1999 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual
1999 Buick Riviera Manual
1999 Buick Riviera manual content summary:
- 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 1
yellowblue The 1999 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual 1-1 2-1 3-1 4-1 5-1 6-1 7-1 8-1 drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 2
yellowblue We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, the BUICK Emblem and the name RIVIERA are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 3
help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you'll find that pictures and words work together to explain things look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It's an alphabetical list of what's in the manual, and the page number where you'll find it - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 4
damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You'll also see warning labels on - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 5
WASHER BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM FUSE DOOR LOCK UNLOCK TURN SIGNALS LIGHTER PARKING LAMPS FASTEN SEAT BELTS WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER HORN BRAKE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER POWER WINDOW DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER COOLANT SPEAKER ENGINE OIL PRESSURE VENTILATING FAN FUEL AIR BAG - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 6
yellowblue NOTES vi - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 7
with air Center Passenger Position 1-29 1-33 1-36 1-39 1-52 1-55 1-55 1-56 Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 8
seat cushion by holding the front part of the horizontal control up or down. holding the rear part of the horizontal control up back by holding the horizontal control to the front or back. Power Lumbar Control (Option) If you have this option, the driver's and passenger's seatback lumbar support - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 9
a second driver, follow the preceding steps, but press the other side of the MEMORY switch. The EXIT button allows you to get out of the car easily. When the gear shift selector is in PARK (P) with the ignition on or off, push EXIT and the seat will go all the way - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 10
Control Mirror" in the Index. 2. Press the SET button on the driver's door armrest. You will hear one beep. 3. Within five seconds, press one of , which moves the seat completely down and back, follow these steps: 1. Press the SET button on the driver's door armrest. You will hear one beep. 2. - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 11
seat will warm up. The HI light on the button will come on. Reclining Front Seatbacks The front seatbacks can be adjusted by pressing the vertical control located on the side of the time to turn off the heated seat. The heater will also turn off automatically when the ignition is turned off. 1-5 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 12
this. The shoulder belt can't do its job. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can't do its job vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. But don't have a seatback reclined if your - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 13
could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat. Your seatback will move back and forth freely, unless you come to - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 14
part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you're not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 15
crash. If you do have a crash, you don't know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn't survive. But most crashes crashes buckling up does matter ...a lot! Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 16
yellowblue Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop. 1-10 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 17
yellowblue The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... or the instrument panel ... 1-11 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 18
are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you're in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That's true not - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 19
belts after a crash, see "Replacing Safety Belts" in the Index. Here's how to wear the lap-shoulder belt properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see "Seats" in the Index) so you can sit up straight. How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 20
if you ever had to. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there's - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 21
yellowblue Shoulder Belt Tightness Adjustment Your car has a shoulder belt tightness adjustment feature. If the shoulder belt seems too tight, adjust it before you begin to drive. 1. Sit well back in the seat. 2. Start pulling the shoulder belt out. 4. Let the belt go back all the way. You should - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 22
door, the belt will become tight again. If this happens, you can reset it. CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash , you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. Don't allow - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 23
yellowblue Q: What's wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 24
yellowblue Q: What's wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 25
yellowblue Q: What's wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn't have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 26
. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. A pregnant woman should - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 27
hurt in a crash. For pregnant back all the way and start again. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system. Your vehicle has "Next Generation" frontal air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 28
air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with Next Generation air bags. The driver should sit as far back see the part of this manual called "Children" and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger's safety - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 29
bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. How the Air Bag System Works The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See "Air Bag Readiness Light" in the Index for more information. Where are the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 30
that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don't put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don't attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering. The right front passenger's air bag is in the instrument panel on the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 31
vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. How does an - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 32
with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can't get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door. In many crashes severe - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 33
vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don't want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the Riviera Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 34
yellowblue Center Passenger Position Lap Belt If your vehicle has a bench seat, someone can sit in the center position. When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt. 1-28 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 35
yellowblue Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn't long enough, show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren't safety belted can be thrown out - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 36
't let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 1-30 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 37
on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 38
yellowblue CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 39
restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here's how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt: 1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip. 1-33 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 40
and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 41
the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Rotate the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed. 1-35 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 42
shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle's safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 43
its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a frontal crash, an infant in a rear-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant's body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 44
to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint. CAUTION: Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn't weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can't hold it. For example, in - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 45
it will be used. An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. It's an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed, make sure that the infant's head rests toward the center of the vehicle. 1-39 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 46
to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant's head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 47
. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat. 1-41 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 48
yellowblue A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle's safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 49
will show you how to do that. Both the owner's manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available if the right front passenger's air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear- - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 50
frontal air bags. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It's always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 51
shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 52
restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle's safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. 1-46 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 53
, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It's better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. You'll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 54
pulling it along the belt. 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 55
why: CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger's air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 56
part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 57
retractor to set the lock. 6. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle's safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 58
restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. D Children who aren't buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. D Children who aren't buckled up can strike other people who are. Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle's safety belts. 1-52 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 59
is very close to the child's face or neck? Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child's shoulder, so that in a crash the child's upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 60
yellowblue CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt's force would then be applied right on the child - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 61
