1998 Buick Park Avenue Owners Manual

Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN. Turn the radio off. Press the B and 4 buttons together. Hold them down until SEC shows on the display. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. Press MfN again to make the last two digits agree with your code. Press HRS to make the first one or two digits agree with your cocie. Press AI-FM after you have confkmed that the code matches the secret code you have written CIOWH~. The display will shaw ---, indicating that the radio is no longer secured.

If the code entered is inccnect, SEC will appear on the display. The radio will remain secured until the correct code is entered. When battery power is removed and later applied to a secured radio, the radio won’t turn on and EQC wirl appear on the display.

SCAN: Press this button to scan the stations preset on your radio psaslnbuttons. This feature works like your radio’s P SCAN button and allows YOU to listen to each of you preset stations for a few seconds. The radio will go to the fist preset station, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset station. Press SCAN again to stop scanning. If a preset station has weak reception, the radio will mot stop at the preset st&hn~.

To unlock a secured radio see ‘6Udock.ing the Thefi-Deterrent Feature After a Bower LOSS” earlier in this section. Audio Steering W3eel c@ntr@ls

If your vehicle has this feature, can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel. Some steering wheel controls may operate climate C O ~ & Q ~ S . See “’Steering Wheel Controls for Climate Contd” earlier in this section.

SEEK: Press this go to the next higher or lower radio station.

button to

The range for m ~ s t AM stations is greater than for I?”, especially at might. The longer range, however, can came stations io interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like S~QITIIS and power Eises. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise iE you ever get it.

Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use. Your raciio may display CLM to indicate that you have used your tape player €or 50 hours ~ i t h ~ u t resetting the tape clean timer. €f this message appears om the display, your cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as SOOR as possible to prevent damage to your tapes and. pkiYLX. If Y0t.i IIOtiCe a redPrCtiOn iEm S O U d quality, &j‘ a known good cassette to see if it is the tape or the tape player at fault. If this other cassette has EO improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.

After ycu clean the player, press and hold EJECT for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The rxlio will display --- to show the indicator was reset. Cassettes me subject to wear m d the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette tape is in good condition before you have YOLK tape player serviced.

yudr -.,: !Lamp@&

'7

27. : U&pJ

yax-ipa (..k n,;T 7;: Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, danpem a clean, soft ~10th in a mild, neutral detergent sdution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handking discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the k t e and the outer edge.

If, when YOU turn on your rear window defogger, you hear static on your radio station, it means a defogger grid line has been damaged and must be repaired. (Your rlldiQ iS not at fault.) X you C ~ O Q S ~ vehicle, and the mtenma needs to be attached to the glass, be sure that you do not damage the grid lines for the AlV-FM zn'renna.

to add a cejlular telephone to your

Your AM-FM antenna is integrated with yorrr rear window defogger, located in the rex window. B e sure that the inside surface sf the rear window is not scratched and that the lines QI-I the glass are not damaged. If the inside surface is damaged, it could interfere with radio reception. Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting. The metallic film in some tinting materials will interfere with OH distort the incoming radio reception.

4- 2 4-3 4-5 4-6 4- 10 4-43 4- 13 4- 15 4.- I6

Defensive driving redly means “be ready for mything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”’ Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and wd driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task -- such as concentrating on a cellular telephone call, reading, or reaching for something on the floor -- makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving techniques coukl save your Me.

suddenly.

The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Buick: Buckle up. (See “’Safety Belts” in the Index.)

4-2

The obvious way to solve this highway safety pmblem is for people never to drink alcohol and then drive. But what if people do? Wow much is “too much“ if the driver plans to drive? It’s a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem.

Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. AIcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: 0 Judgment @ Muscular Coordination 8 vision

Attentiveness.

Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, over 17,000 annud motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured. Many adults -- by some estimates, nearly half the adult population -- choose never to drink alcohol, so they never drive after drinking. For persons under 2 I, it’s against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical, psychological and developmental reasons for these laws.

Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a W Q ~ Z U I generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of chinks. The law in many U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. Hn a growing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, she limit is 64.08 percent. Ina some other countries, it’s even Bower. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 8.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a C O ~ ~ S ~ O I L At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!

It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank thee double martinis (3 ounces or 540 d of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat Bower BAC level. There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have a Bower relative percentage of body water than men.

YO:; have three systems that make YQLX vehick go wircre you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering anti the accelerator. AH three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.

Braking action involves perreption time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 314 of a second. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two OS three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination and eyesight dl play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mpph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.

Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of hose control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle.

Avoid Reedless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to COO^ between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much Easter if you dc a lot of heavy braking. If YOU keep pace with the traffic ‘ a d allow realistic follewing distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever steps while you’re driving, brake nomctHBy but don’t pump your brakes. HE you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be hxder to push.

.

. . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As you brake, your C Q I I I ~ U ~ ~ I - keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and c~ntgols braking pressure accordingly.

Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the t h e you need to get your foot up to the br&e pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too dose to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes If that vehicle suddenly slows or stcps. Always leave enough room up ahead tu stop, even though yorr have anti-lock brakes.

_ _

. ...

Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down 5 m l y and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel a slight brake pedal gulsation or notice some noise, but this is normal.

?F? 5 - ~ ~ l : ” ~ p . T p a % *.-blL&

L C

. ,%*i

r ,y

...,‘.

:~?$<:4:?~$

,y...,iq:py; (TF &&@$B&) --’3 l i Y z .i I A

-2.

YQW vehicle may have a traction control system thzat limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is nomal.

See ‘‘T~-acti~m Contra1 System Warning Eight” ii: the Irzdex. WEen this warning light is on, the system will m t limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving zccsrdingly. The traction C O I I ~ F O ~ system arr;2smaticaily comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in siippery road conditio~s, y3u shouEd always leave the system on. But you can turn- the traction control system off‘ if you ever need to. (YQQ should turn the system off if p u r vehicBe ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow. See “Rockr~g Your Vehicle” in the Index.)

Your vehicle may be equipped with GM Magnasteer ” , a steering system that continuousIy adjusts the effort you feel when steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease when parking yet a firm, solid feel at highway speeds. You- steering can be adjusted for an easier or more firm setting. See your dealer for information

To turn the system off, press the button l~cated at the end of the shift lever. The traction control system warning light will come on and stay on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press the button, the warning light will come on -- but the system won’t turn off right away. It will wait until there’s no longer a current need to h i t wheel spin. Y m can turn the system back on at any time by pressing ?.he button again. The traction control system warning Bi&

xkcPetM go off.

It‘s important to take curves at ;r reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires agzjinst the roaC surface makes it possible fcr the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia wiHl keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you‘ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, YQK‘IB understacd this. The trzctionr YOU can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires md the road surface, the angle at which Gie curve is banked, and your speed. Mile you’re in ip curve, speed is the one fxtor you can control. Suppose ycu’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control

7 , w w

e?

0 &i&rpe[z.iQs

&3g;-izg 1x1 There are times when steering can be more effective than brakmg. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, OH a child darts out from between parked cars m d stops right in front of YOU. You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; trlere isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering ~ o u n d the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (See ‘‘Braking in Emergencies” earlier in ”s section.) It is better tc remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available.

An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel a’: the recomended 9 and 3 o’clock positloas, you can tuna it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at dl times and wear safety belts properly.

@

I 4 o not get too ciose to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, fblhwing too closely reduces YQUP area of visiorn, cspecidly if you’re following a larger vehide. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows cx stops. Keep back a reasonable distance.

8 When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,

start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don‘t get too close. Time YOUF move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a “running start” that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancef your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other cars =e lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying to pass YOU as you pull out +LO pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot.

8 Check your minors, giance over your shoulder, and start your left Bane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you =e far enough ahead of the passed vehicle BO see its front in your inside minor, activate your right lafie change signal 2nd move back into the right laze. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle YSU just passed may seem to be f ~ t h e r away from you than it really is.)

@ Don’t overtake a sEowIy moving vehdcIe too rapidly. Even though the br&e lamps are not flashing, it may be slowing down or starting to turn. If you’re being passed, make it easy for the foilowing driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a littie to the right.

A cornering skid is best handled by easing your EQOT OE the accelerator pedal. If you have the traction control system, remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid.

Here are some tips on night driving.

Drive defensively. Don’t chi& and drive. Adjust your inside rearview III~JTQ~ to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light up only so much road ahead. In remote areas, watch for animals. If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.

. ,

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

. . . . .

. . . . .

. _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

w-:x -.:.:x.:.:.., ):.:..:.~.:.:.:.:.~.:~ .......... .................... ..........

........ ................i‘.;.. .......

..

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

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

....... :. :. ::. .i*&

-\\.w-,.+

. . . . . x.:;-.. : :

Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired -- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.

Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them.

Hydroplaning is dangerous. S:, much water can build up under your tires that they c m actually ride on the water. This can happerm If the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning.

4-2

Mile for mile, freeways (dso called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest of dl roads. But they have their QWII special rules. The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep UP with tp.&c and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving. T~o-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane on a fkeeway as a passing lane.

At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway 2s you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow. Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. Before changing lanes, check your rnkors. Then use your turn signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your “bIind” spot.

Once YOU are moving on the freeway, make certain you allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move slightly dower at night. When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in advmce. If you m i s s your exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive cn to the next exit. The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to YOUP speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are.

