🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

GMC

Model:

Sonoma

Year:

1997

Market:

North America (USA market focus mentioned for safety defect reporting)

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (Second generation began with the 1994 model year)

Platform Code:

GMT325 (Shared with Chevrolet S-10)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Compact Pickup Truck

Segment Rivals:

Ford Ranger, Mazda B-Series, Toyota Tacoma (pre-1995), Nissan Hardbody.

Key Selling Points:

GMC's reputation for trucks, robust construction, availability of different engine options, and a more refined interior compared to some earlier compact trucks.

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab (available with optional jump seats).

Drivetrain Options:

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

📋 Manual Details

Sections Covered:

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

Page Count:

Not specified, but typical for this era's owner manuals is 200-300 pages.

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Primary Systems:

Instrument Cluster (gauges, warning lights), Entertainment Systems (radio operation, speaker configuration), Climate Controls (HVAC system, fan speeds, temperature settings), Exterior and Interior Lighting, Driver Controls (steering wheel adjustments, pedal operation, shifter), Locks and Security (door locks, ignition lock, anti-theft features), Seating and Safety Restraints (seat adjustments, seat belt usage, airbag system overview), Driving (basic operation, shifting, parking brake), Cleaning and Care, Engine Compartment Components, Lubrication and Fluid Systems, Electrical System Basics (battery, starter, alternator principles), Fuel System Operation.

Key Procedures:

Normal vehicle operation, understanding dashboard indicators, adjusting climate settings, proper use of lights, operating door locks and security features, seat belt and airbag system safety, basic driving techniques, vehicle cleaning and exterior care, engine oil checks and top-offs, battery maintenance (jump starting, terminal cleaning), fuel type recommendations, air filter inspection, basic fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), understanding refill capacities, identifying lubricant specifications, accessory installation guidelines, reporting safety defects.

Depth Of Information:

Owner-level understanding for safe operation, basic maintenance, and general information. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or advanced diagnostics typically found in a Service Manual or Repair Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

PDF Reader Requirement:

Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer

Print Quality:

Digital reproduction of original factory manual. Quality depends on source scan, but generally clear for reading and reference.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1 Displacement:

2.2L (134 cu in) L4-2000 (also known as the C22NE or RPO LU4)

Engine Option 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder, SOHC

Engine Option 1 Horsepower:

Approximately 115 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

Approximately 130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Option 2 Displacement:

4.3L (262 cu in) V6 (RPO L35, Vortec 4300)

Engine Option 2 Configuration:

V6, OHV, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Engine Option 2 Horsepower:

Approximately 155 hp @ 4000 rpm (later models increased this)

Engine Option 2 Torque:

Approximately 230 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Fuel Induction:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for 2.2L, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) for 4.3L V6.

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual, typically 87 AKI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Option 1:

5-speed Manual Transmission (NV3500 for V6, RPO MD7/MW3)

Transmission Option 2:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4L60E for V6, RPO M30)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron-III (for automatic transmissions) / Manual transmission fluid (specific type mentioned in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.5 inches

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

123.4 inches

Bed Length Standard:

6.2 feet (74.6 inches)

Bed Length Long:

7.4 feet (88.8 inches) - Less common for Sonoma

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3,000 - 3,800 lbs (varies by configuration and drivetrain)

Towing Capacity:

Varies by engine and axle ratio, typically up to 5,000 lbs for V6 models with appropriate trailering package.

Payload Capacity:

Varies by configuration, typically around 1,000 - 1,600 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Specific ratings for 1997 models are not readily available in the same format as modern tests. However, the second-generation platform was designed with updated safety standards. The manual mentions occupant protection and proper seatbelt usage.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on rear wheels (RPO JB5).

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for front outboard occupants, lap belts for center seat occupants and rear jump seats (if equipped).

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

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

Antenna:

Fixed mast antenna, usually roof-mounted.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most models.

Anti Theft:

Factory immobilizer system or steering column lock may be present.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Manual will specify.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Approximately every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

As needed based on inspection, or typically every 12,000-15,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual, likely SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for the 2.2L and 4.3L V6.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically green color, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron-II or Dexron-III.

Engine Oil Capacity 2.2L:

Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter.

Engine Oil Capacity 4.3L V6:

Approximately 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 11-12 quarts (10.4-11.3 L) depending on engine and radiator.

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 15.1 gallons.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links due to suspension stress. Heater core failures. Clutch wear on manual transmissions. Catalytic converter issues. Rear axle seal leaks.

Engine Specific Notes:

The 4.3L V6 is generally robust, but intake manifold gasket leaks can occur. The 2.2L 4-cylinder can be prone to oil leaks from the valve cover and oil pan gaskets.

Oil Filter Example:

AC-Delco PF1218, Fram PH3614, Wix 51515 (refer to manual or parts catalog for exact fitment)

Air Filter Example:

AC-Delco A3063C, Fram CA3172 (refer to manual or parts catalog for exact fitment)

📚 Vehicle History

Gmc Truck Legacy:

GMC has a long-standing reputation in the commercial and consumer truck market, known for durability and capability.

Second Generation Launch:

The second generation Sonoma and its Chevrolet counterpart, the S-10, were introduced for the 1994 model year with a completely redesigned exterior and interior, improved chassis, and new engine options.

Manufacturing Locations:

United States (various GM assembly plants).

Key Facelifts During Generation:

Minor updates occurred, but the fundamental design remained consistent through the second generation (1994-2003).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the 1997 Sonoma are not widely documented, the second-generation platform generally received positive reviews for its refinement and capability within the compact truck segment of its time.