Chevy 6.0 Engine Problems

in Problems
Chevy Corvettes in a garage

Source: Pixabay

The Chevy 6.0 engine is a small-block engine, first appearing on the market and remaining in production until 2019 when it was replaced by the 6.2 Vortec. It’s a solid engine, but there are still some issues in the system. Before you purchase a car with this component, you might wonder - what are the Chevy 6.0 engine problems?

If you’re interested in learning more about the errors involved in the Chevy 6.0, you’re in the right place. The more you know about the issues in this system, the easier it will be to manage them if they arise. Read on to learn more about four of the most common faults that tend to appear in the Chevy 6.0 engine.

The Most Common Chevy 6.0 Engine Problems:

  • Throttle Body Sensor Failure. Cost to fix: $200
  • Knock Sensor Failure. Cost to fix: $600
  • Low Oil Pressure and Oil Overconsumption. Cost to fix: $500
  • Exhaust Manifold Leaks. Cost to fix: $300

Throttle Body Sensor Failure

Problem:

The throttle position sensor is a critical component on a Chevy that helps control the airflow that’s permitted inside the engine. According to chevytrucks.org, the throttle position sensor will determine how much air is entering and give that information back to the ECU. From there, the system decides how much fuel should go inside the engine. 

When there is a throttle body sensor failure, the system sends readings that are incorrect back to the ECU. The air reading is off, and thus, the ratios within the engine are off. Trouble with the throttle body sensor failure can quickly spiral out of control if you let it go on for too long. Sometimes, you might need a replacement and sometimes it’s just clogged.

Cost:

The first on our list of Chevy 6.0 engine problems will cost around $200 to repair, which is on the lower end of the spectrum compacted to other components that could break down. The repair costs are mostly the part, as it’s only around $50 in repairs and more than $100 to invest in a new throttle body sensor system for your new Chevy.

THE BEST CARS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Whether you’re squeezing into a tight campus parking spot or hauling ten loads of laundry back home, these best cars for college students will get you, your friends, and your stuff where you’re going.

Knock Sensor Failure

Problem:

The knock sensor is another valuable part of the Chevy 6.0 engine system, sitting right beneath the intake manifold. It measures the vibrations inside the engine and helps determine if there is any engine knocking occurring, reporting it to the driver for quick repairs before it spirals out of control. You will typically hear engine knocks and see a check engine light.

Sometimes, there is a failure of the knock sensor. You might see a check engine light appear on your dashboard, but there is no engine knocking and no other indication of an error inside the Chevy 6.0 engine. Typically, in the Chevy 6.0, this error means water has invaded the poor sealant on the sensor and corroded its critical components.

Cost:

It will cost around $600 to deal with a knock sensor replacement in a Chevy with a 6.0 engine. The price point will depend on whether there is physical damage, wiring issues, failure of the general sensor, connector corrosion, or even improper adjustment. Also, different mechanics offer varying rates for their services.

Low Oil Pressure and Oil Overconsumption 

Problem:

Low oil pressure and oil overconsumption are trouble that plagues many vehicles, and unfortunately, the Chevy 6.0 engine is no different. One of the most common complaints is this engine option. Issues with sudden AFM activation with no warning, a fuel efficiency feature, can lead to overheating and low oil pressure lights while on the move.

Unfortunately, there isn’t too much information yet on why the AFM suddenly turns on and leads to these troubles for drivers behind the wheel of a car equipped with the Chevy 6.0 engine. The best thing you can do is deactivate the AFM tech altogether, allowing you to keep more oil in your system and prevent overconsumption through the technology.

Cost:

To deal with low oil pressure and oil overconsumption, will cost around $500. However, the cost will also vary depending on how much damage the low oil levels caused and whether any components need replacement to work against. Most of this cost deals with labor, as oil isn’t too pricey to handle.

8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

So you’re in the market for a used vehicle?  We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.

Exhaust Manifold Leaks

Problem:

Last on our list of problems with the Chevy 6.0 engine is an error in the exhaust manifold, leaving behind a leak. These components route the air out of the engine. If something goes wrong with them, there is a high chance exhaust gasses will escape before they can be properly routed out of the system.

The most common cause of a leak in the exhaust manifold is a broken bolt on the system. When an old bolt breaks off, it leaves a large gap behind and plenty of room for air to flood out and ruin the integrity of the engine.

Cost:

To deal with the last on our list of Chevy 6.0 engine problems, it will cost around $300. The price point for the Chevy 6.0 engine is much less than other problems but could go up depending on the mechanic used and the severity of the issue.

THE BEST TWO-SEATER CARS

If you’re in the market for a speedy two-seater, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best two-seater cars on the market today.

Avoiding the Chevy 6.0 Engine Problems

The best way to steer clear of these Chevy 6.0 engine problems is to notice developing troubles and address them before they occur. If you’ve been around cars for a long time, watch out for potential indicators of any of the above-stated issues. If you notice them, act sooner rather than later.

The rest of the driving audience should take their cars to the mechanic regularly to get them examined. This action doesn’t have to occur obsessively, but every so often, take it in for a check-up. A certified mechanic will see any Chevy 6.0 engine troubles and, if there are any, what it will take to make the repairs.

cGet a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.

Share on Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Why Use CoPilot?

Shop and buy your next car with confidence. CoPilot searches every car at every dealer, every day, and ranks them based on what matters to you.

When you shop for a new or used car, CoPilot helps you know more. We search every car at every dealer so you don't have to, we give you data and insights you won't find anywhere else, and we rank every car so it's easy to find the best car at the best price.

When you're ready to buy your next car, CoPilot helps you make sure you never get taken advantage of at the dealership. Would you like to know more than the salesperson? CoPilot helps you avoid any tricks, traps, and scams. Know how and what you can negotiate. With CoPilot, you'll save time, money, and frustration.