1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Maintenance Schedule

This article covers the scheduled maintenance requirements for a 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 series truck. Follow this official 1994 Chevy C/K 1500 maintenance schedule and list of required services to keep your truck in good working condition.

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How do you drive your 1994 Chevy C/K 1500 truck?

• Do you drive very short distances a few times a week?
• Do you drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather?
• Do you use your 1994 C/K 1500 series truck to make deliveries?
• Do you drive your truck to work, or to do errands?

Because of all the various ways people use their 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 series truck, maintenance needs vary.  Based on how you drive your truck you may need more frequent servicing and replacing of parts than you will find in the scheduled services section below.

Take the time to read this section and determine how you drive your C/K 1500.

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Your 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 and the Environment

Proper maintenance of your C/K 1500 not only helps keep your truck in good working condition but also helps the environment. All recommended maintenance procedures for the 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 are significant. Improper truck maintenance or the elimination of significant components can significantly impact the quality of the air we breathe.

Improper fluid levels or even incorrect tire inflation can raise the number of emissions from your automobile. To help protect our environment and to help keep your automobile in good shape, please keep your vehicle properly.

Recording Maintenance Services

Download and print off the maintenance log to record maintenance performed on your 1994 Chevy C/K 1500 series truck. Whenever you have work done to your truck, be sure to write it down in the Maintenance Record. This will help you determine when your next maintenance should be done. In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance receipts as proof of services performed if you ever decide to sell your truck.

If you are skilled enough to do some work on your vehicle, you will -probably want to get the service information GM publishes.

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Scheduled Maintenance Services

This part tells you the maintenance services that you should have done and the times you should schedule them. These schedules are for 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 series trucks that:

• Carry passengers and cargo within the recommended limits. (See vehicle Certification Label)
• Are driven on regular road surfaces and within legal driving limits.
• Are driven off-road in the recommended manner.
• Use the recommended fuel.

Selecting the Proper Maintenance Services

To find the proper maintenance schedule for your 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 series truck you must know two things. What engine your vehicle has, and how you use your vehicle. Your engine type will tell you which chart to use, and your driving conditions will tell you which schedule to use. The charts can be downloaded below.

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Selecting the Proper Maintenance Chart

Your engine type (Gasoline or Diesel) and its emissions classification (Light Duty or Heavy Duty Emissions) will tell you which maintenance chart to use. Find your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and look at the eighth character to see what your engine code is. Then use the following Engine Emissions Classifications tables to find your emissions classification.

• Your VIN is on the plate on the top left corner of your instrument panel.
• If your engine has more than one emissions classification, look at your Certification Label to see what your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is.

Engine Emissions Classification – Gas Engines

* Throttle Body Injection
** Light Duty Emissions with 8500 GVWR and below or:
*** Heavy Duty Emissions with 8,501 GVWR and above

Engine Emissions Classification – Diesel Engines

Selecting the Proper Maintenance Schedule

Here is how to tell which schedule to follow once you find the proper maintenance chart to use.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE I

Is any one of these true for your 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 series truck?

• Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 kilometers.)
• Most trips are less than 10 miles (16 kilometers), and the outside temperatures are below freezing.
• The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in door—to—door delivery, stop—and—go traffic, or commercial use).
• You operate in dusty areas or off-road frequently.
• You tow a trailer.

If anyone (or more) of these is true for your driving, follow Schedule I. Schedule I is shown by a plus sign (+) on the chart.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE II

Follow Schedule II ONLY if none of the above conditions are true. Schedule II is shown by a dot (•) on the chart.

Download 1994 Chevy C/K 1500 Maintenance Schedule

Download the proper maintenance chart for your C/K 1500 based on the criteria above.

• Gasoline Engines with Light Duty Emissions – Maintenance Schedule I
• Gasoline Engines with Light Duty Emissions – Maintenance Schedule II
• Gasoline Engines with Heavy Duty Emissions – Maintenance Schedule I
• Gasoline Engines with Heavy Duty Emissions – Maintenance Schedule II
• Diesel Engines – Maintenance Schedule I
• Diesel Engines – Maintenance Schedule II

Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services

Below are explanations of the services listed in the maintenance charts above. The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in this section. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs are done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER CHANGE

Always use engine oil of the proper viscosity.  To determine the preferred viscosity oil for your vehicle’s engine (e.g. SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30), see the owner’s manual or consult your local Chevrolet dealer. See YouTube video

CHASSIS LUBRICATION

Lubricate the front suspension, kingpin bushings, steering linkage, transmission, and transfer case shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, rear driveline center splines, and front axle prop shaft splines, brake pedal springs, and clutch pedal springs at intervals specified. Ball joints and kingpin bushings should not be lubricated unless their temperature is 10° F (-12°C), or higher. When the weather is cold, let them warm up before lubrication or they could be damaged. Also, be sure to check all the vehicle fluid levels at this time.

CLUTCH FORK BALL STUD LUBRICATION (5—SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH DEEP LOW )

Lubricate the clutch fork ball stud through the fitting on the clutch housing. The lubricant must be added “sparingly” to the fitting, as only .0066 lb. (.003 kg) is required to lubricate the ball stud surface. Do not add lubricant more often than the intervals in the Maintenance Charts. Too much lubricant will damage the clutch assembly.

COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE

Drain, flush and refill system with new coolant. Also, inspect the hoses and replace them if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Tighten all hose clamps (except constant tension clamps). Remove debris and clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Wash the radiator neck. To ensure proper operation, pressure test the radiator and cap.

