Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Sedan
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, professional mechanics
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid
Value Proposition:
Significant cost savings on repairs, empowerment of vehicle owners for self-sufficiency
Ease Of Use:
Step-by-step instructions, clear illustrations, easy-to-follow format
Scope:
Complete Workshop Service & Repair
Model Variant Coverage:
All Models, Engines, Trim Levels, and Transmission Types
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific year and engine, typically 1000-2000+ pages for a complete set across these years.
Type:
Factory-level Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Accessibility:
Printable (individual pages or entire manual), Tablet/Smartphone compatible
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4T65-E) diagnosis, overhaul, and fluid services
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Braking system (ABS, service, bleeding)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, Lighting, Instrument cluster, Power windows/locks, Audio system, HVAC controls, Body control modules (BCM)
Body:
Body panels, Doors, Glass, Bumpers, Interior trim, Convertible top mechanisms (if applicable)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning system components, diagnosis, and recharge procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), Tune-ups, Belt and hose replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Component testing, Electrical circuit tracing
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., spark plugs, sensors, gaskets), Brake pad/rotor replacement, Suspension component replacement, HVAC component replacement
Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul (detailed step-by-step)
Installation:
Component installation (e.g., alternators, starters, radiators), Accessory installation (if applicable)
Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with illustrations and diagrams
Engine Code Typical:
L36 (3.8L V6 OHV MFI Supercharged - Series II)
Engine Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves
Horsepower Typical:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (Naturally Aspirated L36), 240 hp @ 5200 rpm (Supercharged L36)
Torque Typical:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Naturally Aspirated L36), 280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (Supercharged L36)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type Recommended:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 (or equivalent DEX-COOL compatible)
Oil Type Recommended:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters)
Model Designation:
4T65-E
Optional Types:
Not applicable for this generation of LeSabre; only automatic was offered.
Features:
Electronic control, Driver Shift Control (DSC), Tow/Haul mode (on some models)
Fluid Type Recommended:
Dexron III/VI ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Capacity:
Approximately 4.5-5.5 US quarts (for typical fluid change, dry fill is higher)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for model years tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for model years tested)
IIHS Front Offset Driver:
Good (for model years tested)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional/Standard depending on trim and year
Airbags Standard:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger
Airbags Optional:
Side-impact airbags (available on some trims/years)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Stereo with CD player, cassette player (optional), and premium sound system options available.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control with dual-zone capabilities on some models.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Optional on some models.
Onstar:
Available as an option on select models and years.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (using conventional oil), or 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (using synthetic oil and compliant filter).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 100,000 miles (with platinum or iridium tipped plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles, or as recommended by GM service bulletins.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM P/N 12345866 (or Dexron III/VI ATF)
Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, coolant leaks (lower intake manifold), power steering pump leaks, transmission solenoid issues (4T65-E), headlight dimmer switch failure, window regulator issues.
Common Fixes:
Replacement of intake manifold gaskets with updated designs, power steering line replacement, transmission solenoid pack replacement.
Brand Focus:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has historically focused on comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed vehicles.
Generational Context:
This generation of LeSabre (H-Body platform) was introduced for the 1992 model year and underwent a significant redesign for 2000, marking its final generation.
Platform:
GM H-body (updated version)
Production Period:
1992-2005 (for this generation), with the last LeSabre produced in 2005.
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Michigan
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Mixed to average reliability ratings reported by Consumer Reports over its production run, with some specific years and components receiving more criticism than others.
Jd Power Ratings:
Typically ranked as average or slightly below average in initial quality and dependability surveys for its class during its later years.
