1999 BUICK RIVIERA Owner's Manual

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The driver's side low-beam headlamp access area
is behind and between the high
-beam area and the
air cleaner.
1. Loosen the two bolts on the inboard edge of the
headlamp assembly. This allows you to pull out
the assembly for more hand clearance when
changing bulbs.
2. Reach into the assembly
and turn the bulb socket
one
-quarter of a turn
toward the center of the
engine compartment,
while pressing it firmly.
3. Remove the wire connector from the bulb by
lifting the lock tab (B) and pulling it away from the
plastic base.
4. Install the bulb by putting the small tab (D) into the
small notch in the lamp (E).5. Turn the bulb socket one
-quarter of a turn making
sure the tab is properly engaged in the panel slot.
6. To reassemble, attach the wire connector (A) to the
plastic base making sure the lock tab (B) is over the
lock (C).
7. Replace the headlamp assembly and tighten the two
bolts on the inboard edge of the assembly.
Headlamp Aiming
Your vehicle has a headlamp system equipped with
horizontal and vertical aim indicators. The aim has been
pre
-set at the factory and should need no further
adjustment. This is true even though your vertical and
horizontal aim indicators may not fall exactly on the ª0º
(zero) marks on their scales.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. Aim adjustment may be necessary
if it is difficult to see lane markers (for horizontal aim),
or if oncoming drivers flash their high beams at you (for
vertical aim). If you believe your headlamps need to be
re
-aimed, we recommend that you take it to your dealer
for service; however, it is possible for you to re
-aim
your headlamps as described in the following procedure.

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NOTICE:
To make sure your headlamps are aimed
properly, read all the instructions before
beginning. Failure to follow these instructions
could cause damage to headlamp parts.
The vehicle should be properly prepared as follows:

The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface.

If necessary, pads may be used on an uneven surface.

The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud
attached to it.

The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done.

There should not be any cargo or loading of the
vehicle, except it should have a full tank of fuel and
one person or 160 lbs. (75 kg) on the driver's seat.

Close all doors.

Tires should be properly inflated.

Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension.The headlamp aiming devices are under the hood near
the headlamps.
Start with the horizontal aim. The adjustment screws can
be turned with an E8 Torx
 socket or T15 screwdriver.
Once the horizontal aim is adjusted, then adjust the
vertical aim.
1. Turn the horizontal aiming screw (A) until the
indicator (B) is lined up with zero.

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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 fasteners that hold it in place.
2. Reach in to press the locking tab and twist the bulb
socket one
-quarter of a turn counterclockwise and
pull the bulb out of the socket.
3. Replace the bulb, then reassemble by reversing Steps
1 and 2.
Taillamps/Rear Turn Signal/Back-Up
Lamps
Taillamps: A, B and C
Rear Turn Signal: A and C
Back
-Up Lamps: D
The entire taillamp assembly must be removed to
change any of these bulbs.

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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.

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3. Pull the taillamp assembly away from the 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
counterclockwise.

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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 and the
taillamp assembly.
Interior Lamps
Front and Rear Reading Lamps
To change the bulbs in the front and rear reading lamps,
do the following:
1. Carefully insert a flat head screwdriver in the slot
between the lens cover and molding.
2. Gently pry the lens cover away to expose the reading
lamp bulb. The lens cover should pop off.
3. Twist or pull the bulb from its assembly and install a
new bulb.
4. Snap the lens cover back in place.

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Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in section 7 of this manual under Part B ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here's how to remove the
type with a release hole:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
2. Insert a small screwdriver into the hole (A) and pull
the blade assembly off the wiper arm (B).
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm.
For the proper windshield wiper blade length and type,
see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in
the Index.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Buick Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)

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CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading 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.
ªColdº means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:

Too much flexing

Too much heat

Tire overloading

Bad wear

Bad handling

Bad fuel economy.
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:

Unusual wear

Bad handling

Rough ride

Needless damage from road hazards.