AIR CLEANER FILTER REPLACEMENT

Replace at every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or more often under dusty conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper replacement intervals for your driving conditions.

FRONT-WHEEL BEARING REPACK (2—WHEEL DRIVE ONLY)

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings at each brake relining, or at the specified interval, whichever comes first.

TRANSMISSION SERVICE (Automatic Transmission)

Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 miles (25,000 km) for vehicles under 8,600 GVWR or every 12,000 miles (20,000 km) for vehicles over 8,600 GVWR if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:

• In heavy city traffic.
• Where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
• In hilly or mountainous terrain.
• Frequent trailer pulling.
• Uses such as taxi, police, delivery, or other commercial services. If the vehicle is not used mainly under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) for vehicles under 8,600 GVWR or every 24,000 miles (40,000 km) for vehicles over 8,600 GVWR.

Manual Transmission

Transmission fluid does not require periodic changing.

CDRV SYSTEM INSPECTION

Check the Crankcase Depression Regulator Valve System for any worn, plugged, or collapsed hoses. Have the system checked as described in the Service Manual.

FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT

Replace the fuel filter at the specified interval or sooner if clogged.

SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT

Replace spark plugs with the type listed in the owner’s manual. If you don’t have access to that, call your local Chevy dealer. Here’s a video of me doing a tune-up to the truck which includes changing the spark plugs.

SPARK PLUG WIRE INSPECTION

Clean wires and inspect for burns. cracks or other damage. Check the wire boot fit at the distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires as needed.

EGR SYSTEM INSPECTION

Conduct EGR SYSTEM CHECK as described in the Service Manual.

ELECTRONIC VACUUM REGULATOR VALVE (EVRV) INSPECTION

Inspect filter for excessive contamination or plugging. If required, clean the element with a solution of biodegradable soap and water let dry, and reinstall the element.

ENGINE TIMING CHECK AND DISTRIBUTOR CHECK (SOME MODELS)

Adjust timing to underhood label specifications. Inspect the inside and outside of the distributor cap and rotor for cracks, carbon tracking, and corrosion. Clean or replace as needed.

FUEL TANK, CAP, AND LINES INSPECTION

Inspect the fuel tank, cap, and lines for damage or leaks. Remove fuel cap, inspect gasket for an even filler neck imprint, and any damage. Replace parts as needed.

THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED AIR CLEANER INSPECTION — (If so equipped.)

Inspect all hoses and ducts for proper hook—up. Be sure the valve works properly.

SINGLE ENGINE ACCESSORY DRIVE (SERPENTINE) BELT INSPECTION

Inspect belt. Look for cracks, fraying, wear, and proper tension. Adjust or replace as needed.

EVAPORATIVE CONTROL SYSTEM (ECS) INSPECTION

Check all fuel vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check that the purge valve works properly if equipped. Replace as needed.

SHIELDS AND UNDERHOOD INSULATION INSPECTION

Inspect shields and underhood insulation for damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as required.

AIR INTAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION

Check the air intake system installation to see that gaskets are sealed properly and all hose connections, fasteners, and other components are tight. Also check to be sure that the air cleaner housing is properly seated, that the cover fits tightly, and the wingnuts are tight. Tighten connections and fasteners or replace damaged parts as required.

THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED ENGINE COOLING FAN INSPECTION — (If so equipped.)

Inspect all hoses and ducts for proper hook-up. Be sure the valve works properly.

EXHAUST PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE INSPECTION

Check that the valve works properly. Correct any binding. Inspect hoses for cracks, chafing, or decay. Replace parts as needed.

TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATION AND INSPECTION

For proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate tires at the first 6,000 miles (10,000 kilometers) for Schedule I (+) or 7,500 miles (12,500 kilometers) for Schedule II (•) and then every 15,000 miles (25 000 kilometers) thereafter.

Check tires for uneven wear or damage. If irregular or premature wear is apparent, check wheel alignment. Also, check for damaged wheels.

For dual wheels, whenever the vehicle, wheels, or fasteners are new, have the wheel fastener torque set at the first 100, 1,000, and 6,000 miles (160, 1600, and 10,000 km). Block the tires opposite those being removed to keep the vehicle from rolling.

DRIVE AXLE SERVICE

Check rear/front axle fluid level and add as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.

• Locking differential – Drain fluid at first oil change and refill. Check fluid level and add as needed at subsequent oil changes. In dusty areas, or trailer towing applications drain fluid at every 15,000 miles (24 135 kilometers) and refill.
• Standard differential — Check fluid level and add as needed at every oil change. In dusty areas or trailer towing applications, drain fluid every 15,000 miles (24 135 kilometers) and refill.
• More frequent lubrication may be required on heavy-duty or off-road use.

BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION

When the engine oil is changed, inspect the lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Check the parking brake adjust, and the fluid level in the master cylinder. A low fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced.

When the wheels are removed for rotation, inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also, inspect drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, parking brake, etc., at the same time.

Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel and mounting surfaces before mounting the wheel. Inspect brakes more often if driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

Download Maintenance Log

After each of the preceding Scheduled Maintenance Services is performed, record the date, odometer reading, services performed (list item numbers), and who performed the services in the appropriate column. In addition, retain copies of your receipts. It is suggested that receipts be kept with your Owner’s Manual.