Top 5 Chevy Silverado Problems: 2nd Generation (2007 to 2014)
Along with its sister the GMC Sierra, the Chevy Silverado is one of the top selling truck series in the United States and is revered for its ability to do heavy duty work and regular everyday driving. As no generation gets away without having a few unique problems here and there, the Silverado still has its common repairs and this article reviews the top 5 Chevy Silverado problems of the 2nd generation, years 2007 to 2014, and what the repairs entail for DIYers.
1. Throttle Body Pedal Position Sensor Failure – Trouble Code P2135
Symptoms of Throttle Body Pedal Position Sensor Failure
- Check engine light for code P2135
When the Chevy Silverado's reduced engine power light is on or the check engine light appears, it’s common for the electronic control unit (ECU) to run a throttle body code such as P2135 when checked with a scanner.
Causes of Throttle Body Pedal Position Sensor Failure
As the throttle body blade opens and closes as the accelerator pedal is pressed, two throttle body sensors (TPS) monitor the position of the throttle blade for the ECU. Sometimes a bad wire or faulty connection can throw a code, but usually it’s one of the Silverado's throttle sensors.
How to Fix Throttle Body Pedal Position Sensor Failure
The repair is as simple as disconnecting the air intake hose, removing the bolts from the sensor, disconnecting the connector, and removing the sensor.
2. Brake Light Switch Failure
Symptoms of Brake Light Switch Failure
- Tail lights won't turn off after the truck is shut off
- Broken cruise control
- ABS light is on
Another common problem with Chevy Silverado's is tail lights staying on after the truck has been shut off. It’s common the problem lies with a faulty brake light switch. Other symptoms of a bad brake light switch include faulty cruise control or an ABS light that’s stuck on.
How to Fix Brake Light Switch Problems on the 2007 to 2014 Chevy Silverado
The brake light switch is located at the top of the brake pedal and can be removed by removing a bolt and a clip. There’s also an electrical connector, and sometimes worn, split, or broken wiring or a faulty or bad connector can be the cause.
3. Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure
Symptoms of Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure
At the base of your Silverado’s steering column there are two sensors: one that senses the position of the steering wheel and the other that monitors how your truck is tracking down the road to prevent hazards like slipping.
Causes of Steering Wheel Position Sensor Problems on the 2nd Gen Silverado
If the service stability light is on, it’s likely there’s an issue with the sensor unless another mishap occurred like a crooked steering wheel from a car accident.
How to Fix Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure
Because of the sensor’s location, the steering column needs to be removed to replace this sensor successfully. When repairing, keep the wheels and the steering wheel straight when removing to not break the clock spring.
4. Steering Intermediate Shaft
Symptoms of Steering Intermediate Shaft Failure
- Clunking or thumping noise over bumps
- Clunking or thumping noise when turning the steering wheel
The steering intermediate shaft connects the steering rack that's attached to the truck's frame to the steering column attached to the Silverado's cab. It telescopes in and out, and sometimes a bad steering shaft can make a clunking or bumping noise that can be heard over bumps or when turning the steering wheel.
How to Fix a Bad Steering Intermediate Shaft
Some intermediate shafts have grease, and regreasing them can reduce noise and extend their life for about 5,000 miles, but the best course of action is to replace it.
If you suspect the steering shaft is bad, you can test it by moving the shaft up and down. Sometimes the bearing at the base of the column is the issue, but that is rare. The shaft can be accessed from inside the Silverado's cab and is attached to a universal joint (u-joint). To replace it, secure and lock the steering wheel in a straight position to keep the clock spring from breaking, and remove the nuts and bolts at the top and bottom. The steering shaft should slide down and out.
5. Exterior and Interior Door Handles
Symptoms of Bad Exterior and Interior Door Handles
- Door handle breaks after being pulled
- Door handle won't open door
Causes of Exterior and Interior Door Handles
Parts of the exterior door handle like the trim piece opposite of the keyhole lock can break if the handle is gripped and pulled near it too often. Silverado's exterior and interior door handles are also made of plastic and can break if pulled too forcefully. Sometimes it’s not the door handle itself, but a clip or door handle rod.
How to Fix Exterior and Interior Door Handles
In the past, Chevy required Silverado owners to also purchase a new door panel if the inside door handle broke, as replacing the inside or outside door handle requires the removal of the door panel, but that is no longer the case.
1A Auto also offers a Chevy Silverado interior door handle kit that does not require Silverado owners to buy the whole door panel by including specialty installation hardware and tools for a less costly replacement.
Learn how to replace the inside and outside door handles and other parts on the 07-14 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500 HD yourself with our how-to videos.
