Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, professional repair shops.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Dakota, Nissan Hardbody/Frontier
Durability:
Renowned for its robust construction and reliability, especially with the V6 engine.
Versatility:
Offered in various cab styles (Regular, Extended), bed lengths, and drivetrain configurations (2WD, 4WD).
Value Proposition:
Provided a cost-effective and capable utility vehicle for personal and commercial use.
Covered Years:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Covered Models:
Chevrolet S-10, GMC Sonoma (platform sharing)
Regions Covered:
North America (primarily US & Canada)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveline, transfer case (4WD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering system, braking system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels, tires
Body And Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system, power accessories
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, charging system, starting system, body control modules, diagnostics
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (heads, pistons, etc.), transmission rebuilds, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension arm/ball joint replacement, steering rack replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Adjustment:
Brake adjustment, clutch adjustment, headlight aiming
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Searchability:
Searchable PDF text, allowing quick access to specific information.
Readability:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text.
Print Usability:
Printable pages suitable for home or professional workshop use.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine 2 2L 4 Cylinder:
2.2L (2198cc) Inline-4, SOHC, Fuel Injection. Horsepower: ~118 hp @ 4800 rpm, Torque: ~132 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm. (4ZD1)
Engine 2 8L V6:
2.8L (2771cc) V6, OHV, MPFI. Horsepower: ~122 hp @ 4400 rpm, Torque: ~154 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm. (LR2)
Engine 4 3L V6:
4.3L (4300cc) V6, OHV, MPFI. Horsepower: ~160-190 hp @ 4000-4400 rpm, Torque: ~235-250 lb-ft @ 2400-2800 rpm. (L35, Vortec variant in later years)
Compression Ratio 4 3L:
9.25:1
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) / Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) in later models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze/coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5-11.5 quarts (9.9-10.9 liters) depending on engine and radiator size.
Transmission Manual 4 Cyl:
5-speed manual (e.g., Isuzu AR5, New Venture Gear NV1500)
Transmission Manual V6:
5-speed manual (New Venture Gear NV3500)
Transmission Automatic 2Wd V6:
4-speed automatic (e.g., GM 4L60-E)
Transmission Automatic 4Wd V6:
4-speed automatic (e.g., GM 4L60-E with specific transfer case integration)
Transfer Case:
Electronic shift transfer case (Autotrac) available on 4WD models in later years.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Capacity: Approx. 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) for dry fill.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 rated gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity varies by transmission type.
Wheelbase Short:
108.3 inches (2751 mm)
Wheelbase Long:
118.0 inches (2997 mm)
Bed Length Short:
6.1 feet (1.85 m)
Bed Length Long:
7.4 feet (2.25 m)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3300 - 4200 lbs (1497 - 1905 kg) depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg) with appropriate engine, axle ratio, and towing package.
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 1500 lbs (680 kg) depending on configuration.
NHTSA Rollover Resistance 2Wd:
3 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Resistance 4Wd:
3 Stars
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on front wheels, optional on rear wheels depending on year and trim.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags became standard across the lineup during this generation (often starting in 1994 or 1995).
Radio Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player options. Upgraded sound systems available.
Speaker Configuration:
Standard 2-speaker or optional 4/6 speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most trims and engines.
Anti Theft:
Factory immobilizer systems or dealer-installed anti-theft options may be present on later models.
OBD Ii Port:
Standard OBD-II diagnostic port from 1996 onwards, facilitating electronic diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for conventional or iridium plugs, depending on type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), especially under heavy use.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on temperature) for most engines. API certified oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
2.2L: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L); 2.8L V6: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L); 4.3L V6: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III ATF.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets, particularly on the 4.3L Vortec V6, leading to coolant or vacuum leaks.
Rear Main Seal:
Rear main crankshaft seal leaks are a common concern, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.
Oil Pressure Sensor:
Failure of the oil pressure sensor/switch, leading to inaccurate readings or potential engine damage if ignored.
Blower Motor Resistor:
Blower motor resistor failure, causing HVAC fan speed issues (only high speed works).
Clutch Pedal Assembly:
Wear in the clutch pedal pivot points or bushings on manual transmission models.
Chevrolet Truck Lineage:
Follows in the tradition of Chevrolet's long-standing reputation for durable and capable pickup trucks, building on the C/K series legacy.
Generation Start:
Second generation introduced for the 1994 model year, marking a significant redesign.
Major Updates:
Mid-cycle refresh in 1998 included revised styling (front end, grille, headlights), updated interior, and introduction of the Vortec 4.3L V6 engines. Introduction of Z85 suspension package for improved handling. Four-door extended cab (Sportside and Stepside bed options) became more prominent.
Assembly Locations:
Primarily assembled in the United States (e.g., Moraine, Ohio; St. Louis, Missouri) and Mexico.
Gm Platform Sharing:
Shared the GMT325 platform with the GMC Sonoma and Isuzu Hombre.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
While the S-10 itself didn't win this specific award during its debut, its platform siblings and Chevrolet trucks have a history of recognition, and the S-10 was a highly popular and consistent seller in its segment.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and engine, with some years receiving average to above-average scores, particularly for the 4.3L V6 engine and manual transmissions.
