🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: GMC Model: K2500 Year: 1996 Codes Platform: GMT400 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: Essential technical resource for owners and independent repair facilities seeking accurate, OE-derived information for the 1996 GMC K2500. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Offers a modern, accessible alternative to outdated printed manuals, providing instant online access and broader compatibility across devices compared to physical books. Key Features Key Features: Officially licensed OE-derived information, year-long access, comprehensive system coverage, PC/laptop/smartphone/tablet compatibility, ease of use, cost-effectiveness for DIY repairs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Full Service and Repair Page Count Page Count: Extensive (Specific number not provided but implied to be comprehensive as OE derived) Manual Type Manual Type: Software (Online Service and Repair Manual) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (Web Browser Accessible) Accessibility Accessibility: Requires internet connection and a web browser. Purchase includes a full year of access. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Body and Chassis, Interior Components Procedures Included Procedures Included: Diagnostics, Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Component Replacement, Adjustments, Specifications Technical Depth Technical Depth: Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Wiring Diagrams Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, lighting, engine controls, and accessories. Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Guides: Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and step-by-step troubleshooting procedures for common and intermittent faults. Bodywork Bodywork Coverage: Includes procedures for body panel alignment, door and window regulator repair, bumper replacement, and rust repair techniques. Hvac HVAC Coverage: Covers air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, blower motor troubleshooting, and climate control panel repair. Drivetrain Drivetrain Coverage: Detailed procedures for front and rear axle service, transfer case operation and repair (if applicable for 4WD), driveshaft U-joints, and differential maintenance. Brakes Brakes Coverage: Front disc brake pad and rotor replacement, rear drum brake service, brake caliper and wheel cylinder repair, hydraulic system bleeding, and ABS component diagnostics. Suspension Suspension Coverage: Includes ball joint replacement, shock absorber and strut service, leaf spring inspection and replacement, and steering component repair (tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm). Steering Steering Coverage: Covers power steering pump and gearbox service, steering column repair, and alignment procedures. Diagnostics Diagnostics Coverage: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), data stream interpretation, and system reset procedures. Engine Repair Engine Repair Procedures: Includes detailed procedures for cylinder head removal and installation, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, camshaft and valvetrain overhaul. Transmission Repair Transmission Repair Procedures: Covers complete overhaul of the 4L60-E transmission, including clutch pack replacement, valve body diagnostics, and seal replacement. Electrical Coverage Electrical Coverage: Detailed diagnosis and repair of charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting circuits, accessory circuits, and power window/lock systems. Specifications General Specifications: Provides torque specifications for all major fasteners, engine timing, valve lash (if applicable), and wheel alignment angles. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Proprietary online format, accessible via web browser. Print Quality Print Quality: N/A (Digital Format) Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine: 5.7L V8 (Vortec 350) Engine Options Engine Options: 7.4L V8 (Vortec 454) was also available on K2500 models. Performance Horsepower 5.7L: 200 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.) Torque 5.7L: 310 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel System: Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Engine Code Engine Code: L31 (for 5.7L Vortec) Engine Notes Engine Notes: The Vortec engines of this era are known for their robust design and good torque output, making them well-suited for towing and heavy-duty applications. Ignition System Ignition System: Distributor with electronic ignition (EGR system present). Cooling System Cooling System Capacity: Approximately 16 quarts (Vortec 5.7L). 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed automatic (4L60-E) Optional Optional Transmission: 5-speed manual (NV4500) was available on some configurations. Features Transmission Features: Electronically controlled for optimal shift points and performance. Transmission Notes Transmission Notes: The 4L60-E is a reliable electronically controlled overdrive automatic transmission, common in GM trucks of this period. 📐 Dimensions Weights Curb Weight: Varies by configuration, typically starting around 5,500 lbs. Gvwr: Up to 8,600 lbs. Payload Capacity: Up to ~3,000 lbs. (depending on configuration) Front Axle Capacity: Approx. 3,800 lbs. Rear Axle Capacity: Approx. 6,000 lbs. Exterior Wheelbase: 130 inches (Standard Bed), 155 inches (Long Bed) Dimensions Notes Dimensions Notes: The K2500 was available in various cab configurations (Regular Cab, Extended Cab) and bed lengths (short and long), impacting overall dimensions and weight. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: Specific NHTSA ratings for 1996 models may vary; refer to OE data for specifics. Passive Features Passive Features: Driver and passenger airbags (standard), seat belts Active Features Active Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels standard, optional 4-wheel...
Essential technical resource for owners and independent repair facilities seeking accurate, OE-derived information for the 1996 GMC K2500.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Offers a modern, accessible alternative to outdated printed manuals, providing instant online access and broader compatibility across devices compared to physical books.
Key Features
Key Features:
Officially licensed OE-derived information, year-long access, comprehensive system coverage, PC/laptop/smartphone/tablet compatibility, ease of use, cost-effectiveness for DIY repairs.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
Full Service and Repair
Page Count
Page Count:
Extensive (Specific number not provided but implied to be comprehensive as OE derived)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Software (Online Service and Repair Manual)
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (Web Browser Accessible)
Accessibility
Accessibility:
Requires internet connection and a web browser. Purchase includes a full year of access.
