File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

16-NA-023
February, 2016

INFORMATION
Subject:

2016 Buick Cascada New Model Features

Attention: United States Only

Brand:

Buick

Model:

Cascada

Model Year:
From:
2016

VIN:

To:

From:

2016

All

To:
All

Engine:

Transmission:

4 Cylinder L4
1.6L
Turbocharged
— RPO LWC

Hydra-Matic™
6T45 6-Speed
Automatic FWD
— RPO MH7

Overview

4339859

4339806

Bulletin Purpose
This is a special bulletin to introduce the 2016 Buick
Cascada. The purpose of this bulletin is to help the
Service Department Personnel become familiar with
some of the vehicle’s new features and to describe
some of the action they will need to take to service this
vehicle.
About the Car
The 2016 Buick Cascada will be the first Buick
convertible offered in North America in 25 years and will
be offered in two trim levels, the Cascada 1SV and the
Cascada Premium 1SP. The Cascada’s 2+2
configuration offers comfortable room for four adults
and Buick’s sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension
and the responsive Watts Z-link rear suspension,
rooted in a rigid body structure provides an impressive,

Copyright 2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

February, 2016

comfortable and refined driving experience. The
Cascada rides on a 106.1-inch (2,695 mm) wheelbase
which enhances ride smoothness while enabling
greater rear-seat legroom.
The vehicle is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine
that is exclusive to the Cascada in the Buick lineup,
with an estimated 200 horsepower (149 kW) @
5,500 rpm and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque @ 1,800 to
4,500 rpm with an overboost feature that briefly pushes
torque to an estimated 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) @ 2,200 to
4,000 rpm. Direct injection and variable valve timing
complement the turbocharged engine’s performance
with efficiency and power is transmitted to the ground
via a Hydra-Matic™ 6T45 6-speed FWD automatic
transmission.
The Cascada’s strategically reinforced body structure is
the foundation for the car’s strength and as a result of
the structure’s rigidity, engineers were able to tune the
suspension and steering systems with a high degree of
precision because there wasn’t a need to compensate
for chassis flex. Important elements include:
• A-pillars featuring press-hardened steel in the
inner structures and reinforced with high-strength,
hot-rolled and cold-bent tubes within the pillars.
• Reinforced rocker panels with increased cross
section.
• Underbody reinforcements including X-braces,
V-braces and additional brackets.
• A reinforced torsion box bulkhead behind the
rear seats incorporates the Rollover Protection
System, which includes a reinforced windscreen
frame and spring-loaded, pyrotechnically
activated, pop-up rollover bars. When deployed,
the rollover bars will extend approximately
14-inches (356 mm) to match the height of the
windshield.

4355185

An additional advantage of the Rollover Protection
System is that it enables a rear seat cargo
pass-through from the trunk to the passenger
compartment of 22.4-inch by 12.6-inch (569 mm by
320 mm), because the system is less obtrusive than

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-023

some other vehicle’s hoop-style pop-up protection
systems. When the 50/50-split rear seats are folded the rear seatbacks fold down electronically, longer
items such as skis and wakeboards can be stowed
inside. The Cascada offers plenty of storage space,
including 13.4 cubic feet (380 liters) of cargo room with
the convertible top up and 9.8 cubic feet (280 liters) with
the top down.

