1998 Buick Century Owners Manual

different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your Buick dealer. The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop. When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.

4-36

Parking on Hills You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s how to do it: 1.

Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into PARK (P) yet. Have someone place chocks under the trailer’s wheels. When the wheel chocKs are in place, release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking brake, and shift to PARK (P). Release the regular brakes.

2.

3.

4.

5.

When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down

while you:

Start your engine; Shift into a gear; and Release the parking brake.

2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake adjustment. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review this information before you start your trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

4-38

Section 5 Problems on the Road

Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.

5-2 5 -3 5-8 5-15 5-18

Hazard Warning Flashers Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating Cooling System

5-25 5-26 5-37 5-3 8

If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

Press the switch on top of the steering column to make your front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in; they even work if the key isn’t in the ignition.

To turn off the flashers, press the switch again. When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn signals won’t work. Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m> behind your vehicle.

Hazard Warning Flashers

Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.

5-2

Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. But please follow the steps below to do it safely.

Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because:

They contain acid that can burn you. They contain gas that can explode or ignite. They contain enough electricity to burn you.

If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.

NOTICE:

Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it won’t work, and it could damage your vehicle.

1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt

battery with a negative ground system.

NOTICE:

If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

5-3

4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. (Your

vehicle’s battery is located toward the front of the passenger’s side of the vehicle’s engine, underneath a diagonal brace.)

An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump start procedure. Put your automatic transaxle in PARK (P) before setting the parking brake.

3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug

unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or accessory power outlet. Turn off all lamps that aren’t needed as well as radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. In addition, it could save your radio!

I NOTICE:

If you leave your radio on, it could be badly damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

5-4

Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom@ battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present. Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Don’t get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush water and get medical help immediately.

the place with

5. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) jump starting terminal. The terminal is on the same side of the engine compartment as your battery. To uncover the remote positive (+) terminal, squeeze the sides of the red plastic cap and pull the cap upward. You should always use the remote positive (+) terminal instead of the positive (+) terminal on your battery.

6. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or

missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-) or a metal engine part. Don’t connect positive (+) to negative (-) or you’ll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts too.

A CAUTION:

Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running.

7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)

terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

5-6

10. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away

from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less.

11. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run

the engine for a while.

12. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

13. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent

electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch each other or any other metal.

8. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

9. Now connect the black

negative (-) cable to the good battery’s negative (-) terminal. Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (-) cable doesn’t go to the dead battery.

It goes to a heavy, unpainted, metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.

5-7

Towing Your Vehicle Try to have a dealer or a professional towing service tow your vehicle. If your vehicle has been changed or modified since it was factory-new by adding aftermarket items like fog lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, these instructions and illustrations may not be correct. Before you do anything, turn on the hazard warning flashers. When you call, tell the towing service:

That your vehicle cannot be towed from the front or rear with sling-type equipment.

0 That your vehicle has front-wheel drive. 0 The make, model and year of your vehicle. Whether you can still move the shift lever.

0 If there was an accident, what was damaged.

14. Reinstall the red protective remote jump start cover

on the vehicle that was jump started.

A. Heavy Metal Engine Part B. Good Battery C. Dead Battery

5-8

When the towing service arrives, let the tow operator know that this manual contains detailed towing instructions and illustrations. The operator may want to see them.

/t\ CAUL3N:

To help avoid injury to you or others:

Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed. Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds. Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured.

0 Never get under your vehicle after it has

been lifted by the tow truck.

0 Always secure the vehicle on each side with

separate safety chains when towing it. Never use J-hooks. Use T-hooks instead.

5-9

NOTICE:

Don’t have your vehicle towed on the drive wheels, unless you must. If the vehicle must be towed on the drive wheels, do not tow the vehicle more than 500 cumulative miles (800 km) or exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Cumulative miles are defined as total miles over the life of the vehicle. For example, your vehicle cannot be towed 500 miles (800 km) each day of a trip totaling 3,000 miles (4800 km). If these limitations must be exceeded, then the drive wheels have to be supported on a dolly.

A vehicle can fa rom a car carrier if it isn’t adequately secured. This can cause a collision, serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The vehicle should be tightly secured with chains or steel cables before it is transported. Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps, canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut by sharp edges underneath the towed vehicle. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots. Never use J-hooks. They will damage drivetrain and suspension components.

