Positioning:
The 1988 Buick Reatta was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, a stylish and comfortable two-seater designed for the discerning driver.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Ford Thunderbird SC, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, and potentially entry-level luxury coupes from European manufacturers.
Design:
Unique styling, front-wheel-drive chassis, independent suspension, and a focus on comfort and quietness.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authentic factory-level information, enabling owners and technicians to perform all maintenance and repairs accurately and efficiently, mirroring dealership procedures.
Engine:
3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated, Supercharged - if applicable to '88)
Control System:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Mechanical:
Engine Mechanical, Chassis Mechanical
Fuel Service:
Fuel delivery, Injectors, Fuel pump, Pressure regulator
Emission Control:
Emissions Systems, Catalytic Converter, EGR
Intake Exhaust Cooling:
Intake manifold, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Radiator, Water pump
Lube:
Lubrication system, Oil pump, Oil filter
Ignition Starting Charging:
Ignition system, Spark plugs, Coils, Starter motor, Alternator
Auto Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4T60)
Manual Transmission:
Not applicable for 1988 Reatta (primarily automatic)
Drive Shaft:
Driveshafts, CV joints
Differential:
Differential assembly
Axle Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension, Struts, Bushings, Control Arms
Tire Wheel:
Wheel specifications, Tire pressure, Alignment
Brake Control:
Brake system diagnostics, ABS (if equipped)
Brake:
Front and Rear Brakes, Pads, Rotors, Calipers, Lines
Parking Brake:
Parking brake system
Steering Column:
Steering column assembly, Tilt/Telescope (if equipped)
Power Steering:
Power steering pump, Rack and pinion, Hoses
Air Condition:
HVAC system, Compressor, Refrigerant, Controls
Supplemental Restraint System:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnostics and components
Seat Belt:
Seat belt retractors, Buckles
Cruise Control:
Cruise control system components and operation
Wiper Washer:
Wiper motor, Linkage, Washer pump, Fluid reservoir
Door Lock:
Door lock actuators, Keyless entry (if equipped)
Meter Audio Visual:
Instrument cluster, Gauges, Radio/Stereo system, Speakers
Horn:
Horn operation and wiring
Windshield Glass Mirror:
Windshield replacement, Window glass, Mirror adjustments
Instrument Panel:
Instrument panel removal and installation, Switches
Seat:
Seat adjustments, Seat track maintenance
Engine Hood Door:
Hood latch, Hinges, Door hinges and alignment
Exterior Interior:
Body panels, Trim, Upholstery
Electrical:
12V Electrical system, Battery, Fuses, Relays, Lighting
Multiplex Can Communication:
Multiplex communication systems (if applicable for the era)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Component-level repair, Reassembly, Adjustment procedures
Installation:
Component replacement and installation procedures
Wiring Schematics:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams and illustrations for all procedures
Depth:
Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and diagnostics.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check at 30,000 miles, replace if necessary; typically every 50,000-60,000 miles under normal use.
Engine Oil:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations)
Coolant:
GM Type II Coolant (or equivalent) - typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid
Common Problems:
Early Reattas experienced some issues with the electronic climate control, power window regulators, and occasional electrical gremlins. Early models also used a more complex independent rear suspension which was simplified later. The paint on the plastic body panels could sometimes be prone to cracking or fading.
