1996 Chevrolet Sonoma problems

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The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version of the latter was released in 1991, called "Syclone." The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. These models are sometimes internally referred to as the S/T series to denote two and four wheel drive models respectively (similar to the full size Chevrolet C/K trucks) despite all versions being badged with 'S' nomenclature.

In North America, the S-series was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series in 2004.

The S-Series ended production in Brazil in 2012, being replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, but still with the name S-10.

1996 Chevrolet Sonoma

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Common 1996 Chevrolet Sonoma problems

The 1996 Chevrolet Sonoma has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to starting issues, the ABS light, horn problems, and engine issues.

Starting Issues:

  • Ignition Switch and Ignition Control Module: If the starter motor is not the issue, the ignition switch and ignition control module may be at fault. Some Sonoma owners have reported that replacing these components has helped with starting issues, although it may not completely solve the problem.

ABS Light:

  • Brake System Control Unit Failure: The ABS light may come on due to a failure in the Brake System Control Unit. This issue can cause the ABS system to malfunction, potentially leading to safety concerns.

Horn Problems:

  • Steering Wheel Column and Turn Signal Switch: Horn problems in the 1996 Sonoma have been traced back to issues within the steering wheel column and the turn signal switch. A thin black wire on the turn signal switch electrical connector can be grounded out to bypass testing and confirm if the horns, fuses, and relays are functioning properly. If the horn still does not work, the issue may be within the turn signal switch housing, specifically where the spring contacts the circuit board.

Engine Issues:

  • GM 2.2 Engine Problems: The GM 2.2 engine, used in the 1996 Sonoma, has been reported to have issues, particularly with a noise that occurs when the engine is cold. This noise has been described as piston slap. It is unclear if this engine uses a timing belt or chain.

These problems are not exhaustive, and other issues may arise with the 1996 Chevrolet Sonoma. However, the above issues are the most commonly reported problems based on owner complaints.

1996 Chevrolet Sonoma engine

What is the gas mileage on a 1996 GMC Sonoma?

18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Engine: 4.3-liter V-6; 170-hp at 4400 rpm; 180 lb-ft torque at 4400 rpm.

Is a Sonoma a GMC?

About Sonoma

Introduced as the S-15, the smaller GMC pickup truck officially adopted the Sonoma name in 1991. In 1994, an all-new version of the GMC Sonoma featured modernized styling, improved suspension and a refreshed engine line-up.

How much horsepower does a 1996 GMC Sonoma have?

120 to 190 hp1996 GMC Sonoma / Horsepower

Where is the fuel pump relay on a 1996 GMC Sonoma?

its in glovebox, fuse and relay panel. There are 3 relays in the glove box. All 3 are behind the plastic cover in the upper left corner of the glove box. The relay to the fuel pump is the one to the far left.

What is the gas mileage on a 1996 GMC Sonoma?

18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Engine: 4.3-liter V-6; 170-hp at 4400 rpm; 180 lb-ft torque at 4400 rpm.

What kind of engine does a GMC Sonoma have?

Retail Price

Engine2.2L I-4, 4.3L V-6
MPGUp to 23 city / 29 highway
Seating3 Passengers
Transmission5-spd man w/OD
Power120 - 190 hp

Are Chevy s10 and GMC Sonoma the same thing?

The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma.

Where is the fuel pump relay on a 1996 GMC Sonoma?

its in glovebox, fuse and relay panel. There are 3 relays in the glove box. All 3 are behind the plastic cover in the upper left corner of the glove box. The relay to the fuel pump is the one to the far left.

1996 Chevrolet Sonoma car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Sonoma problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Chevrolet Sonoma vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Chevrolet Sonoma complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Chevrolet Sonoma.

1997-05-14

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
  • VIN: 1GCCS19X5TK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: REAR U-CLAMP THAT HOLDS REAR AXLE TO BODY FAILED.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Chevrolet Sonoma problems:

1996 GMC Sonoma Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
1996 GMC Sonoma Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1996-gmc-sonoma/problems

Top 1996 GMC Sonoma Problems · ABS Light Due to Brake System Control Unit Failure · Internal Faults in Distributor Can Cause Engine Problems · Replace Fuel ...

Common 2.2 Problems | S-10 Forum
Common 2.2 Problems | S-10 Forum
https://www.s10forum.com/threads/common-2-2-problems.289743/

Apr 11, 2007 ... 1993 s10 2.5 5-speed 200k sold 1996 s-10 2.2 5-speed SOLD TO DAD 2002 chevy xtreme s10 4.3 5speed sold 1991 gmc syclone #1952 brothers whip SOLD

Q&A: 1996 GMC Sonoma Problems & Solutions
Q&A: 1996 GMC Sonoma Problems & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/18tuu-1996-gmc-sonoma-will-run-when-sits.html

Jun 9, 2008 ... Another common problem in these trucks is the pigtail that plugs into the fuel pump module. These have been known to corrode or get hot and ...

1996 4x4 problems - Blazer Forum - Chevy Blazer Forums
1996 4x4 problems - Blazer Forum - Chevy Blazer Forums
https://blazerforum.com/forum/2nd-generation-s-series-1995-2005-tech-41/1996-4x4-problems-30392/

May 10, 2009 ... You may need to just replace the entire fuel pump assembly which will include a new sender as part of the unit. This is a common problem with ...

Common 1996 GMC Sonoma Problems: Throttle Hesitation & Misfire
Common 1996 GMC Sonoma Problems: Throttle Hesitation & Misfire
https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/3yz8s-1996-gmc-sonoma-idles-fine-the-throttle-hesitation-misfire.html

Sep 8, 2010 ... This is most likely caused by a restricted fuel line or plugged filter. A leaking or contaminated pressure regulator valve or seat interface may ...

Other years of Chevrolet Sonoma

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Sonoma 1997
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