🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

LeSabre

Model Code:

C-Body (H-Platform)

Generation:

Third Generation (1992-1999)

Vin Code Engine:

9 (3800 Series I V6), K (3800 Series II V6)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size, front-wheel-drive sedan, positioned as a comfortable and upscale American luxury car.

Key Competitors:

Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chrysler LHS, Dodge Intrepid, Chevrolet Lumina, Oldsmobile Aurora.

Interior Space:

Known for its spacious and comfortable interior, offering ample room for passengers.

Ride Quality:

Emphasized a smooth and quiet ride, a hallmark of the Buick brand.

Engine Options:

Primarily offered with V6 engines, particularly the efficient and powerful 3800 Series II.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Trim Levels Covered:

All trims (Custom, Limited, etc.)

Engine Variants Covered:

All engine variants

Transmission Types Covered:

All transmission types

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, typically 1000+ pages

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system components (injectors, pump, lines), exhaust system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM), sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, Crankshaft Position, etc.), wiring diagrams

Transmission Automatic:

Telematic 4-Speed Automatic (4T60-E/4T65-E), hydraulic control, electronic controls, valve body, torque converter, internal components, servicing, repair

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, power booster, caliper/wheel cylinder repair

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear independent suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, power steering pump and reservoir, fluid specifications

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, hood, trunk, body repair procedures, rust prevention

Electrical System:

Battery, starter, alternator, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, mirrors, instrument cluster, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, A/C compressor, refrigerant charging, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel

Fuel And Exhaust:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel lines, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, emissions control systems

Body Electrical:

Interior and exterior lighting, power accessories, comfort controls, security system (if equipped), anti-theft system, horn, wipers, washers

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, component testing

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems

Rebuilds:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, power steering pump rebuilding

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all systems and circuits

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Text-searchable, allowing users to quickly find specific information

Print Readability:

High quality, suitable for printing individual pages or entire chapters

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Series I:

3.8L (3800cc) V6 OHV (VIN 9)

Description Series I:

Naturally aspirated, multi-port fuel injection, cast-iron block, aluminum heads. Known for reliability but less refined than Series II.

Engine Code Series Ii:

3.8L (3800cc) V6 OHV (VIN K)

Description Series Ii:

Naturally aspirated, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI), aluminum heads, improved torque and fuel efficiency over Series I.

Horsepower Series I:

Approx. 170 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Series I:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower Series Ii:

Approx. 195-205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Series Ii:

Approx. 230-260 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for Series I, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) for Series II.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Configuration:

V6

Engine Size:

3.8 Liters (3800 cc)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

GM 4T60-E (and later 4T65-E)

Optional Transmissions:

None offered for these model years.

Overdrive:

Yes, 4th gear provides overdrive for improved fuel economy.

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled for optimal shift points and performance.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 203.5 inches

Width:

Approx. 73.7 inches

Height:

Approx. 56.0 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 110.8 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 105.2 cubic feet

Front Headroom:

Approx. 38.5 inches

Front Legroom:

Approx. 42.0 inches

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 37.5 inches

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 37.0 inches

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 16.7 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3500 - 3700 lbs (depending on options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-star (for some years/configurations)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-star (for some years/configurations)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for some configurations)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Available on some later models or as an option.

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)

Seatbelts:

Front and rear three-point seatbelts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard; uses shoulder belts for car seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player. Premium sound systems available.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control standard, optional automatic climate control system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Telematics:

OnStar system became available on some GM vehicles in this era, though less common on LeSabre.

Aux Input:

Not typically equipped with factory auxiliary audio inputs.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (check specific engine and plug type).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 50,000-100,000 miles, or as recommended by the manual. Consider periodic fluid flushes.

Engine Oil:

SAE 3.8L V6: 5W-30 (API SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2)

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Coolant:

GM P/N 10523440, or any 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol and distilled water (green coolant).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Lower Intake Gaskets:

Leaking lower intake manifold gaskets on the 3800 Series II engines are a common failure point, leading to coolant leaks or oil-water contamination.

Idler Pulley:

The serpentine belt idler pulley can fail prematurely, causing noise or belt slippage.

Fuel Pump:

Fuel pumps can become weak or fail, leading to hard starting or stalling.

Window Regulators:

Power window regulators can fail over time, causing windows to drop or operate slowly.

Wheel Bearings:

Front wheel bearings are a known wear item and may require replacement due to noise or play.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, reliable, and well-appointed vehicles, often targeting an older demographic seeking a smooth and quiet ride.

Third Generation Focus:

The third generation LeSabre (introduced in 1992) moved to the GM H-platform, adopting front-wheel drive and a more aerodynamic design. It was known for its comfort and the introduction of the successful 3800 Series II V6 engine.

Assembly Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA (Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant)

Production Years:

1992-1999 (for the third generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The 3800 Series II engine was consistently praised and was a key component in many vehicles that received '10 Best' accolades from publications like Car and Driver.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Generally received good ratings for customer satisfaction, particularly concerning its comfortable ride and reliable powertrain.