🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

S10 Blazer

Year:

1983

Platform:

GM GMT400 (First Generation)

Vehicle Type:

Compact SUV

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1983 Chevrolet S10 Blazer was a significant entry into the compact SUV market, offering a more maneuverable and fuel-efficient alternative to larger, traditional SUVs. It appealed to a wide demographic looking for utility and versatility.

Competitors:

Key competitors in the compact SUV segment during this era included the Ford Bronco II, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), and later models like the Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner. The S10 Blazer stood out with its comfortable ride and GM's established dealer network.

Features:

Available in 2-door and 4-door configurations, RWD and 4WD options, a range of inline-4 and V6 engines, and removable soft tops on some early models. Known for its car-like driving dynamics compared to body-on-frame truck-based SUVs.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All 1983 Chevrolet S10 Blazer models and trims

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Industry standard for this era's factory manuals is typically 1000+ pages)

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, and repair of all engine variants, including cylinder heads, blocks, pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, timing systems, and oil pump.

Fuel System:

Fuel pumps, injectors, carburetors (if applicable), fuel lines, fuel filter replacement, pressure testing, and diagnosis of fuel delivery issues.

Emission Control:

Diagnosis and repair of emissions-related components, including catalytic converters, EGR systems, PCV valves, and evaporative emission control systems.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, hoses, and coolant specifications.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, lubrication passages, and recommended oil types and capacities.

Ignition Charging Starting:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor, ignition timing, alternator, starter motor, battery diagnosis, and charging system testing.

Automatic Transmission:

Complete repair, overhaul, diagnosis, and fluid specifications for all automatic transmission options.

Manual Transmission:

Clutch system, transmission removal/installation, internal component repair, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Transfer case operation and repair, driveshaft U-joints, differential overhaul, axle repair, and wheel bearing service.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications, and tire pressure recommendations.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing replacement, tire wear diagnosis, and recommended tire sizes and pressures.

Brake System:

Disc and drum brake systems, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.

Parking Brake:

Parking brake system adjustment, repair, and maintenance.

Steering System:

Steering column, power steering pump, steering gear, tie rods, steering linkage, and fluid specifications.

Air Conditioning:

AC system components, refrigerant types, charging procedures, diagnosis of cooling issues, and component replacement.

Restraint Systems:

Seat belts, and potential information on early Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) if equipped, though limited for 1983.

Body Exterior:

Hood, doors, tailgate, glass, mirrors, trim, and basic body panel repair procedures.

Body Interior:

Instrument panel, seating, door panels, headliner, and interior trim removal/installation.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrument cluster, switches, relays, fuses, and body control modules.

Instrumentation Audio Visual:

Gauges, warning lights, meter systems, and basic audio system troubleshooting.

Wiper Washer:

Wiper motor, linkages, washer pump, and fluid reservoir service.

Cruise Control:

Diagnosis and repair of the cruise control system.

Body Hardware:

Door latches, window regulators, hinges, and related hardware repair and adjustment.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and general upkeep.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for all major systems, symptom-based diagnostics, and diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable).

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, alignment data, and electrical resistance values.

Wiring Schematics:

Detailed, color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.

Engine Timing:

Detailed procedures for setting ignition timing with a timing light and adjusting distributor advance mechanisms.

Wheel Alignment:

Comprehensive front and rear wheel alignment specifications and procedures for camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle.

Ac Recharge Procedure:

Step-by-step instructions for safely evacuating, charging, and leak testing the R-12 refrigerant AC system, along with component replacement guidelines.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Information on identifying and interpreting any diagnostic codes or fault indicators present in the vehicle's systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Designed for professional technicians, providing the highest level of detail.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

All pages are printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

Digital (PDF) - No physical binding

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Operating Systems:

Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and macOS

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free online)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.0L (122 cu in) Isuzu-sourced L4, 2.8L (173 cu in) 'LR2' V6

Horsepower Torque:

Approx. 83 hp for the 2.0L L4, Approx. 110-125 hp for the 2.8L V6. Torque figures varied by specific engine tune.

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (typically Rochester Quadrajet for V6, possibly others for L4) and potentially early TBI (Throttle Body Injection) for later 1983 models or specific configurations. Manual covers both.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 automatic transmission

Transfer Case:

Manual or electric shift 4WD transfer case (New Process NP208 or similar) for 4x4 models.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

108.3 inches (2,751 mm)

Length:

Approx. 163.5 inches (4,153 mm)

Width:

Approx. 66.5 inches (1,689 mm)

Height:

Approx. 62.5 inches (1,588 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,600 lbs (1,451 - 1,633 kg), depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA crash test data for 1983 models is limited or unavailable in readily accessible public databases. However, safety features of the era focused on passive restraint systems.

Active Safety:

Power assisted brakes (optional), power steering (optional), limited-slip differential (optional).

Passive Safety:

Lap and shoulder belts, padded interior surfaces, side guard door beams (standard).

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory AM/FM radio, AM/FM with cassette player options available. Manual covers basic troubleshooting and speaker replacement.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Features would primarily include power steering and power brakes if optioned. No electronic driver aids like ABS or traction control were common for this model year.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern definition. Systems were entirely analog and mechanical, with basic electrical wiring.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, with specific recommendations for synthetic oils if available and specified in the original manual.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or with every oil change, depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on driving conditions. Manual transmissions typically have longer intervals or are serviced based on specific manufacturer guidelines within the manual.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SF rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most conditions (check manual for specific climate recommendations).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Manual will specify capacity.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM approved power steering fluid or Dexron II/III automatic transmission fluid.

Common Problems 1983 S10 Blazer:

Potential issues common to vehicles of this era include carburetor tuning problems, aging fuel lines, exhaust manifold leaks, AC system leaks (due to older refrigerant types and seal degradation), starter motor wear, and U-joint wear on 4WD models. The manual provides diagnosis and repair for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Heritage:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long and storied history in American automotive manufacturing, known for producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks and performance vehicles. The S10 Blazer extended this legacy into the burgeoning SUV market.

S10 Blazer Evolution:

The 1983 model marked the inaugural year for the S10 Blazer, which was based on the compact S-10 pickup truck platform. It was designed to compete with established smaller SUVs and offered a more approachable and fuel-efficient option. The first generation (1983-1994) saw continuous refinements in engines, transmissions, and features.

Production Locations:

Produced in various GM assembly plants across North America, including but not limited to Moraine, Ohio and St. Louis, Missouri.