FAQ: Service / Shop / Repair Manual Information

I've found an original shop manual set at a local flea market here in town, but it's for a 1998 Riviera / Aurora. Does anyone know if there are any major differences between the 1998 and the1997 models that would make me think twice about getting them. I have a 97, not that I need the manuals right now, but they're always good to have. I know that from 1996 to 1997 there were some changes. What's your opinion?

Thanks guys,

I think some of the front suspension stuff is different like the struts and connected areas. I found my manuels on ebay for $45. I've seen them go up to $90.
The 95 models have two editions (a blue and a brown). I'm not sure about your year model. You might make sure you go with the latest edition for your model.

I noticed it's a second edition for the 1998 in really good shape for only 30 Canadian (which is like 5 bucks US) HaHa.
But the differences between the two years might not be worth the hassle.

I'd think most of it will be the same. Hell, for five bucks, get it. You'll know when you come across something different and I'm sure it will be close enough to help.

Where can I get a service manual?
Is there more than one?
Any links to a vendor?

Thanks
Bert

helminc.com is the place to get a factory manual, but you have to pay for it. It is an absolutely worthwhile investment IMO, it allows you to repair ANYTHING in the car.

There are some aftermarket books like haynes or chiltons, but they are very general manuals and kind of suck IMO.

Here is a link to Helm, the company that prints them:
http://www.helminc.com/helm/Result.asp?Style=&Mfg=GMC&Make=BUI&Model=RIVI&Year=1999&Category=&Keyword=&Module=&selected%5Fmedia=&mscsid=U1W76TGLVAQU9K1F8V4R6H93QVK1CB2A
And here they are on eBay:
Vol I:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-OLDS-AURORA-BUICK-RIVIERA-GM-SERVICE-MANUAL-1-of-3_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34230QQihZ017QQitemZ270207111453QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Vol II:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-OLDS-AURORA-BUICK-RIVIERA-GM-SERVICE-MANUAL-2-of-3_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34230QQihZ017QQitemZ270207112864QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Vol III:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-OLDS-AURORA-BUICK-RIVIERA-GM-SERVICE-MANUAL-3-of-3_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34230QQihZ017QQitemZ270207114807QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Most of the time all three are sold together, but that is what is on eBay right now.

Here is another one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-Olds-Buick-Aurora-Riviera-Service-Manual-Set-3-Vol_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34216QQihZ011QQitemZ320202840919QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
The others I noticed go up in price from there, the three that are sold by themselves from my last post might be the best deal?
You just have to look around.

99Rivman wrote:

Here is another one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-Olds-Buick-Aurora-Riviera-Service-Manual-Set-3-Vol_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34216QQihZ011QQitemZ320202840919QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
The others I noticed go up in price from there, the three that are sold by themselves from my last post might be the best deal?
You just have to look around.

That will help.
Bert

alldatdiy.com its worth the subscription with all the TSB's and wire diagrams.

Ebay for sure if you want the 3 volume set. Be patient and you can get the set for less than 100.

97rivman wrote:

alldatdiy.com its worth the subscription with all the TSB's and wire diagrams.

How much $$$ ?

Do the factory manuals (helms), have info that is helpful on fixing problems like my trunk release and power antennae?

Thanks
Bert

The factory service manuals are very detailed, though I haven't looked into them regarding those issues.

I'll look in mine and see. I'm sure they do...

WOOHOO!!
Won me a set of service manuals on ebay.

Nobody else even bid!


$30.00 plus $21.00 shipping.
To quote Eddie Murphy:
What a bargain...

Bert

what manuals are they

palermocorey90 wrote:

what manuals are they

GM Service Manuals for the 99 Riv
Bert

If you got all three volumes that’s a hell of a deal!

99Rivman wrote:

If you got all three volumes that’s a hell of a deal!

All three volumes it is.

Bert

Geez Bert, you thief! I got tired of waiting for a deal and bought a set for like $90.

Yes please elaborate where i can also get a factory service manual, because i swear i have searched the internet high and low, and there's not so much as a Haynes manual for this car. Its almost like learning how to fix these Riviera's are completely trial and error.

Not so much trial and error- there are alot of write ups here @ rivperformance.You wont find a manual for the Riviera. Im pretty sure there are manuals for the 3800 engine tho

I ordered my set of Factory manuals direct from the publisher; Helm, Inc
1-800-782-4356 Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00 EST
This info is located on last few pages of Owners Manual
It also list that owners manual can be ordered. Don't know if they are still in print though. Worth asking if you don't have one.

Click here for genuine GM factory shop manuals (3-book sets) specific to the Riviera by year.