🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Oldsmobile

Model:

Bravada

Year:

1996-1999

Product Type:

Owner's Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size luxury SUV, often compared to Acura SLX, Lexus LX 450, and Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon counterparts (GM's GMT330 platform)

Brand Focus:

Offered Oldsmobile's interpretation of a premium, capable SUV

Key Competitors:

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Dodge Durango

Differentiating Features:

Standard All-Wheel Drive (Bravada's primary selling point), comfortable ride, upscale interior appointments for the era, distinctive Oldsmobile styling

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Owner operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting

Included Trims:

All Bravada trim levels for the specified years

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for this era and vehicle type)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Physical Medium:

CD-ROM

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system operation, transfer case, differential basics

Chassis:

Brake system operation, steering system, suspension system

Electrical:

Lighting, instrument panel, gauges, warning lights, power accessories, audio system, climate control system, basic fuse identification

Body:

Doors, windows, seats, cargo area, mirrors, locks

Comfort Convenience:

Climate control, seating adjustments, power accessories, remote keyless entry (if equipped)

Operation:

Starting the engine, driving controls, shifting gears, parking, towing information

Maintenance:

Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, battery maintenance (terminal cleaning), bulb replacement

Troubleshooting:

Explanation of dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting tips for common issues

Safety:

Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint system installation guidance

Depth:

Consumer-level understanding of vehicle functions and routine maintenance

Diagnostics:

Limited diagnostic information, focused on identifying symptoms rather than repair procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

High-resolution PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing

Searchability:

Likely includes searchable text for quick reference

Print Readability:

Designed for clear printing of all diagrams, text, and tables

Binding:

N/A (Digital format on CD)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format on CD)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

LW4 (Vortec 4300)

Configuration:

4.3L (262 cu in) V6 OHV

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 in x 3.48 in (101.6 mm x 88.4 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 4400 rpm (1996-1997), 190 hp @ 4400 rpm (1998-1999, slight torque increase)

Torque:

250 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (1996-1997), 260 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (1998-1999)

Injection Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (North America)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Dex-Cool for later models, but original spec may vary; manual will confirm)

Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 (preferred for temperature range) or SAE 10W-30

Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic overdrive

Transmission Code:

4L60-E

Optional Transmission:

N/A (All Bravadas were automatic AWD)

Transfer Case:

Full-time electronic All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, managed by Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent approved fluid)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 11.5 US quarts (10.9 liters) for the 4L60-E transmission (refer to manual for exact capacity including torque converter)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

111.0 inches (2819 mm)

Length:

189.7 inches (4818 mm)

Width:

73.6 inches (1869 mm)

Height:

64.5 inches (1638 mm) (without roof rack)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 101.6 cubic feet (2877 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approximately 40.4 cubic feet (1144 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approximately 79.1 cubic feet (2240 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,400 - 4,600 lbs (2000 - 2087 kg), depending on options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5,800 - 6,000 lbs (2630 - 2722 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment (check manual for specific requirements)

Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:

5x5 inches (5x127 mm)

Standard Wheel Size:

16 x 7 inches

Standard Tire Size:

P245/70R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Driver Frontal Impact:

4 Stars (1996 model, as per NHTSA data for comparable vehicles on platform)

NHTSA Crash Test Passenger Frontal Impact:

4 Stars (1996 model)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available (often part of an optional package or standard on higher trims for later years)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions

Child Restraint:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard on this generation; typically requires seatbelt installation of child seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with digital display

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Keyless Entry:

Optional Remote Keyless Entry system

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on audio system integration and vehicle diagnostics via OBD-II port. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions)

Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or annually (depending on usage and manual recommendation)

Coolant Flush And Refill:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped plugs: 100,000 miles; standard plugs: 30,000 miles (likely platinum for this era)

Power Steering Fluid:

GM P/N 10503100 or Dexron III ATF

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for precise specification)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water-based washer fluid with antifreeze additive

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, catalytic converter, intake manifold gaskets (especially on the 4.3L V6)

Common Electrical Issues:

Instrument cluster failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, window regulator issues

Common Drivetrain Issues:

Transfer case actuator problems (less common on full-time AWD but possible), universal joint wear

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Essence:

Oldsmobile, GM's "personal car division," aimed for a balance of style, comfort, and performance. The Bravada was a key player in this strategy within the burgeoning SUV market.

Generation 1 Years:

1991-1994

Generation 2 Years:

1995-2001

Generation 2 Platform:

GMT330 platform, shared with Chevrolet Blazer/TrailBlazer and GMC Jimmy/Envoy

Major Updates 1995-1999:

Significant redesign for 1995, incorporating more modern styling, improved interior, and the mandatory adoption of the 4.3L V6 and AWD. Minor updates to styling, interior features, and powertrain management occurred throughout this generation.

Manufacturing Plant:

Moraine, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

Often praised for its standard AWD system and comfortable ride, though criticized for less refined handling compared to some European competitors and interior materials not always aligning with its luxury aspirations.

Consumer Reports Typical Ranking:

Generally rated as average to below average for reliability during its production years, a common trait for GM vehicles of this era.

Emissions Standards:

Designed to meet EPA emissions standards for its model years.