When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key in OFF. The steering wheel should be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. Do not use the vehicle’s steering column lock for this. The transaxle should be in NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake released.

5-10

Front Towing

NOTICE:

Do not tow with sling type equipment or fascia/fog lamp damage will occur. Use wheel-lift or car-carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car-carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. Use the T-slots for car-carrier securing. Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift equipment. To help avoid damage, install a towing dolly and raise the vehicle until adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment. Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to suspension components when using car-carrier equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots.

5-11

Attach T-hook chains in front of the wheels, into the slots of the front shipping brackets on the cradle (both sides). Insert the hook from the inward side of the slot and not the outward side.

,# g-

A < '

These slots are to be used when securing to car-carrier equipment.

I NOTICE:

When attaching T-hooks to the shipping slots in the frame rail, attach them inside of the frame to avoid damage to the frame or front fascia.

Attach a separate safety chain around the outboard end of each lower control arm.

I NOTICE:

Take care not to damage the brake pipes and hoses or the ABS sensor and wiring.

5-12

Rear Towing

Using a towing dolly for your drive wheels is recommended if your vehicle is towed more than 500 cumulative miles (800 km) or exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h).

NOTICE:

Do not tow with sling-type equipment or the rear bumper valance will be damaged. Use wheel-lift or car-carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car-carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. Use the T-slots for car-carrier securing. Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift equipment. To help avoid damage, install a towing dolly and raise the vehicle until adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment. Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to suspension components when using car-carrier equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in T-hooks slots.

5-13

Attach T-hook chains into slots in the bottom of the floor pan, just ahead of the rear wheels, on both sides.

Attach a separate safety chain around the outboard end of both lateral arms.

These slots are to be used when securing to car-carrier equipment.

I NOTICE:

Take care not to damage the brake pipes and cables.

5-14

NOTICE:

After driving in the overheated engine protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the cause of coolant loss and change the oil. See “Engine Oil, When to Change” in the Index.

Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage and a hot engine warning light on your instrument panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” and “Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light” in the Index. You also have a low coolant warning light on your instrument panel. See “Low Coolant Light” in the Index. Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode Should an overheated engine condition exist, an overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups of three cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a significant loss in power and engine performance. The low coolant light may come on and the temperature gage will indicate an overheat condition exists. This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be avoided.

5-15

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

5-16

Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is fire. You or overheated, the liquids in it can catch others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.

NOTICE:

If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index.

If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: 0 Climb a long hill on a hot day. 0 Stop after high-speed driving. 0 Idle for long periods in traffic.

Tow a trailer.

If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. Turn off your air conditioner. 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan

speed and open the window as necessary.

3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);

otherwise, shift to the highest gear while driving -- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (@).

If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive normally. If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away. If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine for two or three minutes while you’re parked, to see if the warning stops. But then, if you still have the warning, turn ojfthe engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” listed previously in this section. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.

5-17

Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see:

An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can is not running and start up even when the engine can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down.

A. Coolant Recovery Tank B. Electric Engine Cooling Fans C . Radiator Pressure Cap

5-18

The coolant level should be at or above the COLD mark on the overflow hose in the coolant bottle.

If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system.

Heater and radiator hoses, and other camdine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.

I NOTICE:

Engine damage if you keep running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index.

If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the

engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If they aren’t, your vehicle needs service. How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@ engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information.)

Adumg d y plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean water and DEX-COOL@ coolant.

5-19

NOTICE:

A CAUTION:

In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mixture.

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the COLD mark, start your vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it.

5-20

/I\ CAUTLN:

Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come out are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.

5-21

1 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator

NOTICE:

Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged.

1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don't press down while huning the pressure cap.)

If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.

2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.

3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air

bleed valves. There are two bleed valves. One is located on the thermostat housing. The other is located on the thermostat bypass tube.

4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL@ coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mixture.) If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close the valves after the radiator is filled.

5. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine

and the compartment.

5-23

-

XI

6. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the COLD mark on the overflow hose in the coolant bottle.

7. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but

leave the pressure cap off.

8. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans.

9. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX-COOL" coolant mixture through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck.

5-24

If a Tire Goes Flat It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane. A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop -- well off the road if possible. If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

5-25

10. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on the pressure cap line up like this.

11. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level in

the coolant recovery tank should be at the HOT mark when the engine is hot or at the COLD mark when the engine is cold.

Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers.

............................................................................... ................................................................................ ............................................................................... ........................................... .......................................... ........................................... ..........................................

.................

Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:

1. Set the parking brake firmly. 2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P). 3. l b r n off the engine.

To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move, you can put blocks at the front and rear of the tire farthest away from the one being changed. That would be the tire on the other side of the vehicle, at the opposite end.

5-26

The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire.

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools

The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk.

(See “Compact Spare Tire” later in this section for more information about the compact spare.) 1. Pull the carpeted mat up from the floor of the trunk

and turn the center nut on the compact spare cover to the left to remove it. Then lift and remove the cover.

2. Remove the spare tire.

5-27

A

3. Turn the nut holding the jack to the left and remove

it. Then remove the jack and wrench.

The tools you'll be using include the jack (A), extension and protection guide (B) and wheel wrench (C).

5-28

Wheel Covers

To remove a center cap, use the wrench to pry gently at the notch. Don’t use a tool that is narrower than the wrench to pry at this notch. Then pry off the cap.

They won’t come off. You will only be able to loosen them. Once you have loosened the plastic nut caps with the wheel wrench, if needed, you can finish loosening them with your fingers. Then, using the flat end of the wheel wrench, pry along the edge of the wheel cover until it comes off. Be careful; the edge may be sharp. Don’t try to remove the cover with your bare hands.

If your vehicle is equipped with wheel covers, be sure to use a wheel wrench to begin the process of loosening the plastic wheel nut caps.

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire

A CAUTION:

Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.

I A CAUTION:

Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle.

1. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts.

Don’t remove them yet.

2. Turn the jack handle to the right to raise the jack lift

head a few inches.

5-30

FRONT

VEHICLE

FRONT

VEHICLE

REAR EDGE OF FRONT WHEEL OPENING

FRONT EDGE OF REAR WHEEL OPENING

3. For jacking at the vehicle’s front location, put the jack lift head about 6 inches (15 cm) from the rear edge of the front wheel opening or just behind the two bolts as shown.

4. For jacking at the vehicle’s rear location, put the jack lift head about 5 inches (13 cm) from the front edge of the rear wheel opening or just behind the off-set as shown. Put the compact spare tire near you.

5-31

7. Remove any rust or dirt

from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel.

A CAUTION:

Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from the places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.

5. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle to the

right. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground for the spare tire to fit under the vehicle.

6. Remove all wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.

5-32

A CAUTION:

Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident.

If you

Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub.

9. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle to the

left. Lower the jack completely.

10. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown.

NOTICE:

Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and torque specification.

to the proper

Don’t try to put the wheel cover on your compact spare tire. It won’t fit. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

I NOTICE:

Wheel covers won’t fit on your compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.

Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new GM original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 100 lb-ft (140 Nom).

5-34

Storing the Flat Tire and Tools

Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.

4fter you’ve put the compact spare tire on your vehicle, you’lineed t o store the flat tire-in your trunk. Use the following procedure to secure the flat tire in the trunk. When storing a full-size tire you must use the extension with the protector/guide to help avoid wheel surface damage. Use the extension and protector/guide located in the foam holder. To store a full-size tire, place the tire valve stem facing down and then remove the protector/guide and attach the retainer securely.

When reinstalling a compact spare tire, put the protector/guide back in the foam holder. Store the cover as far forward as possible.

5-35

Storing the Spare Tire and Tools

in the Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.

The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as you can. See “Compact Spare Tire” in the Index. See the storage instructions label to replace your compact spare into your trunk properly.

1. Retainer 2. Cover 3. Retainer (full-size tire) 4. Compact Spare Tire 5. Nut 6. Jack 7. Wrench 8. Lock Nut Tool 9. Foam Holder 10. Bolt Screw 11. Extension and

Protector/Guide

5-36

Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 Wa). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can finish your trip and have your full-size tire repaired or replaced where you want. Of course, it’s best to replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon as you can. Your spare will last longer and be in good shape in case you need it again.

NOTICE:

When the compact spare is installed, don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.

Don’t use your compact spare on other vehicles. And don’t mix your compact spare tire or wheel with other wheels or tires. They won’t fit. Keep your spare tire and its wheel together.

