🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Century

Year:

1998

Platform:

W-Body (GMT240)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1998 Buick Century was positioned as a mid-size, comfortable, and value-oriented sedan, appealing to a broad demographic seeking reliable transportation.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Chevrolet Lumina. Its strengths were often perceived as a quiet ride, comfortable interior, and a more traditional American styling.

Key Features:

The 1998 Century offered a spacious interior, a smooth ride, and generally good reliability for its class. Styling was conservative, focusing on practicality and comfort.

Value Proposition:

Provides DIY mechanics and owners with comprehensive, licensed factory-derived repair information, offering significant cost savings over professional labor rates and outdated printed manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Chassis, Diagnostic Procedures, Maintenance Schedules

Page Count:

Not specified, but described as comprehensive OE material

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download (via web browser access)

Access Duration:

1 Year (with discounts for additional years)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECM), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic), Drivetrain (Front-Wheel Drive), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), ABS System, HVAC System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Electrical System (Power Distribution, Lighting, Instruments, Accessories), Body Control Modules, Interior & Exterior Trim, Body Panels, Security System

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Diagnosis, Engine Repair and Rebuild, Transmission Service and Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Service, Electrical System Diagnostics and Repair, HVAC System Servicing, Cooling System Maintenance, Fuel System Cleaning and Repair, Ignition System Tuning, Exhaust System Repair, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, Wiring Harness Repair, Component Installation and Removal, Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities and Specifications

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive OE-derived information covering everything from basic fluid changes and component replacement to detailed diagnostic procedures and internal engine/transmission component repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF) - no physical binding

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

Device Compatibility:

Any PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet with an internet connection and web browser.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

3.1L V6 (L82 VIN T)

Displacement:

3.1 Liters (189 cubic inches)

Configuration:

V6, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Horsepower:

155 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

185 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 10528001 (Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant) or equivalent orange silicate-free coolant

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Conventional Engine Oil

Emission Control:

Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Transmission Model:

4T60-E

Transmission Features:

Electronic Controls, Lock-up Torque Converter

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for a dry fill, 3.0 quarts (2.8 liters) for a fluid change

📐 Dimensions

Length:

195.7 inches (4971 mm)

Width:

70.7 inches (1796 mm)

Height:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.0 inches (2718 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3300-3400 lbs (1497-1542 kg) depending on trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4400 lbs (1996 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.7 cubic feet (0.44 cubic meters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (1998 model year rating - representative)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (1998 model year rating - representative)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - standard on most models

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side-Impact Door Beams, Crumple Zones, Three-point Seatbelts with Pretensioners

Restraint System Description:

Frontal airbag system for driver and front passenger. Interior features include adjustable headrests and seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic climate controls and power accessory switches.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily ABS.

Connectivity Features:

No advanced connectivity options (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, smartphone integration) available from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Recommended every 50,000 to 100,000 miles (80,000 to 160,000 km), or as per manufacturer recommendation or fluid condition.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for Dex-Cool, or as specified in the manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM P/N 1050395 or Dexron-III/VI ATF

Common Issues:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (early 3.1L V6), transmission solenoid issues (4T60-E), power window motor failures, heater core leaks, wheel bearing premature wear, exhaust manifold cracks (especially rear bank).

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

AC Delco PF1218 or equivalent

Air Filter Part Number Example:

AC Delco A1214C or equivalent

Spark Plug Type:

Platinum or Iridium, e.g., AC Delco 41-990 or equivalent

Spark Plug Gap:

0.060 inches (1.52 mm)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Buick, founded in 1899, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for its focus on comfort, quietness, and a luxurious driving experience within the mainstream market.

Model Evolution:

The Buick Century nameplate has been used on various Buick models over the decades. The 1997-2005 generation represented a significant redesign, moving to the modern W-body platform, offering improved performance, safety, and styling compared to its predecessors.

Production Years Generation:

1997-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Mainly built in Fairfax, Kansas, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Recognition:

While specific major awards for the 1998 model are not prominently documented, the Century generally received praise for its comfortable ride and quiet interior in contemporary reviews.