🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

GMC

Model:

Suburban

Year:

1996

Body Style:

Full-size SUV

Platform:

GMT400

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size, body-on-frame SUV, positioned as a premium, versatile vehicle for families and towing.

Key Competitors:

Ford Explorer (later Expedition), Chevrolet Tahoe/Blazer, Dodge Ramcharger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Land Cruiser.

Vehicle Strengths:

Spacious interior, robust towing and hauling capability, durable construction, available four-wheel drive.

Demographics:

Families, individuals requiring substantial cargo/passenger capacity, those needing towing for boats, campers, etc.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Owner Operation, Maintenance, and Basic Specifications

Secondary Focus:

Driver Controls, Safety Systems, Climate, Entertainment

Specific Sections Listed:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting safety defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories

Estimated Page Count:

Varies based on original publication, typically 150-250 pages for this era/vehicle type

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine oil, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Lubricant specifications, Refill capacities

Electrical:

Battery, Instrument Cluster, Lights, Entertainment Systems

Chassis:

Locks and Security, Driver Controls, Seating and Safety Restraints

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate Controls, Seating, Locks, Entertainment Systems

Operation:

Driver Controls, Seating Adjustments, Climate Control Operation, Entertainment System Usage, Lighting Operation

Maintenance:

Engine oil checks and changes, Battery maintenance, Air filter replacement (general guidance), Fluid refill capacities

Safety:

Seat belt usage, Child restraint system installation (general guidance), Reporting safety defects (U.S.)

Cleaning:

Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations

Diagnostics:

Basic troubleshooting related to dashboard indicators, no in-depth diagnostic procedures

Repair:

No repair procedures included; focus is on operation and routine maintenance.

Specifications:

Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Part numbers (for consumables like filters, oil, etc.)

📊 Manual Specifications

Readability:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, enabling easy content lookup

Quality From Source:

Digitized from original factory manual, quality dependent on original print and scanning process

Physical Equivalent Binding:

Stapled or perfect-bound paperback

Physical Equivalent Paper:

Typically standard paper stock

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Vortec V8 Gasoline Engine

Displacement:

5.7L (350 cubic inches)

Engine Code:

L31 (GM Vortec 350)

Horsepower:

Approx. 255 hp @ 4600 rpm (for 1996 model year, specific rating may vary slightly)

Torque:

Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (for 1996 model year, specific rating may vary slightly)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or HEI (depending on specific build date/options)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) - Vortec Multi-Port Fuel Injection

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Code:

4L60-E

Optional Transmission:

None (4L60-E was standard for gasoline engines)

Overdrive:

Yes (4th gear overdrive)

Drive Modes:

2WD (RWD), 4WD (selectable or full-time, depending on trim)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 219.5 inches

Width:

Approximately 77.0 inches

Height:

Approximately 70.9 inches

Wheelbase:

Approximately 130.0 inches

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 144.4 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 91.4 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,600 - 5,000 lbs (varies by drivetrain and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 7,000 - 7,200 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7,000 lbs (with proper equipment and configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Not explicitly available for this specific model year in easily digestible formats, but generally robust for its era.

ABS:

Standard on 4-wheel disc brake models, optional/available on others.

Traction Control:

Optional/available, especially with 4WD systems.

Airbags:

Driver-side frontal airbag standard. Passenger airbag often optional or unavailable on base models.

Seat Belts:

3-point active belts for front outboard occupants, 2-point belts for center front and rear occupants (lap belts for center rear).

Child Seat Anchors:

Not standard LATCH system; relies on seat belt securing of child seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level (e.g., 4 or 6 speakers).

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control systems. Rear seat climate control vents were common.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Anti Theft:

Factory alarm system optional or standard on higher trims. Keyless entry available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 12,000-15,000 miles or annually, or sooner if driving in dusty conditions.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, service typically around 60,000-100,000 miles. Consult manual for exact mileage.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG or SH rated 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature range).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change for 5.7L V8.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III (or equivalent)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Common Wear Items:

Wheel bearings, front end components (ball joints, tie rods), brake components, catalytic converter, rear main seal leaks, transmission cooler lines.

Powertrain Reliability:

The 5.7L Vortec V8 and 4L60-E transmission are generally robust if properly maintained, but age-related issues can arise.

Example Parts Covered:

Engine Oil Filter (e.g., ACDelco PF1218 or equivalent), Air Filter (e.g., ACDelco A267C or equivalent), Wiper Blades, etc.

📚 Vehicle History

Gmc Legacy:

GMC, known for its truck and commercial vehicle heritage, often offered more heavy-duty versions or options compared to Chevrolet counterparts. The Suburban nameplate has a long history dating back to the 1930s.

Generation:

This 1996 model belongs to the GMT400 platform (1992-1999), which introduced significant updates in styling, interior comfort, and powertrain technology.

Manufacturing Location:

Janesville, Wisconsin, USA (primary assembly plant for GMT400 SUVs).

Production Years:

GMT400 Suburban production: 1992-1999. 1996 represents a mid-cycle update within this generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the 1996 model year are not readily listed, the GMT400 platform and Suburban model were consistently well-regarded for their utility and durability by automotive journalists and consumers alike.

Consumer Reports:

Often rated highly for utility and passenger capacity, though fuel economy was a noted drawback inherent to the class.