4355215

The stowage compartment lid extends rearward to
accommodate the folding softtop. The electro-hydraulic
power roof system features multilayer construction,
including acoustic and thermal barriers. The traditional
convertible fabric roof top with a fleece lining has
superior acoustic and thermal insulation qualities and
can be lowered in only 17 seconds at speeds of up to
31 mph (50 km/h). Up-down operation of the top is
controlled using only one lever. The rigid body
structure allows the top, its folding mechanism and the
Rollover Protection System roll bar apparatus to be
stowed below the car’s belt line and under a hard
tonneau cover for a smooth uninterrupted profile, giving
the car a pure open-air aesthetic with enhanced cargo
space.
Technology and Safety Highlights
– Buick IntelliLink® with a 7-inch (178 mm) diagonal
color touch screen featuring Text Message Alerts
and Siri® Eyes Free for Apple® iPhones® with an
iOS 6 or newer operating system.
– Available OnStar® 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi
hotspot.
– Electronic rear-seat entry system automatically
powers the front seats forward by simply pressing
the seatback forward. It moves the seats back when
the seatback is returned to the upright position.
– Automatic safety belt presenters that use telescopic
arms to slide the upper front safety belt assemblies
from behind the front seat into closer reach for easier
buckling.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-023

February, 2016

Page 3

– Rollover Protection System.
– Lane Departure Warning, Rear Park Assist, Rear
Vision Camera and Rainsense™ automatic
windshield wipers. Wipers turn ON automatically
when sensors detect moisture on the windshield and
turn OFF when water is no longer present.
Additional Standard Features
Additional standard features include:

4355623

•

20-inch wheels with “diamond graphic” bi-color
finish.

Engine

4355577

•

High-intensity discharge (HID), articulating
headlamps and front LED daytime running lamps;
and LED tail lamps.
• Navigation radio and seven-speaker premium
audio system.
• Rear Vision Camera (RVC).
• Remote start.
• Dual-zone climate control.
• Front and rear 12-volt power outlets.
• Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter also
controls the fuel door lock and unlock feature.
Press the unlock button on the RKE to unlock both
doors, trunk and the fuel door.
• Heat-reflective leather-appointed seating.
• Heated front seats with 8-way power adjustments.
• Heated and leather wrapped 3-spoke steering
wheel.
• Electric power steering.
• Rear Park Assist.
• 20-inch aluminum wheels with bi-color finish.
A Cascada Premium model adds the following standard
features:
• Forward Collision Alert (FCA).
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
• Front and Rear Park Assist.
• Automatic headlamp control with tunnel detection.
• Rainsense™ automatic windshield wipers.
• Front and rear air deflectors.

4341985

Typical underhood view of the Cascada 1.6L
turbocharged engine.

Page 4

February, 2016

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-023

4375012

The Ecotec 1.6L turbocharged engine is standard and
is part of a new global family of midsize-displacement
gasoline engines designed with greater power density
to deliver consistent performance and efficiency.
• Displacement: 97.52 ci (1.598L)
• Bore and Stroke: 3.11 inch x 3.20 inch (79.0 x
81.5 mm)
• Cylinder Head: The cylinder head is a dual
overhead camshaft (DOHC) design, made of cast
aluminum alloy with 4 valves per cylinder.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-023

February, 2016

Page 5

4375026

•
•
•
•

Cylinder Block: The cylinder block is cast iron
(3 mm thin wall casting) with an aluminum
bedplate and cast iron inserts with 5 main journals.
Pistons: Aluminum pistons with floating pin.
Connecting Rods: Fractured steel with bushing.
Crankshaft: A steel crankshaft is used and is
supported in 5 main journals by main bearings
with oil clearance for lubricating. The 3rd bearing
is the thrust bearing which provides the proper
axial end play.

4368306

Page 6
•

•

February, 2016

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-023

Crankshaft Harmonic Damper: The crankshaft
harmonic damper is used to control torsional
vibration and has an integrated one-way clutch
with reduced NVH for the drive belt system.
Camshaft: Two camshafts are used, one for all
intake valves and one for all exhaust valves. The
camshafts are made of cast iron. The camshaft
sprocket wheels are installed in front of the
camshafts and are driven by the crankshaft via the
camshaft timing chain.

4364880

•

•
•
4364743

•

•
•
•
•

Camshaft Timing Chain: The inverted teeth
design of the camshaft timing chain reduces
noise. A tensioner is used to control the amount of
tension applied to the chain.
Valvetrain: DOHC, four-valves per cylinder,
continuously variable valve timing
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic valve lash adjusters.
Intake Manifold: The intake manifold provides
the air flow passages to the cylinder combustion
chambers and is made from plastic.
Ignition System: Coil-on-plug.

