I am thinking about buying an 05 2500 duramax extended cab, I would like to know if anyone has had problems with the recent versions of this engine
Thanks,
RB

The problems are minor, the LLY all in all is a good strong motor, I think most will agree. There have been a few injector issues but warrenty takes care of all that if thats ever a problem. Ive got an early LLY and so far I have no regrets, everytime I get it out on the hyway it amazes me, plenty of power even turning big 35's.

1500 trouble free miles. gettin 19.9 mpg's. love it

I'm up to a whopping 5,000 on mine and no problems so far!! This is a great truck as far as I'm concerned.

5500 miles so far, great truck in my opinion. Great power with decent fuel mileage.

2600 miles, no problems at all.

14500 kms and goin strong! Not one isssue with the truck, just over 6 months old.

3600 miles and I love my truck - 17 MPG's in mixed driving.

almost 9000 miles, awesome truck

rbs - had mine ever since march 12....Has been absolutely trouble free....If and when you get it, I'm quite sure you'll be happy with your purchase!
oh yeah, welcome aboard too, by the way :)

17,000 on mine. One bad injector at about 5,000 and had the reflash at about 13,000. Very happy with it.

Norm

7800 miles since May. My third Silverado, 1st diesel. I couldn't imagine being happier with a truck. Great power, good fuel mileage. Not a single issue thus far. Lots of short tow trips (200-300 miles), one long trip (2,600) with 31' TT. Only drawback is it's eating up my mod money for my Z/28...):h

3400 no probs but I am not getting the milage you guys are. Is that a California thing
or reflash or do I have a lead foot?

Really like the truck, Had a short in the wiring at 36 miles took 3 days to find. Didn' have any other problem until 9000 miles and the trany wouldn't shift. They decided that a new trany would be the best.

10,000 miles since July 04 purchase. No problems. 100 per cent stock. You will like it. Best new vehicle I've had in 52 years.

7,000 miles on mine.....not a single problem. First diesel I have ever owned, and I can definately say it won't be the last.

i had injector problems at first. now those problems are a thing of the past. i love my truck now and have put it through some hard conditions off road and towing also. you will be happy with your puchase once things get fixed.. welcome to diesel place....

I don't know what to tell you. I recently bought a '04 LLY back in February this year. Since then, I've had multiple problems described in this forum, and in others. My truck wasn't two weeks old when I had the fuel pump go bad. I was driving the Tehachapi grade in California enroute from Monterey. I was towing a WW FS2600. Anyway, make a long story short, the truck wasn't able to handle the load without surging. I had to disconnect the trailer and have one of my buddies tow the trailer the rest of the way. And what was he driving? A powerstroke. Plus, I've had over-heating issues with the fan clutch engaging and trans temp climbing as well as the engine temp climbing all the way up to 260 degrees. I've also had the rear radio controls burn out. And now, my truck is at the dealer because my check engine light came on. At first when they scanned the truck, ten pages of codes were given pinpointing problems with the turbo. It seems the ECM was running the turbo at 100% all of the time. The ECM is needing replacement. It's a direct ship from GM and the dealer tells me it may take up to 2-3 weeks. My previous truck, 2002 Silverado Z71, had a diffective rear end I had to have repaired with only 37,000 miles. I traded in that truck to get this one. I guess misery loves company. And now that I've gone through two chevy's in (2) years, I'm not willing to take another chance. And it kills me because I love the combination of the duramax and allison. So I'm jumping ship to another company (Ford/Dodge). I'm leaning more towards the Ford. I don't have anything against the Duramax, but the engine is roughly still new. And I know there are a lot of drivers out there that are having trouble free driving with their Duramaxes. And that kills me. But I had to make a decision on what would make me comfortable. I think in a couple of more years, once the LLY has matured and kinks have been worked out of them, I'll return. But the problems I've had with my truck has made my decision for me. I'm currently in arbitration in having my truck lemoned. It appears I'll win my case. Do your homework. Surf around and ask a lot of questions. Go to other forums and see for yourself. For instance, www.thedieselpage.com (http://www.thedieselpage.com/) has a lot of threads on complaints with the LLY.
I hope I didn't scare you. I just felt you had to know how the other end of the LLY rainbow is like.

7800 miles on mine....Feb'04 purchase.....No problemo....First time diesel truck owner, and enjoying my ride!

Thanks to everyone who responed to my "Duramax Problems" very useful information

Rbs

I own an early LLY (Feb 2004 build date).
12,000 Trouble free miles! ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS TRUCK!

I am not blindly brand loyal and looked very hard at the Dodge and Ford before buying the GMC. I even went and drove the new Ford SD F-250 the other day, And still think that the Duramax trucks are the best overall trucks on the market.

