Target Audience:
Buick Regal owners, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level repair information to empower owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving time and money.
Advantage Over Generic Manuals:
Vehicle-specific, not generic; exact same information used by dealership technicians.
Digital Format Benefits:
Searchable, printable specific pages, no greasy pages, can be safely stored on PC, easy to access diagrams.
Instructional Content:
Complete step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lube System, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case (if applicable), Drive Shaft, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering Column, Power Steering, Brakes (Control, Parking), Tires & Wheels
Electrical And Electronics:
Electrical System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Multiplex/CAN Communication, Cruise Control, Engine Immobilizer, Meter/Audio/Visual Systems, Horn, Air Conditioning
Body And Interior:
Body Exterior & Interior, Engine Hood/Doors, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Seat Belts, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Door Locks, Wiper & Washer Systems
Emissions:
Emission Control System
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks, filter replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild instructions
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed instructions for component removal and installation
Depth:
Factory-level, highly detailed, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Detail Level:
Complete step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible
Searchable:
Likely searchable due to PDF format (standard for modern manuals)
Printability:
All pages are printable
Image Scaling:
Images can be blown up and printed enlarged
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
PDF Reader:
Adobe PDF Reader (Free Online)
Unzipping Software:
Winzip (Free Online)
Engine Options:
3.1L V6 (LG7/L82), 3.8L V6 (3800 Series I - L36, Supercharged L67)
Horsepower 3.1L:
160 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 3.1L:
185 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 3.8L:
170 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 3.8L:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 3.8L Supercharged:
205 hp @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Torque 3.8L Supercharged:
275 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (4T60-E, 4T65-E for 3800 Series II later)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (Rare, typically not offered in North America for this generation Regal)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not directly available for 1996, but general W-body safety was improving. Refer to specific test data if available for comparable models.
ABS:
Standard on some trims, optional on others
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, particularly with supercharged engine
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player options, premium sound systems available.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, electronic.
Multiplex Communication:
Basic multiplex communication systems for certain functions, potentially leading to CAN communication later in GM history. Manual will cover wiring and diagnostics for these systems.
Oil Change Interval:
3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (check manual for specific engine and oil type)
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for exact specification and API service rating)
Coolant:
Dex-Cool (Orange, long-life coolant) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or compatible)
Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on 3800 V6), power steering pump noise, window regulator issues, ABS sensor failures, HVAC blend door actuator problems, transmission solenoid issues.
Spark Plugs:
N/A (Platinum or Iridium plugs typically have extended life, but manual will specify replacement intervals).
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, upscale, and refined vehicles, often targeting a more mature demographic.
Regal Positioning:
The Regal has historically been Buick's mid-size offering, evolving from a personal luxury coupe/sedan to a more performance-oriented Grand Prix sibling in its later generations.
Third Gen Production Years:
1994-1996
Manufacturing Location:
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; Fairfax, Kansas, USA