4-22

Make sure you’re ready. Try to be w e l rested. if p a r must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s wo& -- don’t plan to make too many d e s that Eirst part of the journey. Wew comhrta’ole ciothing and shoes you can easily drive in. 1s your vehick ready for a Iong trip? If ycu keep it serviced mb maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you’ET find experienced and able service experts in Buickdealerships ail across North America.They’!l be ready and willing to help if you need it. Here are some things you can check befme a trip:

]Is there actually such a ~~nrdition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. mere is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, dong with the hum of the tires on the road, the &one of the engine, and the msh of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a secondy and you could crash agld be injured.

@ Keep YQW eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to

the sides. Check YOLK rearview ~~II-QI-S and your instruments frequently.

@ If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.

HE you drive regdarly in steep country, or if you're planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.

Keep yoas vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid Bevels and also the brkes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. These par"cs can work h a d on mountain roads.

8 Know how to go down hills. "he most i m p ~ r t m t thing to h o w is this: le: your engine do some of the slowing ~ Q W I I . Shift to a lower gear whm YOU go down a steep or long hill.

If you d d t shift down, your brakes coddl get so hot that they wouldn't work wel. YQU would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to Bet your engine assist YOW brakes on a steep downhill slope.

a,

Know how to go uphill. Drive in the highest geX pOSSibke. Stay in your own lane when driving an two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don't swing wide GT cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds tha': let you stay in your own lane. As yo.^ go over the top of a -hill, be dert. There could be somettzlng h you- lane, %e a stailed car or m accident. You may see highway signs on mountains that wanz of specid problems. Examples a e H~ng grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate zction.

...........- ............ ......................... gg.&.$& .............. p..........

Here are some tips for winter driving:

hclude an ice scraper, a smdl brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will. be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you p p e r l y secure these items in YOU vehicle.

However, if there is snow OF ice between yorar tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less traction cr “grip” and will need to be very careful.

What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick 2nd hard to drive on. 3 u t wet ice can be even more trouble because it may oEer the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about freezing (,32”F; OOC) and freezing rain begins to fail. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt 2nd sand crews can get there. Whatever the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing or hose snow -- drive with caution. If you have traction control, keep the systcrn on. It will improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a slippery road. Even though your vehicle has a traction controi system, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to the road conditions. Sec ‘‘Trrrctionr Control System” in the Index. If you don’t have the traction control system, accelerate gently. Try not to break thc FragiEt: Fraction. If you acceierate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more.

.......... ..-- ...

‘ _._ . . . . .

..

Your anti-lock brakes i r r ; . l p ~ ~ e your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, p ~ ’ i 8 want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-Lock)’ in the Index. @ Allow greater following distance on a ~ y

slippery road.

@ Watch for slippery spots. The road might be h e until you hit a spot that’s covered with ice. Ora an otherwise clew road, ice patches may appear in shaded areas where the sun can’t reach: around clumps of trees, behind buildings or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may remain icy when the surrounding roads are c k a . ff you see a patch of ice ahead of you, br&e before you are on it. Try not to br&e while you’re actually on the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.

If you are stopped by heavy snow, you couId be in a serious situation. YOE skhoald prsbably stay witk your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are zear help and you cas hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to S U H ~ ~ Q E Z passengers safe: @ Turn on your hazard flashers.

k i p and keep yourself and ~ Q U I -

i T!RE-LOADING tNFBRMAT!ON 1 MAX. LOADING €9 GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE i CAPACITY WEIGHT

VEHICLE CAP. WT.

FRT. CTR. RR.

OCCUPANTS

COLD TIRE

TOTAL

LBS.

X>(>(

KG

TIRE SIZE

SPEED RTG

PRESSURE PSI:KPa

IF TIRES ARE HOT, ADD 4PSIj28KPa SEE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Two labels on p u r vehicle show how much weight it may properly cmy. The Tire Loading Information label found on the r e a edge of the driver's door tells YOU the groper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you important infomation about the number of people that can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-instalM Q P ~ ~ Q P ~ S .

MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS COWP DATE GVWW GAWR FRT GAWR R W

The other label is the Certification Label. found on the rear edge cf the driver's door. it tells ycu the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross vehicle Weight Rating (GVW).The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants. fuel and cargo. Never exceed the G W R for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) foreither the front or rear axle.

YOUr WEtE'ralI~y does components that fail because of overloading.

COWX gSa€%S 03.

Hf you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else -- they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If YOU have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they'll keep going.

Your vehicie can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is far your vehick, you shora'rd read the infomation in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later in this section. But trailerifmg is differect than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering neans changes in handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe tmilering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.

. .

I~

4-32

Eszd-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle. wheel assembiles and tires %e forced ea work harder against the drag uf the added weight. The engine is required to operate at reEativeIy higher speeds and gnder grczter Isads, gecerating extra heat. What's more, the trailer adds considerably to w i d resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. If You Do Decide To PnlI A Railerr If you do, here are some irqm-tana points:

There are mmy different laws, inclndlng speed Zimit restrictions, having to do with trailerkg Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where yolr live but also where you'll be driving. A good source for this infomation can be state or' provincial p e k e .

