Buick Riviera Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual 1996
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Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: Riviera Year: 1996 Product Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Codes Platform: GM Epsilon II (derived from the Oldsmobile Aurora platform) Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1996 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, emphasizing comfort, style, and performance, often competing with models like the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln Mark VIII. Competitive Analysis Comparison: This generation of the Riviera built upon the legacy of its predecessors, offering a blend of American comfort and a more refined, modern aesthetic compared to earlier models. The supercharged V6 engine provided a significant performance edge. Key Features Features: Key features of the 1996 Riviera included its distinctive styling, a comfortable and well-appointed interior, and the availability of a potent supercharged V6 engine. Advanced features for its time included traction control and optional heated seats. Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types Covered Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: 3.8L Series I (L36) Supercharged V6, 3.8L Series II (L67) Supercharged V6 Transmission: 4T65-E (4-speed automatic) Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Suspension: Front: MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; Rear: Independent trailing arm with stabilizer bar Brakes: Front: Ventilated disc; Rear: Disc (ABS standard) Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion Electrical: Full diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems, including engine control, lighting, comfort controls, infotainment, and security. Body And Chassis: Body panel repair, interior trim, glass replacement, structural components. HVAC: Climate control system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement. Fuel System: Fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank, evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements, tune-ups. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics. Repair: Engine repair (head gaskets, valve seals, timing chain), transmission overhaul, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair, steering component replacement. Overhaul: Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures. Installation: Component installation and replacement (e.g., alternators, starters, water pumps, AC compressors). Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine data, electrical schematics. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed troubleshooting guides and electrical diagrams. Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution, fully searchable PDF with clear, legible text and images. Printability: Printable by chapter or in its entirety. Compatibility: Compatible with all PC and Mac computers, tablets, and smartphones via Adobe Reader (free download). Print Quality Image Resolution: High Binding Type Binding: N/A (Downloadable Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: L36 (Naturally Aspirated 3.8L V6) Displacement 1: 3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches) Horsepower 1: 205 hp @ 5200 RPM Torque 1: 230 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM Bore X Stroke 1: 3.80 x 3.40 inches Compression Ratio 1: 9.4:1 Valvetrain 1: Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder Engine Code 2: L67 (Supercharged 3.8L V6) Displacement 2: 3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches) Horsepower 2: 240 hp @ 5200 RPM Torque 2: 280 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM Performance 0-60 Mph Supercharged: Approx. 7.0 - 7.5 seconds Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for supercharged for optimal performance) Cooling System Coolant Type: GM P/N 1052751, Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant (Orange) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water) Ignition System Ignition Type: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-Near-Plug (CNP) Transmission Standard Type: 4T65-E 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle Optional Optional Transmissions: N/A (4T65-E was standard for all engines) Features Features: Electronically controlled, overdrive, torque converter lock-up. Fluid Specifications Fluid Type: GM P/N 88900925 (Dexron III/Mercon equivalent) Fluid Capacity Capacity Dry Fill: Approx. 10.5 US quarts (9.9 liters) Capacity Service Fill: Approx. 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) Dimensions Exterior Length: 199.7 inches (5072 mm) Width: 74.9 inches (1902 mm) Height: 54.3 inches (1380 mm) Wheelbase: 110.8 inches (2814 mm) Front Track: 62.1 inches (1577 mm) Rear Track: 61.7 inches (1567 mm) Interior Seating Capacity: 5 passengers Weights Curb Weight Approx: 3700 - 3900 lbs (1680 - 1770 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4800 lbs (2177 kg) Cargo Trunk Volume: 16.0 cubic feet (453 liters) Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver: Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger: Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year Active Features ABS: Standard (Anti-lock Braking System) Traction Control: Optional on some models, standard on higher trims. Passive Features Airbags Driver: Standard (Driver front airbag) Airbags Passenger: Standard (Passenger front airbag) Seatbelts: Three-point automatic locking retractors for all seating positions. Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Optional premium Bose sound system, AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player. Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control (ACC) available on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard...