These forums seem attract those who may have some question or problem with their truck. With that said I think the Vast majority of LLY owners will agree that any real "problems" have been extremely few. The 99.9% of LLY owners usually don't hang out here anyway, they are out driving their trucks.

:ro)

4000+ miles and love it. No problems , just smiles


):h ):h

I have 2800 on mine. No problems at all. Can't wait to get home and drive it!:)

15,000 miles since March 'o4, only problems I have is when I plug the juice in (runs like crap cold and fuel knock when warm). Bone stock it is perfect!

My father has an 04.5 with over 7,500 on it, I recently took ownership of my new 05 and have just over 3,000 on it both are running strong, heck we don't even have buyers remorse when we make the truck payment each month we like them so much!

My 04' has 9400 mi, no problems, and all stock:ro) (and is my daily driver 63 mi r/t to work)

04 LLY 2500 HD leather, loaded, tv's
7800 miles, intake, no problems except the fan kicks on some times and gets annoying, but is probably because I need a different thermostat.
Tow 26' 7100lb toyhauler to glamis and river about 5 times. pulls great. not even there.
rear end very stiff and chopy on some highways.
Towhaul button is great for going down hills and slowing down.

The few people with problems sure do use alot of parts. Injector and steering shaft backorders. Thanx Geo

I have 9000 miles on mine and I have to say it is the bigest PILE OF CRAP I have ever purchased it overheats just looking at a hill ! And G.M. has alot to learn about customer service!
I traded in a perfectly good Super duty to pay 50 gran for a worthless truck! Do allot of websurfing on these forums before you decide to buy any G.M. product!

23,000 miles, about 8,000 towing and no problems so far. It's starting to "fit like a glove" and is great for day to day commuting and the most comfortable highway cruiser I have ever driven. After owing Acura, Honda, Audi, VW, Mazda, Subaru etc I can say I was a bit worried about GM quality but they really know how to build a truck ):h

my truck run hot when I tow small main seal leak pinon seal leak and power steering does not work if I try to turn the wheel from a complete stop my clock on my radio allways resets its self.thats just what I live with not the repairs that have been done

I have 1500 on mine no problems..I have seen 16mpg ,,the best so far.

I've had my 2004.5 Sierra since early July and now have over 8000 miles on it, mostly towing a 26' fifth wheel. Not a single problem so far, and the truck is 100% stock. It has great power for towing and gets good mileage, about 20 mpg empty on the interstates and 13-14 towing. This is my first diesel, and it took a while to get to know what is "normal" in terms of engine noise, but now I don't even think about it. My buddy has an older F250 powerstroke (1996) and it's so noisy that his wife has to wear earplugs when they go on a trip (at least she blames it on that). She can't believe how quiet the DMAX is compared to their Ford.

Totally stock (for now) on my 2004.5 with 3500 miles. Best mileage tank has been 18.1 MPG empty, while towing the boat at 75-80 around 11 MPG.
No problems at all, but this site has me a bit concerned about possibly needing a computer reflash even without having any complaints.
Air Conditioning has been fine, and while this is my first diesel no complaints about it being noisy

12000 miles since May. No problems except for the noisy steering column.

Jim Moses
'04 2500HD CC D/A

I have 17000 km on my LLY and no problems and its been -30 C around here lately and it still starts and runs great.

I wasn't so lucky. I bought my '04 LLY 4x4 Crew Cab in February and have had major things go wrong with it. I've experienced the overheating issues that most posters have described. I even had to replace to fuel pump having it under 2 weeks. Now, I've had to replace the ECM because it was operating my turbo at 100%. I've been without my truck for two weeks as of today. I'm in the process of having it lemoned. My previous truck, '02 Z71, I traded it in to get this one. I had to trade it in because I had to have the whole rear end replaced with only 36,000 miles. I wasn't using it to tow either. I didn't ride it hard either. :ro)

Forgot to mention I have 18,000 miles on my LLY now.

Sorry guys. I wasn't aware I had posted a message already. For all of you guys that are driving your LLY's with no problems, much continued success to you all.

6000 or so miles on mine and my dad's, both made in april. No problems with them at all.

Good discussion, but what to buy? Hmmm! ):h Every truck forum to include Dodge, Ford, GMC/Chevy and others have issues. Ford's new 6.0 was slinging rods, Dodge's Cummins ripped their tranny's apart, GM's LB7 was running thru injectors?

I did a considerable amount of research before buying my LLY back in June. I tow pretty heavy and needed a great motor/tranny combination, the Allison won hands down! Towing at 25k GCW with my 5ver is outstanding. One person posted that most LLY's are experiencing the overheating condition, this isn't the case. Only those towing fairly heavy at high altitudes on very long grades are consistently having any overheating issues. We're running this to ground on another "engine overheating" thread.

