Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance personnel.
Advantage:
Official licensing and OE data ensure accuracy, surpassing generic or third-party manuals. Convenience of digital access over outdated print versions.
Licensing:
Officially licensed, derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials.
Content Source:
Factory-derived service and repair information.
Cost Savings:
Enables DIY repairs, significantly reducing labor costs compared to professional repair shops.
Primary Coverage:
North America
Estimated Pages:
1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Primary Language:
English
Digital Format:
Online Access (Web Browser-Based)
Compatibility:
PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet
Access Duration:
1 Year (with option for renewal)
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (Transmission, Transfer Case, Axles, Driveshafts)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic & Parking)
Electrical:
Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Charging System, Starting System, Engine Control Module (ECM) & Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Wiring, Body Electrical Systems
Body:
Body & Frame, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Glass, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Tune-Ups
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Diagnostic Troubleshooting Guides, Component Testing
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) - where applicable for the era, Symptom-Based Diagnosis
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls)
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail, including specifications, torque values, diagnostic procedures, and wiring diagrams.
Engine Options:
4.3L V6 (VIN 'X'), 5.0L V8 (VIN '7'), 5.7L V8 (VIN '8'), 7.4L V8 (VIN 'R')
Engine Type:
Gasoline (Vortec V6 and V8 variants for later models, TBI/CPI for earlier 5.0/5.7)
4.3L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 160-175 hp (depending on specific configuration)
4.3L V6 Torque:
Approx. 230-245 lb-ft (depending on specific configuration)
5.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 200-210 hp
5.7L V8 Torque:
Approx. 300-310 lb-ft
7.4L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp
7.4L V8 Torque:
Approx. 380 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for most engines, Central Port Injection (CPI) on some later 5.0/5.7L V8s, Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) may appear on late production 5.7L V8s. The manual will cover these variations.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Options:
4-speed Automatic (4L60 for V6/5.0L/5.7L, 4L80E for heavy-duty/5.7L/7.4L), 5-speed Manual (NV3500, NV4500 for HD applications)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual
Transmission Features:
Overdrive gear in automatics, lock-up torque converter, manual transmission clutch operation.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity grade dependent on temperature (e.g., 75W-90, 80W-90). Specifics will be in the manual.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Wideside, Fleetside bed options).
Wheelbase Options:
Standard Cab: 117.7 inches (2990 mm); Extended Cab: 131.5 inches (3340 mm) or 164.5 inches (4178 mm) for long beds.
Gvwr Options:
Range varies significantly by configuration, typically from 6,100 lbs to over 10,000 lbs for heavy-duty models. C3500 designation implies a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 10,001-14,000 lbs.
NHTSA Ratings:
Vehicle safety ratings from this era are less comprehensive than modern standards. The manual will cover safety-related systems like brakes and seatbelts.
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced safety cage construction.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on many models, and standard on some higher GVWR configurations. The manual will detail operation and troubleshooting.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Pre-modern connectivity era. Focus on vehicle functionality).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. The manual will provide precise recommendations.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement generally around 30,000-60,000 miles. Distributor cap/rotor inspection/replacement as needed.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per severe service schedule. Manual will detail this.
Engine Oil Type:
Typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for gasoline engines, depending on ambient temperature. Check manual for exact viscosity and API service category (e.g., API SG or SH).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant. GM P/N 1052744 or equivalent (often green).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, U-joints, exhaust systems, brake components (pads, rotors, drums, lines), heater cores, power steering pumps/hoses.
Engine Specific Concerns:
For TBI/CPI systems: fuel injector issues, pressure regulator problems. For Vortec: spider injector issues (on later models, but early signs can appear).
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness degradation, body control module issues (less common in '93 but possible), starter solenoid failures.
Gm Truck Division:
GMC, a division of General Motors, has a long-standing history of producing robust and reliable trucks.
C K Lineage:
The C/K series trucks represent a cornerstone of GMC's truck lineup, with the 1988-1998 generation (GMT400) being a significant redesign introducing more aerodynamic styling and improved chassis dynamics.
Production Years Gmt400:
1988-1998
Manufacturing Locations:
Various General Motors assembly plants in North America (e.g., Fort Wayne, Indiana; Pontiac, Michigan).