Competitors:
Lincoln Continental, Lexus LS, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Unique Selling Points:
Northstar V8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control (on some models), advanced electronics for its era
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition, Starting/Charging, Emission Control, Cooling, Lube, Automatic Transmission, Transfer Case (if applicable)
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes (including ABS/TCS), Wheel & Tire
Body Electrical:
HVAC, Restraint Systems (SRS), Seat Belts, Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper/Washer, Door Locks, Audio/Visual, Horn, Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Doors, Exterior/Interior Trim, Lighting, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom analysis
Repair Rebuild:
Component removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, torque specifications, adjustments
Depth:
Factory-level, detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics
Engine Code:
L37 (4.6L DOHC V8), LD8 (4.6L DOHC V8)
Horsepower:
L37: ~300 hp; LD8: ~275 hp (varies slightly by model year and specific application within Seville)
Torque:
L37: ~295 lb-ft; LD8: ~290 lb-ft (varies slightly)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Configuration:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 32 Valves
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags (standard on STS, optional/standard on SLS)
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with CD player and cassette
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system
Suspension System:
Optional Magnetic Ride Control (MagneRide) on STS models, adaptive suspension on SLS
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist system
Communication Protocol:
Multiplex/CAN communication utilized for various modules
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic oil, as per manufacturer recommendation for Northstar engines)
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 miles or 5 years (Dex-Cool coolant)
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API certified)
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Coolant:
GM P/N 12378515 (Orange Dex-Cool, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Problems Northstar:
Head gasket failures (early models), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks, starter motor failure, power steering pump issues.
Common Problems Electronics:
HVAC control module failures, window regulator issues, dashboard warning lights
