Vehicle Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Brand Philosophy:
Buick positioned as a premium American brand, emphasizing comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride.
Competitors 1996:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight/Lumina, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS/New Yorker, Lincoln Town Car.
Platform:
GM C-Body platform, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
Interior Focus:
Emphasis on quiet operation, plush seating, and upscale amenities for its time.
Powertrain Strategy:
Primarily V6 engines tuned for smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency over outright performance.
Vehicle Coverage:
All versions of the 1996 Buick Park Avenue
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific manual, typically 500-1500 pages for a comprehensive service manual.
Manual Type:
Repair Manual, Owner's Manual, Parts Catalog (as described in product information)
Format:
Electronic Downloadable PDF
Engine Mechanical:
Engine removal/installation, internal components, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, intake/exhaust.
Drivetrain:
Transmission, drive chain (if applicable to specific components), general drive system operation.
Chassis:
Steering system, suspension (shocks), brakes, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnosis, wiring diagrams, lighting, accessories, ignition, starting, charging.
Body:
Bodywork repair, interior trim, exterior components, doors, glass, weatherstripping.
Diagnostics:
Advanced troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for applicable systems.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, scheduled service intervals, fluid checks and changes.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems.
Installation:
Component installation and removal, including major assemblies like engine and transmission.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and electrical diagnostics and repair.
Engine Type:
3.8L (3800) V6
Engine Code L27:
L27 (3.8L naturally aspirated V6, Series I)
Engine Code Lg8:
LG8 (3.8L naturally aspirated V6, Series II - some models)
Horsepower L27:
Approximately 170 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque L27:
Approximately 225 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Horsepower Lg8 Series Ii:
Approximately 205 hp @ 5200 rpm (if equipped)
Torque Lg8 Series Ii:
Approximately 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (if equipped)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (1996 model year for similar GM vehicles)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (1996 model year for similar GM vehicles)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available (GM's Traction Control System)
Airbags:
Standard driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, driver's side shoulder belt often with manual adjustment.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles, checking fluid condition.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type, but often around 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
Consult manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-30), often API certified.
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (GM's orange coolant) or traditional green ethylene glycol coolant, depending on original fill and service history.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets (especially on the earlier 3800 Series I) can cause coolant leaks.
Window Motors:
Power window motors and regulators can be a common failure point due to age and usage.
Idler Pulley Bearing:
The idler pulley bearing on the accessory drive belt can fail, causing noise.
Fuel Pump Module:
Potential issues with the fuel pump module or sending unit.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, well-appointed American sedans, often aimed at mature buyers.
Park Avenue Evolution:
The Park Avenue nameplate has evolved through several generations, with the 1996 model being part of the fourth generation (C-Body, 1991-1996), known for its smooth ride and substantial presence.
Manufacturing Plant:
Likely produced at General Motors assembly plants in North America (e.g., Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Fairfax Assembly).
