Model Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Competitors 1997 2005:
Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS/300M, Toyota Avalon, Lexus LS
Platform:
GM G platform (front-wheel drive)
Luxury Appointments:
Emphasis on ride comfort, quiet interior, spacious cabin, advanced features for its time
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Buick enthusiasts
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine performance, diagnosis, Supercharger (Ultra model)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (4T65E), service, overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications
Chassis:
Suspension (struts, shocks, bushings, ball joints), steering system (power steering, steering column), brakes (hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Starting and charging system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, power windows, power locks, power seats, remote keyless entry, audio system, HVAC controls, fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams
Body And Interior:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC), body hardware
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and top-offs, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, code retrieval and interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine teardown, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic strategies, use of scan tools, component testing, circuit analysis
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls)
Printability:
Printable (single pages or entire manual)
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Device Compatibility:
Compatible with all Windows and MAC computers, tablets, and smartphones
License Type:
Lifetime usage, no expiry dates, no renewal fees
Engine Code Standard:
L36 (3.8L V6, Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Displacement Standard:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration Standard:
Naturally Aspirated, Sequential Port Fuel Injection, Overhead Valve (OHV), 90-degree V6
Horsepower Standard:
Approximately 205 hp @ 5200 RPM
Torque Standard:
Approximately 230 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
Engine Code Supercharged:
L67 (3.8L V6, Supercharged)
Engine Displacement Supercharged:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration Supercharged:
Supercharged, Intercooled, Sequential Port Fuel Injection, Overhead Valve (OHV), 90-degree V6
Horsepower Supercharged:
Approximately 240 hp @ 5200 RPM
Torque Supercharged:
Approximately 280 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
ECM Type:
GM Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (1997-1999 models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (1997-1999 models tested)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side airbags on some models
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts, driver and passenger pretensioners
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models, particularly with the supercharged engine
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, optional Bose premium audio system
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Automatic Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims
Seats:
Power adjustable front seats, heated seats, memory driver's seat available
Keyless Entry:
Remote keyless entry system
Steering Wheel Controls:
Audio and climate controls mounted on steering wheel on some models
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
100,000 miles (platinum or iridium plugs)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (GM's long-life coolant)
Engine Oil Type Capacity:
SAE 3.8L V6 engines: 5W-30 (dexos1 Gen 2 or equivalent), capacity approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346125 (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, extended-life antifreeze
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets are a common issue on the 3800 V6 engines, leading to coolant or vacuum leaks.
Supercharger Couplers:
On supercharged models (L67), the supercharger snout coupler can wear out, causing a rattling noise.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail over time, leading to windows not operating correctly.
ABS Sensors And Modules:
ABS sensor failures or ABS module issues can trigger the ABS warning light.
Buick Legacy:
Buick historically positioned as a premium, comfort-oriented American marque within General Motors
Previous Generation:
Third-generation Park Avenue (C-body platform, 1991-1996)
Platform Transition:
Shifted to the front-wheel-drive W-body platform (GMX100/300) for improved engineering and packaging efficiency
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1997-2005
