What type of transmission does a Chevy S10 have?

The Chevy S-10 has used both manual and automatic transmissions across its production history, with the most common automatic being the four-speed GM 4L60-E and several five-speed manual options offered on various trims.

The S-10, produced from 1982 through 2004 in the United States, saw multiple drivetrain options evolve over time. Transmission choices varied by engine, trim level, and market, so the exact type depends on year and configuration. The following outlines the primary transmission families that appeared in the S-10 across its generations.

Transmission options by era

Automatic transmissions

Overview of the automatic transmission options that appeared in the S-10 lineup.

• 3-speed automatic units (such as TH125/TH125C) were common on early S-10s before the four-speed family became standard.


• 4-speed automatic GM 4L60-E became the standard setup for most S-10s equipped with the 4.3L V6 and, in many years, with the 2.2L inline-four.


• Some late-model or specialty trims retained the broader 4-speed automatic family variants, but the 4L60-E remained the workhorse for most generations.

In short, the automatic options centered on an early 3-speed unit and the long-running 4L60-E four-speed automatic for the majority of production.

Manual transmissions

Overview of the manual transmission options that appeared in the S-10 lineup.

• Five-speed manual transmissions were offered on many S-10 configurations, commonly built around GM's M5OD-family gearboxes for the 4-cylinder and V6 engines.


• Manual transmissions varied by year and market, with some base configurations offering a manual option for value-focused models.

Overall, manual options mainly centered on five-speed manuals, with the M5OD family being a frequent choice in many generation catalogs.

How to identify your S10's transmission

To determine the exact type in your S-10, check the transmission casing for a model stamp, refer to the vehicle’s build sheet or VIN code, and note the engine configuration. Common identifiers include "4L60-E" for the four-speed automatic, "TH125" for an older three-speed automatic, and "M5OD" or similar marks for five-speed manuals. A dealer or trusted shop can confirm by reading the code on the transmission or cross-referencing the VIN.

Summary

Across its production run, the Chevy S-10 offered both manual and automatic transmissions. The most prevalent automatic was the 4L60-E, while five-speed manual options were common on many trims. The exact setup depends on year, engine, and market, so checking your vehicle’s specific codes is the best way to know for sure.

What transmission is in a 2003 Chevy S10?

Model #4L60-E.

Are all 4L60E transmissions the same?

No, not all 4L60E transmissions are the same, as they have evolved significantly throughout their production life. Key differences include case design, internal components, torque converter size, and electrical connectors, which often make transmissions from different year groups incompatible. For example, the early 1993-1997 models had a one-piece case, while later versions had a two-piece case. Additionally, 2009 and newer models are not interchangeable with earlier ones due to a change in how the transmission's range is communicated to the computer. 
Key differences by model year

• 1993–1997: One-piece case and bell housing, shallower pan, and an on/off TCC solenoid in early years. 
• 1996–1999: Two-piece case with a removable bell housing and a deeper pan for a larger fluid reservoir. 
• 2000 and newer: Two-piece case, but with an upgraded, deeper bell housing to accommodate a larger 300mm torque converter and longer input shaft. 
• 2009 and newer: Are not compatible with earlier models due to a new internal mode switch that replaces the manual lever position sensor and pressure switch manifold. 

Other factors to consider

• Internal upgrades: Some versions have stronger internal components, such as the 4L65E, which was introduced in 2001 with a five-pinion planetary gearset to handle more torque. 
• Torque converter and flex plate: The torque converter and flex plate must be compatible, as different year models may have different bolt patterns or pilot diameters. 
• Vehicle speed sensor: The location and type of vehicle speed sensor changed over the years. 
• Electrical connectors: Some electrical connectors and their harness wiring can differ between models. 

Does a S10 have a 4L60E transmission?

Chevrolet S-10 Transmission Problems & Solutions
And you'll have plenty of power to handle those good deeds, thanks to a selection of 4-cyl and V6 engines. Automatic variants were equipped with either a 4L60 transmission, or a 4L60E transmission (depending on the year).

What cars have 4L60E transmission?

The GM 4L60E transmission was used in a wide variety of rear-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive GM vehicles, including many trucks, SUVs, and some cars like the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro. Some common examples include the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Camaro, and Pontiac Firebird. It was also used in other models from brands like Cadillac, Buick, and Holden.
 
Chevrolet and GMC

• Silverado/Sierra 1500 and 2500 (some models)
• Tahoe and Yukon
• Suburban 1500
• Camaro and Firebird (1994–2002)
• Corvette (1994–2004)
• Colorado and Canyon
• S-10 and Sonoma
• Express and Savana vans
• Avalanche
• SSR
• Impala SS (1994–1996) 

Other GM brands

• Cadillac: Escalade, Fleetwood
• Buick: Rainier, Roadmaster
• Pontiac: GTO (2004)
• Oldsmobile: Bravada
• Hummer: H3
• Saab: 9-7X 

Holden (Australian market) 
Commodore (various generations), Monaro, and Caprice. 
Isuzu
Ascender.