Positioning:
Premium personal luxury coupe aimed at competing with imported luxury vehicles.
Competitors:
Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe, Chrysler LeBaron Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Import Luxury Coupes (e.g., Acura Legend Coupe, Mitsubishi Starion).
Unique Selling Points:
Retractable hardtop option, advanced features for its era, European-inspired styling, driver-focused cockpit.
Full Vehicle Coverage:
All Models, Engines, Trim Levels, and Transmission Types
Estimated Page Count:
N/A (Digital, expandable/printable)
Type:
Comprehensive Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Digital Format:
PDF (Requires Adobe Reader)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, emissions
Engine Performance:
Tuning, diagnostics, power delivery
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis, repair, fluid service, torque converter
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes System:
Front and rear brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories
Body And Trim:
Exterior panels, interior trim, seats, glass, convertible top (if applicable)
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning HVAC:
System diagnosis, component replacement, refrigerant handling
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step guides for identifying and resolving common and complex issues
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor vehicle components
Engine Rebuild:
Comprehensive instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
Transmission Repair:
Complete service and repair procedures for the automatic transmission
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, fault finding
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, dent repair, rust treatment
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostics
Crash Test Results:
Limited official government crash test data available for this specific model year and vehicle type from that era.
Active Safety Features:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Power Steering, ABS (Optional on later models, not specified for 1988)
Passive Safety Features:
Three-point seat belts, energy-absorbing steering column, interior padding.
Infotainment System:
AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player with optional Premium Sound System, Digital Climate Control, Trip Computer.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Power Steering, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity typical of modern vehicles).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (typically).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (recommended).
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (recommended).
Engine Oil:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Coolant:
GM Type I or Type II coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Common Wear Items:
Fuel pump, power window regulators, climate control actuators, ignition control module (ICM), suspension bushings.
Electrical Gremlins:
Due to the complex electronics of the era, intermittent electrical issues can arise, often related to ground points or faulty sensors.
Buick Heritage:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing reliable and comfortable vehicles, often positioned as a premium offering within GM's lineup.
Retta Development:
Developed as a personal luxury coupe to capture a younger, more affluent market segment and to compete with growing import luxury sales. Based on a modified front-wheel-drive platform shared with other GM vehicles.
Production Years:
1988-1991
Manufacturing Location:
Lansing, Michigan, USA
