Vehicle Segment:
Personal Luxury Coupe, Front-Wheel Drive
Key Competitors 1996:
Lincoln Continental (though sedan), Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler LeBaron Coupe (lower segment, but direct competitor for FWD luxury coupe styling)
Defining Characteristics:
Distinctive styling, powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior appointments, front-wheel drive platform for interior space
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Chassis:
Braking system (ABS operation), steering system, suspension system
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, warning indicators, basic fuse information
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), power seats, power windows, locks, mirrors, keyless entry (if equipped), interior features
Infotainment:
Audio system operation, radio, cassette/CD player controls (if equipped)
Safety Features:
Seat belts, airbags (SRS), child restraint systems, child safety locks
Driver Information:
Instrument panel layout, gauges, warning lights, trip computer (if equipped)
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, shifting gears, parking procedures
Maintenance:
Basic checks (oil, coolant, tires), fluid top-offs, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
Emergency:
Jumper starting, tire changing, emergency equipment usage
Appearance Care:
Exterior washing, interior cleaning, paint care recommendations
Level:
Owner-level, focusing on operation, basic checks, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic charts.
Engine Code:
L36 (3.8L V6 Supercharged) and L37 (4.6L V8 Northstar)
Displacement V8:
4.6 Liters (281 cu. in.)
Horsepower V8:
270 hp @ 5700 rpm (Northstar V8)
Torque V8:
292 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Northstar V8)
Displacement V6:
3.8 Liters (230 cu. in.)
Configuration V6:
V6 Supercharged
Horsepower V6:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm (Supercharged V6)
Torque V6:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (Supercharged V6)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Octane Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for Northstar)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (for driver and passenger), typical for vehicles of this era. Specific official ratings for 1996 Eldo might vary by source.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts, driver-side seat belt reminder
Child Restraints:
Rear seat child anchor points (LATCH not standard on this model), child safety door locks
Audio System:
Optional Bose premium sound system, cassette and CD player options, AM/FM radio with seek and scan.
Cruise Control:
Standard Electronic Cruise Control
Keyless Entry:
Optional Remote Keyless Entry system
Early Telematics:
Some models may have featured early onboard diagnostics or communication systems, though not the advanced connectivity of modern vehicles.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Check condition regularly, typically change every 30,000 - 50,000 miles. Refer to manual for specific recommendation.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (Delo 400) for Northstar, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 3.8L V6. Check manual for exact specifications.
Coolant Type:
GM Type I Dex-Cool (Orange) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for definitive type.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Northstar Head Gaskets:
While this generation of Northstar engines was improved, earlier versions had issues with head bolt threads failing. Manual provides general care, but this is a known issue for enthusiasts.
Suspension Components:
Worn struts, ball joints, and bushings can occur with age and mileage.
Electronics:
Climate control modules, body control modules, and power accessory failures can occur due to age and component degradation.
Cadillac Legacy:
Cadillac has a long history of producing luxury vehicles, with the Eldorado nameplate dating back to 1953, synonymous with style and prestige.
Ninth Gen Introduction:
The ninth generation, introduced for the 1992 model year, marked a significant shift to a front-wheel-drive platform, emphasizing interior space and ride comfort. The 1996 model year saw minor updates and refinement.
Assembly Location:
Hamtramck, Michigan, USA (GM Poletown Assembly Plant)
