank you both so much for the help.  The tips you provided are very helpful. I have been spending a lot of time, here of late, researching what this job entails and this forum was one of the first websites to come up.  I am admittedly a bit rusty due to a spinal injury, though I did replace out my alternator a year or so ago. But of course that is one of the easiest R & R's to do...

 

Sharpz I found your comment to be very rude and condescending.  My question of "Is there anything I am missing" was a part of the same paragraph and therefore was directly related to the the statement "As far as I can figure, I just need Iridium plugs, a set of wires, the air filter, and the O2 sensors."   If you had actually read my entire post, you would have read that it has been quite some time since I have actually done a "engine tune up," if you need to be specific, and I was looking for some pointers.  I generally choose not to work on anything newer than 1990 and these newer vehicles have some new and different parts that with which I am unfamiliar.  My questions are perfectly reasonable.  Also, I have never heard any mechanic I know refer to replacing brakes, doing a tranny fluid and filter change, or any other adding of fluids as a "tune up" not once in over 56yrs of life.  

 

The only reason I was asking/posting is that I figured that folks on here, who appear to do their own mechanic work, might be willing to graciously answer a few questions.  I usually just take my truck to one of my trusted mechanics, but I live over an hour away from them now due to a recent move and wanted to save a little money and do the job myself.  Auto parts are expensive enough as it is without adding the cost of labor and the price increase of the parts at a any mechanic shop.  Luckily, GM parts are generally pretty inexpensive compared to other makes.  My memories of doing an "engine tune up" is that it is fairly simple, and I wanted to make sure I didn't miss something.

[Black02Silverado]

Depending on the mileage some don't realize there is a second belt for the AC compressor.  Most change out the main serpentine belt which I do myself at 100k miles.

 

Plug wires don't generally go bad either but if you want to replace them it's up to you. 

 

Also the O2 sensors generally don't need to be changed unless you are having issues.

 

So for the most part plugs are basically it for a tune up to keep the engine running well.

 

I know on my 2002 I took out the PCV valve and cleaned it. 

[asilverblazer]

Not sure how to answer - there are a bunch of items to consider to keep your vehicle properly 'tuned'. I would recommend following ALL the suggestions here, only considering the definition of a tune-up from 30 years ago will leave other systems in poor condition.

 

I'm not sure where you are drawing the line on what is or isn't part of a tune up so my suggestions are limited only to fueling, ignition and air intake are as follows:

Fuel filter

Throttle body cleaning

Spark plugs

 

However since you weren't aware that your truck doesn't have a distributor I like others seem to think that some other items may have escaped your notice. I would then recommend referring to the manual where it specifies what all items should be changed and inspected as part of regular maintenance.