Welcome to the owner's manual for the 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora, a full-size luxury sedan renowned for its sophisticated design and premium appointments. Engineered as Oldsmobile's flagship model, the Aurora offered...
Welcome to the owner's manual for the 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora, a full-size luxury sedan renowned for its sophisticated design and premium appointments. Engineered as Oldsmobile's flagship model, the Aurora offered a distinct European-influenced styling and an upscale interior, aiming to attract buyers seeking comfort and advanced technology for its era. Powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, available in both naturally aspirated and supercharged variants, the Aurora delivered a smooth and powerful driving experience, complemented by a 4-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Its commitment to innovation was recognized early on, earning accolades such as Popular Mechanics' Car of the Year in its debut year.
This comprehensive owner's manual provides essential information to help you understand and maintain your 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora. It covers a wide range of topics, including an overview of the instrument cluster, entertainment and climate control systems, lighting, driver controls, locks, security features, and seating and safety restraints. You will also find detailed guidance on routine maintenance, such as engine oil, battery, and fuel information, along with refill capacities and lubricant specifications. This manual is designed to empower owners and technicians with the knowledge necessary for the proper operation, care, and upkeep of the vehicle, ensuring its continued performance and reliability.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Oldsmobile
Model:
Aurora
Year:
1996
Codes
Vin Prefix General:
4T4
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking a premium American sedan with a focus on comfort and technology for its era.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Buick Park Avenue, Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS, Ford Crown Victoria (higher trims).
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Designed to be Oldsmobile's flagship, offering advanced technology and a distinct European-influenced styling for the brand.
Premium Appointments:
Emphasized upscale interior materials, quiet cabin, and a smooth ride.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Content Summary:
Covers introduction, instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, lights, driver controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints, driving, customer assistance, reporting safety defects (U.S. only), cleaning, maintenance and specifications, engine compartment, engine oil, battery, fuel information, air filter(s), part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, and accessories.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 250-350 pages (estimated based on typical 1990s owner's manuals for luxury sedans)
Instrument cluster, lights, driver controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints, cleaning.
Comfort And Convenience:
Entertainment systems, climate controls, accessories.
Procedures Included
Basic Maintenance:
Checking and refilling engine oil, checking battery, understanding fuel information, air filter replacement guidance, basic cleaning procedures.
Operation:
Operation of instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, lights, driver controls, locks, and security systems. Guidance on safe driving practices and utilizing customer assistance.
Safety Features:
Information on seating and safety restraints, reporting safety defects (U.S. specific).
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Level:
Owner-level troubleshooting and basic maintenance information. Does not cover advanced diagnostics or repair procedures.
Repair Scope:
Focuses on operation, features, and routine maintenance, not repair or disassembly.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Compatibility:
Requires PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or comparable.
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution digital scan of original factory manual.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
L47 (3.8L Supercharged V6)
Engine Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cu in)
Engine Configuration:
V6, Naturally Aspirated and Supercharged variants
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Performance
Horsepower Na:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (Naturally Aspirated V6)
Torque Na:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Naturally Aspirated V6)
Horsepower Sc:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm (Supercharged V6)
Torque Sc:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (Supercharged V6)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for SC)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4T60-E)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
None
Features
Shift Modes:
Normal/Sport modes
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
203.4 inches
Width:
74.9 inches
Height:
55.9 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
3700-3900 lbs (depending on engine and options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Acceptable (for its time, based on available data)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Acceptable (for its time, based on available data)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Optional (often paired with Supercharged engine)
ABS:
Standard
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts, front shoulder belts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system with AM/FM stereo, cassette player, and optional CD player. Multiple speaker configurations available.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) system with digital display and dual-zone capability on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry system.
Connectivity
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant (introduced for 1996 model year).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific conditions and oil type)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (typically)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (GM specification may be applicable, consult manual for exact grade)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, green colored coolant (GM specification may apply)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Intake manifold gaskets (on some 3800 variants), power steering pump leaks, suspension components (struts, bushings), fuel pump, electrical connectors.
Supercharger Specific:
Supercharger belt tensioner and pulley wear, occasional supercharger clutch issues.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Example:
AC Delco PF1218 or equivalent (consult manual/parts catalog for definitive number)
Refill Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (with filter) for 3.8L V6.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10-11 quarts (depending on cooling system configuration).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors, was known for innovation and appealing to a more mature demographic before its discontinuation.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
1995
Platform:
GM's G-body platform (shared with Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight)
Design Inspiration:
Influenced by European luxury sedans, particularly in its sleek profile and interior design.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Orion Assembly, Michigan
Production Span:
1995-1999
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year:
1995 (first model year)
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable; early models had some initial quality issues, but improved over time. Consult specific model year ratings.