GM Epsilon II (derived from the Oldsmobile Aurora platform)
Introduction
Market Position
Positioning:
The 1996 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, emphasizing comfort, style, and performance, often competing with models like the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln Mark VIII.
Competitive Analysis
Comparison:
This generation of the Riviera built upon the legacy of its predecessors, offering a blend of American comfort and a more refined, modern aesthetic compared to earlier models. The supercharged V6 engine provided a significant performance edge.
Key Features
Features:
Key features of the 1996 Riviera included its distinctive styling, a comfortable and well-appointed interior, and the availability of a potent supercharged V6 engine. Advanced features for its time included traction control and optional heated seats.
Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types Covered
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
1500+
Manual Type
Type:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Downloadable PDF
Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
3.8L Series I (L36) Supercharged V6, 3.8L Series II (L67) Supercharged V6
Transmission:
4T65-E (4-speed automatic)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; Rear: Independent trailing arm with stabilizer bar
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated disc; Rear: Disc (ABS standard)
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Electrical:
Full diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems, including engine control, lighting, comfort controls, infotainment, and security.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, glass replacement, structural components.
HVAC:
Climate control system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Installation:
Component installation and replacement (e.g., alternators, starters, water pumps, AC compressors).
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine data, electrical schematics.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed troubleshooting guides and electrical diagrams.
Manual Specifications
File Format
Quality:
High-resolution, fully searchable PDF with clear, legible text and images.
Printability:
Printable by chapter or in its entirety.
Compatibility:
Compatible with all PC and Mac computers, tablets, and smartphones via Adobe Reader (free download).
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Downloadable Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
L36 (Naturally Aspirated 3.8L V6)
Displacement 1:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Horsepower 1:
205 hp @ 5200 RPM
Torque 1:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Bore X Stroke 1:
3.80 x 3.40 inches
Compression Ratio 1:
9.4:1
Valvetrain 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Engine Code 2:
L67 (Supercharged 3.8L V6)
Displacement 2:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Horsepower 2:
240 hp @ 5200 RPM
Torque 2:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
Performance
0-60 Mph Supercharged:
Approx. 7.0 - 7.5 seconds
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for supercharged for optimal performance)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 1052751, Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant (Orange) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-Near-Plug (CNP)
Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, standard on higher trims.
Passive Features
Airbags Driver:
Standard (Driver front airbag)
Airbags Passenger:
Standard (Passenger front airbag)
Seatbelts:
Three-point automatic locking retractors for all seating positions.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional premium Bose sound system, AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Steering Wheel Controls:
Audio and climate controls integrated into the steering wheel on some models.
Connectivity
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliant, allowing for digital code reading and analysis of engine performance.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum tipped plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for Dex-Cool, 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for conventional coolant.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH (Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change for 3.8L V6
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
GM P/N 1052886, Dexron III/Mercon equivalent
Known Issues
Engine Misfires Supercharged:
Common on L67 due to intake manifold gaskets, faulty coil packs, or spark plugs. The manual details diagnostic procedures.
Transmission Slipping:
The 4T65-E can develop issues with torque converter clutch solenoid or internal seals, leading to slipping. Manual provides rebuild and diagnostic guidance.
ABS System Faults:
Wheel speed sensors and ABS control module can be points of failure. The manual contains specific diagnostic trees.
HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
Common failure point causing incorrect temperature or air direction. Detailed replacement procedures are within the manual.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Buick, founded in 1899, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for its emphasis on comfort, quietness, and a premium feel for the mainstream market.
Model Evolution
Evolution:
The Riviera has a long history as Buick's flagship personal luxury coupe, evolving through multiple design eras. The 1995-1999 generation (the '96 model falls within this) marked a significant shift with a more aerodynamic and less angular design, sharing its platform with the Cadillac Seville and Oldsmobile Aurora.
Production
Production Location:
Orion Assembly, Orion Township, Michigan, USA
Model Year Production:
1995-1999
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards And Accolades:
While specific awards for the 1996 model year are not widely publicized, the Riviera generation generally received positive reviews for its styling and comfortable ride, solidifying its position as a strong contender in the luxury coupe segment.
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