Market Segment:
Personal Luxury Coupe
Key Competitors:
Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler LeBaron Coupe (previous generations), Cadillac Eldorado
Vehicle Highlights:
Supercharged V6 engine, distinctive styling, comfortable ride, advanced features for its era
Diy Advantage:
Enables cost savings on repairs and maintenance by empowering owners to perform work themselves.
Information Source:
Licensed OE (Original Equipment) derived data ensures accuracy and completeness.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics, Body Repair
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
PDF Download (Online Access with Browser)
Engine:
3.8L L36 Series II Supercharged V6
Transmission:
4T65E 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive, Axles, CV Joints
Suspension:
Front Struts, Rear Shock Absorbers, Bushings, Ball Joints, Control Arms
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion Steering System, Steering Column
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS System (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical:
12V Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (Compressor, Evaporator, Condenser, Controls)
Fuel System:
Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Filter, Fuel Tank
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Glass
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seat Belts, ABS
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Installation:
Component Installation, Accessory Installation
Adjustment:
Wheel Alignment, Parking Brake Adjustment
Depth:
Factory-Level Detail, Comprehensive Rebuild Procedures, Advanced Diagnostic Data
Compatibility:
PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet (via web browser)
Quality:
High-Resolution Digital Reproduction of Original Factory Materials
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Access Duration:
1 Year Subscription (with options for extension)
Engine Code:
L36 (Series II Supercharged)
Engine Type:
3.8L V6 OHV Supercharged
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 13.0 quarts (12.3 L)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Recommended Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend
Spark Plugs:
ACDelco Professional RapidFire Platinum (e.g., 41-991)
Timing Belt Or Chain:
Timing Chain (Maintenance-free under normal conditions)
Transmission Type:
4T65E 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Traction Control:
Included on Supercharged models
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 L) for a dry fill
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
N/A (Vehicle predates standardized detailed NHTSA ratings as we know them today)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard on Supercharged models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, rear seat belts
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system available, AM/FM Stereo with Cassette and CD Player.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) available.
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Onstar:
OnStar system became available later in the generation, may not be standard on all 1998 models.
Keyless Entry:
Available Keyless Entry System
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or as per manual recommendation, especially under severe driving conditions.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Automotive Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent power steering fluid
Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, power steering pump leaks, fuel injector issues, occasional transmission solenoid problems, blower motor resistor failure, alternator failure.
Supercharger Specifics:
Supercharger belt tensioner wear, intercooler leaks (if equipped on specific variants).
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, luxurious, and stylish American vehicles.
Riviera Lineage:
The Riviera has been a flagship personal luxury coupe for Buick since the 1960s, known for its bold styling and technological advancements.
Production Period:
1995-1999 (Seventh Generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