are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing , have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 62
collision. If your seat adjuster won't work after a crash, the special part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the adjuster may need to be replaced. If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section. 1-56 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 63
Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) Shifting Out of PARK (P) Parking Over Things That Burn 2-32 2-32 2-33 2-34 2-35 2-40 2-43 2-46 2-52 2-58 2-58 2-60 2-64 2-68 Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You're Parked Windows Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 64
yellowblue Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in a vehicle with children. - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 65
the correct key code if you need a new ignition key. The door key is for the doors and all other locks. NOTICE: Your vehicle has a number of features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 66
be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren't locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle. There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 67
again, it will not lock automatically. Just use the manual or power lock to lock the door again. If you need to lock the doors before shifting out of PARK (P), use the manual or power lock button to lock the doors. Door Ajar Reminder If one of the doors on your vehicle is not closed properly, the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 68
advance by one, going from Mode 3 to 0 to 1, etc. NOTE: The door locks will cycle according to the mode entered while customizing memory door locks. (Mode "0" has no feedback.) 5. Release the power door lock switch. The memory door locks will remain in the most recent mode selected. This procedure - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 69
lock switch for more than three seconds, unless the engine is running. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from the inside. Then get out and close the door. If your vehicle has a theft-deterrent system, see "Universal Theft-Deterrent - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 70
subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 71
both doors will unlock. Pressing the UNLOCK button will also illuminate the interior lamps. See "Illuminated Entry" in the Index. Both doors will lock a key. D Check to determine if battery replacement or resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions that follow. vehicle. You may need to - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 72
for each transmitter. For more detailed information and programming instructions, refer to the Index for each individual feature listed is pressed, the headlamps, parking lamps, back-up lamps and cornering lamps will turn on in dark conditions. door locks to automatically lock or unlock when - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 73
and the transmitter will advance to the next mode. 5. Release the power door lock switch. This procedure changes the mode for only the transmitter used to Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 74
the battery: NOTICE: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred battery. Insert the new battery as the instructions under the cover indicate. 4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure no moisture can enter. 5. Test - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 75
all the way. See "Engine Exhaust" in the Index. Trunk Lock Release To unlock the trunk from the outside, turn the lock cover to expose the key hole. Insert the door key and turn it. Remote Trunk Release Press the TRUNK release button located below the driver's door handle to release the trunk lid - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 76
Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors. The trunk release lockout switch and take the key with you. Now the trunk release on the driver's door will not open the trunk. Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 77
. 3. Close both doors. The SECURITY light should go off after about 30 seconds. The security system is not armed until the SECURITY light is off. If the SECURITY light stays on or flashes when the ignition is turned on, there is a problem with the system and the vehicle should be serviced. If the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 78
the vehicle's lamps do not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an authorized service center. D If you don't want to activate the theft-deterrent system, lock the door either using a key or the manual door lock switch. D Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote keyless entry system - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 79
minutes, the starter won't work and fuel won't go to the engine. If someone tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key during this time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone from randomly trying different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 80
. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key II ignition key, see your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key II to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the Buick Premium Roadside Assistance Center at 1-800-252-1112. In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800. New Vehicle "Break-In" NOTICE: Your vehicle - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 81
power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in the vehicle with children. The key with the black plastic head operates the ignition lock. With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn the ignition switch to five different positions. ACCESSORY - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 82
wheel like LOCK and it doesn't send any electrical power to the accessories. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is not running. RUN (D): This is the position the switch returns to after you start the engine and release the switch. This is the position for driving - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 83
and astroroof (option). If you open a door, the retained accessory power is shut off. battery will discharge prematurely. Starting Your Engine Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 84
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 85
colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be that particular area. To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. Plug it - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 86
to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can't move - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 87
your vehicle back and forth wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is "racing" (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 88
accelerator all the way down. D Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy can damage your engine. B D when driving on hilly, - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 89
lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won't shift into FIRST (1) until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Parking Brake NOTICE: If your front wheels can't rotate, don't try to drive - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 90
follow. If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index. NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 91
vehicle with the engine running unless you have to. D Hold in the button on the lever. D Push the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle. have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 92
the Index. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may of PARK (P) you must fully apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 93
hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear you want. 5. Take your vehicle to an authorized service center as soon as you can. Parking Over Things That Burn CAUTION: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 94
yellowblue Engine Exhaust CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can't see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: D Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. D Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. D - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 95
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you've left the engine running . In addition, the passenger's door armrest has a switch for its own window. To lower the passenger's window, pull back on the right switch. The - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 96
. When the driver's AUTO switch is held rearward, Wheel Horn Nearly the entire surface of the center of the steering wheel is an active horn pad. Press the horn anywhere on the steering wheel pad to sound the horn. A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 97
or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically. An arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the direction of the turn or lane To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you complete your lane change. The - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 98
to help avoid an accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you lets you use your high-beam headlamps to signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass. To use it, pull hold the lever toward you. The high-beam indicator on the dash will also come on. Release the lever to turn the high- - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 99
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the blade inserts. Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear away snow or ice to prevent - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 100
yellowblue When the vehicle has a low fluid condition, the WASHER FLUID LOW light will come on to remind you to get more washer fluid soon. When you apply your brakes, the cruise control shuts off. CAUTION: D Cruise control can be dangerous where you can't drive safely at a steady speed. So, don't - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 101
release it. The CRUISE light on the instrument panel will come on. 4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Resuming a Set Speed Setting the cruise control at a desired speed and then applying the brake will end the cruise control function. Once you're going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 102
have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this to be too much trouble and don't use cruise control - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 103
D Interior Courtesy Lamps Daytime Running Lamps Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but the ignition off, remove the key from the ignition and open the driver's door. 2-41 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 104
, your lamps will remain on for three minutes after you turn off your engine. If you move the control toward AUTO MIN, the lamps will go off quickly when you turn off your engine. You can set this delay time for only a few seconds or up to three minutes. Light Sensor Your twilight - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 105
make it easy for you to enter and leave the car. To turn on these lamps without opening the door, turn the headlamp knob to the right. Theater Dimming the interior lamps will come on for 25 seconds after you remove the key from the ignition. This will give you time to find the door pull handle or - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 106
remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the headlamps, parking lamps, back-up lamps and cornering lamps will come on if it is dark Perimeter lighting is disabled and the horn will chirp one time. 5. Release the door lock switch. The perimeter lighting option is now off. To turn the feature on - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 107
, the exterior lamps will stay on until you manually turn them off. If the feature is enabled for the interior and exterior lamps, all lamps should turn off at approximately the same time. These lamps and the interior courtesy lamps will come on when you open a door, and turn off when you turn the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 108
to its clear daytime state when the glare is reduced. When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up or down and side to side. The day/night adjustment allows you to - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 109
Time Delay The automatic mirror has a time delay feature which prevents unnecessary switching from the night back to the day position. This delay prevents rapid changing of the mirror as you drive under lights and through traffic. Cleaning the Photocells Use a cotton swab and glass cleaner to clean - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 110
the compass. Such interference may be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic note pad holder or a similar magnetic item. Compass Calibration If the compass heading. D Drive the vehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display reads a direction, or D Drive the vehicle on your - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 111
appears in the display. After you stop pressing the button, the display will show a compass direction within a few seconds. (This is the automatic calibration mode. Drive in a circle to calibrate the mirror. See "Compass Calibration" explained previously.) 2-49 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 112
. Your vehicle has an electric mirror control located on the driver's door armrest. Move the inner switch to the right (R) or left (L) the four arrow buttons to move the mirror in the direction desired. To enable this feature, move the power remote mirror switch to the left (L) or center position. - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 113
yellowblue Convex Outside Mirror Your passenger's side mirror is convex. A convex mirror's surface is curved so you can see more from the driver's seat. Heated Outside Rearview Mirror When you operate the rear window defogger, a defogger also warms the heated driver's and passenger's outside - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 114
front of the glove box door. 1. Push the extended tab (above the GARAGE button) or insert a screwdriver between the tab and outer edge of the cover. The garage door opener cover will flip down. Garage Door Opener Compartment The garage door instructions will help you install your garage door - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 115
3033 Button 1 2 3 4 MULTIELMAC MULTIELMAC MULTIELMAC MULTIELMAC 1048 1087 3060 1098 1 1 1 1 2 OVERHEAD DOOR OO OVERHEAD OO DOOR OVERHEAD DOOR OO 1-BTN 223 1 Vehicle Console Door Position For Adapter(s) - 6 6 - 4 5 6 5 7 1 OR 10 Number Of Adapter(s) - 3 3 - 2 2 4 2 2 3 PULSAR 931 1 4 3 Your - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 116
9R ESP-T-9 3010 3089 3070 3032 1054 3034 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 4 Vehicle Console Door Position For Adapter(s) 10 8 3 1 10 8 3 1 6 6 6 4 6 6 6 6 - 6 6 - Number Of Adapter(s) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 - 3 3 - Your Garage Door Transmitter Name PULSAR Model 832 Button 1 2 PULSAR PULSAR 833 832C - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 117
. Line up the transmitter button with the height adapters. 5. Close the cover and test the GARAGE button. If your garage door opener doesn't work after it is installed, try another combination. The front storage armrest has space for compact disc and cassette storage, and a removable coinholder - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 118
Console Cupholder Compact Disc Storage The center console has a dual cupholder in front of the shift lever. To use the cupholder, push forward on the covered area and the slot, and your compact disc will extend from the storage space. Push the dropped door back in to store your compact disc. 2-56 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 119
above the compact disc storage area. Press on the panel door to reveal the ashtray and cigarette lighter. The front center ashtray may be lifted out for cleaning. Press the tabs on each side of the ashtray and pull up to remove. It snaps back into place. Rear Ashtray To remove the rear ashtray - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 120
center mount and swing them to the side, while the auxiliary visor remains to block out glare from the front. OnStarR System (Option) Your vehicle may be equipped with the OnStar communications service. The following services of Air Bag Deployment D Concierge/Customer Conveniences Services NOTE: - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 121
Handles An assist handle above each door convenience. Garment hooks are not designed to support clothing bars. Use assist handles for this if possible. Rear License can be opened manually. To close the glass panel, press and hold the switch forward. The sunshade must be closed manually. Once the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 122
with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this battery and charging system. Programming the Universal Transmitter Do not use the Universal Transmitter with any garage door - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 123
Your vehicle's engine should be turned indicator light starts to flash rapidly. If you have trouble programming the Universal Transmitter, make sure that you have . The Universal Transmitter may not work with older garage door openers that do not meet current Federal Consumer Safety Standards - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 124
recognize the Universal Transmitter. Refer to your garage door opener owner's manual for the proper transmitter training procedure for your garage door opener brand. 1. Find the training button on the garage door opener motor head unit. The exact location and color of the button may vary by garage - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 125
opener motor head unit. Check that the training was successful. The garage door opener should now recognize the Universal Transmitter. You may either use the Universal Transmitter or the hand-held transmitter to open the garage door. If after following these instructions, you still have problems - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 126
yellowblue The Instrument Panel - Your Information System 2-64 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 127
of your instrument panel are: A. Warning Lights B. Tachometer C. Fuel Gage D. Engine Temperature Gage E. Speedometer F. Warning Lights G. Climate Controls H. Audio System I. Headlamp/Instrument Panel Intensity Control/Twilight Sentinel J. Hood Release K. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever L. Steering - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 128
running. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages. You'll know how fast you're going, how much fuel you're using, and many other things you'll need to know to drive safely and economically. 2-66 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 129
can tell you how many miles you have driven since you last reset it back to zero. To reset the trip odometer, push the TRIP RESET button. Tachometer The tachometer tells you how fast the engine is running. It displays engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). NOTICE: Do not operate the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 130
, some warning lights come on briefly when you start the engine just to let you know they're working. If you driving, or when one of the gages shows there may be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 131
once. To save your battery until you get there, turn off all accessories, and set your climate control system to OFF. If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 132
go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See "Towing Your Vehicle" in the Index.) CAUTION: Your brake system may not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 133
you're driving, your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system warning light isn't on, you still have brakes, but you don't have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, you don't have anti-lock brakes and there's a problem with your regular brakes. See "Brake - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 134
, your vehicle needs service. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn the engine off as soon as possible. The "Problems on the Road" section in this manual explains what to do. See "Engine Overheating" in the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 135
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. The "Problems on the Road" section in this manual explains what to do. See "Engine Overheating" in the Index. If the coolant level is - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 136
Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel economy may not - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 137
-- A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required. D D D D Reducing vehicle speed. Avoiding hard accelerations. Avoiding steep uphill - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 138
as designed since small amounts of air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly. See "Filling Your Tank" in the Index. It will take a few driving trips to turn the light off - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 139
yellowblue Oil Pressure Light This light tells you if there could be a problem with your engine oil pressure. NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your warranty. Check Oil Level Light When this light comes on and stays on, it means oil isn - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 140
(P). Door Ajar Light When the ignition is on, this light will stay on until both doors are closed and completely latched. Cruise Light The CRUISE light comes on when you set your cruise control. See "Cruise Control" in the Index. Fuel Gage The fuel gage shows about how much fuel is in your tank - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 141
do not indicate anything wrong with the fuel gage. Low Fuel Light A light near the Empty (E) mark on the fuel gage comes on when your vehicle is low on fuel. You have less than 3 gallons (11.7 L) remaining in your fuel tank. D At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads Full - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 142
yellowblue NOTES 2-80 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 143
Air Conditioning Heating Defogging and Defrosting Rear Window Defogger Passenger Zone Comfort Control Ventilation System Steering Wheel Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control Theft-Deterrent Feature Audio Steering Wheel Controls (Option) Understanding Radio Reception Tips About Your Audio System - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 144