If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 18 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If yog have a weight-distributing hitch, the trziler tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of the total ioaded trailer weight (B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren’t, YOU may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the traiier.

Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the Gpper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Tire-Loading Information Babel at the rear edge of the driver’s door OF see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight sf the trailer tongue. q ; -I ,-+ LL&LA2Lb It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Were are some d e s to follow:

I--

Be sure to read and follow the ins~srctions for the t ~ t i l e ~ b r d w so you’ll be able to install, adjust a d maintain them properly.

You’ll Zeed more passing distance up ahead when gr~u’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal longer, you‘ll geed to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle bef0re you cas return to your lane.

4-36

3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Mere YOLI’HH

find what to do about some problems that can occur

the road.

5-2 5-2 5-3 5-7 5- 12

Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices sump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating

h..,,

YQW hazard warning flashers work no matter what position yow key is in, and even if the key isn't in. To turn off the flashers, press down on the button again. When the hazard warning flashers are CUI, your turn signals won't work.

your vehicle.

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

battery with a negative ground system.

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. YQU wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. TQ avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved. Put an automatic transaxle in PARK (PI before setting the parking brake.

3. ’ h m off the ignition on 5~1th vehicles. Turn off the

radios and all lamps that aren’t needed. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. Et could save YSUP radio!

damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

4. Open the hood and locate the batteries.

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

missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock and the vehicles could be damaged. Before you connect the cables, here are SOW basic things you should know. Positive (9) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to a metal engine p a . Don’t connect positive (+) to negative (-1 or you’ll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts, too.

7. Connect the red positive (9) cable to the positive (+>

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

8. Don’t let the other end metal. Connect it

to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (9) terminal if the vehicle has one.

NOW connect the black negative (-) cable to the good battery’s negative (-) terminal. Don’t let the other end touch anytkzng until the next step. The other end of the negative cable doem Z go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of the vebcle with the dead battery.

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

IO. 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 thee, but the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less.

11. Now star& the vehicle with the good battery and run

the engine for a while.

1%. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.

If it won’t start &er a few tries, it probably needs service.

!: :. _. .

.:,:’ . . . . . , . . .I ..

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

2

A vehicle can fall from 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 OF 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 vehicje. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook siob. Never use J-hooks. They will damage drivetrain and suspension components.

When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key in OW. The steering wheel should be clamped in a. straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. DQ not use the vehicle’s steering column iock for this. The transaxle should be in NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake released. Don’t have your vehicle towed the front wheels, unless you must. If the vehicle must be towed QII the front wheels, be sure to fallow the speed and distance restrictions later in this section or your transaxle will be damaged. If these Limits must be exceeded, then the front wheels have to be supported on a dolly.

\,

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

A h:;

Position the lower sling crossbar in front of the rear bumper.

If you 1'10 longer have the overheat wmimg, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about IO 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 c$ftthe engine and get everyone out of the a,chicke until it cools down. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.

E you get the overheat w m i n g but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometines the engine can get a BittIe too hot when you: @B Climb a long hill on a hot day. 8 Stop after high-speed driving. Idle for long periods in tra€€ic.

9 Tow a trailer. If you get the overheat warning with try this for a mimte or so: I. Turn off your air conditioner. 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest Fan

speed and opera the window as necessary.

sign of stem,

3. If you're Ira a tra€fic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N); otherwise, shift to the highest gear while driving -- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (a) or THmD (3 1.

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

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

If there seem to be no leak, with the engine on, check io see if the electric engiap,e cooling fans are mnning. If the engine is cverkeating, both fm.s shouici be marning. If they aren't, your vehicle needs service.

_ _ _ ~ _ _ ~

~~

___ __

__

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

CAUTION:

Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, OF 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.

.......... 7 m : ; ..................... ,... , .,., . . .,.,. ....

1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when

the cooling system, including the radiator pressure hot. Turn cap and upper radiator hose, is longer the pressure cap S ~ O W ~ Y counterdockwise until it fist stops. (Don't press down while turning the pressure cap) If you h e z a hiss, wait for ahat to stop. A hiss means there is still some presswe lek.

/.:.:..; ..... ...... .......... .:.:.....:

T%%%Y. .............. ,I ............. w.... .... .......

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Start the engine and let it mn until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting h ~ t . Watch Q U ~ fop the engine cooling fans. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of h e proper DEX-COOP coolant mixture ahrough the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck.

’, !!

1 ‘i < 1 .2? .

0:. .. . .

i...

...

stop

8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if C Q Q ~ E U I ~ begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the mows on the pressure cap line up like this.

