In World War 11, Buick built aircraft engines, tanks and
other military hardware. This post-war period brought
great styling and engineering changes which resulted
in
increased sales. The torque converter automatic
transmission, Dynaflow, was introduced in the
1948
Roadmaster. Buick’s famous “portholes” came along in
1949.
A high-compression V-8 engine was introduced in 1953.
And Buick’s famous vertical pillar “toothy” grille
(introduced in
1942), became more massive in the
post-war era.
I953 Skylark
I949 Roadmaster
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If there is no curb when you’re parking uphill, turn the
wheels to the right.
If there is
no curb when you’re parking uphill on the left
side of a one-way street, your wheels should be turned
to the left.
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your
transaxle into
“P” (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put
too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out
of “P” (Park). This is called “torque lock.” To
prevent torque lock, always be sure to shift into “P”
(Park) properly before you leave the driver’s seat.
To
find out how, see “Shifting Into “P” (Park)” in the
Index.
When
you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
“P” (Park) BEFORE you release the parking brake.
If “torque lock” does occur,
you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some
of
the pressure from the transaxle, so you can pull the shift
lever out of “P” (Park).
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I
Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-cross sequence
as shown.
1
icorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
wheel
nuts can cause the wheel to become loose
and even come
off. This could lead to an @iig$
accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel'nuls
If you have to replace them, be sure to get the
right kind.
I
Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have
the nuts tighten4 with a torque wrench to
100 ftD
Ibs. (lpn N-m). -,
.. -,
Don't try to put a wheel cover on your compact spa.re
tire. It won't
fit. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until
you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
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When to Check: Check your tires once a month or
more.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at
60
psi (420 kPa).
How to Check: Use a good quality pocket-type gage to
check tire pressure. Simply looking at the tires will not
tell
you the pressure, especially if you have radial tires --
which may look properly inflated even if they’re
underinflated.
If your tires have valve caps, be sure to put them back
on.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
To make your tires last longer, have them inspected and
rotated at the mileages recommended
in the
Maintenance Schedule. See “Scheduled Maintenance
Services”
in the Index.
I
I‘
Use this rotation pattern.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressure
as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
in the
Index.
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Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I
Follow Schedule I if your car is MAINLY driven under one or more of the following conditions: I
0 When most trips are less than 4 miles (6 kilometers).
0 When most trips are less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) and outside temperatures remain below freezing.
0 When most trips include extended idling and/or frequent low-speed operation as in stop-and-go traffic.
0 Towing a trailer.*?
When operating in dusty areas.
Schedule I should also be followed if the car is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial applications.
TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance
Services Following Schedules
I and 11)
Item No.
1. Engine Oil & Oil Filter
Change*
2. Chassis Lubrication
3. Throttle Body Mounting Bolt Torque*
4. Tire & Wheel Inspection &
Rotation
5. Engine Accessory Drive
' Belt(s) Inspection*
6. Cooling System Service*
65 70 75 80
0.00
0 0
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Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I1
IIONLY if none of the driving conditions specified in Schedule I apply.
TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance
Services Following Schedules
I and 11)
Item No.
1. Engine Oil Change*
Oil Filter Change*
2. Chassis Lubrication
3. Throttle Body Mounting Bolt Torque*
4. Tire & Wheel Inspection & Rotation
5. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection*
6. Cooling System Service*
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers)
or
Months, Whichever
Occurs First
I MILES (000)
lm
KILOMETERS (
Every 7 500 mi. (12 500 km) or 12 mos. 1~101010 ~~
At first and then every other oil change
Every
7 500 mi. (12 500 km) or 12 mos.
At 7 500 mi. (12 SO0 km) only
At
7 500 mi. (12 SO0 km) and then every
15 000 mi. (25 000 km) or as necessary 1.1 1.1
I I I 0 Every 30 000 mi. (SO 000 km) or 24 mos. I I I
I I I 0
+
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ProCarManuals.com
Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
I and Schedule 11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before
you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SG
Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity. The
“SG” designation may be shown alone or in
combination with others, such as “SG/CC”, ,“SG/CD”
or
“SF, SG, CC,” etc. To determine the preferred
viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE 5W-30
or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil”
in the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is
equipped with grease fittings, lubricate
the
suspension and steering linkage. 3.
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolt Torque* -- Check
the torque
of the mounting bolts and/or nuts.
4. Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions
in this manual. See “Tires,
Inspection
& Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires
for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or
premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check
for damaged wheels also.
5. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
6. Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill
the system
with new or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep
coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See
“Coolant”
in the Index. This provides proper freeze
protection, corrosion inhibitor level and engine
operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace
if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air
* An Emission Control Service.
The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior tothe completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance \
services he performed at the indicatcd intervals and the maintenance be recorded in ”Section E:Maintenance Record”.
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Acc (Ignition Key Position) ........................ 66
Adding Brake Fluid
................................... 233
Electrical Equipment
.......................... 256
Engine Coolant
....................... i ....... 228
Engine Oil
.................................... 220
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 231
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 226
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 232
Additives. Engine Oil
............................. 223
Adjustment. Brake
............... : ............... 143
Adult Safety Belt Usage
............................ 26
Aircleaner
...................................... 225
Airconditioner
................................. 110
Air Outlets
..................................... 1 10
Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of
.............. 135
Alcohol in Gasoline
.............................. 215
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning
....................... 252
AM Radio Reception
............................. 113
AM Stereo Radio Reception
........................ 1 14
Antenna Care
..................................... 124
Antifreeze
...................................... 228 Antilock Brake System
.......................... 140
Anti-Theft Tips
.................................. 64
Appearance Care
................................ 248
Appearance Care and Materials
....................... 255
Armrest. Storage
................................... 98
Ashtrays
........................................ 96
Astroroof
....................................... 80
Audio Systems
.................................. 113
Automatic Door Locks
............................. 61
Automatic Lap-Shoulder Belt
........................ 27
Automatic Overdrive
.............................. 72
Automatic Transaxle
.............................. 71
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
......................... 226
Automatic Transaxle Torque Lock
.. ; i : .............. 165
Antilock
Braking' System Warning Light
.............. 103
Automatic Safety Belt. Use With Child Restraint
........ 42
Baby. Holding a
.................................. 41
Battery
........................................ 235
Battery Cables. Starting With
....................... 180
Blizzard. If You're Caught in a
..................... 168
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