🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

LeSabre

Year:

1998

Body Style:

Full-size Sedan

Generation Name:

Third Generation (H-Body)

Generation Years:

1992-1999

Platform:

GM H-Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size American Sedan

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking comfortable, spacious, and reliable transportation

Key Competitors:

Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala (later years), Oldsmobile 88/Aurora, Chrysler New Yorker/Concorde

Selling Points:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, V6 engine power, quiet cabin, front-wheel drive, available Magna-Steering (variable assist)

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on comfort, space, and smooth, quiet operation characteristic of Buick's traditional strengths.

📋 Manual Details

General Operation:

Extensive coverage of all vehicle features and controls

Maintenance Scheduling:

Detailed maintenance and service schedules

Diy Procedures:

Guidance on select do-it-yourself maintenance and minor repairs

Safety Considerations:

Information on safety features and considerations

Towing Information:

Guidance on towing procedures and considerations

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era's owner's manuals)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrumentation And Controls:

Dashboard layout, indicator lights, warning symbols, climate control, audio system, power accessories

Engine Operation:

Engine starting, stopping, break-in procedures, fluid levels

Transmission Operation:

Automatic transmission operation, gear selection, overdrive

Brakes And Traction:

ABS operation, parking brake usage

Steering:

Power steering operation

Suspension:

General information on ride characteristics

Lighting:

Headlight operation, interior lighting

Tire And Wheel:

Tire pressure, rotation, spare tire replacement

Electrical System:

Battery care, fuse locations (basic), accessory power

Safety Restraints:

Seat belt usage, airbag system (general information)

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, recirculation, defrost

Audio System:

Radio operation, speaker controls, cassette/CD player

Towing:

Towing capacity, trailer wiring considerations, weight distribution

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance

Minor Repairs:

Replacing wiper blades, jump starting the battery, changing a flat tire

Routine Service:

Information on when to visit a dealer for specific services

Troubleshooting Basic:

Interpretation of warning lights and common operational issues

Safety Operation:

Proper use of seat belts, child seat installation basics, safe driving practices

Depth:

Owner-level understanding of features and basic maintenance; does not cover in-depth mechanical repairs or diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval

Printability:

High-resolution digital version suitable for printing on standard paper sizes (Letter, A4)

Binding:

Not applicable (digital download)

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (digital download)

Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS, Linux (requires PDF reader)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.8L (3800) Series II V6

Engine Code:

L36

Displacement:

3.8 Liters / 231 cubic inches

Horsepower Rating:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Rating:

230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Central Port Injection (SCPI) or Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended)

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool (Orange silicate-free)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (with filter)

Spark Plugs:

AC Delco 41-990 or equivalent (Platinum tipped)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

GM 4T60-E

Optional Transmissions:

None for 1998 LeSabre

Features:

Overdrive, Lock-up torque converter

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 11.7 US quarts (total capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

202.5 inches

Width:

74.4 inches

Height:

55.7 inches

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches

Passenger Volume:

105.9 cubic feet

Trunk Volume:

17.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

3,570 - 3,720 lbs (depending on trim and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 4,670 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:

4 Stars (1998 model year specific data may vary, generally good for its era)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:

4 Stars (1998 model year specific data may vary, generally good for its era)

Antilock Brakes ABS:

Standard

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts, driver's side pretensioner

Child Seat Anchors:

Rear LATCH system (may be dealer-installed or not present on all vehicles)

Daytime Running Lights Drl:

Standard

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, premium sound system (Bose) available on higher trims.

Display:

Analog gauges and digital odometer, analog climate controls, basic radio display.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Keyless Entry:

Optional

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic audio and power accessory functions; no integrated Bluetooth or navigation systems for this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic or synthetic blend oil), or every 3,000-5,000 miles with conventional oil, per manufacturer recommendation or severe service schedule.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

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

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Not typically equipped with a cabin air filter in 1998 models.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (consult manual for exact interval)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 5 years or 100,000 miles for Dex-Cool coolant (check manual for specific advice)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on service conditions (check manual)

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water or water/washer fluid mixture

Common Complaints 3800 V6:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (early models), power steering pump whine, occasional EGR valve issues, fuel pump failures. The Series II 3800 V6 is generally considered very reliable.

Transmission Issues:

4T60-E transmission can be sensitive to fluid maintenance; occasional solenoid or torque converter issues can arise with high mileage.

Electrical Issues:

Window regulators, door lock actuators, and occasional minor electrical gremlins are not uncommon in vehicles of this age.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Identity:

Buick, a division of General Motors, historically positioned as a premium American brand emphasizing comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride.

Le Sabre Lineage:

The LeSabre nameplate has a long history within Buick, evolving from large body-on-frame sedans to the modern unibody H-body platform.

Third Generation Update:

The 1992-1999 H-body generation marked a significant shift towards front-wheel drive and a more aerodynamic design, focusing on improved fuel efficiency and handling while retaining comfort.

1998 Model Year Changes:

Minor updates typically included refreshed styling cues, potential feature shuffling between trim levels (e.g., Custom, Limited), and updates to optional equipment. The core powertrain and chassis remained largely consistent with the previous years.

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA (Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly)

Production Volume Estimate:

Buick LeSabre was a high-volume seller for GM in the 1990s, with annual sales often exceeding 100,000 units.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Reputation:

Often praised for its comfortable ride and quiet cabin, earning it a reputation as a solid choice for highway cruising and family transport.

Consumer Reports Ranking:

Typically rated average to above average for predicted reliability by publications like Consumer Reports in its segment and era, particularly the powertrain.

Jd Power Ratings:

JD Power and Associates often recognized Buick for initial quality and long-term dependability during this period.