🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: Reatta Year: 1988 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1988 Buick Reatta was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, a stylish and comfortable two-seater designed for the discerning driver. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with vehicles like the Ford Thunderbird SC, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, and potentially entry-level luxury coupes from European manufacturers. Key Features Design: Unique styling, front-wheel-drive chassis, independent suspension, and a focus on comfort and quietness. Manual Value Proposition: Provides authentic factory-level information, enabling owners and technicians to perform all maintenance and repairs accurately and efficiently, mirroring dealership procedures. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Download Target Audience: Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: 3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated, Supercharged - if applicable to '88) Control System: Engine Control Module (ECM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Mechanical: Engine Mechanical, Chassis Mechanical Fuel Service: Fuel delivery, Injectors, Fuel pump, Pressure regulator Emission Control: Emissions Systems, Catalytic Converter, EGR Intake Exhaust Cooling: Intake manifold, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Radiator, Water pump Lube: Lubrication system, Oil pump, Oil filter Ignition Starting Charging: Ignition system, Spark plugs, Coils, Starter motor, Alternator Auto Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4T60) Manual Transmission: Not applicable for 1988 Reatta (primarily automatic) Drive Shaft: Driveshafts, CV joints Differential: Differential assembly Axle Suspension: Front and Rear Suspension, Struts, Bushings, Control Arms Tire Wheel: Wheel specifications, Tire pressure, Alignment Brake Control: Brake system diagnostics, ABS (if equipped) Brake: Front and Rear Brakes, Pads, Rotors, Calipers, Lines Parking Brake: Parking brake system Steering Column: Steering column assembly, Tilt/Telescope (if equipped) Power Steering: Power steering pump, Rack and pinion, Hoses Air Condition: HVAC system, Compressor, Refrigerant, Controls Supplemental Restraint System: Airbag system (SRS) diagnostics and components Seat Belt: Seat belt retractors, Buckles Cruise Control: Cruise control system components and operation Wiper Washer: Wiper motor, Linkage, Washer pump, Fluid reservoir Door Lock: Door lock actuators, Keyless entry (if equipped) Meter Audio Visual: Instrument cluster, Gauges, Radio/Stereo system, Speakers Horn: Horn operation and wiring Windshield Glass Mirror: Windshield replacement, Window glass, Mirror adjustments Instrument Panel: Instrument panel removal and installation, Switches Seat: Seat adjustments, Seat track maintenance Engine Hood Door: Hood latch, Hinges, Door hinges and alignment Exterior Interior: Body panels, Trim, Upholstery Electrical: 12V Electrical system, Battery, Fuses, Relays, Lighting Multiplex Can Communication: Multiplex communication systems (if applicable for the era) Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Tune-ups Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics Repair: Component-level repair, Reassembly, Adjustment procedures Installation: Component replacement and installation procedures Wiring Schematics: Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems Illustrations: Detailed diagrams and illustrations for all procedures Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality: High-resolution, printable pages Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF (depending on source quality) Compatibility: Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible Required Software: Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (or equivalent for extraction) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: LG7 (Standard 3.8L V6) Displacement: 3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches) Configuration: Naturally Aspirated V6, Overhead Valve (OHV) Performance Horsepower: Approximately 165-170 HP @ 4000 RPM (actual figures may vary slightly) Torque: Approximately 210-215 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM (actual figures may vary slightly) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle Transmission Model: GM 4T60 Features Drive Layout: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 192.7 inches Width: Approximately 70.2 inches Height: Approximately 53.6 inches Wheelbase: Approximately 104.4 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,300 - 3,400 lbs (depending on options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash: Information for 1988 models may be limited; typically provided as 3-star or 4-star ratings for that era. Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag standard. Seat Belts: Front shoulder and lap belts. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often optional. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Premium AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with steering wheel mounted controls and multiple speaker configurations. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Connectivity Communication Systems: Focus on comfort and convenience features rather than advanced digital connectivity common in later vehicles. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles. Transmission Fluid Change: Check at 30,000 miles, replace if necessary; typically every 50,000-60,000 miles under normal use. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations) Coolant: GM Type II Coolant (or equivalent) - typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water. Transmission Fluid: Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid Known Issues Common Problems: Early...
The 1988 Buick Reatta was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, a stylish and comfortable two-seater designed for the discerning driver.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Ford Thunderbird SC, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, and potentially entry-level luxury coupes from European manufacturers.
Key Features
Design:
Unique styling, front-wheel-drive chassis, independent suspension, and a focus on comfort and quietness.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authentic factory-level information, enabling owners and technicians to perform all maintenance and repairs accurately and efficiently, mirroring dealership procedures.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
PDF Download
Target Audience:
Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated, Supercharged - if applicable to '88)
Control System:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams and illustrations for all procedures
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF (depending on source quality)
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (or equivalent for extraction)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
LG7 (Standard 3.8L V6)
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated V6, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approximately 165-170 HP @ 4000 RPM (actual figures may vary slightly)
Torque:
Approximately 210-215 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM (actual figures may vary slightly)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Model:
GM 4T60
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 192.7 inches
Width:
Approximately 70.2 inches
Height:
Approximately 53.6 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 104.4 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,300 - 3,400 lbs (depending on options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
Information for 1988 models may be limited; typically provided as 3-star or 4-star ratings for that era.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard.
Seat Belts:
Front shoulder and lap belts.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often optional.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Premium AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with steering wheel mounted controls and multiple speaker configurations.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Connectivity
Communication Systems:
Focus on comfort and convenience features rather than advanced digital connectivity common in later vehicles.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check at 30,000 miles, replace if necessary; typically every 50,000-60,000 miles under normal use.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations)
Coolant:
GM Type II Coolant (or equivalent) - typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Early Reattas experienced some issues with the electronic climate control, power window regulators, and occasional electrical gremlins. Early models also used a more complex independent rear suspension which was simplified later. The paint on the plastic body panels could sometimes be prone to cracking or fading.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Buick has historically focused on comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed vehicles, often with an emphasis on luxury and smooth ride quality.
Model Evolution
Design Origin:
The Reatta was conceived as a halo car for Buick, a more exotic and performance-oriented offering than their traditional sedans. It was designed in-house by Buick and styled by David E. Holls.
Production
Production Period:
1988-1991
Assembly Location:
Lansing Craft Centre, Lansing, Michigan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Design Awards:
While specific awards for the 1988 model are not widely publicized, the Reatta was recognized for its unique styling and design at the time of its release.
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