NOTICE:

Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using them can damage your vehicle and can damage the chains too. Don’t use tire chains on your compact spare.

5-37

If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.

If you let your tires ,spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. And, the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can overheat. That could cause an engine compartment fire or other damage. When you’re stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don’t spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.

NOTICE:

-~ - _ _

Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle.

For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see “Tire Chains” in the Index. Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in gear. If that doesn’t get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.

$& NOTES

5-39

f i NOTES

5-40

Section 6 Service and Appearance Care

Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.

Service

6-2 6-3 6-5 Fuels 6-5 6-7 6- 10 6-15 6- 17 6-20 6-24 6-25 6-26 6-29 6-30 6-36 6-43 6-44 6-46

Fuel

in Foreign Countries

Filling Your Tank Checking Things Under the Hood Engine Oil Air Cleaner Automatic Transaxle Fluid Engine Coolant Power Steering Fluid Windshield Washer Fluid Brakes Battery Bulb Replacement Tires Appearance Care Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle Cleaning the Built-in Child Restraint

6-47

6-47 6-48

6-48 6-49 6-50 6-52 6-53 6-53 6-53 6-59 6-59 6- 60 6- 60 6-60

Care of Safety Belts and Built-in Child Restraint Harness Cleaning Glass Surfaces Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle Cleaning Aluminum Wheels Cleaning Tires Appearance Care Materials Chart Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Service Parts Identification Label Electrical System Replacement Bulbs Capacities and Specifications Vehicle Dimensions Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Air Conditioning Refrigerants

6-1

Service Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:

Genuine

Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll want to use the proper Buick Service Manual. It tells you much more about how to service your vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index. Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see “Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle” in the Index. You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work you perform. See “Maintenance Record” in the Index.

6-2

You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it.

Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task. Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and other fasteners. “English” and “metric” fasteners can be easily confused. If you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt.

Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can affect the airflow around it. This may cause wind noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check with your dealer before adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.

Fuel Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. At a minimum, it should meet specifications ASTM D48 14 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have been developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control system protection compared to other gasolines. Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine. If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem.

6-3

To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to help clean the air. General Motors recommends that you use these gasolines if they comply with the specifications described earlier.

~- -

NOTICE:

Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty.

If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your authorized Buick dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty. Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); ask your service station operator whether or not his fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the use of such gasolines. If fuels containing MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and your emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized Buick dealer for service.

6-4

Filling Your Tank

Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you’ll be driving. You can also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L 1 H 8P7

Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoIine.

6-5

The tethered cap is behind a hinged door on the left side of your vehicle.

While refueling, let the cap hang by the tether below the fuel fill opening. To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.

6-6

If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way.

Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle” in the Index. When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right (clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in the Index.

NOTICE:

If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light and your fuel tank and emissions system may be damaged. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in the Index.

Filling a Portable Fuel Container

I ’ A CAUTION:

Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into approved containers.

CAUTION: (Continued)

0 Do not fill a container while it is inside a

vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or on any surface other than the ground. 0 Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the

inside of the fill opening before operating the nozzle. Contact should be maintained until the filling is complete.

0 Don’t smoke while pumping gasoline.

A CAZ ’ION: * -

An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

6-7

Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.

Hood Release

To open the hood, first pull the handle inside the vehicle, located just below the instrument panel and to the left of the steering column.

Then go to the front of the vehicle and release the secondary hood release. Lift the hood.

6-8

When you open the hood on the 3 100 (Code Mj Engine, you’ll see:

A. Windshield Washer

Fluid Reservoir

B. Battery C. Radiator Fill Cap

D. Remote Positive (+)

Battery Terminal

E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir F. Engine Oil Fill Cap G. Engine Oil Dipstick

H. Automatic Transaxle

Fluid Dipstick

I. Brake Fluid Reservoir J. Engine Coolant Recovery K. Air Cleaner

Tank

6-9

Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly. Engine Oil

LOW OIL

If the LOW OIL light on the instrument panel comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see “Low Oil Level Light” in the Index.

You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder. It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.

6-10

The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop near the front of the engine. Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.

Checking Engine Oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.

When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.

NOTICE:

Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area upper mark that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged.

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburst symbol.

If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has the Starburst symbol on the l front of the oil container.

The engine oil fill cap is located toward the front of the engine near the yellow-looped engine oil dipstick handle. Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through.

