Positioning:
High-end luxury personal luxury coupe
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (contemporary), BMW 5 Series (contemporary)
Platform:
Based on the GM G-body platform, front-wheel drive
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized comfort, luxury, and a smooth ride
Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking American luxury and distinctive styling
Engine:
Detailed coverage including maintenance, diagnostics, and repair
Control System:
Covers engine control, transmission control, and other vehicle systems
Mechanical:
Comprehensive mechanical component coverage
Fuel Service:
Includes fuel system maintenance and specifications
Emission Control:
Detailed information on emission control systems
Intake Exhaust Cooling:
Coverage of intake, exhaust, and cooling systems
Lube:
Lubrication procedures and specifications
Ignition Starting Charging:
Detailed coverage of ignition, starting, and charging systems
Auto Transmission:
Comprehensive service and repair for automatic transmissions
Manual Transmission:
Coverage for manual transmission components and procedures (if applicable to any Eldorados of this year)
Drivetrain:
Includes transfer cases, propeller shafts, drive shafts, differentials, axles, and suspension
Suspension:
Detailed information on suspension components and adjustments
Wheels Tires:
Specifications for wheels and tires, including alignment
Brakes:
Complete coverage of brake systems, including ABS and parking brake
Steering:
Includes steering column and power steering system
Climate Control:
Detailed coverage of the air conditioning system
Safety Systems:
Includes Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and Seat Belts
Security Systems:
Covers Engine Immobilizer and door lock systems
Comfort Features:
Includes cruise control, wipers, washers, and horn operation
Interior Trim:
Coverage of interior components, seats, and instrument panel
Exterior Trim:
Information on exterior body panels, hood, and doors
Electrical Systems:
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system
Multiplex Can Communication:
Includes details on multiplex communication and CAN bus systems
Bodywork Chassis:
Coverage for body structure and chassis components
Glass Mirrors:
Information on windshield, glass, and mirrors
Audio Visual:
Details on meters and audio/visual systems
Maintenance:
Complete routine and preventative maintenance procedures
Diagnostics:
In-depth diagnostic troubleshooting for all systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for every component
Wiring Schematics:
Includes detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits
Specifications:
All necessary technical specifications for repair and maintenance
Illustrations Diagrams:
Abundant step-by-step illustrations and diagrams
Depth:
Factory-level detail, enabling complete diagnosis, servicing, and repair
User Level:
Suitable for professional technicians and knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (freely available online)
Printability:
All pages printable, with option to enlarge images
Binding:
Digital (no physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (digital format)
Convenience:
Single PDF file for easy navigation, unlike multi-book manuals
Engine Type:
Northstar V8
Displacement:
4.6 Liters (281 cubic inches)
Configuration:
V8, DOHC, 32 Valves
Horsepower:
Approximately 275 hp @ 5750 rpm (standard); 300 hp in Touring/Performance models
Torque:
Approximately 300 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (standard); 295 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Touring/Performance)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Refer to manual for exact capacity, typically around 10-12 quarts with heater
Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity, typically SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic
Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual for exact capacity, typically around 4.5 - 5 quarts with filter
Length:
Approximately 199.7 inches
Width:
Approximately 75.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 53.5 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 110.8 inches
Seating Capacity:
5 passengers
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,700 - 3,900 lbs (depending on options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard for exact GVWR
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not specifically rated as per modern standards, but designed to meet 1998 safety regulations
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) standard
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
Rear seat anchor points (LATCH system not standard in 1998)
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual; typically 7,500 miles or 6 months (with synthetic oil), or 3,000 miles if using conventional oil and severe service conditions
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Replace Platinum tipped plugs approximately every 100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Coolant:
GM P/N 1052850, Type II Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent extended-life green ethylene glycol coolant)
Northstar Engine Head Gasket:
Premature head gasket failure (coolant leaks into cylinders) due to coolant degradation and improper bolt torque; manual likely addresses inspection and repair procedures.
ABS Module Failure:
ABS hydraulic unit and module failures can occur; manual will detail diagnostics.
Strut Mounts:
Front strut mounts can wear out, leading to noise and poor handling.
Climate Control Actuators:
Issues with blend door actuators and blower motor resistors are common.