🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: GMC Model: G3500 Year: 1993 Codes Chassis Code: GMT400 (for C/K pickups, but G-series vans share significant components and development lineage from this platform era) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance personnel Competitive Analysis Competitor Manuals: Haynes, Chilton (often less detailed, less OE-derived) Key Features Feature 1: Officially Licensed OE Material Feature 2: Instant Online Access, Accessible on Multiple Devices Feature 3: Comprehensive Coverage of All Major Systems Feature 4: Detailed Wiring Diagrams and Troubleshooting Guides Feature 5: Cost-effective alternative to professional repair 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service and Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics, Component Overhaul Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Digital Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Online Access (Web Browser Compatible) Access Duration: 1 Year (with discounts for extension) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing, lubrication system, cooling system, intake and exhaust manifolds Fuel System: Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP) Ignition System: Distributor, coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, ignition control module (ICM) Transmission Manual: Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, shifter linkages, driveshaft Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, shift controls, cooler lines Drivetrain: Rear axle, differential, axleshafts, U-joints, wheel bearings Brakes: Front and rear disc/drum brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders Suspension: Front independent suspension (torsion bar or coil spring), rear leaf springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars Steering: Power steering system, steering gear/rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump and lines Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits Lighting: Headlights, taillights, interior lights, turn signals, hazard lights, wiring and bulb replacement HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, blower motor, heater core, evaporator core, refrigerant system, controls Body And Frame: Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, chassis components, structural repairs Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, component testing procedures Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, tire rotation, tune-ups Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems Rebuilds: Complete overhaul instructions for engines, transmissions, differentials, and other major mechanical assemblies Adjustments: Valve adjustments, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, steering system adjustments Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, fault finding procedures, component testing, use of diagnostic equipment Wiring Schematics: Comprehensive electrical diagrams for all vehicle systems, including engine, chassis, body, and accessories Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures Diagnostics Level: Advanced, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and component-specific testing Rebuild Level: Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with specifications 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Proprietary Software (Web-based) Print Quality Print Quality: N/A (Digital Format) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: L35 (4.3L V6 Vortec) Displacement 1: 4.3 Liters (262 cu in) Configuration 1: V6, Overhead Valves (OHV) Horsepower 1: Approx. 160-195 hp (depending on specific tune and emissions) Torque 1: Approx. 230-260 lb-ft (depending on specific tune and emissions) Optional Engine Engine Code 2: LP4 (5.0L V8 Small Block) Displacement 2: 5.0 Liters (305 cu in) Configuration 2: V8, Overhead Valves (OHV) Horsepower 2: Approx. 175-200 hp Torque 2: Approx. 250-275 lb-ft Engine Code 3: L30 (5.7L V8 Small Block - rarer for G3500 in this year) Displacement 3: 5.7 Liters (350 cu in) Configuration 3: V8, Overhead Valves (OHV) Horsepower 3: Approx. 200-220 hp Torque 3: Approx. 285-310 lb-ft Fuel System Fuel Delivery 1: Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 4.3L V6 and 5.0L V8 Fuel Delivery 2: Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) possible on later models or specific applications, but TBI was prevalent in '93 Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Type 1: 4-speed Automatic (TH400/4L80E predecessor depending on GVWR/engine) Optional Type 2: 4-speed Manual (NV4500 or earlier NVG options possible but less common for G3500) Features Overdrive: Overdrive gear available on automatic transmissions Transmission Fluid Spec: Dexron-III (or equivalent) for automatic transmissions 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: Multiple configurations available, common around 130-155 inches depending on van length Body Styles: Panel Van, Passenger Van, Chassis Cab Weights Gvwr Options: Typically starting around 8,600 lbs and going up to 10,500 lbs or higher for G3500 designation Curb Weight: Varies significantly based on configuration, approximately 4,500 - 5,500 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Not explicitly available for this model year in digital format comparable to modern standards; emphasis on structural integrity for commercial use Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option, primarily on rear wheels for this era Passive...
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Rebuilds:
Complete overhaul instructions for engines, transmissions, differentials, and other major mechanical assemblies
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, steering system adjustments
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault finding procedures, component testing, use of diagnostic equipment
Wiring Schematics:
Comprehensive electrical diagrams for all vehicle systems, including engine, chassis, body, and accessories
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and component-specific testing
Rebuild Level:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with specifications
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Proprietary Software (Web-based)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
L35 (4.3L V6 Vortec)
Displacement 1:
4.3 Liters (262 cu in)
Configuration 1:
V6, Overhead Valves (OHV)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 160-195 hp (depending on specific tune and emissions)
Torque 1:
Approx. 230-260 lb-ft (depending on specific tune and emissions)
Optional Engine
Engine Code 2:
LP4 (5.0L V8 Small Block)
Displacement 2:
5.0 Liters (305 cu in)
Configuration 2:
V8, Overhead Valves (OHV)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 175-200 hp
Torque 2:
Approx. 250-275 lb-ft
Engine Code 3:
L30 (5.7L V8 Small Block - rarer for G3500 in this year)
Displacement 3:
5.7 Liters (350 cu in)
Configuration 3:
V8, Overhead Valves (OHV)
Horsepower 3:
Approx. 200-220 hp
Torque 3:
Approx. 285-310 lb-ft
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery 1:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 4.3L V6 and 5.0L V8
Fuel Delivery 2:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) possible on later models or specific applications, but TBI was prevalent in '93
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type 1:
4-speed Automatic (TH400/4L80E predecessor depending on GVWR/engine)
Optional
Type 2:
4-speed Manual (NV4500 or earlier NVG options possible but less common for G3500)
Features
Overdrive:
Overdrive gear available on automatic transmissions
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron-III (or equivalent) for automatic transmissions
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Options:
Multiple configurations available, common around 130-155 inches depending on van length
Body Styles:
Panel Van, Passenger Van, Chassis Cab
Weights
Gvwr Options:
Typically starting around 8,600 lbs and going up to 10,500 lbs or higher for G3500 designation
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly based on configuration, approximately 4,500 - 5,500 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Not explicitly available for this model year in digital format comparable to modern standards; emphasis on structural integrity for commercial use
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option, primarily on rear wheels for this era
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard for 1993 model year
Seat Belts:
Three-point lap and shoulder belts for front occupants
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player available
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB). Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on usage and oil type
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, e.g., conventional vs. extended life)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SF; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended for most conditions
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5-5.0 quarts (with filter) for 4.3L V6, approximately 5.0-5.5 quarts for V8 engines
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, typically green in color (for this era)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Issue 1:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) system can be prone to clogging and erratic idle issues.
Issue 2:
Rear main seal leaks on some V8 engines.
Issue 3:
Suspension wear, particularly ball joints and bushings, due to heavy-duty use.
Issue 4:
HVAC system components can degrade over time, leading to poor performance.
Issue 5:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, especially in areas prone to moisture.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
GMC has a long history of producing durable and capable commercial vehicles and vans.
Model Evolution
Platform Gn:
The G-series vans, including the G3500, were part of the 'G-Van' generation, which evolved from earlier designs and shared components with Chevrolet Van and Lumina APV.
Evolution Point:
The 1993 model year falls within the second generation of the G-series vans, which saw updates in styling and powertrain.
Production
Production Location:
General Motors facilities in North America (e.g., Baltimore, Maryland; Wentzville, Missouri)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Commercial Vehicle Recognition:
GMC vans of this era are known for their robust construction and utility, often favored in commercial applications rather than receiving consumer awards.