If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute certified for gasoline engines. You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in the following chart:

6-12

RECOMMENDED SAE VlSCOSlTT GRADE ENGINE OILS

FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLU STARTING, SELECT THE SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.

LOW

LOOK

FOR MIS SYMBOL

HOT

WEATHER

I + 100..

l j +27 - + 16

- + 4

- - 7

i,

, ’;;

SAE Sw-30 I PREFERRED

COLD

WEATHER

DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED

As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going to be 0°F (- 18 O C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.

NOTICE:

Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by your warranty.

GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for your vehicle. If you are in an area where the temperature falls below -20°F (-29”C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures.

6-13

Engine Oil Additives Don’t add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to advise if you think something should be added. When to Change Engine Oil Your vehicle has an Oil Life Monitor. This feature will let you know when to change your oil and filter -- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change. Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle more than 7,500 miles (1 2 500 km) or 12 months (whichever occurs first) without an oil change. The system won’t detect dust in the oil. So, if you drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner. Remember to reset the CHANGE OIL SOON light when the oil has been changed. For more information, see “Change Oil Soon Light” in the Index. How to Reset the CHANGE OIL SC -IN Light After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset. With the ignition key in RUN but the engine off, fully push and release the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds. If the CHANGE OIL SOON light flashes, the system is resetting. Turn the key to OFF,

then start the vehicle. If the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes back on, the system has not reset. Repeat the procedure. What to Do with Used Oil Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.) Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.

Air Cleaner

To check or replace the air filter, loosen the wing nut on the air duct and lift up on the two clips located on the top of the filter cover. Disconnect the duct and reposition it while removing the side cover.

1 CA”

ION:

Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner off.

Pull out the filter. Be sure to install the air filter and install the cover tightly when you are finished. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services’’ in the Index.

NOTICE:

If the air cleaner is off, a backfire Cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.

6-15

Passenger Compartment Air Filter

The passenger compartment air filter is located underneath your hood just below the windshield wiper arm on the car’s passenger side (underneath the air inlet grille).

The filter traps most of the pollen from the air entering the air conditioning module. Like your engine’s air filter, it may need to be changed periodically. For information on how often to change the passenger compartment air filter, see “Maintenance Schedule’’ in the Index.

6-16

To change the passenger compartment air filter, use the following steps:

1. Turn off the ignition when the windshield wipers

are in the up position.

2. Raise the hood. 3. Remove (disconnect) the windshield washer pump

hose from the fender rail and air inlet grille.

4. Reposition the hood weatherstrip from the right side of the vehicle (peel back halfway to center). 5. Remove (disconnect) the air inlet grille retainers. 6. Remove (disconnect) the air inlet grille. 7 . Remove (disconnect) the passenger compartment

air filter.

8. Then install the new air filter. For the type of filter

to use, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in the Index.

9. Reposition the air inlet grille. 10. Replace the air inlet grille retainers. 11. Reposition the hood weatherstrip. 12. Reconnect the windshield washer pump hose to the

fender rail air inlet grille.

1 3. Close the hood. 14. Return the windshield wipers to the park position.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid When to Check and Change A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: 0 In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature

regularly reaches 90 O F (32 O C) or higher. In hilly or mountainous terrain.

0 When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.

If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Buick dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.

I NOTICE:

Too much or too little fluid can damage your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transaxle fluid.

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32” C ) .

0 At high speed for quite a while.

6-17

0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.

While pulling a trailer.

To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C). Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F ( 10°C), you may have to drive longer.

Checking the Fluid Level

Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.

6-18

Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:

The automatic transaxle fluid dipstick is the red loop located toward the rear of the engine.

1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or

paper towel.

2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and

then pull it back out again.

3. Check both side-s of the dipstick, and read the

lower level. The fluid level must be in the cross-hatched area.

4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the

dipstick back in all the way.

How to Add Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the dipstick. 1. Pull out the dipstick. 2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the

dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L). Don’t overfill.

NOTICE:

We recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label is made especially for your automatic transaxle. Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-I11 is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.

6-19

3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as

described under “How to Check.”

4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the

dipstick back in all the way.

Engine Coolant The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only DEX-COOL@ extended life coolant. The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when it is low, If you have a problem with engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index. A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@ coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C). Give boiling protection up to 265 “F ( 129°C).

