๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: Riviera Year: 1999 Trim Level Variations Covered: Assumed to cover all standard 1999 Riviera trims Codes Platform: GM G Platform (front-wheel drive) ๐ Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1999 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, targeting buyers seeking comfort, style, and a refined driving experience. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed against vehicles like the Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, and similarly sized coupes from other luxury or near-luxury brands. Key Features Design Philosophy: Seventh generation Riviera emphasized aerodynamic styling and a premium interior, continuing Buick's legacy of comfortable grand touring. Manual Purpose: This manual provides essential information for owners to safely and effectively operate, maintain, and care for their 1999 Buick Riviera. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Summary: Covers operation, maintenance, safety, and basic troubleshooting for the 1999 Buick Riviera. Specific Topics Listed: Illustrated table of contents, Safety Seats, Seat Belts and Supplemental Air Bags, Instruments and Controls, Pre-Driving Checks and Adjustments, Heater, Air Conditioner and Audio Systems, Starting and Driving, In Case of Emergency, Service and Appearance and Care, Maintenance and Do-It-Yourself, Technical and Consumer Information, Index. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for a full owner's manual of this era, PDF format may vary) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, starting procedures, driving techniques, fuel system basics, cooling system, exhaust system (overview). Chassis: Braking system (operation, warning lights), steering system (operation, warning lights), suspension (general description), wheels and tires (inflation, care). Electrical: Instrument cluster and indicators, lighting controls, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), audio system operation, HVAC controls, battery care basics. Safety Systems: Seat belt operation and adjustment, airbag system explanation and precautions, child seat installation guidelines, safety features overview. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks and adjustment, wiper blade replacement, basic bulb replacement (headlights, taillights), cleaning and appearance care. Emergency Procedures: Jump starting, flat tire changing, towing information, warning lights and what they mean, emergency assistance contacts. Driving Operations: Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (P, R, N, D, OD), parking, driving in various conditions (rain, snow - general advice). Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic checks, and preventative maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typical of a service manual. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if originally scanned from a digital source or well-OCR'd. Print Quality Resolution: Dependent on source scan quality, typically legible for text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: L36 (3.8L V6 SFI) Engine Type: 3.8L (3800 Series II) Naturally Aspirated V6 Performance Horsepower: 205 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque: 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended Cooling System Coolant Type: GM Goodwrench 50/50 Coolant (or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible coolant) ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive (4T65-E) Optional Optional Transmission: N/A for 1999 Riviera Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: 199.7 inches Width: 74.4 inches Height: 54.5 inches Wheelbase: 108.0 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3500-3600 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 4500 lbs ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating: 4/5 Stars (Driver), 4/5 Stars (Passenger) - for comparable models of the era IIHS Side Impact Rating: Acceptable (for comparable models of the era) Active Features Traction Control: Optional Traction Control System (TCS) ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Supplemental Airbags (SRS) Seat Belts: Front: Three-point manual belts with pretensioners; Rear: Three-point belts. Active front seat belts mentioned in some descriptions. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM Stereo with Cassette and CD Player, often with premium sound system options (e.g., Monsoon). Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control (optional) for precise temperature management. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Cruise Control system. Connectivity Phone Integration: No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity; aftermarket solutions would be required. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended). Tire Rotation Interval: Every 7,500 miles Coolant Flush Interval: Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (for Dex-Cool type coolant) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Capacity: 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter, for 3.8L V6 Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 10-12 US quarts (for a complete fluid change, depending on torque converter refill). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Known Issues Common Problems Powertrain: Upper intake manifold gasket leaks (3800 Series II), occasional transmission shifting issues, fuel pump failures. Common Problems Chassis Suspension: Worn front suspension components (struts, bushings),...
The 1999 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, targeting buyers seeking comfort, style, and a refined driving experience.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, and similarly sized coupes from other luxury or near-luxury brands.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Seventh generation Riviera emphasized aerodynamic styling and a premium interior, continuing Buick's legacy of comfortable grand touring.
Manual Purpose:
This manual provides essential information for owners to safely and effectively operate, maintain, and care for their 1999 Buick Riviera.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Summary:
Covers operation, maintenance, safety, and basic troubleshooting for the 1999 Buick Riviera.
Specific Topics Listed:
Illustrated table of contents, Safety Seats, Seat Belts and Supplemental Air Bags, Instruments and Controls, Pre-Driving Checks and Adjustments, Heater, Air Conditioner and Audio Systems, Starting and Driving, In Case of Emergency, Service and Appearance and Care, Maintenance and Do-It-Yourself, Technical and Consumer Information, Index.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for a full owner's manual of this era, PDF format may vary)
Manual Type
Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
๐ Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine operation, starting procedures, driving techniques, fuel system basics, cooling system, exhaust system (overview).
Chassis:
Braking system (operation, warning lights), steering system (operation, warning lights), suspension (general description), wheels and tires (inflation, care).
Electrical:
Instrument cluster and indicators, lighting controls, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), audio system operation, HVAC controls, battery care basics.
Safety Systems:
Seat belt operation and adjustment, airbag system explanation and precautions, child seat installation guidelines, safety features overview.
Jump starting, flat tire changing, towing information, warning lights and what they mean, emergency assistance contacts.
Driving Operations:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (P, R, N, D, OD), parking, driving in various conditions (rain, snow - general advice).
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic checks, and preventative maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typical of a service manual.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if originally scanned from a digital source or well-OCR'd.
Print Quality
Resolution:
Dependent on source scan quality, typically legible for text and diagrams.
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, stylish, and refined vehicles, often associated with American luxury and a smooth ride.
Model Evolution
Seventh Generation:
The 1999 Riviera is part of the seventh generation (1995-1999), which featured a distinct coupe design, front-wheel drive, and the popular 3800 Series II V6 engine.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Lake Orion, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1995-1999 (seventh generation)
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
3800 Series Ii Engine:
The 3800 Series II V6 engine was a Ward's 10 Best Engines recipient for several years in the 1990s, recognized for its reliability and performance.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by year, but generally considered average to above average for its class in the late 1990s.