Positioning:
A premium personal luxury coupe, the 1998 Riviera represented Buick's offering in a segment that was evolving towards larger, more comfortable vehicles.
Key Competitors 1998:
Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Cadillac Eldorado (depending on trim/price point).
Distinctive Attributes:
Known for its distinctive styling, powerful V6 engine, and comfortable, well-appointed interior. The '98 model continued the Riviera's legacy of combining performance with luxury.
Primary Coverage:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Specificity:
Vehicle Specific (Exact same manual used by dealership technicians)
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to actual document for precise count, typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals.
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Delivery Format:
PDF Download
Powertrain Systems:
Engine, Control System, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake Exhaust Cooling, Lube, Ignition Starting Charging, Auto Transmission Clutch, Manual Transmission (if applicable), Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension
Chassis And Body Systems:
Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Air Condition, Suppl Restraint System, Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/ Door, Exterior & Interior
Electrical And Electronic Systems:
Electrical, Multiplex/ CAN Communication
Diagnostic Procedures:
System diagnosis, fault code interpretation, troubleshooting guides
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair Procedures:
Complete step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components
Adjustment And Calibration:
Component adjustments, system calibration (e.g., throttle body, sensors)
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level detail, including schematics, illustrations, torque specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Printability:
All pages printable, with ability to blow up images and print enlarged copies.
Binding For Downloaded File:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type For Printed Manual:
N/A (Digital PDF - user dependent)
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (or equivalent extraction software)
Operating Systems:
Windows Vista (32 and 64-bit), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and Mac
Engine Type 1998:
3.8L (231 CID) Supercharged V6 (L67) or Naturally Aspirated V6 (L36)
Horsepower L67:
Approximately 240 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque L67:
Approximately 280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Horsepower L36:
Approximately 205 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque L36:
Approximately 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended (91+ for optimal performance with supercharged model).
Coolant Type:
GM Delco-Remy (Dex-Cool) Orange Coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic overdrive (4T65-E)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Only automatic was offered)
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, with a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Not readily available for specific model year/trim, but GM vehicles of this era generally aimed for 4-star frontal impact.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) available.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system not standard, but provisions for child seats exist.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Premium sound system available.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control with air conditioning.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Factory Communication Systems:
Limited to basic vehicle diagnostics and control modules; no integrated smartphone connectivity or Bluetooth.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium recommended).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per severe driving conditions.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH certified, SAE 5W-30 viscosity (check owner's manual for exact recommendation).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10-12 quarts (with heater core).
Common Wear Items:
Intake manifold gaskets (leaks), fuel injectors, EGR valve, power steering pump, wheel bearings, alternator.
Supercharger Specific Issues:
Supercharger clutch/pulley assembly wear, potential for oil leaks from supercharger snout seal.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many vehicles of this era, electrical connections and grounds can sometimes cause intermittent issues.
Buick Heritage:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, stylish, and well-built vehicles, often positioned as an upscale brand within General Motors.
Riviera Lineage:
The Riviera nameplate has been used by Buick for several generations, evolving from a large personal luxury coupe to a sportier, more performance-oriented model, and then adapting to front-wheel drive platforms.
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.
Production Years For 8Th Gen:
1995-1999
