🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Regal

Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

GM W-body (Third Generation)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners of 1990 Buick Regal seeking to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs themselves, or to better understand their vehicle's workings. Also valuable for independent repair shops.

Advantage:

Provides vehicle-specific, factory-level information, unlike generic repair guides. Offers comprehensive coverage for all models and repairs, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Ease Of Use:

Single, easy-to-use PDF manual. No need to consult multiple books. Searchable content for quick information retrieval.

Digital Benefits:

Keeps original manual pristine. Easy to transfer to mobile devices for use in garage/workshop. Ability to print only needed pages.

Cost Savings:

Enables DIY repairs, saving significant costs associated with professional mechanic labor.

Knowledge Enhancement:

Empowers owners with detailed knowledge to understand and maintain their vehicle effectively.

Portability:

The PDF format allows users to print specific pages and take them directly to their workspace, avoiding the need to carry a bulky physical manual.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair for all 1990 Buick Regal models.

Secondary Coverage:

Includes all repairs A-Z, diagnostics, maintenance, and specifications.

Scope:

Covers all models and all repairs from A-Z.

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (based on typical factory service manuals for this era and scope).

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Product Name:

1990 Buick Regal Service and Repair Manual PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Charging System, Exhaust System, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Drivetrain (Propeller Shaft, Differential, Axles).

Chassis:

Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering Column, Power Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic, Parking), Wheels, Tires.

Electrical And Body:

Electrical System, Wiring Schematics, Lighting, Instruments, Audio/Visual, HVAC (Air Conditioning), Restraint Systems (Airbag, Seatbelts), Door Locks, Cruise Control, Wipers and Washers, Horn, Glass and Mirrors, Exterior and Interior Trim, Engine Hood, Doors, Body Panels.

Emissions And Diagnostics:

Emission Control Systems, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides.

Engine Control System:

Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for the engine's control system, including sensors, actuators, and the powertrain control module (PCM).

Supplemental Restraint System:

Information on the SRS system, including sensor locations, diagnostic codes, and components, though airbags were not standard in 1990.

Instrument Panel And Gauges:

Troubleshooting and repair for the instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, and related sensors.

Body And Frame:

Includes procedures for body panel alignment, door adjustments, and general bodywork repairs.

Interior Components:

Coverage for seats, upholstery, dashboard components, and interior trim.

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication.

Repair:

Component Removal, Installation, Overhaul, Reassembly, Adjustments.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Component Testing, Wiring Diagram Interpretation.

Specifications:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Voltages, Resistance Values, Timing Settings.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Comprehensive troubleshooting charts and diagnostic procedures based on symptoms.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing virtually every component on the vehicle.

Depth:

Highly detailed, factory-level technical information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Wiring Schematics Quality:

Factory-level, detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, essential for electrical diagnostics and repair.

Diagnostic Tools:

While specific diagnostic tool part numbers from 1990 are unlikely, the manual will guide users on how to utilize basic diagnostic tools like multimeters, logic probes, and vacuum gauges.

Illustrations And Diagrams:

Includes diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics.

Instruction Style:

Complete step-by-step instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible.

Requirements:

Requires Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (free online).

Download Speed:

Speed Download

Printability:

All pages are printable. Allows for selective printing of specific sections or diagrams. Images can be enlarged and printed.

Binding:

Digital (PDF) - no physical binding. Eliminates concerns of greasy or torn paper manuals.

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

The 1990 Buick Regal was available with several engine options, typically including: - 2.8L (173 cu in) GM 60° V6 (LB6) - 3.1L (189 cu in) GM 60° V6 (LG6) - 3.8L (231 cu in) Buick V6 (3800 naturally aspirated, L27 or LB6 variants depending on specific application/trim).

Horsepower And Torque:

Horsepower and torque figures varied by engine option and specific tuning. For example, the 3.1L V6 typically produced around 135-140 hp, while the 3.8L V6 offered more power, often in the 165-170 hp range for the naturally aspirated version.

