🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

S-10

Year:

1996

Body Style:

Pickup Truck (Light Duty)

Cab Configurations:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed (6 ft), Long Bed (7 ft)

Platform Code:

GMT330

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians, fleet maintenance facilities.

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma (later model), Nissan Hardbody, Mazda B-Series.

Vehicle Selling Points:

Ruggedness, compact size suitable for urban use, available 4WD, versatile utility for work and recreation.

Value:

Provides dealership-level repair accuracy, saving significant costs on professional maintenance and repairs. Essential for maintaining vehicle longevity and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Statement:

Covers all models, all repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (original likely paper, often available as PDF scan)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM), ignition system, lubrication system.

Drivetrain:

Transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, driveshaft, rear axle, differentials, hubs, CV joints (if applicable).

Chassis:

Brake system (front disc, rear drum), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) if equipped, suspension (front independent, rear solid axle), steering system, frame and body mounting.

Electrical:

12-volt electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, instruments, power accessories (windows, locks), body wiring harnesses, engine control wiring, diagnostic connectors (OBD-I).

Body:

Body and frame construction, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, tailgate, theft-deterrent system (if applicable), HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, battery maintenance.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-I systems, electrical diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, engine bearing clearances, piston ring gaps, valve adjustments, fluid capacities and types, electrical specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Designed for professional technicians, covering detailed disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair of all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF or scanned image files if obtained digitally. Original is printed.

Quality:

Original factory print quality. Digital scans should aim for high resolution for legibility of diagrams and text.

Binding:

Original likely perfect-bound or spiral-bound for durability and lay-flat use.

Paper:

Durable, thick paper stock to withstand frequent use in a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 2 5L:

LL2 (Iron Duke family, 4-cylinder)

Engine Displacement 2 5L:

2.5 L (151 cu in)

Engine Horsepower 2 5L:

Approx. 122 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine Torque 2 5L:

Approx. 145 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Code 4 3L:

L35 (V6 Vortec)

Engine Displacement 4 3L:

4.3 L (262 cu in) V6

Engine Horsepower 4 3L:

Approx. 160-165 hp @ 4400-4800 rpm

Engine Torque 4 3L:

Approx. 235-240 lb-ft @ 2400-2800 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Central Multiport Injection - CPI for V6, TBI or MPI for 4-cyl depending on exact spec)

ECU Type:

Delco-GM ECM (Engine Control Module)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 4 Cyl:

4-speed Manual (NVG 3500 or similar)

Transmission Type V6:

5-speed Manual (NVG 3500 or similar)

Transmission Type Automatic:

4-speed Automatic (4L60-E for V6, possibly 700R4 variation or TH180C for 4-cyl)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

Approx. 108.3 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

Approx. 118.1 inches

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,000 - 3,800 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

NHTSA ratings for 1996 models were generally 4-star for driver in frontal impact, 3-star for passenger. Side impact data less common for this era. (Note: Specific year ratings may vary)

Braking:

Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for rear wheels.

Restraints:

Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts).

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim and cab type.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, typically on rear wheels only.

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) diagnostic connector, typically located under the dashboard or in the engine bay.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control available on some models.

Air Conditioning:

Optional air conditioning system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, consult manual for exact specification based on driving conditions.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs and filters at 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on type.

Timing Belt Chain:

Both engines utilize a timing chain, which typically lasts the life of the engine. No replacement interval specified.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH service classification, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for exact temp range). Check for synthetic oil compatibility.

Coolant Type:

GM Pre-mixed 50/50 ethylene glycol coolant (Green color).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron-III (or equivalent ATF).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-II/III ATF.

Common Problems:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on V6 CPI engines), rear main seal leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, transmission shift cable binding (automatic), differential pinion seal leaks, dashboard cracking, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window motor failures.

Reliability Notes:

Generally considered reliable workhorses, but age-related component wear is common. The 4.3L V6 is particularly robust.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM).

First Generation Start:

1982 (as a compact pickup, distinct from the full-size C/K series).

Second Generation Start:

1998 (S-10 design updated significantly).

Production Plants:

Various GM plants in North America (e.g., St. Louis, MO; Moraine, OH; Shreveport, LA).

Model Production Years:

1982-2004 (North America)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

While specific awards for the 1996 model might not be widely publicized, the S-10 platform was a consistent performer in the compact truck segment, often praised for its value and utility. The 4.3L V6 frequently appeared on Ward's 10 Best Engines list in subsequent years.