I did a poll back in September of LLY owners asking how satisfied they were with their trucks. 90%+ posted above average to outstanding. I'm in the crowd that loves their truck. MPG's have proven difficult to pin down, mostly because I'm unable to keep my foot out of the accelerator. Fun, fun, fun!

Drive them all and get a feel for what you are buying. If you plan to do any serious towing check out GVWR/GAWR/GCWR and make sure you are within the limits. Good luck! JJ :ro)

Just over 1400 miles on 'er no problems except a squealing belt (which will be taken care of soon). No too happy with the fuel mileage but hopefully time will work that out.

I've already got 2600 mi on my '05 LLY and have been completely happy with it since I drove off the lot just over a month ago... 100% stock, I have not yet experienced any of the problems I've read about on this forum (fingers-crossed).

My observed mph so far is as follows:

100+mi trips @ 65-70mph = 17 to 18.5 mpg
100+mi trips @ 70-75mph = 15 to 17 mpg
town driving @0-45mph = roughly 12-14mpg

No towing mpg to report yet- dealer advised me not to tow anything with it for the first 5000mi.

I upgraded from a '97 Z71 GMC that got similar mileage so the LLY has met my expectations, especially when you consider all the torque of the DMAX. Its just incredible! I like having the increased lugging power, and the LLY still has very strong acceleration like a gas engine. The 2500HD chassis has great ride, styling, and handling compared to other 3/4ton's I test drove prior to buying. IMHO

Also, zero trouble starting my LLY in temps as low as 0deg F so far. My dealer in SD told me none of the LLY's have failed to start in the morning, but they did encounter a couple of 8100 gasser's on the lot that wouldn't start on very cold days last winter (not plugged in).

One recommendation that the dealer made: don't install an after market air filter. It's bad for the engine.

Hope this helps your decision, AJ

Ditto, 5,000 trouble-free miles, including some heavy (10,000 lbs.) towing. I'm lovin' every minute behind the wheel!

4300 miles and no issues. Love that turbo!

i bought mine spankin new in September. Have 11,500 Miles on it - and I absolutely love it. It's better than any cadillac i've owned.

3600 on mine i love it. just wish it had a bigger fuel tank 24 gal. to small for such a beast of a truck

I've already got 2600 mi on my '05 LLY and have been completely happy with it since I drove off the lot just over a month ago... 100% stock, I have not yet experienced any of the problems I've read about on this forum (fingers-crossed).

My observed mph so far is as follows:

100+mi trips @ 65-70mph = 17 to 18.5 mpg
100+mi trips @ 70-75mph = 15 to 17 mpg
town driving @0-45mph = roughly 12-14mpg



ajarthur, My mileage is just what your's is hand calculated. I have just over 14Kmiles on mine. How does your DIC MPG calculation compare to hand calc? Mine is always off by 2 to 2.5 MPG (Hand calc is the lower of the two).

ajarthur, My mileage is just what your's is hand calculated. I have just over 14Kmiles on mine. How does your DIC MPG calculation compare to hand calc? Mine is always off by 2 to 2.5 MPG (Hand calc is the lower of the two).
My DIC average is virtually the same as the hand calculated numbers. The readout for gallons of fuel used is very accurate, within a 0.1gal every fillup. Maybe the calibration for fuel consumption is off on your truck, or do you have different sized tires?

My DIC average is virtually the same as the hand calculated numbers. The readout for gallons of fuel used is very accurate, within a 0.1gal every fillup. Maybe the calibration for fuel consumption is off on your truck, or do you have different sized tires? The only mods I have are in my sig. I left it at the stealer this a.m. for int. surge @ slow speeds (TSB), intercooler leaking oil (TSB), back doors rattle when pushed on, and fuel mileage from DIC being off (gallons used always off from what I put in the truck). I still have the stock tires.

The only two problems I recall seeing postings on are lower fuel milage than the older LB7 and "some" folks towing heavy loads with the LLY have had over heating problems. Overheating doesn't seem to be much of an issue with the older trucks. There are several threads discussing the over heat issue. Iv'e had no problems with my LLY, but the milage is less than an LB7 that I am familar with. However, I am still getting around 19.5 on the highway, which is not bad for a heavy full size 4 X4.

Eric just posted a note today showing photos where the power steering line may rub on the exhaust manifold on an LLY, so that is something to inspect if you get the truck. They have probably fixed this on the recent production runs.

The only other complaint made by some is that there are not as many performance enhancement product available for the LLY as compared to the older LB7. However, it seems new boxes and such are coming out every week for the LLY, so it appears this issue will be resolved over time. The jury is still out on which will ultimately be the fastest.