•

•
•
•
•

•

Fuel Delivery: High-pressure direct injection with
the injectors having a central location over the
combustion chambers. The configuration forms a
compact package with the capability to support
homogeneous and stratified injection.
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Horsepower: 200 horsepower (149 kW) @
5,500 rpm (SAE Certified).
Torque: 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque @ 1,800 to
4,500 rpm (SAE Certified) with an overboost
feature that briefly pushes torque to an estimated
221 lb-ft (300 Nm) @ 2,200 to 4,000 rpm.
Maximum Engine Speed (Fuel Cut-Off):
6,500 rpm
Mechanical Vacuum Pump: Driven by the
exhaust camshaft, it draws air from the vacuum
brake booster to provide brake assist.
Oil Pan: A structural aluminum oil pan is used.
Recommended Fuel: Use premium unleaded
gasoline meeting ASTM specification D4814 with
a posted octane rating of 91 or higher. Regular
unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
can be used, but acceleration and fuel economy
will be reduced, and an audible knocking noise
may be heard. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated
at 91 octane or higher as soon as possible.
Emission Controls: Close-coupled catalytic
converter; continuously variable valve timing; 58X
ignition system; returnless fuel rail.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-023

February, 2016

dexos® Engine Oil

Page 7

Engine Oil Life System
The vehicle features GM’s engine oil life system, which
better protects engines by recommending oil changes
based on a computer software algorithm using actual
engine operating conditions and can save the vehicle
owner money by avoiding unnecessary oil changes.

Transmission
Hydra-Matic™ 6T45 6-Speed Automatic FWD
Transmission — RPO MH7

3512027

4372460

3511747

Ask for and use engine oils that meet the dexos®
specification. Engine oils that have been approved by
GM as meeting the dexos® specification are marked
with either of the dexos1® approved logos that are
shown. For additional information, visit this General
Motors website: http://www.gmdexos.com
Viscosity Grade
Use ACDelco dexos1® synthetic blend SAE 5W-30
viscosity grade engine oil. In an area of extreme cold,
where the temperature falls below −20°F (−29°C) use
SAE 0W-30 engine oil. An oil of this viscosity grade will
provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures.

Typical view of the Hydra-Matic™ 6T45 6-speed
automatic FWD transmission.
The Hydra-Matic™ 6T45 6-speed front-wheel-drive,
electronically controlled, fully automatic overdrive
transaxle with an electronically controlled torque
converter clutch, comes standard with the 1.6L
turbocharged engine. It consists primarily of a 3
element torque converter, a compound planetary gear
set, friction and mechanical clutch assemblies and a
hydraulic pressurization and control system.
Six-speed automatic transmissions are integral in GM's
initiative to offer vehicles with excellent fuel economy
and driveability. Designed for FWD and AWD
applications, they are used in many of GM's newest
and most popular models. The 6T40 (MH8) and 6T45
(MH7, MHC) share many components. The 6T45 is
rated for greater torque capacity due to specific
component enhancements over the 6T40. Each is part
of GM's family of technologically advanced, fuel-saving
six-speed automatics. The transmission case material
is made from die cast aluminum. The transmission uses
DEXRON® VI transmission fluid.
Torque Converter
The 3-element torque converter contains a pump, stator
and turbine with an integral isolator and clutch. The
torque converter acts as a fluid coupling to smoothly
transmit power from the engine to the transmission. It
also hydraulically provides additional torque
multiplication when required. The clutch pressure plate

