12th Jul 2004, 09:58

It sounds like you have a vacuum leak or a cracked vacuum line. Trace the lines to see if there is a loose line or one with visual cracks and don't forget to check the switch in the dash. I am a dedicated GM owner and have had a few mechanical problems due to wear and a little mis-treatment.

I own several camaros and S-10s with a large assortment of older pickups. I just can't bring my self to decide which one to sell, love them all. If you can't expect some problems, no matter what kind of auto, you probably should stick to the bus..

Happy GM Owner.

30th Jul 2004, 09:31

I purchased a brand new 1996, automatic Chevrolet S-10, with 2 wheel drive and a V6 engine eight years ago. I feel that I take pride in my vehicles and learned early on from my father that preventative maintenance is extremely important when dealing with any automobile. That being said, I must admit that I have been extremely pleased with my little truck with the exception of its performance in the last three years. The following are parts that have been replaced along with the approximate mileage. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced these types of failures on your S-10's?

-At 44,000 miles my vehicle had to have a new alternator, fuel pump and W modular (I think this last part is something electrical) replaced.

-At approx 55,000 miles the vehicle started having air conditioning problems and at 72,500 miles a new air conditioner compressor was installed.

-At 63,000 miles my vehicle had a new water pump and radiator installed. The radiator was completely rusted out. I don't know if this makes a difference, but I live in a desert. Rust is very uncommon around here.

-Now at 73,00 miles I find myself having to replace the u-joints and three piece drive shaft. I hear that this a very common problem with Chevy S-10's. Has anyone else out there had this particular problem?

-Also, my vehicle has been recalled three times: the first was for the brakes, the second for something to do with the seat-belts and the third recall was for the windshield wiper motor.

Now, I realize that things do break down on vehicles, but was wondering if the above is excessive as the repairs are putting a serious dent in my pocketbook!!! Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Overall Happy Owner, But Getting Frustrated.

31st Dec 2004, 03:04

I live in rugged north Idaho where you have to have a reliable truck to do much of anything. I recently purchased a '98 Chevy S-10 LS Fleet side ZR-2. This truck is the nicest truck I have ever driven. I moved up from my '85 Chevy Tahoe edition S-10 blazer. The ZR-2 is an incredible enhancement to the vehicle. The wide stance package really sets it apart in performance and looks from all the other S-10's. The only problem I have had with the vehicle so far, is the heating. Every time I turn the heater on, it blows very well, but it's only cold air. I turn it to cold and it just gets colder, so I know it's not the knob stuck on cold. Any suggestions would be fabulous! I think I need to clean out my Heater Core, but who knows. For anyone interested in an S-10, go for it... very nice, very reliable, and very comfortable vehicles.

A Very happy S-10 in Rugged Idaho Driver.

12th Mar 2008, 22:55

I have a 98 S10 Ext Cab LS, with the 2.2 5 speed, and the engine and trans are still original 151,000 miles, but I've gotten to know the people at the shop a lot better.

I've owned it for about 8k miles and replaced or fixed; rear end, E-brake, ball joints, front brakes, cat, flex joint (before the cat), wipers work when they want to, center console caved in, tailights blow out, and I have to take it in soon to get something else fixed..

I think I spend every third dollar I make on my truck; hopefully that will all pay off soon and I won't have to put anything more into it! But I love it and that's why I pay.

13th Jun 2009, 14:15

I HAVE a 1998 s10 2wd 4.3 V6 and overall it's a solid little truck. I constantly get 22-24 mpg on the highway only modification is a flowmaster muffler but overall a reliable little truck I have over 150,000 miles on it and have only replaced the alternator, ac compressor and radiator.