Positioning:
Premium, full-size luxury sedan
Competitors:
Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Lexus LS 400, Infiniti Q45
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling, distinct grille, integrated lighting
Powertrain:
Standard Northstar V8 engine
Interior:
Luxurious appointments, spacious cabin, advanced features for its time
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle service and repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting
Estimated Pages:
N/A (Digital Software, Full Year Access)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Online Software (Web Browser Accessible)
Engine:
V8 (4.0L L47), Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions
Transmission:
Automatic (4T80-E), transmission mechanical, hydraulics, electronics, control
Brakes:
Front disc, rear disc, ABS, hydraulic system, parking brake
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear independent, steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body controls, power accessories
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components, diagnosis, refrigerant handling
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, security system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Fault code retrieval (OBD-I/OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees for various issues
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component-level repairs
Displacement:
4.0 Liters (244 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) ignition
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (Estimated based on similar vehicles of the era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts, rear 3-point seatbelts
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system with AM/FM stereo, cassette tape player, and optional CD player.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings and recirculate function.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Telematics:
OnStar system was not available in 1996; early cellular phone integration might have been an option.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to owner's manual for exact recommendation)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles (severe service may require more frequent changes)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent Dexron compatible fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (dry fill), 3.5 US quarts (drain and fill)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 10527350 or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant (Green)
Northstar Engine Head Gasket:
Prone to coolant leaks and potential head gasket failures due to dissimilar metal expansion in the aluminum block and heads. Requires specific torque sequences and procedures during repair.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Can develop coolant leaks over time, often from the rear crossover port.
Traction Control System:
Can be sensitive and may activate prematurely or trigger warning lights if components like wheel speed sensors or ABS modules are faulty.
Power Steering Pump:
May develop leaks or noise with age.
Common Repairs:
Water pump replacement, serpentine belt replacement, exhaust system repairs, suspension component replacement (struts, control arms).