, FAN and AIR FLOW. The display will show fan speed, comfort level setting and airflow direction for a few seconds whenever AUTO is selected, there is a problem with the system and you should see your dealer for service. Sun and temperature sensors automatically adjust the air temperature, the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 145
the up arrow on the AIR FLOW button to cycle through the available modes. Automatic Operation Press the AUTO button when you want the system to automatically adjust the interior temperature to your preference. When the system is set for automatic operation, air will come from the floor, middle or - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 146
system always allows fresh air to flow through the interior when the vehicle is moving even with the system in the OFF mode. VENT: The VENT button allows outside air to flow through your vehicle without the air conditioning compressor working. Selecting VENT and the AUTO button at the same - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 147
to avoid blowing cold air. Pushing the FAN, AIR FLOW or FRONT buttons will override this delay, turn off the AUTO mode and change the fan speed. Air Conditioning On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let the hot air out. This reduces the time required to cool the interior of the vehicle - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 148
conditions. Select the FRONT button to defrost the windshield. By choosing this button, the airflow will be directed at the windshield. Adjust your comfort level by pressing the TEMP up or down arrow of your rear window could cut and damage the heater. Your warranty would not cover this damage. Don't - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 149
by turning the COMFORT CONTROL knob on the passenger's door. Adjust the temperature by turning the COMFORT CONTROL knob toward this part of the system. Ventilation System When the vehicle is moving, fresh air flows through the air outlets. When the vehicle is not moving, you can get fresh air - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 150
. You can also adjust the direction of the airflow to the rear seating area. Ventilation Tips D Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other obstruction such as leaves. The heater and defroster will work better, reducing the chance of fogging your windows. objects. This helps - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 151
controls, to be sure you're getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it. Steering Wheel Controls for Climate Control (Option) If your vehicle has this feature, described above. TEMP: Press either arrow once and the current comfort setting will be displayed. Press the up - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 152
. The sound will mute while seeking. SCAN: Press one of the SEEK arrows for two seconds and SCAN will appear on the display. Use SCAN to a few seconds, then go on to the next station. Press one of the SEEK arrows again to stop scanning. The sound will mute while scanning. Playing the Radio VOLUME: - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 153
until this function is complete. To return to the stations you manually set, press AUTO SET again. Setting the Tone BASS: Press this knob lightly so is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. Push these knobs back into their stored positions when you're not using them. TONE: This feature - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 154
front or rear speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. Push these knobs back tape is inserted. The display will show an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing and provide it to your dealer when reporting the problem. PREV (1): Press this button to search for - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 155
work. The sound will mute while seeking. The SEEK down and up arrows will also find the previous and next selections on the tape. SOURCE: reverse the tape rapidly. "" (4): Press this button to advance quickly to another part of the tape. Press the button again to return to playing speed. The radio - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 156
or RECALL. If you're driving on a very rough road the display. When things get back to normal, the disc should The SEEK down and up arrows will also find the previous E20: There's too much moisture in the air. (Wait about an hour and try your dealer when reporting the problem. PREV (1): Press this - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 157
it will be pulled back in the player condition anytime battery power is removed. If your battery loses power for any reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret code before it will operate. Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature The instructions 000 to 1999 and keep it in - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 158
yellowblue 4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down until --- shows on the display. Next you will use the secret code number which you have written down. 5. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 6. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree with your code. 7. Press HRS to - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 159
display. The radio will remain secured until the correct code is entered. When battery power is removed and later applied to a secured radio, the radio won't up arrow to increase the set temperature on your comfort control system or the down arrow to decrease the temperature. Audio Steering Wheel - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 160
go to a lower frequency station and the SEEK up arrow to go to a higher frequency station. Understanding Radio Reception AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 161
the use of a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle's engine, Delco Electronics radio or other systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 162
in good condition before you have your tape player serviced. Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs , wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs mechanism. Power Antenna Mast Care Your power antenna will look its best and work - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 163
or need to be cleaned. In either case, lower the antenna by hand by carefully pressing the antenna down. If the mast portion of your antenna is damaged, you can easily replace it. See your dealership for a replacement kit and follow the instructions in the kit. NOTICE: NOTICE: Don't lubricate the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 164
yellowblue NOTES 3-22 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 165
roads and in varying weather conditions. We've also included many other useful tips on driving. 4-2 4-3 4-6 4-6 4-10 4-12 4-13 4-14 4-15 4-17 Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering Off-Road Recovery Passing Loss of Control Driving at Night Driving in Rain and on Wet - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 166
vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task -- such as concentrating on a cellular telephone call, reading, or reaching for something on the floor -- makes proper - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 167
consumed D The drinker's body weight D The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, over - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 168
reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. The law quickly the person drinks them. But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 169
yellowblue The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in the collision. There's something else about drinking and driving that many people don't know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person's system can make crash injuries worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 170
the surface of the road (whether it's pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied. Sometimes, as when you're driving on snow or ice, it's easy to ask more of those control - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 171
skid. When you start your engine and begin to drive away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you may even notice that your brake pedal moves a little. This is normal. If there's a problem with the anti-lock - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 172
to make the most of available tire and road conditions. Here's how anti-lock works. Let's say the road is wet. You're driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here's what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 173
. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. You may feel or hear the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 174
power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any time by driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 175
conditions you'll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 176
, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 177
or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. start to accelerate but stay in Drive ahead." Look down the road, to the sides and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. D If other cars - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 178
. In the braking skid, your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid is best handled by easing - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 179
to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking (including engine braking by shifting - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 180
the inability to see in dim light -- and aren't even aware of it. D Drive defensively. D Don't drink and drive. D Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. D wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you're 4-16 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 181
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire keep your windshield wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 182
or other vehicles, and raindrops "dimple" the water's surface, there could be hydroplaning. Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can't, try to slow down before - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 183
Driving Driving Through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine's air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive view restricted by road spray. "Tires" in the Index.) One of the biggest problems with - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 184
cross-country trip. D Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You'll save time and energy. (See the next part, "Freeway Driving.") D Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 185
a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily drive in. Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it's ready to go. If it needs service - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 186
Blades: Are they in good shape? D Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? D Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? D Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 187
CAUTION: If you don't shift down, your brakes could get so hot that they wouldn't work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let your engine assist your brakes on a steep downhill slope. Driving on steep hills or mountains is different - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 188
't work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Always have your engine running and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill. roads in hills or mountains. Don't swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 189