I cant wait to trade mine in on a new 05 so i can maybe be one of guys getting 19=20mpg . Best mileage i have gotten on last highway road trip was barely 17 and that was Babying it! Im not real happy with my LLY right now. Had to have fuel sender put in , reflash, fuel knock, vibrating tow mirrors replaced, (now vibrate worse), console lid squeaks, steering wheel clunks , lower mileage then 02 LB7, AC worked on (took forever to get cold), Bouncy azz shocks , tow mirrors that i cant see an army coming up on me, and front pinion seal leaking.:mad:
But hey, I do like the color ! RED ! LOL
Things i DO like are: Dual climate control, steering wheel controls , DIC (even though im discouraged to look at the mileage), high idle , quieter motor at some rpms like at the drive throughs, got it to run a 14.14 in the 1/4, the Allison, and the brighter lights. :) Those are my thoughts and troubles so take from them what you want and leave the rest . Good luck !
Edit: truck has about 18,500 miles !

Had same truck previously in 02 version for 73,000 miles. Perfect truck and troublefree engine and transmission until 70,000 miles when 2 injectors cracked in Southern Mexico and I drove it back 3,000 miles. Dealer replaced 8 and it was as good as new. Stupidly sold it and ordered 05/Now have 05. Truck and transmission are the same and excellent, but the LLY is gutless and gets terrible mpg after 4,000 miles. Should have kept 02.

Have 2002 3500 dump 38000 and the trans (allison 5 speed auto) has just gone on the fritz. Its in the shop and don't know yet

I bought mine in Oct. last year and have been very happy with the whole truck. I have 11k and no problems. It is stock but I ordered a Predator from Kennedy Diesel yesterday so I can start minor engine mods soon. Only minor complaint might be that I'd like to be getting the 18mpg I see others post rather than the 14 I'm getting - but that's still better mgs than I got with my 00 z71 excab- and I have a hell of a lot more truck.

the best truck i ever owned , we took a few trips to wva and to michigan my wife and i enjoy riding in it after many hours of driving no body part fatigue . i have towed over 26000 gvw plus the trailor and weight in the trailor 4 times the truck took all that weight easy, no swaying ,no trailor swing, stock , the allison slowed the truck down going down steep grades , the brakes got a little hot i was 3 to 7 thousand pounds over the gross combined weight recomended by gm , the temperature gauges where normal the truck could of pulled at least another 3 to 5 thousand pounds . i use a bw goose with a dumptrailor the truck didnt even squat ,the tires on the trailor showed the weight, u couldnt tell looking at the truck that it was overloaded. i have over 11000 miles on it , the tries r down to 5/32 ameritrack generals, if i get a tire thats has a good heat rating, i think ill be ok and a burned out reverse light and a burned out licence plate light ,only problems ive had ,warrentywill fix problem and the tires under warrenty also dont know if general will make good when i get down to 2/32 ill find out .

13500 mls..........SWEET Ride, best I've ever had ! It tows like a Champion. 9000 lbs 5'er like it's not even there ! Take care of it and it will take care of you ! ):h


2500HD, SB CC LLY
AFE Pro Guard 7
Predator
Oil Bypass
Amsoil
4" MBRP T409 Exhaust
Finger Stick
EGR Blocker Plate
70 Gal Transfer Flow In_Bed Fuel Tank
NO Codes...hehe :D

Just crossed the 25k mark. I have not "babied" it at all. Love it.

Problems:

Tailgate handle bezel broke.
2 Injectors.

Normal unladen highway mileage is about 19 hand measured.

Normal city driving mileage is about 14.5 hand measured.

It's my tow vehicle, my work truck, our Family Weekend Car, my dragster, my dirt toy, and my hobby.

I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

25,000 miles with over 10k towing and no problems. No reflash yet and just oil change and 3 fuel and 2 allison filters. Starts fine in the cold at -28C (-19F) yesterday:o . I consistently get 18+ (mostly highway) per tank in Winter.

3400 no probs but I am not getting the milage you guys are. Is that a California thing
or reflash or do I have a lead foot?
Take it back to the dealership and have them check it out... could be leaking injectors dumping fuel?? (or it could be that you really do have a lead foot) :eek:

VR :D

Took delivery on August 9 and now have 13,500 trouble free miles and just love the truck. DIC shows 17 mpg average since new. Will never go back to a gasser... Unbelivable power and proformance.

Wow i can't belive the mileage you guys are getting. I have NEVER got more than 15.5mpg on the highway in the 9000 miles i've put on my truck. What is this reflash you guys mentioned?


Thanks

Matt