Protect against rust and corrosion. Help keep the proper engine temperature. Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.

NOTICE:

When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) coolant. If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or engine coolant will require change sooner -- at radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use of coolant other than DEX-COOL@ is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.

6-20

What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably distilled) and one-half DEX-COOL@ coolant which won’t damage aluminum parts. If you use this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.

Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean water and DEX-COOL@ coolant.

NOTICE:

If you use an improper coolant mixture, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.

If you have to add coolant more than four times a year, have your dealer check your cooling system.

NOTICE:

If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to improve the system. These can be harmful.

6-21

Checking Coolant

If this light comes on, it means you’re low on engine coolant.

Adding Coolant If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@ coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it. If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add coolant to the radiator. (See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.)

When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD mark or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be up to the HOT mark or a little higher.

6-22

A CAUTION:

Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost Never turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a never have to add coolant at the radiator. when the engine and radiator are hot. little ' A CAUTION:

9-

You can De wrned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.

Radiator Pressure Cap

I NOTICE:

Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.

When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC' cap is recommended. Thermostat Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant reaches a preset temperature. When you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat is recommended.

6-23

Power Steering Fluid

How To Check Power Steering Fluid When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.

When to Check Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.

6-24

When the engine compartment is hot, the level should be at the HOT mark. If the fluid is at the ADD mark, you should add fluid.

Adding Washer Fluid

What to Use To determine what kind of fluid to use, see “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals. Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.

Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add washer fluid until the tank is full.

6-25

Brakes Brake Fluid

Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid.

NOTICE:

When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid. Fill your washer fluid tank only three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion if freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if it is completely full. Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your windshield washer. It can damage your washer system and paint.

6-26

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is lealung out of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all. So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.

What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid -- such as Delco Supreme 11 No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.

(GM Part

’ A CAUTION:

With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake system, your brakes may not work well, or they may not even work at all. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

6-27

NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced. Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See “Appearance Care” in the Index.

Brake Wear Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).

The brake wear warning sound means that soon your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to an accident. When you hear the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.

I NOTICE:

Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.

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Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the proper sequence to GM specifications. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets. See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.” Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble. Brake Adjustment Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.

Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking system -- for example, when your brake linings wear down and you have to have new ones put in -- be sure you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes can change -- for the worse. The braking performance you’ve come to expect can change in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts. Battery Every new Buick has an ACDelco Freedom@ battery. You never have to add water to one of these. When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown on the original battery’s label.

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Vehicle Storage If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery from running down.

A CAUTION:

Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.

Bulb Replacement In this section you’ll find directions for changing the bulbs in some of the lamps on your vehicle. See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index to find the type of bulb you should use. Hal4 3ulb A CAUTION:

Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or others could be injured. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the bulb package.

Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle for longer storage periods. Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent Feature’’ in the Index.

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Headlamps

I. Pull up on the headlamp retainers to release the

assembly locator tabs.

2. Slide the headlamp assembly out of the slots. 3. Lift the plastic locking tab on the electrical

connector and pull the connector from the headlamp bulb socket.

4. Connect the new headlamp assembly to the wiring

harness, making sure the connector tab snaps into place.

5. Insert the headlamp into the slots in the fascia. 6. Slide the retainers downward until they are

fully seated.

Headlamp Aiming Your vehicle has a modular headlamp system. These headlamps have horizontal and vertical aim indicators. The aim has been optically pre-set at the factory and should need no further adjustment. If ybttftrehicle is damaged in an accident and the headlamp aim seems to be affected, see your dealer. Headlamps on damaged vehicles may require recalibration of the vertical and horizontal aim by your dealer.

For the vertical adjustment, state inspection stations will generally allow a reading of plus 0.76 degrees or minus 0.76 degrees from the center of the bubble.

It is recommended that the upper limit not exceed plus 0.4 degrees from the center of the bubble. Other drivers may flash their high beams at you if your adjustment is much above plus 0.4 degrees.

To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly prepared as follows:

Place the vehicle on a level pad or 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 gas 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.

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.

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If you find that the headlamp aiming needs adjustment, follow these steps:

I NOTICE:

Horizontal aim of the headlamp must be done first. Adjusting vertical aim first will result in incorrect headlamp aim.

Driver’s Side Headlamp Shown