Positioning:
The 1997 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, offering a blend of comfort, style, and performance within the Buick lineup.
Competitors:
Competed against other American luxury coupes like the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar, as well as some European and Japanese offerings in the luxury segment.
Distinctive Features:
Known for its distinctive styling, spacious interior, comfortable ride, and availability of powerful V6 engines, including the supercharged option.
Value Proposition:
Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with comprehensive, factory-derived information, enabling cost-effective maintenance and repair.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, powertrain control module (PCM).
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 4T80-E), transaxle, drive axles, CV joints, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting system, instruments and switches, body electrical, power accessories, HVAC electrical, anti-theft systems.
Body:
Body and chassis, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, seating systems.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including components, operation, and service procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanation, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for components, sub-assemblies, and major systems.
Adjustments:
Component adjustments, alignment procedures, calibration of sensors and systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, pressure specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from routine maintenance and basic repairs to advanced diagnostics and major component overhauls.
Engine Code 1:
3800 Series II V6 (L36)
Displacement 1:
3.8 L (3800 cc)
Configuration 1:
Naturally Aspirated, SFI (Sequential Fuel Injection), 90-degree V-6
Horsepower 1:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 1:
230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Code 2:
3800 Series II Supercharged V6 (L67)
Displacement 2:
3.8 L (3800 cc)
Configuration 2:
Supercharged, SFI, 90-degree V-6
Horsepower 2:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) / Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (or higher for optimal performance, especially for supercharged variants)
ECU Type:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM), often a Delphi/GM Delco Electronics unit.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not specifically rated for 1997 model year in easily accessible data, but built to contemporary safety standards.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not specifically rated for 1997 model year in easily accessible data, but built to contemporary safety standards.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts
Audio System:
Premium Delco AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player options available, often with steering wheel controls.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (optional on some trims) with digital display.
Traction Control:
Traction control system available on some models, particularly with the supercharged engine.
Seats:
Leather seating surfaces, power adjustable front seats, memory settings for driver's seat, heated front seats (optional).
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on oil type).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Typically platinum-tipped; consult manual for specific interval, often around 100,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, change approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles, or as indicated by fluid condition.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API Service SG or SH rated (refer to manual for precise specification, especially for supercharged engine).
Coolant:
GM Goodwrench/Delco Orange Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron ATF
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (LIM), power window motor failures, occasional issues with the ABS system sensors, supercharger belt wear on L67 engines, and potential for carbon buildup.
Heritage:
Buick has a long-standing reputation for producing comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped American vehicles, often targeting a mature and affluent demographic.
Generation:
This 1997 model represents the sixth generation of the Buick Riviera, which ran from 1995 to 1999, marked by a significant styling and platform change.
Production Period:
The Riviera nameplate was produced by Buick from 1963 to 1999, with the 1997 model being part of the final generation.
