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Maintenance Information Buick Riviera VIII

Procedures 12 illustrations ~1531 words

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 1

Scheme 1: VIN Code ID Explanation
Scheme 1: VIN Code ID Explanation

SHORT TRIP/CITY & LONG TRIP/HIGHWAY SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Starting in the 1996 model year, General Motors has renamed their maintenance schedules; One is referred to as the Short-Trip/City and the other is the Long Trip/Highway schedule. These schedule requirements are similar to the familiar Severe Service and Normal schedules and can be used in place of one another.

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Severe Service

  1. Short Trips (4 Miles Or Less)
  2. When Most Trips Are Less Than 10 Miles And Outside Temperatures Remain Below Freezing.
  3. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
  4. Severe Dust Conditions
  5. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
  6. Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)

Normal Service

  1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
  2. No Severe Service Operating Conditions

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Scheme 2: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS

Scheme 3

Scheme 3
Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: INFORMATION LABEL LOCATIONS
Scheme 4: INFORMATION LABEL LOCATIONS

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. Labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

The tire specification decal, located on rear of the driver's door, lists maximum vehicle load, recommended tire size and cold inflation pressure.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten all wheel lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (135 N.m).

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: BATTERY LOCATION
Scheme 5: BATTERY LOCATION

Battery is located under rear seat cushion, a remote positive terminal is located under the hood for jump starting.

Vehicles are delivered with maintenance free battery. Water need never be added to a maintenance free battery. The battery contains a visual tester. A Green indicator is visible when an adequate charge level exists; a Black indicator implies charging is required and a Yellow indicator appears when replacement is necessary.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG SYSTEM

Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.

The SRS has no user-servicable parts. Always have servicing done by an authorized dealer.

When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section.
CAUTIONDisconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

CAUTIONNever mix different diameter tires. On loose or uneven surfaces, the ABS system may require longer stopping distances than conventional brake systems. Exercise caution when removing mud or snow from the wheels so as not to damage the ABS wiring or speed sensors.

BATTERY WARNING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section below.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

CAUTIONBefore replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

CAUTIONIndicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTIONContinued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

CAUTIONTo avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C); Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

WARNINGMany solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

ENGINE OIL

CAUTIONNever use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

WARNINGRelieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models).

HALOGEN BULBS

WARNINGHalogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

RADIATOR CAP

CAUTIONAlways disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.

RADIATOR FAN

WARNINGKeep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

CAUTIONIf tires are allowed to spin at high speeds when TRACTION OFF light is on, tires can explode. Also, spinning the tires with the warning light on can cause the transaxle to overheat. DO NOT spin wheels above 35 MPH.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CAUTIONDue to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options.

BUMPER-TO-BUMPER PLUS COVERAGE LIMITED WARRANTY

Everything is covered for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Also covered by this warranty are any repairs to vehicle which have proven defective during material and workmanship in normal use (tires excluded). Warranty repairs (parts and labor) will be made by the Dealer at no charge using new or remanufactured parts by the Dealer. Maintenance items are covered up to their first scheduled replacement interval only.

CORROSION COVERAGE

Covers any body-sheet metal panel that is perforated due to corrosion is covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles whichever occurs first.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT COVERAGE

Covers supplemental restraint system (if equipped) for 3 years, regardless of mileage.

EMISSIONS "DEFECT" & "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTIES (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed in order for the vehicle to pass a federally required state or local emissions test.

Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

EMISSION "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSION "DEFECT" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Included in the Owner Care Warranty is 24 Hour Roadside Assistance coverage, which provides the following services

  1. Flat Tire Service
  2. Out of Gas
  3. Battery Jump Assistance
  4. Lockout Service
  5. Towing Service

Note. 24 Hour Roadside Assistance phone number is 800-442-6537

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (INSTRUMENT PANEL)
Scheme 6: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (INSTRUMENT PANEL)

Scheme 7

Scheme 7
Scheme 7

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

  1. 1 - Air Bag
  2. 2 - Injectors
  3. 3 - ABS System
  4. 4 - Left Exterior Lamps
  5. 5 - Turn Signal Lamps
  6. 6 - Cruise Control
  7. 7 - Climate Control
  8. 8 - Right Exterior Lamps
  9. 9 - HVAC Relay
  10. 10 - MAF
  11. 11 - Auxiliary Power
  12. 12 - Interior Lamps
  13. 13 - Chime
  14. 14 - Not Used (1995) TMNSS (1996)
  15. 15 - Not Used (1995) Cruise Control (1996)
  16. 16 - Not Used (1995) Perimeter Lights (1996)
  17. 17 - Not Used
  18. 18 - Not Used
  19. 19 - Radio
  20. 20 - Cooling Fan
  21. 21 - Not Used
  22. 22 - Not Used
  23. 23 - Windshield Wipers
  24. 24 - EGR
  25. 25 - PCM
  26. 26 - Cigarette Lighter
  27. 27 - Crank
  28. 28 - HVAC Blower

