Positioning:
Premium luxury sedan with advanced technology for its era.
Competitors:
Lincoln Continental, Chrysler LHS, Lexus LS 400, Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Features:
Northstar V8 engine, continuously variable road-sensing suspension (GR40 option), advanced electronic systems, comfortable and luxurious interior.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, and repair for all variants
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, transaxle, axles, and differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, hoses, and steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including ABS, rotor and pad replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush, and bleeding procedures
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting systems, starting and charging systems, ignition system, body control modules, and accessory circuits
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant service, diagnostics, and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, and fuel tank service
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, and pipe replacement
Bodywork:
Exterior panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, mirrors, and interior trim removal/installation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, trouble code interpretation, and component testing
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full component overhaul
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not Rated (NHTSA did not rate vehicles this way in 1996)
IIHS Side Impact:
Not Rated (IIHS did not extensively rate this class in 1996)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point active belts, rear 3-point belts
Infotainment System:
Cassette player, AM/FM stereo, optional CD player, climate control displays, trip computer.
Features:
ABS, Traction Control System (TCS), optional StabiliTrak (on some models/trims, though more common later).
Features:
OnStar not available on 1996 models. Basic analog cellular phone integration might have been an option.
Oil Change Interval:
5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on usage)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific Northstar recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 10528292 (Orange) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze/coolant
Northstar Head Gaskets:
Early Northstar engines (pre-1997) were prone to head gasket failures due to torque-to-yield head bolts. The manual will detail inspection and repair procedures.
Electronics:
Complex electronic systems of the era could be prone to module failures or intermittent issues; the manual's wiring diagrams are crucial for diagnosis.
Suspension:
Road-sensing suspension (if equipped) can develop leaks or sensor issues; detailed diagnostic procedures are vital.
Heritage:
Cadillac, America's longest-producing automotive brand, historically known for luxury, comfort, and innovation.
Evolution:
The 1996 Seville represented a significant leap with the introduction of the Northstar V8 engine and more modern styling, continuing Cadillac's tradition of large, comfortable sedans.
Production Start Year:
1975 (Seville nameplate)
Production Location:
Hamtramck, Michigan, USA