a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you properly - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 190
and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may driving to the road conditions. See "Traction Control System" in the Index. If you don't have the traction control system, accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 191
improve your vehicle's stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, you'll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See "Anti-Lock" in the Index. If You're Caught in a - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 192
extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats -- anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm. You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful. 4-28 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 193
as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 194
Loading Your Vehicle To tow your vehicle, follow these steps: 1. Put the front wheels on a dolly. 2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P). 3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key. 4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing. 5. Release the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 195
load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. The other - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 196
in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. D Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability and fuel economy. - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 197
part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, wheel 'll be driving. A good - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 198
information or advice, or you can write us at: Buick Motor Division Customer Relations Center P.O. Box 5039 Troy, MI 48007-5039 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Weight of the Trailer Tongue The - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 199
rear edge of the driver's door, or see "Loading Your Vehicle from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains Brakes Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle (see " - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 200
road, you'll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 201
lanes or stop. When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even 't shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no maintain posted speeds, driving at a lower speed may help avoid overheating your engine and transaxle. Parking - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 202
service more often when you're pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don't overfill), engine oil, drive belts, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 203
on the Road Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. 5-2 5-3 5-3 5-8 5-9 Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating 5-11 5-17 5-17 5-27 5-28 Cooling System If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire Compact - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 204
Press down on the button located on top of the steering column to make your front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. The hazard light on the flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off. 5-2 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 205
vehicle. NOTICE: Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered by your warranty. The ACDelco FreedomR battery in your vehicle has a built-in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks clear or light yellow. Replace - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 206
setting the parking brake. 3. Turn off hoods and locate the batteries. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) terminal for this purpose. (The battery is under the back seat.) CAUTION: An electric fan can start up even when the engine - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 207
. Don't connect positive (+) to negative (-) or you'll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts too. CAUTION: Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 208
metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the remote positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. 8. Now connect the black negative (-) cable to the good - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 209
the negative cable doesn't go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery. 11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won't start after a few tries, it probably needs service. 12. Remove the cables in reverse order to - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 210
posted speeds. D Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured. D Never get under styles and design, it is essential that the correct towing equipment is used to tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel-lift or car-carrier equipment. Consult your dealer or a professional towing service - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 211
and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 212
, try this for a minute or so: 1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off. If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan speed - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 213
is boiling, don't do anything else until it cools down. A. Radiator Pressure Cap B. Two Electric Engine Cooling Fans C. Coolant Recovery Tank CAUTION: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 214
could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle. NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX-COOLR (silicate-free) coolant. If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 215
of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOLR engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank. (See "Engine Coolant" in the Index for more information.) NOTICE: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 216
CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine. When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at FULL COLD, start your vehicle. If the overheat warning - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 217
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. 3. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. (See "Engine Coolant" in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mixture.) 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to FULL COLD. 5-15 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 218
5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off. 7. By cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on the pressure cap line up like this. 6. Start the engine - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 219
you're driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 220
and Tools The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire. The equipment you'll need is in the trunk. Instructions for changing your tires are on the inside of the tire cover. You can rest the cover near you for easy reference while you change - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 221
the retainer assembly. 3. Remove the spare tire from the trunk. Removing the Wheel Cover The tools you'll be using include the jack (A) and wheel wrench (B). Your vehicle has a wheel cover which must be taken off to reach the wheel nuts. Insert the flat end of the wrench into the notch in the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 222
the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 3. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the jack lift head until it fits under the vehicle. 1. Position the wheel wrench securely over the wheel nuts to loosen, but don't remove them yet. 2. Attach the wheel wrench to the bolt on the end of the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 223
be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. CAUTION: 4. Near each wheel well is a notch in the frame to position the jack head. You'll find the word JACK and an arrow stamped into the plastic near each notch. Position the jack under the vehicle - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 224
enough room for the spare tire to fit. 6. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 225
held against the hub. If a nut cannot be tightened by hand, use the wheel wrench and see your dealer right away. CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident. 8. Place the spare on the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 226
firmly in a criss-cross sequence as shown. CAUTION: 10. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 227
yellowblue NOTICE: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. 12. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you have the flat tire - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 228
or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. Store the compact spare tire and tools as shown in the diagram. The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace the compact spare tire with a full size tire as soon as you can. See "Compact Spare - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 229
was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 230
off. (See "Traction Control System" in the Index.) Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in gear. By slowly spinning - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 231
yellowblue NOTES 5-29 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 232
yellowblue NOTES 5-30 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 233
6-25 6-26 6-29 6-31 Service Fuel Filling Your Tank Filling a Portable Fuel Container Checking Things Under the Hood Engine Oil Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Supercharger Oil Automatic Transaxle Fluid Radiator Pressure Cap Engine Coolant Windshield Washer Fluid Brakes Battery Bulb Replacement 6-39 6-47 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 234
get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. We hope you'll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks: Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you'll want to use the proper service manual. It tells - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 235
knocking noise when you drive. (In an engine needs service. test. (See "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" in the Index.) If this occurs, return to your authorized Buick dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 236
turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized Buick dealer for service. To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 237
if you're near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoline. The release button is on the driver's door below the inside door handle. The cap is behind a hinged door on the driver's side of your vehicle. 6-5 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 238
the trunk compartment, on the driver's side of the vehicle. While refueling, hang the tethered cap in the notch on the fuel door. To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right. 6-6 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 239
it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any "hiss" noise to stop. Then unscrew the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 240
Container CAUTION: Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in your vehicle. Static electricity complete. D Don't smoke while pumping gasoline. Checking Things Under the Hood CAUTION: An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 241
