🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera

Year:

1995

Generation:

Seventh Generation (1995-1999)

Vin Structure:

Refer to manual for specific VIN decoding for 1995 models.

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Personal luxury coupe.

Brand Identity:

Buick positioned as a premium domestic brand offering comfort, quietness, and upscale features.

Key Competitors:

Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, Oldsmobile Aurora (though Aurora debuted later in the generation, it occupied a similar space).

Design Philosophy:

The 1995 Riviera marked a redesign with sleeker, more aerodynamic styling, moving away from the more angular previous generation.

Powertrain Emphasis:

Focus on V6 and V8 engine options offering a balance of performance and refinement.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Language:

English

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Estimated Page Count:

200-250 pages (estimated based on typical 1995 OEM owner's manuals)

Digital Format:

PDF Download

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Dashboard Instruments:

Detailed explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and indicator lamps.

Infotainment Audio:

Operation of the factory radio, cassette player, and any available premium sound systems.

Climate Control:

Operation of HVAC system, including manual/automatic climate control, air conditioning, and heating functions.

Lighting Systems:

Operation of headlights (low/high beam), parking lights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, fog lights, and interior lighting.

Driver Controls:

Explanation of steering wheel controls, wipers, washers, cruise control, and other driver-operated features.

Locks Security:

Operation of power door locks, remote keyless entry (if equipped), ignition lock, and anti-theft system features.

Seating Restraints:

Adjustment of front and rear seats, seat belt operation, pre-tensioners, and airbag system overview.

Driving Operations:

Guidance on starting, driving, parking, and engine break-in procedures.

Customer Assistance:

Information on contacting Buick customer service and dealer network.

Safety Reporting:

Procedures for reporting safety defects in the U.S.

Cleaning Care:

Recommendations for interior and exterior cleaning and care.

Engine Compartment:

Identification of engine components, fluid reservoirs, and basic checks.

Lubrication Specifications:

Detailed specifications for engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and other lubricants.

Fuel Information:

Recommended fuel octane rating and fuel system care.

Filters:

Information regarding air filter and cabin air filter (if applicable) replacement.

Accessories:

Information on factory-installed accessories and their operation.

Fluid Checks:

Step-by-step instructions for checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.

Tire Maintenance:

Guidance on tire pressure checks, rotation, and proper inflation.

Battery Care:

Instructions for battery inspection and maintenance.

Wiper Blade Replacement:

Procedure for replacing windshield wiper blades.

Light Bulb Replacement:

Guidance on replacing common exterior and interior light bulbs.

Fuse Replacement:

Location and replacement procedure for fuses.

Key Fob Battery Replacement:

Instructions for replacing the battery in the remote keyless entry fob (if equipped).

Depth Level:

Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not contain detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Reader Requirement:

Requires a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or comparable.

Searchability:

PDF is typically searchable, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Digital Quality:

Compiled from original factory manual, expected to be clear and legible.

Binding Method:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper Material:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Name:

3800 Series II (L36)

Engine Type:

3.8L (3800 cc) V6, Naturally Aspirated

Bore X Stroke:

3.80 in x 3.38 in (96.5 mm x 85.8 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Horsepower (@Rpm):

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque (@Rpm):

230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine Variants:

Also available with the supercharged 3800 Series II engine (L67) in some trim levels or later in the generation, though standard models primarily feature the naturally aspirated version.

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane (Regular Unleaded Gasoline)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

GM 4T60-E

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled with overdrive.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (refer to manual for exact specification and part number, e.g., GM P/N 12378398)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

107.5 inches (2731 mm)

Length:

197.2 inches (5009 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg), depending on equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle's identification plate for exact GVWR.

Wheelbase:

107.5 inches (2731 mm)

Wheel Size:

Typically 16-inch alloy wheels.

Tire Size:

Standard: P225/60R16. Optional sizes may vary.

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 115 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Refer to NHTSA archives for specific 1995 Riviera crash test ratings; likely 4-star for driver and passenger in frontal impacts based on contemporary standards.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models, especially with the supercharged engine.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag and Passenger-side airbag standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts with outboard pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory Delco or Bose premium sound systems were often available, featuring AM/FM stereo, cassette player, and graphic equalizer controls.

Display Type:

Analog gauges for speedometer and tachometer, various indicator lights. No digital screens in the instrument cluster.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system, often with steering wheel mounted buttons.

Auxiliary Input:

No factory auxiliary audio input or Bluetooth connectivity. Cassette adapter for connecting external devices is the common aftermarket solution.

Climate Control Type:

Available with manual climate control or optional automatic climate control (often referred to as 'Comfort-Key' or similar).

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power seats (often with memory function for driver's seat), power mirrors, power trunk release.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific interval.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Typically every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km) or as recommended by fluid manufacturer.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 is recommended for most conditions. Refer to manual for specific temperature ranges.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 U.S. quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change for the 3800 V6. Verify with dipstick.

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 10528271 (Orange/Yellow coolant) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3. Verify with manual, GM P/N 12377976.

Intake Manifold Gaskets:

The 3800 Series II engines are known to develop leaks from the upper intake manifold gaskets due to deteriorating plastic components over time, often leading to coolant leaks or rough idle.

Transmission Issues:

Early 4T60-E transmissions can experience issues related to the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid or pressure control solenoid, leading to shifting problems. Regular fluid changes are critical.

Window Motors:

Power window motors can become weak or fail over time, common in many vehicles of this era.

Oil Filter Example:

AC-Delco PF1218 or equivalent (verify compatibility).

Air Filter Example:

AC-Delco A253C or equivalent (verify compatibility).

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable and luxurious American cars, often bridging the gap between mainstream and luxury brands.

Riviera Lineage:

The Riviera is one of Buick's signature models, known for its distinctive styling and personal luxury positioning since its introduction in 1963. The 1995 model represents a significant styling and platform update.

Manufacturing Location:

Hamtramck, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

Seventh generation produced from 1995 to 1999.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

The 3800 Series II engine was well-regarded for its performance, durability, and smoothness, often appearing on 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' lists in subsequent years, influencing the powertrain's reputation.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

EPA estimates for the 1995 Riviera 3.8L V6 were typically around 18 MPG city / 27 MPG highway. Refer to manual for specific ratings or check EPA archives.