Goes FE&

If 8 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 &e, it’s much moie 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 accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain A rear blowout, particularly on a c w e , acts much like a skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a 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.

toward that side. Take YOLK foot off the brake to

lane well out of the traffic lane.

h any kearblowout, remove your foot kom the

position, and then

gently

, ................................................................................ .................................................................................. L ................................................................................ , ........................................... ,. ......................................... ......................................... 3. ........................................... ............................................

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

..................... .: ..... :.:.y,>:.: ...... , ................ $;z

.......... ._. . ....

.............................. ..... ......... Z,...?... ................ .... ?:.a .~.~.:.1.~.~,~~::~~.;.:.: ~ ~ . : . ~ . : ~ : ~ ~ $ ...........

The following steps are necessary if you have the dloy (alu~num) wheel with a center cover that conceals the wheel nuts.

1. Insert the flat end of the wheel wrench in the

notch and pry off the center cover. DQ not drop the cover QP lay it face down, as it could be scratched or damaged.

2. If your vehicle has this a l u h u m wheel, you may have plastic wheel nut caps. Use the wheel nut wrench to remove the wheel nut caps anad to loosen the wheel nuts.

3. When reinstalling the decorative nut caps, tighten the

caps snugly with the wheel wrench, then continue one-eighth of a turn for steel caps and one-quarter of a turn €or plastic caps. It is not required to remove the center cover on this wheel; however, i€ it should be necessary, it should be removed h m the back side by pushing out with a blunt tool and not pried off from the front. When reinstalling the cap, there is a plastic alignment pin which must be aligned with the notch in the wheel to assure proper installation.

4. After the wheel is put back on the vehicle, replace

the cover. Apply pressure around the edge of the cover to snap it in place. Do not use a hammer or mallet to instdl the cover.

I. Use the wheel wrench to loosen the wheel nuts, but

don’t. remove them yet.

2. The jack has a bolt at the

end. Attach the wheel wrench to the bolt to create a jack handle.

11 INCHES (28 CM)

3. Rotate the wheel wrench to the left to lower the jack

head until it fits under the vehicle.

4. Near each wheel well is a K I O ~ C ~

in the plastic trim

panel to position the jack head. You’ll find the word JACK and an amow stamped into the plastic near each notch. Position the jack under the vehicle and raise the jack head until it fits firmly against the sheet metal next to the word JACK. Do not raise the vehicle yet. Put the compact spare tire near you.

.... -..:::q . .. 1.. ... , . , ._.. : ,.. , . ... . . ..

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 lo~ation before raising the vehicle.

5. Raise the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench to the right in the jack. Raise the.vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to fit.

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

7 . Remove my rust or Girt

from the wheel bolts, aoundng surfaces and spare wheel.

Never use oil or grease on studs OF nubs. If yon do, the nuts might come EOQS~. YQUF wheeI could fajI off, causing a serious accident.

CAUTION:

Rust or dirt on the wheel, OB" on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become Boose dter 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 dowel 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.

10. Using the wheel

wrench, tighten the wheel nuts f d y in a

9. Lower the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench to

the left. Lower the jack completely.

Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become ~cocpse 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 PO0 lb-ft (140 Nem).

7

SPARE TIRE COVER A

\.

iR

The compact spue tire is for temporaw use only. Replace the compact spare tire with a ?dl-size tire as soon as you can. See "Compact Spare Tire" later in this section.

‘Fire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using them caw damage your vehicle and can damage the chains too. Don’t use tire chains on your eomp?act spare.

j NOTICE:

