The windshield wiper motor operates erratically. It appears to be a problem with the connection at the wiring harness, as wiggling this connection will provide intermittent service.
The seat back adjuster handle has broken off.
The visor vanity mirror flaps have very weak hinge connections which have snapped.
The locking linkage in the passenger door has a plastic guide which has broken and impaired the use of the manual lock.
As with many GM vehicles, the door hinge pins wear prematurely, causing the doors to sag.
The 1998 interior is a great improvement ergonomically over the 1994-1997 S-series trucks. The door handles and dashboard layout show competence on the part of Chevy/GMC designers.
The 2.2L engine is a bit small for a truck rated at 1/2 ton capacity, but relatively speaking, this little 120-horse engine packs a punch. The gas mileage makes the lack of power worthwhile.
The 5-speed transmission shifts well and seems to be geared appropriately for this truck. The only problem I have had is trying to shift into first while decelerating at speeds where second gear may lug the engine.
The handling is quite refined, yet it retains the danger of losing rear traction like so many light trucks.
Good review... we have a 98 Sonoma SL as well second hand bought with 60,000 + KM on it Canadian eh? :)
At any rate...
Yes, problems with the wipers and our seat handle broke off as well.
Our main problem at the moment is trying to get more power out of the 4 Cyl eng. It sucks big time on steep inclined highways... putters along nicely in the city tho.
Dave and Sue Williams.
I also have the 1998 sanoma with the 2.2L. I have a auto trany and I have no problem with power even when I pull my jet ski with it. If you really want to put the money into it you can get the bigger differential put in. I was lucky enough to find one with the 4:10 differential. The only problem with this though is that I get only 18 mpg city with it at most.
I too have a 98 sonoma sls standard cab
and have seen these problems stated.
My son is into modding cars ect.
And took out the factory intake box and filter
up to the intake manifold and installed a crome/aluminum
intake and mass cold air intake filterusing the original air sensor and my 2.2l 5 spd wants to get up and move now
i was shocked in the differance, at the end of it all was
a pile of black intake peices and hose's
got more horespower and more room to work around on and in the engine area after all the bulky plastic stock parts came off
he told me that the sonoma and s10 have diverted air restritive boxes which the engine has to work to get the air when you remove all the stock crap ad put a crome pipe
and elbow from the manifold to the mass cone filter the air moves freely and cools the engine better resulting in more horsepower
total spent at autozone 109dollars.
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