Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Individuals and small businesses seeking a versatile and capable light-duty pickup truck for work and personal use.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Dakota, Nissan Hardbody/Frontier
Features:
Compact size for maneuverability, available 4x4, durable body-on-frame construction, variety of engine and bed length options.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic/manual), clutch operation (manual), driveline components, four-wheel drive system operation (if applicable).
Chassis:
Braking system (ABS operation), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument panel and controls, audio system, climate control system, power windows/locks, starting and charging system.
Body:
Doors, windows, seats, safety belts, airbags, exterior features, interior trim.
Operation:
Starting the engine, driving controls, parking, towing, operating auxiliary equipment.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and indicators, basic diagnosis of common problems (e.g., engine not starting).
Emergency:
Changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, basic roadside assistance information.
Depth:
Focuses on driver-level understanding and basic operational/maintenance tasks. Does not cover advanced diagnostics or component-level repairs.
Wheelbase Std:
108.3 inches (2751 mm)
Wheelbase Long:
118.0 inches (2997 mm) (Extended Cab models)
Bed Lengths:
6.1 ft (Short Bed), 7.4 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
~3,200 - 3,800 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvwr Range:
~5,000 - 5,600 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not extensively tested under current NHTSA protocols for this era; expect average to below-average for its time.
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
N/A (Test not performed on this model/era)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - typically rear-wheel ABS standard, 4-wheel ABS optional.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear outboard, if applicable)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (with synthetic oil), or 3,000-5,000 miles (with conventional oil), refer to manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or as recommended based on wear pattern.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect fluid condition regularly, change typically around 50,000-100,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule.
Engine Oil:
API Service SG or SH. SAE 5W-30 recommended for most operating temperatures. Refer to manual for exact viscosity.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based. A 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL coolant and distilled water is recommended. (Confirm if DEX-COOL was standard for '97 or a later update).
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 1050001 or Dexron-III (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron-III (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual; typically GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity varies.
Common Problem 1:
Interior pillar trim degradation/sagging.
Common Problem 2:
Power window motor failure.
Common Problem 3:
HVAC blower motor issues.
Common Problem 4:
Radiator and coolant leak issues (especially with plastic tanks).
Common Problem 5:
Ball joint and tie rod wear (typical for trucks of this era).
Gmc Truck Legacy:
GMC has a long history of producing trucks, known for their professional-grade focus and durability.
Second Generation:
The 1997 Sonoma represents the second generation of the Sonoma, a redesign from the previous S-15 model. It shared its platform with the Chevrolet S-10.
Platform Sharing:
Built on the GMT325 platform, shared with the Chevrolet S-10.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured at GM plants in the United States (e.g., Shreveport, Louisiana).
