Positioning:
Premium personal luxury coupe, targeting comfort, style, and performance.
Competitors:
Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler LHS, Lincoln Mark VIII, Cadillac Eldorado.
Design Philosophy:
Focus on advanced technology, comfortable ride, and distinctive styling for its era.
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a refined, well-equipped, and comfortable American-made coupe.
Diy Advantage:
Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving costs and increasing vehicle knowledge.
Professional Standard:
Provides dealership-level technical information for accurate and efficient servicing.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control
Powertrain Systems:
Automatic transmission (4T65-E), transfer case (if applicable), drive shafts, differentials, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering column, power steering system, wheel alignment
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS control, parking brake system
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, multiplex communication (CAN)
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation
Safety Restraints:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) / Airbags, seat belts, engine immobilizer
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, locks, windows, mirrors, interior trim, seats, instrument panel
Comfort Convenience:
Cruise control, wipers, washers, audio/visual systems, horn
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves, seals), timing system
Transmission Service:
Transmission fluid and filter change, internal component repair, solenoid replacement
Brake Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, bleeding procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring schematic interpretation, circuit testing, component diagnosis (sensors, actuators, modules)
Suspension Alignment:
Component replacement (struts, shocks, ball joints, tie rods), wheel alignment specifications and procedures
Air Conditioning Service:
Refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), leak detection
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing common and complex issues
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values
Depth:
Factory-level, comprehensive diagnostic and repair procedures
Diagnostic Tools:
References to factory diagnostic tools (e.g., Tech 2) and procedures
Component Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission component rebuilding
Wiring Schematics:
Complete, detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems
Illustrations Diagrams:
High-quality illustrations and exploded views for component identification and assembly
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (depending on PDF creation)
Printability:
Yes, all pages are printable
Image Resolution:
High-resolution for clear viewing and enlarged printing of diagrams
Binding:
Digital (No physical binding)
Paper Quality Suggestion:
Suggests printing on durable, oil-resistant paper for workshop use
Operating Systems:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free downloads)
Engine Name:
3.8L V6 Series II Supercharged
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V6
Displacement:
3791 cc (231 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.80 x 3.38 inches (96.5 x 86.0 mm)
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI) with Supercharger
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)
Cooling Capacity:
Approx. 13.5 US quarts (12.8 Liters)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, or SJ)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Likely 4-star rating (typical for vehicles of this era)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Likely 4-star rating
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Often available as an option, especially with the supercharged engine.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags were optional.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts, front seat belt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Optional Bose premium audio system with CD player and cassette. Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Multiplex Communication:
Utilizes a multiplex communication system (e.g., Class 2 serial data bus) for inter-module communication, including CAN bus for some functions.
Climate Control Type:
Available dual-zone automatic climate control.
Seats:
Power adjustable front seats, available heated seats, and memory function for driver's seat.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended replacement interval is typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs used in this era.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations.
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 10528098 or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or GM P/N 10512066.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common for valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets to leak over time.
Supercharger Idler Pulley:
The idler pulley bearing on the supercharger drive belt can fail, causing noise or belt issues.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
The 4T65-E transmission can sometimes exhibit hard shifting or slipping, often due to worn solenoids or internal wear.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion or looseness in electrical connectors, particularly in chassis and engine harness, can lead to intermittent issues.
Evaporative Emissions System:
Faulty vent solenoids or purge valves in the EVAP system can trigger check engine lights.
Suspension Component Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear, leading to steering looseness or clunking noises.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing upscale and comfortable American automobiles, with the Riviera being a flagship personal luxury coupe for decades.
Seventh Generation:
The 1999 model year represents the final production year of the seventh generation Riviera, introduced for the 1995 model year. It was based on the GM E platform.
Styling Direction:
This generation marked a departure from the more angular designs of previous Rivieras, embracing smoother, more aerodynamic lines.
Production Years:
Riviera produced from 1963-1999.
Manufacturing Location:
Orion Assembly, Michigan, USA.