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: MAXI-FUSE/RELAY CENTER IDENTIFICATION (ENGINE COMPARTMENT)
Scheme 8: MAXI-FUSE/RELAY CENTER IDENTIFICATION (ENGINE COMPARTMENT)
  1. 1 - Air Conditioning Compressor
  2. 2 - Not Used
  3. 3 - Not Used
  4. 4 - Horn
  5. 5 - Not Used
  6. 6 - Not Used
  7. 7 - Cooling Fan #2
  8. 8 - Cooling Fan #3
  9. 9 - Cooling Fan
  10. 10 - ABS Main
  11. 11 - ABS Pump Motor
  12. 12 - Not Used
  13. 13 - Horn
  14. 14 - Flash to Pass

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: FUSE & RELAY PANEL IDENTIFICATION (UNDER REAR SEAT)
Scheme 9: FUSE & RELAY PANEL IDENTIFICATION (UNDER REAR SEAT)

Scheme 10

Scheme 10
Scheme 10

Fuse & Relay Identification

  1. 1 - Interior Lamp Relay (1995) Not Used (1996)
  2. 2 - Electronic Level Control Relay
  3. 3 - Trunk Release Relay
  4. 4 - Not Used
  5. 5 - Fuel Pump Relay
  6. 6 - Driver Door Unlock Relay
  7. 7 - Not Used
  8. 8 - Not Used
  9. 9 - Not Used
  10. 10 - Not Used
  11. 11 - Rear Window Defogger Relay (Lower Zone)
  12. 12 - Rear Window Defogger Relay (Upper Zone)
  13. 13 - Not Used
  14. 14 - Spare
  15. 15 - Spare
  16. 16 - Spare
  17. 17 - Not Used
  18. 18 - Not Used
  19. 19 - Not Used
  20. 20 - Not Used
  21. 21 - Not Used
  22. 22 - Not Used
  23. 23 - Direct Accessory Power - Accessory Relay
  24. 24 - Direct Accessory Power - Ignition Relay (1995) Open (1996)

Scheme 11

Scheme 11: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (UNDER REAR SEAT) - 1995
Scheme 11: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (UNDER REAR SEAT) - 1995
  1. 1 - Spare
  2. 2 - Spare
  3. 3 - Not Used
  4. 4 - Circuit Breaker - Power Windows, Sunroof
  5. 5 - Spare
  6. 6 - Spare
  7. 7 - Not Used
  8. 8 - Spare
  9. 9 - Spare
  10. 10 - Not Used
  11. 11 - Circuit Breaker - Power Seats
  12. 12 - Spare
  13. 13 - Spare
  14. 14 - Not Used
  15. 15 - Power Seats
  16. 16 - Circuit Breaker - Headlights
  17. 17 - HVAC Blower Motor
  18. 18 - Power Control Module, PASS-Key II
  19. 19 - Ignition 3
  20. 20 - Ignition 1
  21. 21 - Rear Defogger
  22. 22 - Trunk and Fuel Door Release
  23. 23 - Heated Seat
  24. 24 - Electronic Level Control, Instrument Panel
  25. 25 - Exterior Lamps
  26. 26 - Not Used
  27. 27 - Power Door Locks
  28. 28 - Interior Lamps
  29. 29 - Hazard Lights, Stop Lights
  30. 30 - Parking Lamps
  31. 31 - Not Used
  32. 32 - Back-up Lamps
  33. 33 - Fuel Door Release
  34. 34 - Trunk Release
  35. 35 - Battery Thermistor
  36. 36 - Instrument Panel #2
  37. 37 - Instrument Panel #1
  38. 38 - Electronic Level Control
  39. 39 - Fuel Pump

Scheme 12

Scheme 12: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (UNDER REAR SEAT) - 1996
Scheme 12: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (UNDER REAR SEAT) - 1996
  1. 1 - Spare
  2. 2 - Spare
  3. 3 - Not Used
  4. 4 - Circuit Breaker - Power Windows, Sunroof
  5. 5 - Spare
  6. 6 - Spare
  7. 7 - Not Used
  8. 8 - Spare
  9. 9 - Spare
  10. 10 - Not Used
  11. 11 - Circuit Breaker - Power Seats
  12. 12 - Spare
  13. 13 - Spare
  14. 14 - Not Used
  15. 15 - Power Seats
  16. 16 - Circuit Breaker - Headlights
  17. 17 - HVAC Blower Motor
  18. 18 - Power Control Module, PASS-Key II
  19. 19 - Ignition 3
  20. 20 - Ignition 1
  21. 21 - Rear Defogger
  22. 22 - Trunk and Fuel Door Release
  23. 23 - Heated Seat
  24. 24 - Electronic Level Control, Instrument Panel
  25. 25 - Exterior Lamps
  26. 26 - Not Used
  27. 27 - Power Door Locks
  28. 28 - Interior Lamps
  29. 29 - Hazard Lights, Stop Lights
  30. 30 - Parking Lamps
  31. 31 - Not Used
  32. 32 - Back-up Lamps
  33. 33 - Fuel Door Release
  34. 34 - Trunk Release
  35. 35 - Battery Thermistor
  36. 36 - Instrument Panel #2
  37. 37 - Instrument Panel #1
  38. 38 - Electronic Level Control
  39. 39 - Fuel Pump
  40. 40 - Spare
  41. 41 - Defog 2
  42. 42 - Defog 1