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Buick Riviera Car Repair Questions and Answers

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Question: 1996 Buick Riviera mileage: 60,000 I am doing a brake job on my car it has disc brakes all the way around. I got the front ones done and now doing the rear but for some reason I am unable to retrieve the cylinder back so I can install the new pads. I have done as much loosen the bleeder to release pressure but nothing is happening can you give me a few tips what I am I doing wrong.

Answer: It takes a special tool to wind the caliper piston.

Question: 1999 Buick Riviera mileage: 38,000 My fuel pump will not operate. Do you know where the emergency shut-off switch is located?

Answer: You car does not have an emergency shut-off switch for the fuel pump. Your problem may be a faulty fuel pump relay.

Question: 2003 Buick Riviera mileage: 25,000 The car skipped time and I replaced the timing belt and gear. Also replaced valves as they bent when it skipped time. I have the engine back together, but it will not start. The ignition turns but it won't crank. HELP! We love this car!

Answer: With a wrench, turn the crankshaft slowly by hand. There is a chance that there is a valve contacting a piston. If you can make two revolutions by hand, then here are some things to check. Load test the battery. Check that the battery cable connections are clean. Check for 12 volts to starter solenoid with the key in the start position. These things should be checked first then the ignition switch, neutral safety switch, starter and starter solenoid. One of these may be faulty.

Question: 2002 Buick Riviera mileage: 38,000. I need to change the plugs on my Riviera. It's a side mount engine (3.8L V6). Any tips on how to get to the plugs on the backside, against the firewall?,

Answer: The trick to get access to the rear spark plugs is to undo the top motor mount “strap” on the front of the motor and rock the motor forward.

Question: 1997 Buick Regal mileage: 51,000. I've been having trouble with my car overheating. The engine light ONLY comes on while using the heater/defrost (NOT when we use the A/C though). A year ago, I replaced the water pump and thermostat (and its housing). Now the Heater refuses to work all the time. It did start to work after adding coolant and water, but the car still overheated. Any suggestions?

Answer: Your radiator may be low on water causing it to overheat. Coolant may be lost through a blown head gasket or it could be that the radiator is plugged which causes overheating resulting in the lose of coolant.

Question: 1999 Buick Rivera mileage: 45,000 I'm trying to put my power steering belt on which has broken. I cannot seem to figure out how to get it over the pulley. I live out in the country and towing fee would kill me.

Answer: On the power steering pump you will find a “slider bolt.” Loosening and moving the pump to remove the old belt should do the trick.

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Automobile / Buick / Riviera