1988 Chevy S10 Workshop Manual

The 1988 Chevy S10 is a compact pickup truck featuring a 2.5L 4-cylinder or optional 2.8L V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, independent front suspension, leaf spring rear suspension, power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes, and standard AM/FM radio. This workshop manual covers maintenance, repair procedures, specifications, and troubleshooting for all major systems including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical, and body components.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Engine Systems 3. Transmission & Drivetrain 4. Brake System 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Electrical System 7. Fuel System 8. Cooling System 9. Body & Interior 10. Maintenance Schedule 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Key specifications for the 1988 Chevy S10 compact pickup truck.

Specification	Description
Engine Options	2.5L L4 (Iron Duke) or 2.8L V6
Horsepower	92 hp (2.5L) / 125 hp (2.8L)
Torque	134 lb-ft (2.5L) / 150 lb-ft (2.8L)
Transmission	5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gallons
Payload Capacity	1,185 lbs
Towing Capacity	2,000 lbs (properly equipped)
Wheelbase	108.3 inches (short bed)
Bed Length	6-foot (short) or 7.5-foot (long)

Engine Systems

Detailed procedures for engine maintenance and repair.

Engine removal: Disconnect battery, drain coolant, remove accessories, unbolt mounts.
Timing belt/chain: Replace every 60,000 miles (2.5L) or 100,000 miles (2.8L).
Valve adjustment: Hydraulic lifters - no adjustment required.
Ignition system: Replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles, wires every 60,000 miles.

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before working on electrical components. Use jack stands when lifting vehicle.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Transmission service and drivetrain components.

Manual transmission: Check fluid level, replace every 30,000 miles.
Automatic transmission: Fluid change every 30,000 miles, filter every 60,000 miles.
Clutch replacement: Inspect wear, replace clutch kit as needed.
Drive shaft: Check U-joints for wear and lubrication.

CAUTION! Transmission fluid hot after operation - allow to cool before servicing.

Brake System

Front Brakes: Disc brakes with single-piston calipers.
Rear Brakes: Drum brakes with self-adjusting mechanism.
Master Cylinder: Dual-circuit hydraulic system.
Brake Fluid: DOT 3 recommended, replace every 2 years.
Pad Replacement: Front pads replace when worn to 1/8 inch.
Rotor Resurfacing: Minimum thickness 0.945 inches.
Bleeding Procedure: Right rear, left rear, right front, left front.

Suspension & Steering

Front suspension: Independent with torsion bars. Rear suspension: Leaf springs with solid axle.

Steering: Recirculating ball type, power steering optional.

Front end: Ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm inspection. Shock absorbers: Replace in pairs when leaking or worn. Wheel alignment: Camber -0.5° to +0.5°, Caster +1.5° to +3.5°, Toe-in 0° to +0.25°. Tire pressure: 30 psi front and rear (standard load).

Electrical System

Battery: 12V, 450 CCA minimum. Alternator: 65-85 amp output. Starter: Direct drive type.

Battery testing: Load test, check specific gravity.
Charging system: Test alternator output, check belt tension.
Wiring diagrams: Refer to section 8A for complete electrical schematics.

Tip: Use digital multimeter for accurate electrical diagnostics.

Fuel System

Carbureted system (2.5L) or throttle body injection (2.8L).

Fuel pump: Mechanical type, 4-7 psi pressure.
Fuel filter: Replace every 15,000 miles.
Carburetor adjustment: Idle speed 650-750 rpm in neutral.
Fuel tank: 13.2 gallon capacity, plastic construction.
Fuel lines: Steel and rubber components, inspect for leaks.
Emission controls: PCV, EGR, catalytic converter systems.
Air filter: Replace every 12,000 miles or as needed.
Choke system: Automatic electric choke standard.

WARNING! No smoking or open flames when working on fuel system. Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting lines.

Cooling System

Radiator capacity: 10.5 quarts (with heater). Thermostat: 195°F opening temperature.

Body & Interior

Body panels: Steel construction with corrosion protection. Interior: Vinyl or cloth upholstery.

CAUTION! Use proper safety equipment when painting or working with chemicals.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

Service Interval	Maintenance Items
Every 3,000 miles	Oil and filter change
Every 6,000 miles	Rotate tires, inspect brakes
Every 15,000 miles	Replace fuel filter, air filter
Every 30,000 miles	Replace spark plugs, transmission fluid
Every 60,000 miles	Replace timing belt, coolant flush

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, ignition, fuel delivery	Check battery voltage, spark, fuel pressure at carburetor/TBI.
Rough idle	Vacuum leaks, ignition timing	Inspect vacuum hoses, check timing, clean carburetor/TBI.
Brake pulling	Calipers, brake fluid	Inspect calipers for sticking, check brake fluid contamination.
Transmission slipping	Fluid level, band adjustment	Check fluid level and condition, adjust bands if applicable.
Electrical issues	Ground connections, alternator	Check battery grounds, test alternator output, inspect wiring.

Technical Support: Chevrolet Customer Service 1-800-222-1020

Parts Information: GM Parts Division 1-800-GM-USE-EM