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Body and Chassis, Interior Components
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Wiring Diagrams
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, lighting, engine controls, and accessories.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Guides:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and step-by-step troubleshooting procedures for common and intermittent faults.
Bodywork
Bodywork Coverage:
Includes procedures for body panel alignment, door and window regulator repair, bumper replacement, and rust repair techniques.
Hvac
HVAC Coverage:
Covers air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, blower motor troubleshooting, and climate control panel repair.
Drivetrain
Drivetrain Coverage:
Detailed procedures for front and rear axle service, transfer case operation and repair (if applicable for 4WD), driveshaft U-joints, and differential maintenance.
Brakes
Brakes Coverage:
Front disc brake pad and rotor replacement, rear drum brake service, brake caliper and wheel cylinder repair, hydraulic system bleeding, and ABS component diagnostics.
Suspension
Suspension Coverage:
Includes ball joint replacement, shock absorber and strut service, leaf spring inspection and replacement, and steering component repair (tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm).
Steering
Steering Coverage:
Covers power steering pump and gearbox service, steering column repair, and alignment procedures.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics Coverage:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), data stream interpretation, and system reset procedures.
Engine Repair
Engine Repair Procedures:
Includes detailed procedures for cylinder head removal and installation, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, camshaft and valvetrain overhaul.
Transmission Repair
Transmission Repair Procedures:
Covers complete overhaul of the 4L60-E transmission, including clutch pack replacement, valve body diagnostics, and seal replacement.
Electrical Coverage
Electrical Coverage:
Detailed diagnosis and repair of charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting circuits, accessory circuits, and power window/lock systems.
Specifications
General Specifications:
Provides torque specifications for all major fasteners, engine timing, valve lash (if applicable), and wheel alignment angles.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Proprietary online format, accessible via web browser.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine:
5.7L V8 (Vortec 350)
Engine Options
Engine Options:
7.4L V8 (Vortec 454) was also available on K2500 models.
Performance
Horsepower 5.7L:
200 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 5.7L:
310 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System
Fuel System:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Engine Code
Engine Code:
L31 (for 5.7L Vortec)
Engine Notes
Engine Notes:
The Vortec engines of this era are known for their robust design and good torque output, making them well-suited for towing and heavy-duty applications.
Ignition System
Ignition System:
Distributor with electronic ignition (EGR system present).
Cooling System
Cooling System Capacity:
Approximately 16 quarts (Vortec 5.7L).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4L60-E)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
5-speed manual (NV4500) was available on some configurations.
Features
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled for optimal shift points and performance.
Transmission Notes
Transmission Notes:
The 4L60-E is a reliable electronically controlled overdrive automatic transmission, common in GM trucks of this period.
📐 Dimensions
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, typically starting around 5,500 lbs.
Gvwr:
Up to 8,600 lbs.
Payload Capacity:
Up to ~3,000 lbs. (depending on configuration)
Front Axle Capacity:
Approx. 3,800 lbs.
Rear Axle Capacity:
Approx. 6,000 lbs.
Exterior
Wheelbase:
130 inches (Standard Bed), 155 inches (Long Bed)
Dimensions Notes
Dimensions Notes:
The K2500 was available in various cab configurations (Regular Cab, Extended Cab) and bed lengths (short and long), impacting overall dimensions and weight.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings for 1996 models may vary; refer to OE data for specifics.
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard), seat belts
Active Features
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels standard, optional 4-wheel ABS
Safety Notes
Safety Notes:
The manual will provide detailed procedures for diagnosing and repairing ABS systems, airbag systems, and seatbelt mechanisms.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Features:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player standard, optional CD player.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Limited by era).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type 5.7L:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (preferred in moderate temperatures, 5W-30 for colder climates)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Dex-Cool NOT recommended for this era)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on earlier Vortec), fuel pump issues, potential for catalytic converter failure, distributor cap/rotor wear, power steering pump leaks.
Filters
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
ACDelco PF1218 or equivalent.
Air Filter Part Number Example:
ACDelco A2220C or equivalent.
Maintenance Notes
Maintenance Notes:
The manual will detail the exact torque specifications for critical fasteners, proper jacking points, and fluid capacities for all major components.
Fluids Capacities
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 11 quarts (4L60-E).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6 quarts (5.7L V8) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
16 quarts (5.7L V8).
Towing Maintenance
Towing Maintenance:
Includes specific maintenance items related to towing, such as trailer brake controller wiring and hitch inspections.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
GMC has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, emphasizing durability and work-oriented features.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The 1996 K2500 is part of the GMT400 platform, introduced in 1987, which represented a significant modernization of GM's truck line. This generation saw the introduction of the Vortec engine family.
Production
Production Years Gmt400:
1988-1998 (for C/K pickups)
Manufacturing Locations:
Various GM assembly plants in North America.
Model History
Model History:
The K-series trucks represented GMC's heavy-duty line, with the K2500 being a 3/4-ton model designed for substantial hauling and towing capabilities.