๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Corvette Year: 1996 Codes Chassis Code: C4 ๐ Introduction Market Position Market Segment: American performance sports car Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Dodge Viper, Ford Mustang SVT Cobra, Porsche 911 (earlier generations) Key Features Unique Selling Points: Exceptional handling for its era, powerful V8 engine, removable transparent roof panel Manual Value Proposition Usefulness: Essential for owners and independent repair shops performing accurate diagnostics and repairs, maintains vehicle value and performance ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Overall Coverage: All models and all repairs A-Z Specificity: Vehicle-specific, not generic Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed Manual ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine performance diagnostics Transmission: Automatic transmission (4L60-E) service, repair, and overhaul; manual transmission (ZF S6-40) service, repair, and overhaul; clutch system Drivetrain: Driveshaft, differential, rear axle assembly, CV joints Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shocks, springs, control arms, sway bars, alignment procedures Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement Steering: Power steering system, steering column, steering wheel, linkage Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures Body: Exterior body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, convertible top (if applicable), HVAC system Diagnostics: On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) for 1996, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting charts, specific component testing Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt and hose inspection/replacement Repair: Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical system troubleshooting and repair Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Print Print Quality Print Quality: High-quality, durable paper stock, clear legible text and diagrams Binding Type Binding Type: Professionally bound (likely spiral or saddle-stitch for lay-flat usability) Paper Type Paper Type: Heavy-duty, grease-resistant paper โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: V8, OHV, 16-valve Engine Code: LT4 (for Grand Sport and Collector's Edition), LT1 (for standard Coupe and Convertible) Displacement: 5.7 Liters (350 cu in) Performance Horsepower Lt1: 300 hp @ 5000 rpm Torque Lt1: 335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Horsepower Lt4: 330 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque Lt4: 335 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System Fuel Injection: Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI) / Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended) Cooling System Coolant Type: Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant (Orange) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic (4L60-E) Optional Transmission Type: 6-speed Manual (ZF S6-40) Features Automatic Features: Electronic control, overdrive Manual Features: Close-ratio gear set Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Manual Transmission Fluid: GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: 178.3 inches (4529 mm) Width: 70.4 inches (1788 mm) Height: 46.7 inches (1186 mm) Wheelbase: 96.2 inches (2443 mm) Weights Curb Weight Coupe: Approximately 3200-3300 lbs (1451-1497 kg) Curb Weight Convertible: Approximately 3300-3400 lbs (1497-1542 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4000 lbs (1814 kg) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact: Not rated directly, but generally considered safe for its era. Manual will detail safety systems. NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact: Not rated directly, but generally considered safe for its era. Manual will detail safety systems. Active Features Anti Lock Brakes: Standard (Bosch ABS III) Traction Control: Standard (ASR - Automatic Slip Regulation) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags Seatbelts: 3-point active front seat belts with pretensioners Rollover Protection: Reinforced windshield frame and integrated roll-bar behind seats (convertible) ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium sound system, AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Keyless Entry: Optional Diagnostics OBD Standard: OBD-I, with transition to OBD-II (manual will cover diagnostic procedures for both) ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact schedule) Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, consult manual for manual transmission service Coolant Flush: Every 30,000-50,000 miles with conventional coolant, or as per Dex-Cool schedule if used. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature) Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change Brake Fluid: DOT 3...
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, convertible top (if applicable), HVAC system
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) for 1996, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting charts, specific component testing
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt and hose inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical system troubleshooting and repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Print
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-quality, durable paper stock, clear legible text and diagrams
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Professionally bound (likely spiral or saddle-stitch for lay-flat usability)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Heavy-duty, grease-resistant paper
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
V8, OHV, 16-valve
Engine Code:
LT4 (for Grand Sport and Collector's Edition), LT1 (for standard Coupe and Convertible)
Displacement:
5.7 Liters (350 cu in)
Performance
Horsepower Lt1:
300 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque Lt1:
335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower Lt4:
330 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque Lt4:
335 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI) / Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant (Orange) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (4L60-E)
Optional
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (ZF S6-40)
Features
Automatic Features:
Electronic control, overdrive
Manual Features:
Close-ratio gear set
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
178.3 inches (4529 mm)
Width:
70.4 inches (1788 mm)
Height:
46.7 inches (1186 mm)
Wheelbase:
96.2 inches (2443 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Coupe:
Approximately 3200-3300 lbs (1451-1497 kg)
Curb Weight Convertible:
Approximately 3300-3400 lbs (1497-1542 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4000 lbs (1814 kg)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:
Not rated directly, but generally considered safe for its era. Manual will detail safety systems.
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:
Not rated directly, but generally considered safe for its era. Manual will detail safety systems.
Active Features
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (Bosch ABS III)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Automatic Slip Regulation)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seat belts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and integrated roll-bar behind seats (convertible)
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system, AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Optional
Diagnostics
OBD Standard:
OBD-I, with transition to OBD-II (manual will cover diagnostic procedures for both)
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact schedule)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, consult manual for manual transmission service
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles with conventional coolant, or as per Dex-Cool schedule if used.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III ATF
Known Issues
Common Complaints 1996:
Minor electrical gremlins, aging rubber components (hoses, seals), potential for opti-spark distributor issues (though often resolved by '96), exhaust manifold leaks
Manual Diagnostic Focus:
The manual provides detailed troubleshooting for electrical systems, fuel delivery, ignition, and cooling to address these common concerns.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing iconic American vehicles, including sports cars.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Fourth Generation (C4), 1984-1996
Key Changes 1996:
Introduction of OBD-II system (though 1996 was a transition year and used a modified OBD-I), LT4 engine in Grand Sport and Collector's Edition, ZR-1 production ceased.
Production
Production Years:
1984-1996
Manufacturing Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Acclaim:
The C4 Corvette platform, while mature by 1996, continued to be recognized for its performance and handling capabilities, particularly the Grand Sport and Collector's Edition models.