1998 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual

Your vehicle has a 3800 Supercharged engine.Supercharging, rather than turbocharging, was chosenbecause it emphasizes smooth, refined power.The supercharger is a device which is designed to pumpmore air into the engine than it would normally use.This air, mixed with fuel, creates increased enginepower. Since the supercharger is a pump and is drivenfrom an engine accessory drive belt, increased pressureis available at all driving conditions,The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), works witha vacuum control to regulate the increased pressurerequired during specific driving conditions. When thisincreased pressure or boost is not desired, such as duringidling and light throttle cruising, the excess air that thesupercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass.All of these controls working together provide highperformance, character and fuel efficiency in the3800 V6 Supercharged engine.Engine OilC H EC K 0 I LLEVELIf the CHECK OIL LEVELlight on the instrumentpanel comes on, it meansyou need to check yourengine oil level right away.For more information, see “Check Oil Level Light” inthe Index. You should check your engine oil levelregularly; this is an added reminder.It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time youget fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil mustbe warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.The engine oil dipstick isa round, yellow looplocated directly behindthe engine fan.Turn off the engine andgive the oil a few minutesto drain back into the oilpan. If you don’t, the oildipstick might not showthe actual level.6-11