Positioning:
Full-size sedan and coupe aimed at families and individuals seeking comfortable, spacious, and reliable transportation. Competed with vehicles like the Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord.
Key Strengths:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, availability of V6 engines, competitive pricing for its class.
Manual Advantage:
Provides direct, vehicle-specific information equivalent to dealership technician resources, enabling comprehensive DIY repairs and maintenance. Digital format offers flexibility and convenience.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform a wide range of services, diagnose issues accurately, and maintain their vehicle effectively, saving time and money compared to relying solely on professional mechanics.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control system, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, ignition system, starting and charging system, automatic transmission, manual transmission (if applicable for specific trims), transfer case (if applicable), drive shafts, differentials, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system (including power steering), brake system (front and rear, parking brake), wheels and tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body and interior components, doors, windows, mirrors, glass, instrument panel, HVAC (air conditioning), supplemental restraint system (SRS), seat belts, cruise control, wiper and washer system, horn, door locks, engine immobilizer, electrical system, multiplex communication/CAN bus communication, audio/visual systems, lighting.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.
Diagnostics:
Component testing, troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including disassembly, reassembly, and adjustment.
Special Procedures:
Wiring schematics, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, emission control procedures, power steering system bleeding, SRS system service precautions.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, encompassing basic maintenance to complete overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible.
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (free online).
Printability:
All pages are printable, with the ability to enlarge images.
Binding:
Digital (PDF), allowing for selective printing; no physical binding.
Paper Type For Print:
N/A (Digital format)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Four stars (1997)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Four stars (1997)
ABS:
Available on certain trims/options
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts, driver-side pretensioner
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speakers located in doors and rear deck.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, often electronically controlled.
OBD Ii Port:
Present, as per 1996 US mandate for On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs and wires typically recommended every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on type. Refer to manual for specific intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended for most conditions (refer to owner's manual for exact specification).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (green color for this era).
Common Engine Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially 3.1L), oil leaks, cooling system issues (thermostat, water pump), potential for head gasket issues on some V6s.
Common Transmission Issues:
Transmission fluid leaks, torque converter issues, solenoid failures in the 4T60-E.
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn struts/shocks, ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings due to age and mileage.
Common Electrical Issues:
Faulty window regulators, power lock actuators, intermittent dashboard warning lights, issues with the Body Control Module (BCM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Oil Filter Example:
AC Delco PF1218 or equivalent (specific part number would be in the manual).
Spark Plug Example:
AC Delco 41-990 or equivalent (for 3.1L V6) (specific part number would be in the manual).
Brand Focus:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from economical compacts to trucks and performance cars, emphasizing value and accessibility.
Second Gen Launch:
The second generation Lumina (introduced for the 1995 model year) was a significant redesign on the W-body platform, featuring a more aerodynamic and rounded body style compared to its predecessor. The 1997 model year continued this design.
Platform:
GM W-body platform
Manufacturing Location:
Lordstown, Ohio, USA
