Why does my K3500’s check engine light come on when I start it?

Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your K3500 firing up its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.

Are GMC K3500 engine noises bad?

Strange under-the-hood noises can point to problems within your GMC K3500 engine. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. Whistling sounds could mean you have an intake leak or misaligned belt. Squealing may be caused by a loose fan belt, and grinding might be a sign of brake problems rather than engine issues.

What could damage a GMC engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your GMC K3500 engine?

Some driving habits are not so great for your engine. These include driving on a near-empty gas tank, revving your engine while the vehicle is in Park, or slamming the gas pedal while the engine is still cold. Protect your engine’s performance and efficiency by distancing yourself from these habits.

Is it okay to put water in my GMC K3500 radiator?

While it’s not recommended, you can use water in your K3500 radiator in emergencies. Normally, you should only use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water or a pre-mixed coolant. However, if you are completely out of coolant and must continue driving, it’s better to have water in your coolant reservoir than nothing.

What can cause the engine in my K3500 to suddenly stop?

There are different reasons your K3500 vehicle engine could suddenly stop. You may be looking at a lack of fuel, faulty sensors, issues with the ignition system, engine overheating, electrical problems, or mechanical troubles.

Who fixes GMC K3500 engines?

For GMC K3500 engine repair, trust your local Firestone Complete Auto Care. You can make an appointment today at any of our thousands of locations across the U.S.

Reliable Repairs for 1990 GMC K3500 Engines

Learn about

1990 GMC K3500 Trim Options

Select your GMC K3500 trim level to learn more about GMC-recommended engine repair. Use the following chart to find information.

V8/5.7L

V8/6.2L

V8/7.4L

1990 GMC K3500 Repair

Nothing stays the same forever. Even your GMC K3500's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Select a repair or category to learn more about 1990 GMC K3500 services.

We’re Trained to Care for GMC K3500 Engines

GMC K3500 engines are known for their reliability. That might be why you bought it in the first place. However, the wear-proof engine has yet to be invented! Sometimes plans go sideways. If they do, you’ll have to find a dependable 1990 GMC service center — quick! Luckily, you won’t have to look far, since Firestone Complete Auto Care has 1,700+ locations across the country. We've serviced more than 500 million vehicles since 1926, and our technicians know GMC K3500 engines. If you think something’s wrong with your engine, schedule an appointment at your convenience. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers both trustworthy and affordable engine repairs.

Illuminated Check Engine Light on 1990 GMC K3500

An illuminated check engine light on your GMC K3500 is one of the first signs it's time to 'brake' for engine service. A check engine light that’s on or flashing could be a symptom of a serious problem in your car’s ignition, Causes may include a faulty oxygen sensor, worn spark plug, issues with your catalytic converter, or a leaking engine vacuum, but that's only a few of the possible causes. Bring your K3500 to Firestone Complete Auto Care to get computerized diagnostics and our expert techs will get the root of the problem. Other signs it's time for GMC K3500 engine service might include burning smells, or engine misfiring.

GMC K3500 Engine Repair

If your 1990 GMC K3500 needs engine repair, our technicians will provide you with a thorough explanation beforehand. We make recommendations, but you make the final decision. If a repair isn’t urgent right now, we’ll let you know. But if immediate repairs are necessary for your safety, we’ll make sure that's clear, too. We want to give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about your engine repairs. By choosing Firestone Complete Auto Care for K3500 engine repairs and you can drive easy knowing that we use GMC-approved parts and fluids — timing belt, motor oil seal, sensors, or other parts.

Engine Q&A 1990 GMC K3500

Why does my K3500’s check engine light come on when I start it? Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your K3500 firing up its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.
Are GMC K3500 engine noises bad? Strange under-the-hood noises can point to problems within your GMC K3500 engine. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. Whistling sounds could mean you have an intake leak or misaligned belt. Squealing may be caused by a loose fan belt, and grinding might be a sign of brake problems rather than engine issues.
What could damage a GMC engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your GMC K3500 engine? Some driving habits are not so great for your engine. These include driving on a near-empty gas tank, revving your engine while the vehicle is in Park, or slamming the gas pedal while the engine is still cold. Protect your engine’s performance and efficiency by distancing yourself from these habits.
Is it okay to put water in my GMC K3500 radiator? While it’s not recommended, you can use water in your K3500 radiator in emergencies. Normally, you should only use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water or a pre-mixed coolant. However, if you are completely out of coolant and must continue driving, it’s better to have water in your coolant reservoir than nothing.
What can cause the engine in my K3500 to suddenly stop? There are different reasons your K3500 vehicle engine could suddenly stop. You may be looking at a lack of fuel, faulty sensors, issues with the ignition system, engine overheating, electrical problems, or mechanical troubles.
Who fixes GMC K3500 engines? For GMC K3500 engine repair, trust your local Firestone Complete Auto Care. You can make an appointment today at any of our thousands of locations across the U.S.