🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

1996

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Key Competitors:

Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler New Yorker, Mercury Grand Marquis.

Platform:

GM H-body platform, shared with Chevrolet Impala/Caprice, Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, Pontiac Bonneville.

Luxury Appointments:

Focus on comfortable ride, quiet interior, premium materials, advanced features for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete Workshop Service Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, but typically over 1000 pages for a complete workshop manual of this era.

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust systems.

Engine Control:

Engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor data, emission control systems.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 4T60-E) overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, shift control.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) transaxle, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion, tie rods, steering assist.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc), ABS diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications, hydraulic components.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system, accessory circuits.

Body And Chassis:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, exterior trim, corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component replacement.

Interior:

Seat systems, dashboard assembly, instrument cluster, airbags, interior trim components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation.

Repair And Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, and reassembly.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, testing procedures for electrical components and circuits.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications, clearances, wear limits, alignment angles, diagnostic values.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Printability:

High-quality, designed for printing individual pages or entire sections.

Binding Suitability:

Downloadable format allows for custom binding or digital access on various devices.

Digital Medium:

Digital delivery via email; no physical paper type.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L27 (3.8L Supercharged V6) and L36 (3.8L Naturally Aspirated V6) were common. However, the manual likely covers specific engines offered in 1996.

Engine Description 1996:

3.8L (231 cu in) Series I L36 V6 (Naturally Aspirated) and potentially the supercharged L27 variant for specific trims.

Horsepower L36:

Approximately 205 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque L36:

Approximately 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower L27 Supercharged:

Approximately 225 hp @ 4400 rpm (if equipped)

Torque L27 Supercharged:

Approximately 275 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (if equipped)

Fuel Injection:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular 87 octane

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., 4T60-E)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for 1996 model year, 4-speed automatic was standard across all trims.

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 110.5 inches

Length:

Approximately 207.0 inches

Width:

Approximately 74.4 inches

Height:

Approximately 55.5 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,600 - 3,800 lbs (depending on trim and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

4-star driver, 5-star passenger (for 1995 model year, indicative for 1996).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player, steering wheel audio controls.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (optional on some trims, standard on Ultra) with digital display.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models.

Onstar:

OnStar was not standard or widely available in 1996, but early systems may have existed.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for exact guidance).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or as indicated by service history. Consult manual for specific interval and fluid type.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API SG or SH certified

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (verify in manual).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III (or equivalent GM specification)

Coolant Type:

GM Goodwrench 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water (typically green ethylene glycol)

Common Problems General:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, power steering pump leaks, aging suspension bushings, potential for intake manifold coolant crossover leaks (GM 3800 V6 commonality).

Common Problems Electrical:

Faulty window regulators, malfunctioning climate control panels, issues with power seat motors.

Common Problems Transmission:

Delayed shifts, harsh shifts, or slipping due to internal wear or valve body issues in the 4T60-E.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long-standing reputation for producing comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed American sedans and coupes.

Park Avenue History:

The Park Avenue nameplate has a lineage dating back to the 1970s, evolving from a trim level to a standalone model. The 1991-1996 generation (C-body platform) was known for its sleek styling and refined ride.

Assembly Location:

Wentzville, Missouri, USA

Production Years:

1991-1996 (Third Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Quality Ratings:

Generally received positive reviews for comfort and quietness, but often lagged competitors in reliability surveys of the era. Specific awards may not be prominent but consistently ranked high in its segment for ride quality.