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Introduction
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Market Position
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Positioning:
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The 1996 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, emphasizing comfort, style, and performance, often competing with models like the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln Mark VIII.
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Competitive Analysis
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Comparison:
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This generation of the Riviera built upon the legacy of its predecessors, offering a blend of American comfort and a more refined, modern aesthetic compared to earlier models. The supercharged V6 engine provided a significant performance edge.
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Key Features
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Features:
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Key features of the 1996 Riviera included its distinctive styling, a comfortable and well-appointed interior, and the availability of a potent supercharged V6 engine. Advanced features for its time included traction control and optional heated seats.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine:
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3.8L Series I (L36) Supercharged V6, 3.8L Series II (L67) Supercharged V6
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Transmission:
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4T65-E (4-speed automatic)
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Drivetrain:
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Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
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Suspension:
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Front: MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; Rear: Independent trailing arm with stabilizer bar
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Brakes:
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Front: Ventilated disc; Rear: Disc (ABS standard)
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Steering:
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Power-assisted rack and pinion
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Electrical:
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Full diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems, including engine control, lighting, comfort controls, infotainment, and security.
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Body And Chassis:
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Body panel repair, interior trim, glass replacement, structural components.
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HVAC:
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Climate control system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
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Fuel System:
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Fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank, evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Routine maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements, tune-ups.
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics.
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Repair:
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Engine repair (head gaskets, valve seals, timing chain), transmission overhaul, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair, steering component replacement.
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Overhaul:
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Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
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Installation:
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Component installation and replacement (e.g., alternators, starters, water pumps, AC compressors).
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Specifications:
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Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine data, electrical schematics.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed troubleshooting guides and electrical diagrams.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Code 1:
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L36 (Naturally Aspirated 3.8L V6)
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Displacement 1:
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3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
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Horsepower 1:
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205 hp @ 5200 RPM
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Torque 1:
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230 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
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Bore X Stroke 1:
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3.80 x 3.40 inches
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Compression Ratio 1:
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9.4:1
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Valvetrain 1:
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Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
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Engine Code 2:
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L67 (Supercharged 3.8L V6)
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Displacement 2:
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3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
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Horsepower 2:
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240 hp @ 5200 RPM
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Torque 2:
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280 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
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Performance
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0-60 Mph Supercharged:
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Approx. 7.0 - 7.5 seconds
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Fuel System
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Injection Type:
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Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for supercharged for optimal performance)
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Cooling System
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Coolant Type:
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GM P/N 1052751, Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant (Orange) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
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Ignition System
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Ignition Type:
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Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-Near-Plug (CNP)
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
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Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year
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NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
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Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year
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Active Features
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ABS:
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Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
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Traction Control:
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Optional on some models, standard on higher trims.
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Passive Features
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Airbags Driver:
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Standard (Driver front airbag)
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Airbags Passenger:
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Standard (Passenger front airbag)
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Seatbelts:
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Three-point automatic locking retractors for all seating positions.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
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Air Filter Replacement:
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Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Platinum tipped plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
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Coolant Flush:
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Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for Dex-Cool, 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for conventional coolant.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Spec:
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SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH (Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic recommended)
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Engine Oil Capacity:
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4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change for 3.8L V6
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Brake Fluid Spec:
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DOT 3
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Power Steering Fluid Spec:
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GM P/N 1052886, Dexron III/Mercon equivalent
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Known Issues
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Engine Misfires Supercharged:
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Common on L67 due to intake manifold gaskets, faulty coil packs, or spark plugs. The manual details diagnostic procedures.
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Transmission Slipping:
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The 4T65-E can develop issues with torque converter clutch solenoid or internal seals, leading to slipping. Manual provides rebuild and diagnostic guidance.
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ABS System Faults:
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Wheel speed sensors and ABS control module can be points of failure. The manual contains specific diagnostic trees.
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HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
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Common failure point causing incorrect temperature or air direction. Detailed replacement procedures are within the manual.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Heritage:
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Buick, founded in 1899, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for its emphasis on comfort, quietness, and a premium feel for the mainstream market.
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Model Evolution
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Evolution:
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The Riviera has a long history as Buick's flagship personal luxury coupe, evolving through multiple design eras. The 1995-1999 generation (the '96 model falls within this) marked a significant shift with a more aerodynamic and less angular design, sharing its platform with the Cadillac Seville and Oldsmobile Aurora.
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Production
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Production Location:
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Orion Assembly, Orion Township, Michigan, USA
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Model Year Production:
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1995-1999
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