Fuel Economy:

EPA estimates varied by engine and body style, but generally, the V6 engines offered a balance of power and reasonable fuel economy for the era. Expect mileage in the range of 16-20 MPG city and 22-28 MPG highway.

Induction Type:

Fuel injection (Multi-Port Fuel Injection - MPFI or Throttle Body Injection - TBI, depending on engine and trim).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline.

Engine Codes:

Manual will detail specific engine codes (e.g., LB6, LG6, L27) and their associated specifications and repair procedures.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

The 1990 Buick Regal predominantly featured automatic transmissions. The most common was the 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission (e.g., 4T60 or THM-440-T4).

Optional Transmission:

While less common for the Regal, some GM W-body platforms offered manual transmissions. However, for the 1990 Regal, automatic transmissions were the standard and most prevalent option.

Transmission Features:

Features typically included lock-up torque converters for improved fuel economy at cruising speeds. Electronic controls managed shift points and line pressures for optimal performance and comfort.

Transmission Codes:

Manual will detail specific transmission codes (e.g., 4T60, THM-440-T4) and their internal components, service procedures, and fluid capacities.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

The 1990 Buick Regal was primarily offered as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 107.5 inches (2730.5 mm) for both coupe and sedan variants.

Curb Weight:

Curb weight varied by model and equipment, typically ranging from around 3200 to 3500 lbs (1450 to 1600 kg).

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

Typically 5x115mm for GM W-body vehicles of this era.

Tire Sizes:

Common tire sizes included P195/70R14 and P205/60R15, depending on trim and options. Manual will list specific sizes for each model configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for the 1990 model year might not be readily available in a consolidated format. However, vehicles of this era generally focused on improved structural integrity and passive safety features.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often available as an option on higher trims or specific models.

Restraint Systems:

Seat belts (3-point front, 2-point rear lap belts standard, with optional rear 3-point belts on some models). Airbags were not standard in 1990 for the Regal, but some later model W-bodies began to introduce driver-side airbags.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory radio systems were typically AM/FM stereo with cassette tape players. Optional CD players began to appear in this era. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Speaker Configurations:

Typically 4 to 6 speakers, depending on the sound system package.

Cruise Control:

Cruise control was a common option on most 1990 Regal models, providing enhanced comfort for highway driving.

Internal Communication:

Multiplex/CAN communication systems were not prevalent in 1990. Vehicle electrical systems relied on traditional wiring harnesses and discrete electronic control units (ECUs).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, using high-quality conventional motor oil.

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Intervals varied by engine, often around 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 viscosity grade, API Service SG or higher.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant (green) with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water for freeze protection and corrosion inhibition.

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron-III or specific GM power steering fluid.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 11-13 quarts (10.4-12.3 liters) depending on engine and cooling system configuration.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Varies by engine; typically 4-5 quarts (3.8-4.7 liters) with filter change.

Common Wear Items:

Typical wear items for a 1990 vehicle include exhaust system components, suspension bushings, brake pads/rotors, cooling system hoses, and fuel pumps. Electronic control modules (ECMs) can also be a failure point over time.

Engine Specific Concerns:

Depending on the engine, potential issues might include intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on the 3.1L), or issues related to aging electronic fuel injection components.

Common Electrical Issues:

Aging wiring insulation, intermittent electrical connections, and failing vacuum lines for climate control systems can be common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing comfortable, stylish, and well-appointed vehicles. The Regal has been a significant model in Buick's lineup, often positioned as a sporty yet luxurious personal car.

W Body Platform:

The 1990 Regal was part of the GM W-body platform, which was introduced in 1988. This platform replaced the older front-wheel-drive A-body cars and offered a more modern design and improved performance characteristics.

Regal Positioning:

The Regal in 1990 continued Buick's tradition of offering a comfortable, personal luxury coupe and sedan, blending performance with a refined ride, often targeting a more mature demographic compared to other GM brands.

Manufacturing Locations:

GM vehicles of this era were produced across various North American assembly plants. Specific plant information would depend on the vehicle's VIN.