vehicle to open the hood. The handle is located on the lower left side of the instrument panel, next to the parking brake release. Then go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary hood release. It is under the front edge of the grille, slightly right of center as you face the vehicle - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 242
hood on the 3800 Supercharged engine, here's what you will see: A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir B. Remote Positive Battery Terminal C. Radiator Pressure Cap D. Engine Oil Dipstick E. Oil Fill Cap F. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick G. Brake Master Cylinder H. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 243
designed to pump more air into the engine than it would normally use. This air, mixed with fuel, creates increased engine power. Since the supercharger is a pump and is driven from an engine accessory drive belt, increased pressure is available at all driving conditions. The Powertrain Control - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 244
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is hatched area that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged. Add engine oil at the engine oil fill cap next to the oil dipstick. Be sure to - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 245
yellowblue What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be the Starburst symbol on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute certified for gasoline engines. You should also use - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 246
. D You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle. D The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial application. Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you need to - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 247
into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help. As you face the front of the vehicle, the engine air cleaner is in - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 248
Maintenance Services" in the Index. CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't drive with - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 249
technically qualified and have the proper tools, you should let your dealer or a qualified service center perform this maintenance. How to Check and Add Oil Check oil only when the engine is cold. Allow the engine to cool two to three hours after running. CAUTION: If you remove the supercharger - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 250
these conditions: If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 251
than 50_F (10_C), you may have to drive longer. Checking the Fluid Level 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again. D Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. in PARK (P). D With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever D With - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 252
is obtained, push the dipstick back in all the way. Radiator Pressure Cap NOTICE: Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 253
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see "Engine Overheating" in the Index. D D D D D Give DEX-COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner -- at 30, - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 254
. NOTICE: If you use an improper coolant mixture, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. If you have to add coolant more than four - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 255
should be up to FULL HOT or a little higher. Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never turn the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 256
system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired. The power steering fluid reservoir is located below the generator and behind the accessory drive belt. Power Steering Fluid How to Check Power Steering Fluid When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and the top of - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 257
cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add washer fluid until the tank is full. NOTICE: D When using concentrated washer fluid, D follow the manufacturer's instructions fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water doesn't clean as well as washer fluid. Fill your washer fluid tank only three - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 258
light will come on. A chime will sound if you try to drive with this warning light on. See "Brake System Warning Light" in the Index. Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver's side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. There are only two reasons why the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 259
area around the cap before removing it. This will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir. NOTICE: D Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 260
). Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 261
are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes can change -- for the worse. The braking performance you've come to expect can change in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts. The battery is located under the rear seat cushion. To access - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 262
drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery from running down. CAUTION: Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas outlets (C) on each side of the battery, and the vent assembly grommet (D) must be secured to the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 263
to read and follow the instructions on the bulb package. A. Headlamp B. Front Turn Signal The entire front headlamp assembly must be removed to replace the headlamps. If more hand clearance is required, you may find it easier to remove the engine air cleaner/filter assembly before replacing bulbs - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 264
cleaner assembly, see Steps 1 through 3 earlier in this section. See "Air Cleaner" in the Index. The passenger's side high-beam headlamp access area is next to the radiator pressure cap. The passenger's side low-beam headlamp access area is to the right and slightly behind the high beam area. The - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 265
between the high-beam area and the air cleaner. 1. Loosen the two bolts bulb socket one-quarter of a turn toward the center of the engine compartment, while pressing it firmly. 5. Turn the bulb , we recommend that you take it to your dealer for service; however, it is possible for you to re-aim your - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 266
There should not be any cargo or loading of the D Close all doors. D Tires should be properly inflated. D Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension. 6-34 work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done. vehicle, except it should have a full tank of fuel and one person or 160 lbs. (75 kg) on the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 267
yellowblue Taillamps/Rear Turn Signal/Back-Up Lamps 2. Turn the vertical aiming screw (C) until the level bubble (D) is lined up with zero. Front Turn Signal Lamps The turn signal bulb is located in the front fascia. 1. Remove the panel on the underside of the bulb assembly by pulling the two - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 268
yellowblue To access them, do the following: 1. Remove the screws that secure the trunk trim over the taillamp area. 2. Remove the plastic wing nuts that hold the taillamp assembly in place. 6-36 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 269
vehicle carefully, to avoid scratching the paint. The taillamp has safety straps to help you hold the assembly while replacing the bulbs. The following instructions explain how to change each bulb. 1. Remove the bulb socket assembly by squeezing the plastic lock and turning it one-quarter of a turn - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 270
yellowblue Interior Lamps Front and Rear Reading Lamps To change the bulbs in the front and rear reading lamps, do Snap the lens cover back in place. 2. Pull the bulb straight out to remove it from the socket. 3. Install a new bulb into the socket. Reverse the instructions to replace the socket - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 271
section 7 of this manual under Part B "Owner Checks and Services" for more information. Buick Warranty booklet for details. CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. D Overloading your tires can cause overheating as a result of too much friction. You could have an air - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 272
D Bad handling D Bad fuel economy. If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get the following: D Unusual wear D Bad handling D Rough Information label, which is located on the rear edge of the driver's door, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they're cold. - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 273
inflated even when they're underinflated. Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See "Wheel Nut - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 274
New Tires CAUTION: Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 275
proper endurance, handling, speed rating, traction, ride and other things during normal service on your handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same size and type tires on all wheels. It's all right to drive - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 276
Motors passenger cars and light conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 277
. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The temperature grade for - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 278
wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose control. You could have a collision in which you or others could be injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 279
type chains that are the proper size for your tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain manufacturer's instructions. If you can hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 280
dry. Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet Your dealer has two cleaners, Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner and Capture Non-Solvent Dry Spot and Soil Remover for cleaning Index.) Here are some cleaning tips: D D D D Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 281
as catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine and blood can be removed as follows: 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the soiled area with cool water. 2. If a stain remains, follow the multi-purpose interior cleaner instructions described earlier - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 282
windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry. CAUTION: Do household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. (See "Appearance Care and Materials" in the Index.) Don - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 283
Powder (non-scratching glass cleaning powder), GM Part No. 1050011. The windshield is clean if beads on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Washing Your Vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Use a car washing soap. Don't use strong soaps or chemical - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 284
yellowblue Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under "Washing Your Vehicle." NOTICE: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may dull the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 285