Page 8

February, 2016

when applied, provides a mechanical direct drive
coupling of the engine to the transmission. The torque
converter features:
– A single-plate lock-up clutch
– Electronic Controlled Capacity Clutch (ECCC)
technology
– Elliptical cross-section shape
Transmission Gear Ratios
The transmission has the following gear ratios:
• First: 4.58
• Second: 2.96
• Third: 1.91
• Fourth: 1.44
• Fifth: 1.00
• Sixth: 0.74
• Reverse: 2.94
• Final Drive Ratio: 3.23
Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check
When performing fluid checks, always refer to SI for the
proper procedure.
– The compact transmission design of the
Hydra-Matic™ 6T45 makes proper transmission fluid
level even more critical.
– The transmission fluid level must be checked when
the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is between
185–203°F (85–95°C).
– The engine must be running when the transmission
fluid oil level check plug is removed.
– Do not add more than 0.5 pint (227 ml) at a time
without rechecking the fluid level.

•

•

•

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-023

reduction does not reduce drive wheel slip, the
EBCM will actively apply the brakes on the
slipping drive wheel. During traction control
braking, hydraulic pressure in each drive wheel
circuit is controlled to prevent the drive wheels
from slipping. The EBCM commands the pump
motor and appropriate solenoid valves ON and
OFF to apply brake pressure to the slipping wheel.
Stability Control: Stability control provides added
stability during aggressive maneuvers. Yaw rate is
the rate of rotation about the vehicle's vertical
axis. The stability control is activated when the
EBCM determines that the desired yaw rate does
not match the actual yaw rate as measured by the
yaw rate sensor.
Dynamic Rear Proportioning: The dynamic rear
proportioning is a control system that replaces the
mechanical proportioning valve. Under certain
driving conditions the EBCM will reduce the rear
wheel brake pressure by commanding the
appropriate solenoid valves ON and OFF.
Hydraulic Brake Assist: The hydraulic brake
assist function is designed to support the driver in
emergency braking situations. The EBCM
receives inputs from the brake pressure sensor.
When the EBCM senses an emergency braking
situation, the EBCM will actively increase the
brake pressure to a specific maximum.

Suspension/Electric Power Steering
HiPer Strut Front Suspension

Brakes
This vehicle is equipped with a Continental Teves
Mk60/Mk70 brake system. The electronic brake control
module (EBCM) and the brake pressure modulator
valve assembly are serviced separately. The brake
pressure modulator valve assembly uses a 4 circuit
configuration to control hydraulic pressure to each
wheel independently. The following vehicle
performance enhancement systems are provided:
• Antilock Brake System (ABS): When wheel slip
is detected during a brake application, an ABS
event occurs. During ABS braking, hydraulic
pressure in the individual wheel circuits is
controlled to prevent any wheel from slipping. A
separate hydraulic line and specific solenoid
valves are provided for each wheel. The ABS can
decrease, hold, or increase hydraulic pressure to
each wheel. The ABS does not, however, increase
hydraulic pressure above the amount which is
transmitted by the master cylinder during braking.
• Traction Control: When drive wheel slip is noted,
the EBCM will enter traction control mode. First,
the EBCM requests the engine control module
(ECM) to reduce the amount of torque to the drive
wheels via a serial data message. The ECM
reduces torque to the drive wheels and reports the
amount of delivered torque. If the engine torque

4342138

HiPer Strut is a modified MacPherson strut system and
features dual-path top mountings that separate the
transfer of spring and damper loads to the body
structure. This also allows for a shorter spindle length,
thus changing the geometry of the setup, which allows
the tire to maintain negative camber while cornering.
What that means for the driver is improved tire contact
with the pavement under load, reduced torque steer,
more-communicative steering, improved impact

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-023

February, 2016

isolation on bumps and rough surfaces and less
kickback in the steering system when the vehicle runs
over imperfections in the road.

Page 9

Rollover Protection System

Watts Z-Link Rear Suspension
A responsive Watts Z-link design helps center the rear
axle during cornering, which helps keep the Cascada’s
handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and
right-hand turns. The linkage’s capability to center the
axle during cornering delivers a more-balanced driving