Spinning your wheeEs can destroy parts sf your vehicle as well as the tires. If YOU spin the wheels &OO fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your tramaxle.

~~~~

FOP information about using tire chains on ycur vehicle, see “Tire Chains” in the Index.

6-2 6- 3 4-9 6-12 4-17 6- 19 4-20 6-23 5-27 6-28 6-29 4-32 6-33 6-45 6-46

Service Fuel Checking Things Under the Hood Engine Oil Air Cleaner Supercharger Oil Automatic Transaxle Fluid Engine Coolant Radiator Bressure Cap VVindskieTd Washes Fluid Br&es 3 attery Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires

Appearance Care Cleaning the Inside QE Y(.w VehicEe Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle Underbody Maintenance Chemical Paint Spotting Appearance Care Materials Chart Vehicle icientifkation Number (VIN) Electrical System Removing the Rear Seat Cushion Replacement Bulbs Capacities and Specifications Air Conditioning Re€rigerants Engine Specifications Vehicle Dimensions Normal Maintenance Replacement 'Parts

Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’II go to your dealer €or 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

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 a111 parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work you perform. See “Maintenance Record” in the Index.

The 8th digit sf your vehicle identification number (Vm) shows the code lettee for your engine. You will find the VIN at the top left of your instmment panel. (See “Vehicle Identifkation Number’’ in the Endex.) If you have the 3800 engine (VIN Code use regula unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. If you’re using fuel rated at the recommended 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. If you have the 3800 Supercharged engine (VHN Code I), use premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher. With the 3800 Supercharged engine, in an emergency, you may be able to use a lower QC~XE -- as low as 87 -- if heavy knocking does not occur. If you are using 91 cx higher octane unleaded gasoline and YOU hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.

6-3

Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can affect the airdaow 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.

!F your vehicle Is certified to meet California Emission Sbmdirrds (indicated the underhood emission control idxl), it is designed to ogerate on heEs that meet C”a1Efornia specificztions. If such fuels are not available states adopting California e:raissions standads, your

i~hicfe will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting fktPeral specifications, but emission control system ;?crt’om.srmmce may be afiected. The maTfunctian indicator Fmrp OR your instrument panel may turn on and/or your v & k k may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return t o y w r nlrtEnorlzed Buick dealer Ear diagnosis to

To provide ckaner air, a11 gasdines in the United States are now required to c~ntain ~ddifves that will help ?revent deposits from forming in y o u erz.gine and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function properly. Therefore, you s h d d sot have to add anything to the fuel,. In addition, gasdines containir,g 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 edier.

Fuels iB Foreign c@n&+@s If yon plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never ease Headed gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on &el. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by your wappanty. To check on fuel availability, ask ann 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 a d give your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario LIH 8P7

The cap is behind a hinged door on the driver’s side of your vehicle.

When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right 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 “Malhnctiom Indicator L a p ” in the Index.

NOTICE: If you need a new cap, be sum to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If YQU get the wrong type, it may not $it properly. This may cause youp: malfunction indicator lamp to light and YOU^ fuel tank and emissions system may be damaged. see “Malfunction hdicatos Earnp’’ in the Index.

Things that bum 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 ~r rubber. YQU OF others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will bum onto a hot engine.

A. Battery B. Radiator Pressure Cap C. Engine Oil Dipstick D. Engine Oil Fill Cap

@. Wmcishield Wisher Fluid Reservoir H. Engine C d m t Recovery Tank I. Air Cleaner

Your vehicle may have 2 3800 Sqercharged engine. Supercharging, rather than turbocharging, emphasizes smooth, refined power. The supercharger is a device which is designed to pump more ais into the engine than it would normally use. This air mixed with fuel creates increased engine power. Since the supercharger is a pump and is driven from an engine accessory drive belt, iwreased pressure is available at all driving conditions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) works with a vacuum control to regulate the increased pressure required during specific driving conditions. When this increased pressure or boost is not desired, such as during idling and light tfarsttIe cruising, the excess air that the supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass. AB1 sf these controk working together provide high performance character and fuel efficiency in the 3800 V6 Supercharged engine. The power steering pump and reservoir are mounted on the rear (driver’s side) sf the engine biock. See “Maintenance Schedule” in the Index for when you should check the fluid.

ENGINE OIL LOW CHECK LEVEL

HMBHBMrn

Ef you have the Driver Infcmation Center, an ENGINE OIL LOW-CHECK LEVEL message will appear when the engine oil is approximately I quart (fL) Isw. 1 1 the message is displayed, check the dipstick level and add oil as needed.

7r

Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the '"Starburst" symbol. Vas symbol indicates that the 0iI has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (AH). Do not use any oil whch does not c m y this Starburst symbd.

If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has the Starburst symbol on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the 02 put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute certified f ~ r gasoline engines.

You should also use the prcper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in the following chart:

oil dipstick. Be sure to fill it enough tc put the Bevel somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you're through.

I

- + 3 8

; +27

If any one of these is true for you, use the short tripkity maintenance schedule:

Most trips are less than 5 to 13 miles (8 to I 6 km). This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing. Most trips include extensive id1ir.g (such as frequent $riving in stop-and-go traffic). Most trips are though dusty areas. You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle. The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial application.

Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to break down sooner. Hf any m e of these is true for your vehicle, then YOU need to change your si1 and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever occurs k t . the Index. 1

