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.
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)
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.
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 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)
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 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
