🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

K2500

Year:

1998

Vehicle Type:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

Generation Name:

GMT400 (Third Generation)

Generation Years:

1995-2000

Platform Code:

GMT400

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck for commercial, fleet, and demanding personal use.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-250, Dodge Ram 2500.

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust construction, strong towing and hauling capability, reliable powertrains.

Manual Benefits:

Official OE-licensed information, comprehensive coverage, convenient digital access, cost savings on repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Format:

PDF Download

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Access Duration:

1 Year (with option for extension)

Digital Compatibility:

PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet (via web browser)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical for OE service manuals, likely thousands of pages in a comprehensive digital format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Diagnosis, repair, overhaul, torque specifications, timing, emissions control components for V8 and Inline-6 engines.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure testing, evaporative emission control (EVAP).

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, coolant specifications, pressure testing.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), timing adjustments, diagnostic procedures.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, exhaust manifold, gasket replacement.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, fluid specifications, shift linkage adjustment.

Transmission Automatic:

Fluid type and capacity, torque converter, transmission control modules (TCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), rebuild procedures.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, U-joints, transfer case (4WD models), rear axle, front axle (4WD models), differential service, axle ratios.

Suspension Front:

Upper and lower control arms, ball joints, tie rods, springs, shock absorbers, steering knuckle, alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Leaf springs, shock absorbers, bushings, control arms (if applicable), axle housing.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel replacement, alignment.

Brake System Front:

Disc brake rotors, calipers, brake pads, hydraulic lines, ABS components.

Brake System Rear:

Drum brakes (likely on K2500 rear), wheel cylinders, brake shoes, parking brake system.

Wheels Tires:

Tire pressure, rotation, sizing, wheel mounting, lug nut torque.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, battery, charging system diagnostics, voltage regulation.

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, solenoid, ignition switch, battery testing.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, bulb replacement, wiring.

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, indicator functions, cluster repair.

Body Electrical:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, wipers, wash system.

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system components, refrigerant, compressor, blower motor, cabin air filter.

Chassis Electrical:

Trailer wiring, towing connectors, control modules.

Safety Restraint System:

Airbag system diagnostics, seatbelt mechanisms.

Body Panels:

Door removal/installation, hood, tailgate, fenders, bumper repair/replacement.

Interior Trim:

Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, interior paneling.

Glass Seals:

Windshield, side glass, rear glass replacement, seal maintenance.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based repairs, common problems and solutions.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step guides for replacing individual parts like alternators, starters, water pumps, brake pads, etc.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, steering gear service.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I and early OBD-II) procedures, scan tool usage, sensor testing.

Specifications Data:

Torque values, fluid capacities, clearances, pressure specifications, electrical resistance values.

Depth Level:

Factory-level technical information for complete vehicle service and repair.

Detail Level:

Includes detailed diagrams, exploded views, step-by-step instructions, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely includes searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High resolution for clear display of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

4.3L V6 Vortec (L35), 5.7L V8 Vortec (L31), 7.4L V8 Vortec (L29), 6.5L V8 Turbo Diesel (L65).

Engine Power Torque 4 3L V6:

Approx. 200 hp, 260 lb-ft torque

Engine Power Torque 5 7L V8:

Approx. 255 hp, 330 lb-ft torque

Engine Power Torque 7 4L V8:

Approx. 290 hp, 410 lb-ft torque

Engine Power Torque 6 5L V8 Td:

Approx. 190 hp, 430 lb-ft torque

Fuel Induction:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for gasoline engines, Direct Injection (DI) for some diesel variants.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, Diesel fuel.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., 4L60E, 4L80E) or 5-speed Manual (NV4500 for heavy-duty applications).

Optional Transmission:

Availability of manual transmission varied by configuration, with the NV4500 being a popular heavy-duty choice.

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Electronic shift transfer case (NP246) or manual shift transfer case (NP241).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Various depending on cab and bed configuration (e.g., 130 inches for standard cab, long bed; 158 inches for extended cab, long bed).

Overall Length Approx:

Varies by configuration, typically 230-245 inches.

Overall Width Approx:

Approx. 79.8 inches.

Overall Height Approx:

Approx. 75-77 inches.

Curb Weight Approx:

Ranges from 4,500 to 6,000+ lbs depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Typically around 7,000 - 8,600 lbs or higher for K2500 models.

Max Towing Capacity:

Can exceed 10,000 lbs depending on configuration and towing package.

Payload Capacity:

Significant, typically 2,000 - 4,000+ lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1998:

Information for 1998 models may be limited or unavailable; generally, trucks of this era focused on robustness over advanced crash structures compared to modern vehicles. Expect 3-star ratings for frontal impact.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, often standard on heavy-duty models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration varied by trim level.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control system typically standard on higher trims or optional.

Towing Features:

Trailer wiring harness, often with provisions for trailer brake controller (if equipped).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specific recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles for automatic transmissions, or as specified by GM. Manual transmission fluid replacement intervals are also provided.

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years for traditional coolant. Dex-Cool type coolants have longer intervals if applicable.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Commonly 5W-30 or 10W-30 for gasoline engines, consult manual for specific engine and temperature ranges. Diesel engines may require specific diesel-rated oils (e.g., 15W-40).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (or equivalent) is typically specified.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically green in color. Check manual for specific GM color or type if Dex-Cool was introduced later in the model year.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Common issues for this era truck can include intake manifold gasket leaks (Vortec engines), head gasket issues on some V8s, transmission cooler line leaks, ABS sensor failures, and rust on body panels, especially in certain climates. Diesel models may experience injector pump issues or glow plug problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Truck Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long and distinguished history in building durable and capable pickup trucks, dating back to the early 20th century.

K Series Evolution:

The K-series designation represents Chevrolet's four-wheel-drive trucks, evolving through various generations to meet changing demands for capability and comfort.

Gmt400 Platform Significance:

The GMT400 platform was a significant redesign for GM trucks, featuring a more aerodynamic and refined design than its predecessors, while maintaining robust construction for heavy-duty work.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Awards:

While specific awards for the 1998 model year are not prominently documented, the GMT400 platform trucks generally received accolades for their durability and capability in the truck segment during their production run.