🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

C/K

Year:

1990

Platform Code:

GMT400

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Pickup Truck and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)

Target Audience:

Commercial fleets, work trucks, families needing robust transportation.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Dodge Ram

Vehicle Reputation:

Known for durability, towing capacity, and robust construction.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information, essential for accurate and efficient servicing.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All C/K models (1500, 2500, 3500) and body styles (Pickup, Chassis Cab, Suburban, Blazer)

Engine Coverage:

4.3L V6, 5.0L V8, 5.7L V8, 7.4L V8

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed Manual, 5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic (700R4/4L60, 4L80E)

Estimated Page Count:

~1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive dealer manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, rebuild procedures, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, intake/exhaust manifolds.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection systems (TBI, CSFI), ignition system, emission control systems, diagnosis of drivability issues.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, transmission removal/installation, internal component overhaul, shifting mechanisms.

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission removal/installation, torque converter, internal hydraulic circuits, valve body, seals, bands, clutches, electronic controls (where applicable).

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, rear axle assembly, differential, front axle (4WD models), wheel bearings, hubs.

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent or solid axle depending on model/trim), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, ball joints, control arms, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear/rack, steering column, tie rods, linkage, steering wheel.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body And Frame:

Frame construction, body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, bumpers, interior trim, weatherstripping, corrosion protection.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:

HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant, control panels, ducts, diagnostics.

Emission Controls:

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, diagnosis and repair of emission-related fault codes.

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, belt inspection/replacement, spark plug replacement, filter replacements.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms (e.g., no-start, poor performance, unusual noises), specific fault code diagnosis.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), test procedures for sensors and actuators, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., scan tools, multimeters).

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications for fasteners, alignment angles, component dimensions, electrical resistance values, pressure readings.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and wiring diagrams.

User Level:

Professional Technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Quality:

N/A (Printed Manual)

Print Quality:

High-quality print with clear diagrams and text (typical for OEM manuals)

Binding:

Professional perfect binding or saddle-stitch (typical for FSMs)

Paper Quality:

Durable, matte finish paper designed for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

4.3L (262 cu in) Vortec V6

Optional Engines:

5.0L (305 cu in) V8, 5.7L (350 cu in) V8, 7.4L (454 cu in) V8

4.3L V6 Hp:

Approx. 160 hp @ 4000 RPM

4.3L V6 Torque:

Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

5.7L V8 Hp:

Approx. 210 hp @ 4000 RPM

5.7L V8 Torque:

Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI) depending on engine and specific build date.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual (NVG4500 or Getrag variants)

Type:

5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic (700R4 / 4L60, 4L80E)

4L60 Features:

Electronic overdrive, lock-up torque converter.

4L80E Features:

Heavy-duty electronically controlled automatic transmission, more robust than 4L60.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

117.5 inches (1500), 131.5 inches (2500/3500), 143.5 inches (2500/3500 Extended Cab)

Bed Length Options:

6.5 ft, 8 ft

Curb Weight Range:

~4500 - 6000 lbs depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific ratings for 1990 models are generally not as detailed as modern vehicles. Focus on structural integrity and passive safety features.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Available on some models, particularly rear-wheel ABS.

Seat Belts:

Lap and shoulder belts

Body Construction:

Body-on-frame construction, designed for durability and load-carrying capability.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo, optional cassette player, optional CD player (late production or aftermarket), basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on many models.

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-I diagnostic system, requiring specific diagnostic procedures and tools for fault code retrieval.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check owner's manual, but generally every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, manual transmissions have different service requirements.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check specific engine manual section).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (for 700R4/4L60 and 4L80E)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity depends on transmission type (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a green color, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, exhaust systems, fuel pumps, radiator, alternator, AC components.

Electrical Issues:

Corrosion on grounds and connectors, starter solenoid, dimmer switch, instrument cluster failures can occur with age.

Engine Issues:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on 5.7L), oil pan gaskets, rear main seals, cooling system leaks.

Transmission Issues:

Leaking seals and gaskets, internal wear on clutches and bands (700R4/4L60), potential failure of 4L80E solenoids or valve body issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Truck Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long history of producing robust and reliable trucks dating back to the early 20th century.

C K Lineage:

The C/K designation has been used by Chevrolet for its two-wheel drive (C) and four-wheel drive (K) trucks since the 1960s. The 1990 model year represents the launch of the GMT400 platform, a significant redesign.

Platform Launch:

GMT400 platform introduced in late 1989 for the 1990 model year, replacing the older C/K platform.

Manufacturing Locations:

Various General Motors assembly plants in North America.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific 'Truck of the Year' awards for the 1990 model are not prominently recalled, the GMT400 platform was a significant advancement in comfort, ride quality, and engineering for GM trucks.