(See Engine Oil Life Monitor (Index) in

If none of them is true, use the %ong triphighway maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever occurs h t . Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to $re& down dower.

Did you know that used engine oil contains certain ekmer,ts that may be unhealthy for your skin and csdd even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very iong. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hznd 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 t-heat 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 coilects 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 kelp.

I

Remove the wing nuts on the air cleaner housing cover.

... .. .. ..

2. Remove the air intake hose that snaps over the

bottle body by pulling the hose upward and away from the throttle body. As YOU are detaching the hose, remove ahe air cleaner housing cover by pulling upward and remarc%.

3. Replace the air filter. 4. Reattach the air intake hose. 5. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you or others to be burned. The air eleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. 1% it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on %he engine with the air cleaner off.

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

Check oil only when the engine is cold. Allow the engine to cool two to three hours after running.

I. Clean tke area around the oil fill plug before

removing it.

2. Remove the G ~ H fill plug wing a 3/26 inch

Allen wrench.

3. The oil level is correct when it just reaches efre

bottom of the threads of the inspection hole. 4. Replace the oil plug with the O-ring in place.

Torque to 88 b i n ( IO N-m).

A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is wherr the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid a.nd filter every 50,000 miles (83 080 Ian) if the vehicle is mainly driven rander one or more of these conditions: 8 In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature

regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.

0 Uses such as found in taxi, police QT delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any sf these conditions, the fluid and filter do not reqwie changing. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done set your 3uick dealerslug Service Department. If you do it yourself, be s u e to follow all the instructions here, OT you could get a false reading on the dipstick.

Wait at Beast 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fhid lwei if you have been driving: 8 When outsiOe temperatures are above 90°F ( 3 ~ e>. @ At high speed for quite a while. e In heavy traffic -- especiaily in hot weather. 8 While gulling a trailer.

m 0 -

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

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

1. The transaxle fluid

dipstick top is a round, red loop and is next to the brake master cylinder behind the engine block. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.

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

then pull it back out again.

3. Check both sides 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 a11 the way.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids md Eubricmts” 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. I. 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 ove@Zl.

3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level ips

described under “How to Check.”

4. When the correct fluid level is obt.ained, push the

dipstick back in dl the way.

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 MI0 h) whichever occurs first, if you add only DEX-COOL“ extended life coolant, The following explains your coding system and how to add coolant when it is low. If YOU have a problem with engine overheating, 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 OF 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 importrant that you use O ~ Y DEX-CQOE~ (sficate-free) C O Q I ~ ~ . If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or -- at radiator corrosion may result. Hw addition, the engine coolant will require change S Q B ~ ~ F 30,000 d e s (50 000 b) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use of coolant other than DEX-COOL@ is not c~vemdl by your new vehicle warranty.

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

Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Blain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s C Q O ~ ~ warning system is set for the proper c ~ ~ l m t 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 yon or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean water and DEX-CBOL@ codant.

6-24

The csdant recovery tank is located QII the @river's side of the engine compartment.

1

f ENG. COOLANT LOW

CHECK LEVEL

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

You can be burned if you spill cooiant QPB 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.

prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage

filler neck.

When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an A C ~

;trolled by a themosta .t

in

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 Book at the fluid level on the dipstick. The level should be at the FTLL COLD mark. If necessary, add Q ~ Y to the mark.

enough fluid to bring the level up

at 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.

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 keezing, use a fluid that has suffkient protection against freezing.

The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located by the coolant recovery tank on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. Open the cap labeled WASHER washer fluid until the tank is full.

ONLX Add

Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. There are only two reasom why the brake fluid level in the reservob might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes ~ Q W to an acceptable Bevel during n W g wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is Bedung out of the brake system. If it is, you ~ h ~ ~ l d have YQW brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later YQIX brakes won't work w d , or won't work at all.

brake

So, it isn‘t a good idea to “top oft“ your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If YOU add fluid when your linings are worn, then you’ll have loo much fluid when you get new brake linings. You shouki add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brAe fluid -- such as Delco Supreme II@ (GM Part No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the mea around the cap before removing it. This will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.

~~

~~

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

1 crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

When your Srake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. A chime will sound if you try to drive with this warning light on. See “Brake System Waning Eight” in the Index.

NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of minerallbased 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 gut in the wrong kind of fluid. If you spill brake fluid OEI 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 Case” in the Index.

Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear inchcators &at 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.

NOTICE:

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

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. Properiy torqued whee! nuts irre necessary to heIp prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pacts for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the proper sequence to GM specifications. Brake linings should always be replaced 2s complete axle seis. See "Brake System Inspectioc" in Section 7 of this nanuai under Part C "Periodic Maintecance Inspections."

Every time you apply the brakes, with or wiFhcut the vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.

a modem vehicle is complex. Tie braking system Its many parts have to be of top quality and work weII together if the vehicle is io lxwe reakly good braking. Your vehicle \vas designed and tested with top-quality GM brake puts. When you replace parts of your braking system -- for example, when your brake k i n g s wear down and you have to Rave new ones put irn -- be sure you get new approved GM replacement parts. If YOQ don't, your brakes may no ionger work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your front and r e x brzkes can change -- for the worse. The braking performance you've come to expect c m change in many other ways if someone ~ d t s brake parts.

in the wrong replacement

Every new Buick has an ACIMCQ ~ r e e d c m ~ battery. You never have to add water to one of these. W e n it's time for a new battery, we recommend m ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the replacement mrnber shown cn the original battery's label.

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

Bse$tesies have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You ran be badly hurt if JW.I aren't careful. See "Jump Starting" in the Index for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.

Halogen bulbs have pressurized g;as 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 btrbb package.

Contact yoirr dealer to I e m how to prepzre your vehicle for longer storage periods. Also, for your audio system, see 'Theft-Deterrent Feature" in the Index.

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

.... q::z;*:

, ..

... ............ .... ....... ....... .... ..... . . , .. , ...

Each headlamp is amached by thumb screws.

1. Remove the thumb screws by turning them to

the left.

3. Remove the bulb socket by turning it onequarter of a tuna to the left, while pressing it firmly, then pull it out. Note: YQU can use pliers to remove the bulb socket if you are unable to do Et by hand.

' .

2. Pull the headlamp away from the car.

4. Remove the wire connector from the bulb by

lifting the E Q C ~ tab a d pulling it away from the plastic base.

The fiont turn signal bulbs can be accessed by removing the headlamp assembly as described in the previous procedure.

Once the headlamp assembly has been removed, reach down from the top of the vehicle and, while pressing the lock tab on the socket, turn the socket onequarter of a turn and pull it out.

5. Reverse the above steeps to reassemble ahe Bamp

assembly. When reassembling the lamp, make sure to align the pin at the outboapd edge of the headlamp assembly to the plastic retainer at the outboard edge of the vehicle.

Remove the old bulb by pulling it straight out of the socket. Replace the bulb md turn the bulb assembly back into place.

o There s h ~ d d not be any C S ~ Q or loading of the

vehicle, except it should have 2 full tank of gas and m e person or 160 Ibs. (75 kg) on the driver’s seat.

@ Tires should be properly inflated.

Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension.

ff ysbts vehicle is damaged in m accident and the headamp ain seems to be affected, see your dealer. Headlamps s n damaged vehicles may require recttiibration of the horizontal aim by your dealer. To check the ala,

The vehicle should aot have any snow, ice OK- a u d attache6 to it.

For the vertical. adjustment, state inspection stations generally wiJl 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 beans at you if your adjustment is much above plus 0.4 degrees.

The headlamp aiming device is under the hood, directly behind the headlamps. If you find that the headlamp aiming needs adjustment, follow these steps: Stat with the vertical headlamp aim. Adjustment screws can be tanned with an E8 Torn@ socket or TI5 Tom screwdriver.

1. Check the vertical aim for each headlamp (A). The vehicle must be on a Bevel surface. Turn the vertical aiming screw (B) until the bubble in the level is lined up with the 0 (zero).

For the type of buib to use, see "Replacement Bulbs" in the Index.

2. Unhook the cargo net

from the cargo net retainer and remove the retainer by turning it tc the left.

3. Pull back the trunk trim panel.

4. Beneath the trim panel are three nuts that secure the taillamp assembly. Remove these nuts with a BO mm wrench. Remove the nuts from only the side you want to access. The turn signal and a stoplamp can now be accessed.

5. Pull the t ~ i l l m p assembly away from the vehicle.

6. Remove the bulb socket assembly by turning the socket one-quarter of a t u n to the l e k and

7. Once the socket has been removed, pull the bulb straight out to remove it from the socket.

8. Reverse the above steps to replace the

taiUamp assembly.

Turn lamps, stoplamps and back-up bulbs are located bekind the taillamp assembly along the trunk lid. The following instructions explain how to access these bulbs.

1. There are four studs

located at the edge of the trunk lid. Remove the protective vinyl caps from the studs.

3. Next, there are eight fasteners along the top of tame

trunk lid (four on each side), holding the trunk trim in place. Remove these fasteners.

6-42

. ..

4. Hold the treEnk trim back to expose the three mnaining

nuts holding the taillamp assembly in place.

5. From inside the tmnk compment, use a 10 mppl

wrench to remove the nuts from the studs.

7.

IC.,. . - -.- .

8. Once the socket has been removed, pull the bulb straight out to remove it from the socket.

9. Reverse the above steps

to replace the

taillamp assembly.

-44

Xeplacement blades come in digerent types and are removed in different ways. To replace the wiper blade assembly: 1. Position the wipers on the windshield in the “mid’’

wipe position.

2. Lift the windshield wiper m away from the

windshield. Note: The windshieid wiper does not have a ’;ocking upright positior~ feature.

3.

4. 5.

Push the tab OR the wiper biade assembly 2nd pull the assembly dcwn enough to release it from the “U” hooked end of the wiper m. Slide the assembly away from the a m . Replace the blade. TQ reinstall the wiper blade assembly, slide it, over the wiper m to engage the “U” hooked end QII the wiper blade assembly. Full up on the assembly to lock it into place.

For the correct windshield wiper blade replacement length and type, see “Nomal Maintenance Replacement Parts’’ in the Index.

.:. ._ $.Q-..l, 77; I. li- Lfa Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever Rave questions about YQW tire warranty md where to obtain service, see your Buick Wmmty booklet for details.