general problems of the 2001 Chevrolet 1500

While attempting to shift from third to fourth the engine appeared to have a stuck throttle cable. Pulled the truck safely off the road and check the throttle cable making sure it was not broken or kinked. I restarted the truck and the rpms at idol were at 2000 and then I placed the truck into first gear and began to move forward towards my home. As I shifted from 1 to second the rpms began to rise. As I placed the truck into neutral the engine continued to increase in rpms to 3000 and then onto 4000. I placed the truck in neutral and allow the motion of the engine to push the truck forward and using the brakes I was able to keep speeds below 45 and when the truck came to a complete stop the engine rpms continued to rise above 4000. After getting the truck home and inspection of the throttle body, a half cup movable plate was found attached to the butterfly. . This had prevented the butterfly to close and had torn from the butterfly plate. I have not found any documentation on this plate or cup on any sites nor is it mentioned in any owner manuals. I was lucky, but others who are not mechanically inclined may not know what to do or even an increase chance of an accident which could result in a death or injury.

While driving on a residential street I attempted to apply the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor. After about 20 feet the truck did stop with the brake pedal almost on the floor. The truck had to be towed and the front brake lines where rusted and leaking and replaced. The rear lines are also rusted and need to be replaced. The total cost is about $500. 00. I have had to replace the fule line as it also rusted and leaked, that cost was $900. 00. Apparently gm has had numerous problems with this. In over 40 years I have never seen lines rust through like this. It is a seroius problem and could have resulted in a major accident if the area had been more congested and speed greater. Gm should be putting quality material on such a vital system. Also the rear brakes where almost non-existent due to the gm abs design. This gives no braking ability and should not be that way. As far as safety goes this should be a number one issue as brake failure can be letal, gas leaking isnt very safe either.

After putting truck in gear (auto) the gas pedal wil occasionally not depress without force. This leads to a sudden burst of speed while truck is in gear. Dealer reccommends a $100 throttle body cleaning. If a critical area is getting dirty, isn't that a design flaw that should be fixed by manufacturer? repair "how to" websites talk about cleaning and plugging a hole that lets in dirt.

I purchased new a 2001 silverado pick-up. I've had to replace the fuel level sensor@ 48000 miles,tailgate straps@ 65000 miles, and now electric window motor/regulator@ 80000 miles. I've tried to work with gm about the problems and possible reenbursment for these repairs as well as my local dealership. I don't believe after paying over 30k for a new vehicle, gm will not back their products or share in the cost of replacing these overpriced parts. Is there anything that I can do?.