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Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Full-size personal luxury coupe.
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Target Audience:
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Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, automotive technicians, enthusiasts.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler LHS, Dodge Intrepid (in spirit as GM's premium coupe offering).
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Key Features
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Value Proposition:
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Enables significant cost savings through DIY repairs and maintenance, comprehensive coverage for all aspects of the vehicle.
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Ease Of Use:
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Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions with accompanying illustrations and diagrams.
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Accessibility:
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Instant delivery via email, available on multiple devices.
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Manual Details
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Coverage Areas
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General Coverage:
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All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types Covered
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Specific Areas:
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Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission, driveline, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires, body, HVAC, electrical systems, diagnostic procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams, maintenance schedules.
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Page Count
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Estimated Pages:
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Over 1500 pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era and coverage)
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Manual Type
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Type:
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Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
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Language
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Language:
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English
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Format
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Delivery Format:
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Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine, Transmission, Driveline, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System.
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Chassis:
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Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires.
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Body And Interior:
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Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, body electrical.
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Electrical And Electronics:
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Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (TCS), airbags.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups), inspections, lubrication.
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures.
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Repair And Overhaul:
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Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems.
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Adjustments:
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Alignment procedures, clutch adjustments, parking brake adjustments, headlight aiming.
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Special Tools:
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Identification of and procedures for using specialized tools required for specific repairs.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:
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4 Stars
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NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:
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4 Stars
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IIHS Frontal Offset:
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Good (for the era, actual rating depends on specific test year and IIHS classification)
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Active Features
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ABS:
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Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
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Traction Control:
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Standard Traction Control System (TCS) on supercharged models, optional on others.
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Passive Features
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Airbags:
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Driver and front passenger airbags.
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Seatbelts:
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Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
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Child Seat Anchors:
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LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) - availability and specific implementation may vary but typically present for this generation.
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Technology Features
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Infotainment
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Audio System:
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Available premium audio systems with CD player, cassette player, AM/FM stereo. Bose premium sound system often optional.
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Climate Control:
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Automatic Climate Control (ACC) was a key feature, often with dual-zone capability.
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Instrument Cluster:
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Digital or analog instrument clusters with driver information center (DIC) depending on trim.
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Driver Assistance
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Cruise Control:
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Standard speed-sensitive cruise control.
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Parking Assistance:
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Rear parking assist sensors (often optional).
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Connectivity
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Onstar:
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OnStar system availability began to roll out for GM vehicles around this period, potentially an option or later retrofit.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals Oil
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Oil Change Interval Miles:
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Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact OEM recommendation).
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Service Intervals Filter
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Oil Filter Replacement:
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Replace with every oil change.
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Service Intervals Tire
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Tire Rotation Interval Miles:
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Every 7,500-10,000 miles.
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Fluid Specifications Coolant
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Coolant Type:
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GM P/N 10528291 (or equivalent) silicate-free orange ethylene glycol antifreeze/coolant.
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Coolant Capacity Qt:
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Approximately 14.0 quarts (13.2 liters)
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Fluid Specifications Brake
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3
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Fluid Specifications Power Steering
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Power Steering Fluid Type:
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GM P/N 1050010 (or equivalent) Dexron-III ATF.
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Known Issues
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Engine Issues:
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Intake manifold gasket leaks (common on 3800 V6), coolant elbow leaks, occasional power steering pump whine, EGR valve issues, potential for lower intake manifold gasket coolant leaks leading to overheating or coolant loss.
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Transmission Issues:
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Transmission fluid leaks, potential solenoid issues in the 4T65-E, torque converter shudder.
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Suspension Issues:
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Front strut mount bearing wear, ball joint wear, sway bar end link wear.
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Electrical Issues:
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Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, intermittent dashboard warning lights, door lock actuator failures.
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Recommended Parts Filters
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Oil Filter Part Number:
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AC-Delco PF1218 (or equivalent such as Fram PH3569)
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Air Filter Part Number:
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AC-Delco A1663C (or equivalent)
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Cabin Air Filter Part Number:
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N/A for this model year (cabin filter not standard)
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Buick Heritage:
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Buick has a long-standing reputation for producing comfortable, well-appointed, and reliable American vehicles, often positioned as a near-luxury brand within General Motors.
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Model Evolution
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Riviera Evolution Phase:
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This generation (1995-1999) marked a significant shift to front-wheel drive, sharing a platform with the Oldsmobile Aurora and Pontiac Bonneville/Grand Prix. It emphasized sleek styling and a comfortable ride, moving away from the larger, rear-wheel-drive personal luxury coupes of earlier eras.
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Production
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Assembly Location:
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Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
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Production Years Generation:
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1995-1999
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