📚 Vehicle Manual Information

1996 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Repair Manual

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Silverado 1500

Year:

1996

Generation Code:

GMT400

Platform Code:

GMT400

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Key Selling Points:

Ruggedness, towing capacity, V8 engine options, versatility for work and personal use.

Competitors 1996:

Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500

Vehicle Platform:

GMT400 platform, known for its strong frame and durable construction.

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab

Bed Lengths:

6.5 ft (short bed), 8 ft (long bed)

Trim Levels:

Base, LS, LT

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

4.3L V6 Vortec (L35), 5.0L V8 Vortec (L30), 5.7L V8 Vortec (L31)

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed 4L60-E Automatic, 5-speed NV3500 Manual

Chassis Coverage:

2WD and 4WD systems, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Frame

Body Coverage:

Exterior body panels, Interior trim, Doors, Windows, Seats

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC controls, Audio systems, ECm/PCM diagnostics

Estimated Pages:

1200+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Book

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, Fuel injection (TBI/MPI), Ignition system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Exhaust system, Emissions controls

Drivetrain Systems:

Automatic transmission (4L60-E), Manual transmission (NV3500), Transfer case (NV236, NV243), Driveshafts, Axles, Differentials

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Front and rear suspension components, Power steering system, Disc brake system (front/rear), ABS system

Electrical Systems:

Starter, Alternator, Battery, Fuse block, Relays, Lighting circuits, Horn, Wiper/washer system, Instrument cluster, Climate control electronics, Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

Body Interior Exterior:

Body structural components, Sheet metal repair, Door mechanisms, Glass replacement, Seat adjustments, Interior trim panel removal/installation, Bumpers, Grilles, Lighting fixtures

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and changes, Tire rotation, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement, Brake pad/shoe replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Brake system repair, Suspension component replacement, Steering rack/box repair, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Fuel pump replacement, Radiator replacement

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine and transmission, Symptom-based troubleshooting charts for various systems, Electrical circuit diagnostic procedures

Diagnostic Procedures:

Scan tool usage, Component testing (e.g., fuel injectors, sensors, ignition coils), Circuit testing with multimeter and oscilloscope

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Quality:

N/A (Printed)

Paper Quality:

Durable, high-quality paper stock designed for workshop environments.

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or stitched, designed for lay-flat usability.

Illustration Quality:

Clear, detailed diagrams, photographs, and illustrations.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

4.3L (262 ci) V6 Vortec (L35)

Base Engine Horsepower:

160 hp @ 4000 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Optional Engine 1 Displacement:

5.0L (305 ci) V8 Vortec (L30)

Optional Engine 1 Horsepower:

205 hp @ 4800 rpm

Optional Engine 1 Torque:

275 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Optional Engine 2 Displacement:

5.7L (350 ci) V8 Vortec (L31)

Optional Engine 2 Horsepower:

255 hp @ 4600 rpm

Optional Engine 2 Torque:

330 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) for all engines

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

ECM PCM Model:

Delco Electronics (specific model varies by engine)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed 4L60-E Automatic

Optional Transmission:

5-speed NV3500 Manual

4L60E Features:

Electronic control, overdrive, lock-up torque converter

Nv3500 Features:

Sturdy, synchronized gears, suitable for moderate towing

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

117.5 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

131.5 inches

Overall Length Short Bed:

194.5 inches

Overall Length Long Bed:

208.5 inches

Width:

78.8 inches

Height:

71.8 inches (approx.)

Bed Volume Short Bed:

59.1 cubic feet

Bed Volume Long Bed:

73.4 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

4300 - 4800 lbs (varies by configuration)

Max Payload Capacity:

up to 2000 lbs (varies by configuration)

Max Towing Capacity:

up to 7500 lbs (varies by configuration and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact:

4 Stars (1996 model year testing)

NHTSA Passenger Side Front Impact:

4 Stars (1996 model year testing)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels, optional on rear for 2WD, standard on all wheels for 4WD

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this model year, some later GMT400s offered it.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts (lap and shoulder) for front occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic analog controls.

Navigation:

Not available on this model.

Cruise Control:

Optional

Parking Sensors:

Not available.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual for specific recommendations).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change. Recommended part example: AC Delco PF1218 or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on towing/severe usage).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

V6: 100,000 miles (original iridium plugs); V8: 100,000 miles (original iridium plugs). If copper plugs were installed, interval is much shorter (e.g., 30,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 (all engines, except 5.7L V8 which may recommend 10W-30 in warmer climates).

Coolant Specification:

GM-spec green ethylene glycol coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Common Problems Engine:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, distributor gear wear (on earlier models), CPI (Central Port Injection) system issues (on earlier 5.0L/5.7L), cracking exhaust manifolds.

Common Problems Transmission:

4L60-E electronic control module (TCM) failure, torque converter clutch (TCC) issues, worn 3-4 clutch pack.

Common Problems Chassis:

Ball joint wear, idler/pitman arm wear, rear main seal leaks, fuel pump failure, ABS sensor failures.

Common Problems Electrical:

Window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, body control module (BCM) glitches, instrument cluster voltage regulator failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Truck Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long-standing reputation for building durable and reliable trucks since the 1910s.

Silverado Nameplate Introduction:

The 'Silverado' name was previously an upscale trim level for Chevrolet C/K trucks, becoming a distinct model name in 1999 with the next generation.

Gmt400 Generation Start:

This generation (GMT400) was introduced for the 1988 model year and was Chevrolet's full-size truck platform through 2000.

Manufacturing Locations:

Various GM assembly plants in North America (e.g., Fort Wayne, Indiana; Janesville, Wisconsin; Oshawa, Ontario).

Sales Figures 1996:

Chevrolet Silverado/C/K sales in 1996 were very strong, often leading the full-size pickup segment.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

While not specifically for 1996, the GMT400 platform (introduced 1988) was recognized by many publications for its durability and capability.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied by year and specific engine/transmission combination, but generally considered a durable platform for its era.