the surface. Do not use chrome polish on any wheels other than chrome-plated wheels. Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off immediately after application. Don't take your vehicle through an automatic car wash that has silicon carbide - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 286
paint job causes this, Buick will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12 are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and exhaust system even though - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 287
black marks from whitewalls Cleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops Removes dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints Protects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas , plastic, rubber and vinyl Cleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels and floor mats General Motors Parts Department for these products. - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 288
vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver's side. You can see it if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts labels and the certificates of title and registration - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 289
bag system. Before attempting to add anything electrical to your vehicle, see "Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle" in the Index. Windshield Wiper Fuses The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy snow or ice, the wipers will stop - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 290
combination of fuses and circuit breakers. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band is identical size and rating. If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a spare fuse, door. There is an underhood electrical center and two other fuse panels located under the rear seat - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 291
Fuse Block Fuse 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Usage Air Bag Injectors Anti-Lock Brake System Left Exterior Lamps Turn Signal Lamps Oxygen Sensor Climate Control Right Exterior Lamps HVAC Relay MAF Auxiliary Power Interior Lamps Chime TMNSS Cruise Control Perimeter Lights Not Used 6-59 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 292
yellowblue Fuse 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Usage Not Used Radio Cooling Fan Not Used Not Used Windshield Wipers Flat Pack Motor PCM Cigarette Lighter Crank HVAC Blower Engine Compartment Fuse Block 6-60 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 293
12 13 14 Usage Air Conditioning Compressor Not Used Not Used Horn Not Used Not Used Cooling Fan #2 Cooling Fan #3 Cooling Fan ABS Main ABS Pump Motor Not Used Horn Not Used The battery and main fuse boxes are located under the rear seat cushion. The battery's ground terminal and some relay wires are - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 294
front of the vehicle. To Reinstall the Rear Seat Cushion CAUTION: A safety belt that isn't properly routed through the seat cushion or is twisted won't provide the protection needed in a crash the seatback so the rear locating guides hook into the wire loops on the back frame. 3. With the seat - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 295
Fuse 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17-22 23 24 Usage Open Electronic Level Control Trunk Release Relay Open Fuel Pump Relay Driver Door Unlock Relay Open Rear Defogger Relay (Upper Zone) Rear Defogger Relay (Lower Zone) Open Spare Spare Spare Open Direct Accessory Power - Accessory Open 6-63 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 296
17 18 19 20 Usage Spare Open Breaker - Power Windows/Sunroof Spare Open Spare Open Breaker - Power Seats Spare Open Power Seat Breaker-Headlamps HVAC Blower Motor Powertrain Control Module/PASS-KeyR II Ignition 3 Ignition 1 6-64 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 297
Panel Exterior Lamps Open Power Door Locks Interior Lamps Hazard Lamps/Stoplamps Parking Lamps Heated Mirror Fuse 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 Usage Open Fuel Door Release Trunk Release Battery Thermistor Instrument Panel #2 Instrument Panel #1 Heated Seats Fuel Pump Open RR Defog 2 RR Defog - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 298
13.0 quarts (12.3 L) Engine Crankcase Oil change with filter change ...4.5 quarts (4.3 L) Fuel Tank ...18.5 gallons (70.0 L) Wheel Nut Torque ...100 lb-ft (140 N·m) Tire Pressure See Tire-Loading Information label on the rear edge of the driver's door. R-134a Air Conditioning See refrigerant charge - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 299
A-1096C Engine Oil Filter ...AC Type PF-47 Fuel Filter ...AC Type GF-627 Radiator Cap ...RC27 Spark Plugs ...AC Type 41-921* Gap 0.060 inch (1.52 mm) *Replaces original spark plug NGK Type PTR4B-15. Windshield Wiper Blades Type ...6.32 pin Length ...22 inches (56 cm) Air Conditioning Refrigerants - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 300
Supercharged 3800 V6 engine uses two accessory drive belts. One belt drives the generator, power steering pump, coolant pump and air conditioning compressor. The second belt drives the supercharger. Each belt has its own tensioner and idler pulley. 1. Front Belt 2. Back Belt A. Generator B. Power - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 301
yellowblue NOTES 6-69 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 302
yellowblue NOTES 6-70 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 303
22 Introduction How this Section is Organized Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance 7-31 7-35 7-36 7-38 Part B: Owner Checks and Services Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 304
vehicle in good condition, please maintain your vehicle properly. How This Section is Organized This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts: Have you dealer for details. "Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services" shows what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 305
service department or another qualified service center should perform. "Part , be sure to write it down in this part. This will help you determine when your next maintenance get the service information. See "Service and Owner Publications" in the Index. "Part B: Owner Checks and Services" tells - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 306
yellowblue Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Using Your Maintenance Schedule We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don't know exactly how you'll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 307
Cleaner Filter Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions. Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection. Supercharger Oil Check (or every 36 months, whichever occurs first) (3800 Code 1 V6 engine only). Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 308
occurs first) (3800 Code 1 V6 engine only). Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection. Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle Service (severe conditions only). Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection. Every 100,000 Miles - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 309
brake cable guides and the underbody contact points and linkage. + A good time to check your brakes is during tire rotation. See "Brake System Inspection" under "Periodic Maintenance Inspections" in Part C of this schedule. Footnotes [ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 310
BY: 9,000 Miles (15 000 km) An Emission Control Service. j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 12,000 Miles (20 000 km) An Emission Control Service. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 311
for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. j Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 312
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 24,000 Miles (40 000 km) DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 27,000 Miles (45 000 km) An Emission Control Service. j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). DATE - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 313
footnote #.) j Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. j Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 33,000 Miles (55 000 km) An Emission Control Service. j Change engine oil and filter - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 314
. (See footnote +.) 36,000 Miles (60 000 km) DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 39,000 Miles (65 000 km) An Emission Control Service. j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 315
). An Emission Control Service. j Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote[.) 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 48,000 Miles (80 000 km) j Change engine oil and filter (or - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 316
use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166 000 km). 51,000 Miles (85 000 km) An Emission Control Service. j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 317
every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) j Inspect engine accessory drive belt. An Emission Control Service. j Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. j Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) DATE - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 318
: 69,000 Miles (115 000 km) An Emission Control Service. j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 72,000 Miles (120 000 km) An Emission Control Service. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 319
for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. j Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 320
BY: 84,000 Miles (140 000 km) DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 87,000 Miles (145 000 km) An Emission Control Service. j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 321
pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) j Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. j Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket 93,000 Miles (155 000 km) An Emission Control Service. j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 322
j Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). j Inspect spark plug wires. An Emission Control Service. j Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service. j Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 323
refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See "Engine Coolant" in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling system and pressure cap. An Emission Control Service. SERVICED BY: 7-21 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 324
brake cable guides and the underbody contact points and linkage. + A good time to check your brakes is during tire rotation. See "Brake System Inspection" under "Periodic Maintenance Inspections" in Part C of this schedule. Footnotes [ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 325
additional information. (See footnote +.) 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: j Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. j Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 326
footnote +.) j Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. j Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 37,500 Miles (62 500 km) An Emission Control Service. j Change engine oil and filter - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 327
footnote +.) j Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. j Lubricate chassis SERVICED BY: 50,000 Miles (83 000 km) j Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 328
