🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera

Year:

1996

Generation Identifier:

Eighth Generation (1995-1999)

Oem Manual Part Number Approximation:

Likely in the 102xxxx or 12xxxx series for 1996 GM products

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size personal luxury coupe.

Brand Perception:

Buick positioned as a premium, comfortable, and technologically advanced brand within General Motors.

Key Competitors:

Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler LeBaron Coupe (though Riviera generally more upscale), potentially some European coupes.

Vehicle Highlights:

Stylish coupe design, comfortable ride, advanced features for its time, V6 and supercharged V6 options, focus on driver and passenger comfort.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners to understand their vehicle's functions, perform basic maintenance, and identify potential issues, thereby optimizing ownership experience and vehicle longevity.

Cost Effectiveness:

Provides essential information at a lower cost than a replacement physical manual, saving owners money.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1996 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual

Secondary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, safety features, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical information specific to the 1996 Riviera model.

Estimated Page Count:

~150-200 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Powertrain:

Operation, fluid levels, basic maintenance checks.

Instrumentation And Controls:

Dashboard indicators, warning lights, switch functions, climate control, audio system.

Safety Features:

Seat belts, airbags (SRS), child seat installation, safety recommendations.

Chassis And Suspension:

Tire care, wheel alignment checks (basic), brake system overview.

Electrical System:

Lighting, fuses (identification and replacement), battery maintenance.

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:

Operation of HVAC controls, filter replacement (basic).

Body And Trim:

Door operation, power windows, locks, mirrors, convertible top operation (if applicable, though not standard on all Rivieras).

Pre Driving Checks:

Visual inspection, fluid checks, tire pressure.

Starting And Driving:

Proper engine start, gear selection, driving tips, parking.

Emergency Procedures:

Breakdown assistance, jump starting, tire changing, caution lights.

Appearance And Care:

Cleaning, waxing, interior care, protecting finishes.

Maintenance Scheduling:

Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, etc.

Do It Yourself Tasks:

Basic fluid top-offs, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, fuse checks.

Depth:

Owner-level understanding and basic maintenance. Focuses on user operation and awareness, not in-depth mechanical or electrical repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text if OCR processed correctly.

Resolution:

Depends on original scan/creation, typically good for digital viewing and printing.

Original Binding:

Stapled or perfect bound (physical manual)

Original Paper:

Standard automotive manual paper stock.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L36 (3.8L V6 naturally aspirated)

Engine Type:

3.8L (3800 Series I) V6, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3800 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.80 in x 3.40 in (96.5 mm x 86.4 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine Type:

L67 (3.8L V6 Supercharged) - Optional

Horsepower:

240 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane for Supercharged Recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (for some later L36/L67 variations, though '96 typically used waste spark DIS).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Transmission Code:

4T60-E (Hydra-Matic)

Availability:

Not applicable, only automatic offered.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary, but designed for smooth acceleration and highway cruising.

Fluid Type:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

~200.7 inches

Width:

~74.4 inches

Height:

~53.7 inches

Wheelbase:

~110.8 inches

Seating Capacity:

5 Passengers

Curb Weight:

~3500-3800 lbs (depending on engine and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger) - Based on available data for similar GM vehicles of the era, though specific Riviera '96 ratings may vary.

Braking System:

Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Discs, often with ABS.

Traction Control:

Optional (often linked with ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point active-locking retractors for front seats, lap belts for rear center seat, 3-point belts for rear outboard seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD Player. May feature premium sound systems (e.g., Bose) on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Automatic Climate Control (ACC) was a significant feature for this era, maintaining set temperatures.

Antilock Brakes:

Standard on most models, providing enhanced control during emergency braking.

Keyless Entry:

Optional remote keyless entry system.

Original Connectivity:

Limited to wired features; no integrated Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Tire Rotation:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (standard on L36/L67).

Coolant Flush:

Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using appropriate long-life coolant).

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, or SJ)

Coolant:

Dex-Cool (Orange) or equivalent long-life 50/50 antifreeze/water mixture.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Intake Manifold Gaskets:

Common issue on 3800 Series I/II engines due to plastic intake manifold design, leading to coolant leaks and potential misfires.

Torque Converter Clutch:

Premature failure of the torque converter clutch (TCC) in the 4T60-E transmission can cause shuddering or erratic engagement.

Window Regulators:

Can become slow or inoperable due to wear.

Power Steering Leaks:

Hoses and pump can develop leaks over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, well-appointed, and stylish American automobiles, often targeting a more mature and affluent demographic.

Riviera Lineage:

The Riviera has always been Buick's flagship personal luxury coupe, known for its distinctive styling and technological advancements since its introduction in 1963. The 1995-1999 generation represented a significant redesign, moving to the GM E85 platform, sharing components with the Oldsmobile Aurora and Cadillac Seville.

Production Years For Generation:

1995-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Hamtramck, Michigan, USA (General Motors Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Auto Ten Best Engines:

The 3800 Series II V6 engine (which evolved from the Series I in this Riviera) was a recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines list multiple times, including in the late 1990s, for its refinement, power, and efficiency.

Car And Driver Best Resale Value:

Not typically a category winner, but Buick generally maintained respectable resale value in the luxury segment.

Emissions Standards:

Meets applicable US EPA emissions standards for 1996 model year.