1996 Buick Commercial Chassis

Introduction

The 1996 Buick Commercial Chassis was a versatile workhorse designed for a variety of commercial applications. It was available with several engine and transmission options, including:

• Engine Options:
  • 4.3L V6 (190 hp, 250 lb-ft torque)
  • 5.7L V8 (255 hp, 330 lb-ft torque)
• Transmission Options:
  • 4L80E 4-speed automatic transmission
  • NV4500 5-speed manual transmission

Engine

4.3L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, reduced performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $450
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from under the valve cover
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Steering Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Squealing or whining noise, difficulty steering
  • Solution: Replace power steering pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L V8

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Mixing of coolant and oil, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leak
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L80E 4-speed Automatic

• Solenoid Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed shifting, no shifting, hard shifting
  • Solution: Replace solenoid pack
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found

NV4500 5-speed Manual

• Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, clutch pedal feels spongy
  • Solution: Replace clutch slave cylinder
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Bearing Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or whining noise from transmission
  • Solution: Replace transmission bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Ball Joint Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, knocking noise
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Leaf Spring Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, rough ride
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but does not start
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks off or becomes loose
  • Solution: Replace door handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Rattling
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from dashboard
  • Solution: Tighten or replace dashboard components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Adjustment Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty adjusting seat position
  • Solution: Replace seat adjustment motors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Buick Commercial Chassis is a reliable workhorse with a few common issues that are relatively affordable to fix. The engine and transmission problems are the most severe and expensive, while the exterior and interior issues are less costly. Overall, the vehicle offers a good balance of performance and value for commercial applications.