🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Pontiac

Model:

Bonneville

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

H-body

Vin Code:

8th digit indicates engine

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size/Large sedan

Target Audience:

Families, executives, and individuals seeking a comfortable, spacious, and refined American sedan.

Key Competitors:

Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Lumina, Buick LeSabre, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid.

Comfort And Space:

Emphasis on a smooth ride, quiet interior, and ample passenger space.

Styling:

Distinctive Pontiac styling cues, often featuring a sporty flair for its class.

Performance Options:

Available with powerful V6 and V8 engines for strong acceleration.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

All primary vehicle systems including engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, electrical, climate control, safety features, interior features, and exterior features.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for this era's owner manuals).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Operation:

Detailed explanations of engine controls, startup procedures, and operating characteristics.

Dashboard Controls:

Identification and function of all dashboard indicators, gauges, warning lights, and controls.

Transmission Operation:

Instructions on operating the automatic transmission, including gear selection and park/neutral safety features.

Lighting System:

Operation of headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and hazard lights.

Climate Control:

Explanation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation and settings.

Audio System:

User guide for the factory-installed audio system, including radio, cassette, and speaker operation.

Power Windows Locks Mirrors:

Operation of power-operated windows, door locks, and side mirrors.

Seating And Restraints:

Information on adjusting seats, seat belts, and airbag system operation.

Fuel And Refueling:

Guidance on fuel type, capacity, and proper refueling procedures.

Wheels And Tires:

Tire pressure recommendations and information on wheel lug nut torque.

Fluid Checks:

Instructions for checking essential fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid).

Wiper Blade Replacement:

Basic guidance on replacing windshield wiper blades.

Light Bulb Replacement:

Information on replacing common exterior and interior light bulbs.

Fuse Replacement:

Location and replacement procedure for fuses.

Jump Starting:

Safe procedures for jump-starting the vehicle's battery.

Tire Changing:

Instructions for changing a flat tire using the spare and jack.

Emergency Procedures:

Guidance for various emergency situations.

Depth:

Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions typically found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely, depending on the digitization quality of the original document.

Printability:

Printable on standard home or office printers.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

3.8L (3800 Series I) V6, Naturally Aspirated

Engine Option 1 Displacement:

3791 cc (231 cu in)

Engine Option 1 Bore X Stroke:

96.5 mm x 86.7 mm (3.80 in x 3.41 in)

Engine Option 1 Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Engine Option 1 Horsepower:

170 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

Engine Option 2:

3.8L Supercharged (3800 Series II) V6 (GT trim specific)

Engine Option 2 Displacement:

3791 cc (231 cu in)

Engine Option 2 Horsepower:

205 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine Option 2 Torque:

250 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Option 3:

4.6L L37 V8 (Optional on some trims, less common than V6)

Engine Option 3 Displacement:

4565 cc (278 cu in)

Engine Option 3 Horsepower:

200 hp @ 4300 rpm

Engine Option 3 Torque:

270 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze (GM specification 18-8215).

Engine Oil Type:

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

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter change for 3.8L V6.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (4T60-E)

Transmission Type:

N/A (Only automatic transmission offered for 1995 model year).

Traction Control:

Optional on some models, particularly those with the supercharged engine.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.1 quarts (6.7 L) for a dry fill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 200.2 inches (5085 mm)

Width:

Approximately 72.7 inches (1847 mm)

Height:

Approximately 55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 110.8 inches (2814 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3500-3800 lbs (1588-1724 kg) depending on engine and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:

Not directly comparable to modern ratings, but generally considered a safe vehicle for its era.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:

Not directly comparable to modern ratings.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models.

Traction Control System:

Optional, particularly on higher performance models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags were standard.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system not present, but provisions for seat belts were standard.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Features:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and steering wheel mounted audio controls on higher trims.

Climate Control Type:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (HVAC).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Cellular Integration:

N/A (No factory integrated Bluetooth or hands-free calling).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or as recommended by GM for typical driving.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Initially at 100,000 miles for Dex-Cool, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years thereafter. For conventional coolant, typically every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (if equipped), 30,000 miles for standard plugs.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF

Common Problems:

Head gasket failures (especially on early 3800 Series II engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, window regulator failures, power steering pump issues, and electrical glitches related to the Body Control Module (BCM).

📚 Vehicle History

Pontiac Legacy:

Pontiac was known for performance-oriented vehicles with a sporty image, often targeting a younger demographic. The Bonneville represented Pontiac's entry into the large luxury/personal sedan segment.

Bonneville History:

The Bonneville nameplate has a long history, evolving from a large convertible to a personal luxury coupe and eventually to the full-size sedan it was in the 1990s. The 1995 model is part of the H-body platform generation, shared with other GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Aurora.

Assembly Location:

Fairfax, Kansas, USA (GM Fairfax Assembly)

Model Generation:

8th Generation (1992-1999)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

While specific 1995 ratings may vary, Consumer Reports typically rated the Bonneville as average to below average for reliability during this generation, often citing the aforementioned known issues.