1996 Oldsmobile 88 Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1996 Oldsmobile 88 applies to the 4-door sedan in Royale and Royale LS trims. There is one engine, a 3.8L V6 of 231 cubic inches, built with overhead valves and fed gasoline without forced induction. The manual gives procedures and specifications for the engine and its fuel, ignition and cooling systems, torque values for the transaxle, brakes, suspension and steering, plus wiring diagrams and diagnostics for the electrical system.

Engines covered

• 3.8L V6 (231 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sedan

Trims covered

• Royale
• Royale LS

Known issues on the 1996 88. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 88. On certain 1996 88 vehicles with the 3.8L V6, a backfire while starting could crack the upper intake manifold, causing a no-start and possibly an engine fire; dealers reprogrammed the powertrain control module, and owners were advised to keep the hood closed when starting until then. Certain 1996 88 vehicles also had a lighting and locking module that could carry a damaged capacitor, silencing the key-in-ignition and unbuckled-belt warnings. Of 92 complaints, 23 cite engine and engine cooling; 5 reported a crash, 9 a fire and 4 an injury. Engine and electrical diagnostics apply.