Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Full-size luxury sedan
        
     
    
        
            Brand Perception:
        
        
            Pontiac positioned as a performance-oriented division of GM, offering a blend of comfort and style
        
     
    
    
        
            Direct Competitors:
        
        
            Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Caprice, Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a comfortable and spacious interior
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Options:
        
        
            Emphasis on V6 and V8 engine options for strong performance
        
     
    
        
            Comfort Amenities:
        
        
            Focus on ride quality, quiet cabin, and available luxury features
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Instrument Panel:
        
        
            Gauges, warning lights, indicator lamps and their meanings
        
     
    
        
            Controls:
        
        
            Steering wheel, pedals, shifter, climate control, lighting, wipers
        
     
    
        
            Convenience Features:
        
        
            Power windows, locks, mirrors, seats, cruise control, sound system, keyless entry (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Seat belts, airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) operation
        
     
    
        
            Driver Information Center:
        
        
            Operation of the Driver Information Center (DIC) for trip data, fuel economy, and system alerts
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Operation of automatic climate control and manual HVAC systems
        
     
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Radio, cassette, CD player (if equipped) operation and features
        
     
    
        
            Lighting Controls:
        
        
            Headlamps, parking lamps, fog lamps, interior lighting
        
     
    
        
            Wipers Washers:
        
        
            Operation of front and rear wipers and washer systems
        
     
    
        
            Security System:
        
        
            Factory alarm system operation (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Tire And Wheel:
        
        
            Information on tire inflation pressures and basic wheel care
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Information:
        
        
            Recommended fuel type and octane rating
        
     
    
        
            Towing:
        
        
            Guidance on towing with the Bonneville (if applicable to owner's manual scope)
        
     
    
    
        
            Starting The Engine:
        
        
            Proper engine starting and warm-up procedures
        
     
    
        
            Driving Techniques:
        
        
            Tips for efficient and safe driving
        
     
    
        
            Refueling:
        
        
            Correct procedure for refueling the vehicle
        
     
    
        
            Checking Fluids:
        
        
            Instructions for checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid
        
     
    
        
            Changing Tires:
        
        
            Basic procedure for changing a flat tire (jack points, lug nut torque)
        
     
    
        
            Jump Starting:
        
        
            Steps for safely jump-starting the battery
        
     
    
        
            Wiper Blade Replacement:
        
        
            Guidance on replacing wiper blades
        
     
    
        
            Fuse Replacement:
        
        
            Locating and replacing blown fuses
        
     
    
        
            Bulb Replacement:
        
        
            Basic instructions for replacing exterior and interior light bulbs
        
     
    
        
            Park Assist:
        
        
            Operation of parking assist features (if equipped)
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Level:
        
        
            Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Scope:
        
        
            Information on interpreting warning lights and system indicators; not in-depth diagnostic codes
        
     
    
        
            Repair Scope:
        
        
            Limited to basic user-replaceable items; does not cover complex mechanical or electrical repairs
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            L36 (3800 Series I V6)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            3.8 Liters (231 cu. in.)
        
     
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            Overhead Valve (OHV), V6
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            205 hp @ 5200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            L32 (3800 Series I Supercharged V6 - LSS trim)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            3.8 Liters (231 cu. in.)
        
     
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            Overhead Valve (OHV), Supercharged V6
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            240 hp @ 5200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Emission Control:
        
        
            Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
        
        
            4 Stars (1996 Model Year Assessment)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
        
        
            4 Stars (1996 Model Year Assessment)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional on some models
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            Three-point front and rear seat belts, front shoulder belt height adjusters
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) not standard on this model year
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio Options:
        
        
            AM/FM stereo with cassette, optional CD player, premium sound system options
        
     
    
        
            Display:
        
        
            Analog gauges, Driver Information Center (DIC) with digital readouts
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard electronic cruise control
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power-assisted rack and pinion
        
     
    
    
        
            Phone Integration:
        
        
            No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity (aftermarket solutions possible)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 100,000 miles (using extended-life iridium or platinum plugs recommended for this era's engines)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (using Dex-Cool or equivalent for aluminum engines)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles, or as per specific service schedule. Inspect condition of fluid.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or SH or SJ)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            GM P/N 12345490 (Dex-Cool) or equivalent Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant, 50/50 with distilled water
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            GM P/N 89021177 (Dexron-VI compatible) or equivalent
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Dexron III (for 4T60-E)
        
     
    
    
        
            Intake Manifold Gaskets:
        
        
            Common issue on 3800 V6 engines; leaks can develop leading to coolant loss or misfires.
        
     
    
        
            Heater Core Leaks:
        
        
            Can occur in older vehicles, leading to coolant smell inside the cabin and foggy windows.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Control Module:
        
        
            Potential issues with the electronic control module affecting shifting performance.
        
     
    
        
            Window Regulators:
        
        
            Power window regulators can fail over time.
        
     
    
        
            Alternator:
        
        
            Early failure is not uncommon for alternators on these vehicles.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Pontiac Legacy:
        
        
            Pontiac, a division of General Motors, was known for its performance-oriented vehicles and distinctive styling.
        
     
    
    
        
            Fourth Generation:
        
        
            The 1996 Bonneville is part of the fourth generation (1992-1999), which saw significant updates in styling and technology compared to its predecessors.
        
     
    
        
            1996 Updates:
        
        
            While major redesigns occurred in earlier years of this generation, 1996 models often featured refinements in powertrain calibration, features, and minor styling tweaks.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Fairfax Assembly Plant, Kansas City, Kansas, USA and Oshawa Car Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
        
     
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            1992-1999 (Fourth Generation)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Segment Popularity:
        
        
            The Bonneville was a strong seller in the full-size sedan segment for many years, appealing to buyers seeking comfort and value.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Historical:
        
        
            While specific 1996 ratings vary, the Bonneville generally offered a comfortable ride and good performance, with some noted reliability concerns in specific areas.