Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and Buick Riviera owners seeking detailed service and repair information.
Advantage:
Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as official dealer service manuals, covering a wide range of repair scenarios.
Features:
Covers every service and repair imaginable, designed for ease of use for DIYers, includes comprehensive diagnostic procedures, detailed diagrams, and specifications.
Powertrain:
Complete coverage of engine, fuel, ignition, emission control, clutch, and transmission systems.
Drivetrain:
Detailed information on driveshafts, axles, differentials, and related components.
Suspension Steering:
Comprehensive coverage of front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
In-depth coverage of hydraulic systems, ABS, parking brake, and component replacement procedures.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of engine and body electrical systems, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and diagnostic procedures.
Body Chassis:
Detailed sections on interior and exterior body panels, trim, glass, doors, locks, and structural components.
HVAC:
Complete diagnostic and repair procedures for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flushes, coolant checks and changes.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation and resolution.
Repair:
Engine component overhaul (pistons, rings, bearings, valve guides, seals), transmission repair and rebuilding (internal components, seals, clutch packs), brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), steering rack replacement, HVAC system component replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Assembly Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components, including engine removal, transmission removal, suspension subframe removal, body panel removal.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic DIY maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical diagnostics and component rebuilding.
Engine Options:
3.8L Supercharged V6 (L67), 3.8L Naturally Aspirated V6 (L36)
Performance 3.8L Supercharged
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cu. in.)
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Performance 3.8L Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cu. in.)
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Type:
4-speed Automatic (4T65E)
Type:
None offered for these model years
Features:
Electronic control, torque converter lock-up
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Capacity:
Approximately 11.5 pints (5.4 liters) for dry fill, 7.5 pints (3.5 liters) for pan drop and fill.
Length:
Approx. 202.0 inches (5131 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.5 inches (1892 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.2 inches (1377 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110.8 inches (2814 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3600-3800 lbs (1633-1724 kg) depending on configuration.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated for this specific model year under current NHTSA standards, but general safety features were standard.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced steel unibody construction.
Audio System:
Available premium audio systems, including CD players and cassette decks, with optional Bose sound systems.
Traction Control:
Traction control system available on some models.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control available.
Seats:
Power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and memory seat functions available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions and oil type).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12378515 (or equivalent) - Orange silicate-free coolant recommended.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-II or Dexron-III (ATF)
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
The 3800 V6 engines can be prone to intake manifold gasket leaks, leading to coolant leaks and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Supercharger Couplers:
Supercharger coupler wear can cause rattling noises and reduced performance in the L67 engine.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
The 4T65E transmission can sometimes develop hard shifting or delayed engagement issues, often related to solenoid or valve body wear.
Maintenance Schedule Summary
General Schedule:
The manual provides detailed schedules for: every 5,000 miles (air filter, wiper blades, tire rotation), 15,000 miles (engine air filter), 30,000 miles (spark plugs on naturally aspirated engines, fuel filter), and 100,000 miles (spark plugs on supercharged engines). Refer to the manual for exact intervals for all components.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing upscale and personal luxury cars, with the Riviera being a flagship model known for its style and comfort.
Eighth Generation:
This generation (1995-1999) represented a significant redesign, moving to the front-wheel-drive G-Body platform and featuring a sleeker, more aerodynamic design. It emphasized comfort and performance, particularly with the supercharged engine option.
Manufacturing Location:
Hamtramck, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1995-1999