doing frequent trailer towing. - Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166 000 km). j Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 329
footnote +.) Inspect engine accessory drive belt. An Emission Control Service. Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage. Replace parts as needed. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 330
information. (See footnote +.) 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: j Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. j Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 331
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) j Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. j Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket 97,500 Miles (162 500 km) j Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 332
or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See "Engine Coolant" in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap. An Emission Control Service. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 7-30 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 333
further details. Power Antenna Service Clean power antenna mast. See "Audio Systems" in the Index for further details. At Each Fuel Fill It is important for you or a service station attendant to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill. Engine Oil Level Check Check the engine oil level and - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 334
opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not Part D. Body Lubrication Service Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, glove box door, console door and any folding seat hardware. Part - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 335
the regular brake. NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service. CAUTION - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 336
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only. With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes. front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move. Underbody Flushing Service - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 337
, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking. Exhaust System Inspection Inspect the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 338
Coolant" in the Index. USAGE Hydraulic Brake System Windshield Washer Solvent Parking Brake Cable Guides FLUID/LUBRICANT Delco Supreme 11R Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 12377967 or equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid). GM OptikleenR Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 1051515) or equivalent. Chassis Lubricant (GM - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 339
equivalent). Chassis Lubrication Glove Box Door, Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Console Door SuperlubeR (GM Part and Folding Seat No. 12346241 or equivalent). Hardware Weatherstrip Conditioning Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent). Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 340
yellowblue Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from "Owner Checks and Services" or "Periodic Maintenance" can be added - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 341
yellowblue Maintenance Record DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED 7-39 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 342
yellowblue Maintenance Record DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED 7-40 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 343
yellowblue Maintenance Record DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED 7-41 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 344
yellowblue Maintenance Record DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED 7-42 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 345
Buick if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects. 8-2 8-4 8-4 8-5 8-6 8-6 8-7 Customer Satisfaction Procedure Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users Customer General Motors Ordering Service and Owner Publications - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 346
yellowblue Customer Satisfaction Procedure Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Buick. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer's sales or service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 347
the Buick Customer Relations Center by calling 1-800-521-7300. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Auto Line Program to enforce any additional rights you may have. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for information on the Canadian Motor - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 348
address: BBB Auto Line Council of Customer Assistance Offices Buick encourages customers to call the toll-free number for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to write to Buick, the letter should be addressed to Buick's Customer Relations Center. United States Buick Customer Relations Center - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 349
Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French) 1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800 If toll-free service driver assessment centers and - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 350
the anxiety out of uncertain situations by Buick Motor Division is proud to offer Buick Premium Roadside Assistance to customers for vehicles covered under the 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km) new car warranty (whichever occurs first). For details on Buick Premium Roadside Assistance, please consult - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 351
friend or relative, reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses up to $10 per day (five day maximum) may be available. Claim amounts should reflect actual costs and be supported by original receipts. Plan Ahead When Possible When your vehicle requires warranty service, you should contact your dealer - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 352
vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts. This requires that terms and conditions described herein at its sole discretion. General Motors and participating period, but it is not part of the New Vehicle Limited , such as shuttle service, may not be - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 353
that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800- - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 354
: Buick Customer Relations Center P.O. Box 5039 Troy, MI 48007-5039 In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Ordering Service - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 355
card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.) CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1999 BUICK SERVICE MANUALS Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00 TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 356
. VEHICLE MODEL NAME YEAR 1999 1999 1999 1999 QTY. PRICE EACH* $90.00 $50.00 $15.00 $10.00 TOTAL PRICE 1 9 9 9 G M S H I P T O 8-12 PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER ITEM DESCRIPTION Service Manual Car & Light Truck Transmission Unit Repair Owner's Manual In Portfolio Owner's Manual Without Portfolio NOTE - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 357
...6-15 Air Conditioning ...3-5 Air Conditioning Refrigerants ...6-67 Air Control, Climate Control System ...3-3, 3-4 Alarm, Universal Theft-Deterrent ...2-15 Alignment and Balance, Tire ...6-45 Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning ...6-53 Antenna, Power ...3-20 Antifreeze ...6-21 Anti-Lock Brakes ...4-7 Brake - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 358
39 Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position ...1-45 Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position ...1-47 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position ...1-49 Top Strap ...1-44 Where to Put ...1-43 Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning ...6-53 Cigarette Lighter ...2-57 Circuit Breakers and Fuses ...6-58 Cleaner - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 359
(DRL) ...2-41 Dead Battery ...5-3 Defects, Reporting Safety ...8-9 Defensive Driving ...4-2 Defogger, Rear Window ...3-6 Defogging ...3-6 Defrosting ...3-6 Delayed Entry Lighting ...2-43 Delayed Exit Lighting ...2-43 Delayed Locking ...2-7 Dimensions, Vehicle ...6-67 Door Ajar Light ...2-78 Ajar - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 360
Exhaust, Engine ...2-32 Exit Lighting, Delayed ...2-43 Express-Down Window ...2-34 Fabric Cleaning ...6-48 Fan Button, Climate Control System ...3-3 Filling Your Tank ...6-5 Filter, Air Level Control ...Engine ...Accessory Belt ...Air Cleaner/Filter ...Coolant ...Coolant Heater ...Coolant Level - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 361
Lubricants ...7-36 French Language Manual ...ii Fuel ...6-3 Door Release Button ...6-5 Door Release Tag ...6-6 Filling Your Tank ...6-5 Gage ...2-78 In /Night Rearview Mirror ...Inspections ...Brake System ...Engine Cooling System ...Exhaust Systems ...Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot and Seal ...Steering - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 362
69 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ...2-71, 4-7 Battery Warning ...2-69 Brake System Warning ...2-70 Brake to Shift ...2-78 Check Oil ...2-77 Cruise ...2-78 Door Ajar ...2-78 Engine Coolant Temperature Warning ...2-72 Hazard Warning ...5-2 Interior ...2-43 Low Coolant Warning ...2-73 Low Fuel ...2-79 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 363
Door ...2-5 Power Door ...2-5 Trunk ...2-13 Low Coolant Warning Light ...2-73 Low Fuel Light ...2-79 Lubricants and Fluids ...7-36 Lubrication Service, Body Opener, Garage Door ...2-52, 2-60 Outside Rearview Mirrors ...2-46 Overheating Engine ...5-9 Owner Checks and Services ...7-31 Owner - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 364
Day/Night ...2-46 With Compass ...2-47 Reclining Front Seatbacks ...1-5 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ...7-36 Recovery Tank, Coolant ...5-11, 5-13 Recreational Vehicle Towing ...4-29 Refrigerants, Air Conditioning ...6-67 Remote Fuel Door Release ...6-5 Keyless Entry ...2-8 Trunk Release ...2-13 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 365
Bulbs ...6-66 Parts ...6-67 Wheel ...6-45 Replacing Safety Belts ...1-56 Reporting Safety Defects ...8-9 Restraints Checking ...1-55 Child ...1-39 Head ...1-7 Replacing Parts After a Crash ...1-56 System Check ...7-32 Retained Accessory Power ...2-21 Right Front Passenger Position ...1-21 - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 366
Ordering ...8-11 Engine Soon Light ...2-74 Manuals, Ordering ...8-11 Parts Identification Label ...6-56 Publications, Ordering ...8-10, 8-11 Work, Doing Your Own ...6-2 Service and Appearance Care ...6-1 Service and Owner Publications ...8-10, 8-11 Service Publications ...8-11 Servicing Your Air Bag - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 367
...2-30 Torque, Wheel Nut ...5-24, 6-66 Towing a Trailer ...4-32 Towing, Recreational Vehicle ...4-29 Towing Your Vehicle ...5-8 Traction Control System ...4-9 Control System Warning Light ...2-71, 4-9 Trailer Brakes ...4-35 Driving on Grades ...4-37 Driving with ...4-36 Engine Cooling When Towing - 1999 Buick Riviera | Owner's Manual - Page 368
Service ...Underbody Maintenance ...Universal Theft-Deterrent System ...Universal Transmitter ... U 7-34 6-54 2-15 2-60 Control ...4-6 Damage Warnings ...iv Dimensions ...6-51 Vehicle W Wheel Alignment ...6-45 Nut Blade ...6-51 Fuses ...6-57 Winter Driving ...4-25 Wiper Blades, Cleaning