🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera

Year:

1993

Oem Manual Identifier:

General Motors OEM Manual

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1993 Buick Riviera represented Buick's entry into the personal luxury coupe segment, emphasizing comfort, style, and a smooth driving experience.

Competitors:

Competed with models such as the Ford Thunderbird/Cougar, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight/Ninety-Eight (coupe variants), and Chrysler Cordoba/New Yorker (coupe variants from earlier years).

Design Language:

The 1993 Riviera featured a sleek, aerodynamic design characteristic of the early 1990s, with a focus on a spacious interior and refined aesthetics.

Value Proposition:

Offers a blend of American luxury, V6 power, and a comfortable ride at a potentially more accessible price point than some European or Japanese luxury coupes of the era.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive owner's manual covering all aspects of operating, maintaining, and caring for the 1993 Buick Riviera.

Specific Sections:

Safety Seats, Seat Belts & Supplemental Air Bags; Instruments & Controls; Pre-Driving Checks & Adjustments; Heater, Air Conditioner & Audio Systems; Starting & Driving; In Case of Emergency; Service and Appearance & Care; Maintenance and Do-It-Yourself; Technical and Consumer Information; Index.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for this era and vehicle class, actual may vary slightly)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, starting, ignition, fuel systems, exhaust.

Chassis:

Brake system operation and checks, steering system basics, suspension basics.

Electrical:

Instrument panel, controls, lighting, basic electrical system overview, fuse information (location/identification).

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control (heater & A/C), audio system operation, power accessories (windows, seats, locks), interior features.

Lighting:

Operation and basic care of headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lights, and hazard lights.

Wiper And Washer System:

Operation of windshield wipers, washer fluid checks and refills, wiper blade replacement.

Passive Safety:

Seat belt operation and adjustments, child seat installation guidelines, Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR/Airbag) system explanation.

Basic Operation:

Pre-driving checks, starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, parking.

Maintenance:

Routine checks (fluids, tires), oil change intervals, filter replacement, battery maintenance, wiper blade replacement.

Emergency Procedures:

What to do in case of breakdown, flat tire, overheating, jump starting, emergency contact information.

Appearance And Care:

Exterior care (washing, waxing), interior cleaning, paint care.

Fluid Checks:

Detailed instructions on checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.

Depth:

Owner-level technical information focused on understanding vehicle function, basic checks, and routine maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair.

Diagnostics Focus:

Provides information on understanding dashboard warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps for common driver-reported issues, but not detailed diagnostic flowcharts or repair procedures requiring specialized tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Quality Description:

Digital reproduction of original factory manual, clarity suitable for reading and printing on standard office equipment. Searchable text functionality is typical for well-converted PDFs.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.8L (3800) Series I V6 OHV

Engine Code:

L27 (for 3.8L)

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)

Injection Type:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (MFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 octane)

Bore X Stroke:

3.80 in x 3.40 in (96.5 mm x 86.4 mm)

Displacement:

3791 cc (231 cu in)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (approximate)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic overdrive

Transmission Model:

GM 4T60-E

Optional Transmissions:

N/A (4T60-E was standard for this configuration)

Shift Modes:

Standard P-R-N-D-3-2-1 selector with electronic control.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.9 inches (5078 mm)

Width:

73.4 inches (1864 mm)

Height:

53.5 inches (1359 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches (2814 mm)

Curb Weight:

3,579 lbs (1623 kg) - approximate, depending on equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4,600 lbs (2087 kg) - approximate

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Not explicitly available for this model year and era in a standardized format comparable to modern ratings.

Braking System:

Front disc / Rear drum (standard), with optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Not typically equipped on this model year.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) airbags.

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point automatic locking retractors, rear lap belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player and premium sound systems (e.g., Bose) were available.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (HVAC) with air conditioning.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and power driver's seat were common options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using recommended oil).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Initially at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2 years or 30,000 miles thereafter (check manual for specific coolant type).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH (check owner's manual for exact specification, especially in extreme temperatures).

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron-III (or equivalent GM specification for 4T60-E)

Coolant Spec:

GM Type 1 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, typically green).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 (ensure clean and dry when topping up).

Common Wear Items:

Water pump seals, intake manifold gaskets (3800 V6), valve cover gaskets, accessory drive belts, O2 sensors, spark plugs, catalytic converter.

Transmission Issues:

The 4T60-E transmission is generally robust but can experience issues with solenoids, torque converter clutch engagement, and internal seals if not properly maintained.

Electrical Issues:

Can include issues with power window motors, climate control actuators, and dashboard warning lights, particularly due to age.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Summary:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped American vehicles, with the Riviera nameplate being a prominent representation of its personal luxury offerings since the 1960s.

Seventh Generation:

The 1993 model is part of the seventh generation Riviera (1989-1994), a significant redesign from the previous generation, featuring a more aerodynamic, sleeker profile.

Manufacturing Location:

Lake Orion, Michigan, USA (GM Assembly Division)

Production Years:

1989-1994

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

While specific awards for the 1993 model are not widely documented, the 3800 V6 engine was a recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines list in later iterations for its refinement and efficiency.