What Kind of Oil to Use:
Look for three things:
SG
“SG”
must be on the oil container, either by itself or
combined with other quality designations, such as
“SG/CC,” “SG/CD,” “SF,SG,CC,” etc. These letters
show American Petroleum Institute (API) levels of
quality.
If you have the 3.8L engine use: SAE 1OW-30
As shown in the viscosity chart,
SAE 1OW-30 is best
for your vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 5W-30
if it’s going to be colder than 60°F (16 “C) before
your next oil change. When it’s very cold, below
O°F (-18OC), you should use SAE 5W-30.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OllS
FOR BEST NE1 F””””7Y AND COW STARTING, SELECT RE LOWEST
SAE VlSCOSlTT
C ~. .- - JIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
-
HOT
WEATHER 7
“F
t 100
+ 80
t 60
+ 40
+ 20
0
COLD
WEATHER
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30
GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES 6).
DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2 ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT REO IR 3ED
222
ProCarManuals.com
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER I
"F r
k100 -
+80 -
+60 -
+40 -
+20 -
0-
- +38
- +27
. +16
- +4
- -7
- -18
1
COLD
WEATHER
-- I' -- SA SAE 5W-30 PREFERRED
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR
0 If you have the 3.1L engine use: SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
for your vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 1OW-30
if it's going to be O°F (-18OC) or above.
These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity,
or
thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE
low-40 or SAE 20W-50.
0 Energy Conserving I1
Oils with these words on the container will help you
save fuel.
This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used
on most oil
containers to help you select the correct oil.
You should look for this on the oil container, and use
only those oils that display the logo.
GM Goodwrench@
oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil)
meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives: Don't add anything to your oil.
Your Buick dealer is ready to advise if you think
something should be added.
223
ProCarManuals.com
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. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. 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 a 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.
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,
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).
At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
0 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
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 (lO°C), you may have
to drive longer.
To check the fluid level:
Park your vehicle on a level place.
0 Place the shift lever in “F’ (Park) with the parking
0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
to
93
O C).
brake applied.
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever
in “P” (Park).
0 Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
226
ProCarManuals.com
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. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a
pint. Don’t overfill. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled DEXRONB-IIE, because fluids with that label
are made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRONB-IIE is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How
to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when
it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheat.ing or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating”
in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34OF (-37OC) .
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 OF (128 “C) .
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets
“GM
Specification 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. Use GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
with any complete coolant change. If you use these, you
don’t need to add anything else.
can be aangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overhe-”
warning. Your engine could catch fire and
yuu or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mix of clean
water and a proper antifreeze.
G:~Z.+T~:, p:.t+d+s
228
ProCarManuals.com
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
270
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”.
274
ProCarManuals.com
Defrost ........................................ 112
Dimensions
.................................... 261
Disc Brake Wear Indicators
........................ 142
Disposal of Used Oil
............................. 224
DoorLocks
...................................... 59
Down Hills and Mountains. Driving
................. 16 1
Downhill Parking ................................ 163
Driving
Downshifting
.................................... 73
AtNight .................................... 149
Defensively
.................................. 134
Drunk
...................................... 135
In a Foreign Country
........................... 2 16
InCities
..................................... 156
In
Fog. Mist or Haze ........................... 154
InRain ..................................... 152
InWinter
.................................... 166
OnCurves ................................... 144
On Freeways
................................. 157
On Hill and Mountain Roads
.................... 16 1
On a Long Trip ............................... 159
On Snow or Ice
............................... 167
Through Deep Standing Water
.................... 70
Drunken Driving
................................ 135 Electric
Outside Rearview Mirror Control
............ 94.
Electrical Equipment. Adding .................. 114. 256
Emergencies. Braking
............................ 143
Etnergencies
on the Road .......................... 177
Emergencies. Steering
in .......................... 145
Emergency Starting. Discharged Battery
.............. 180
Emergency Wrecker Towing
....................... 185
Energy Conserving Oil ............................ 221
Engine
Block Heater
.............................. 70. 224
Coolant
..................................... 228
Coolant Temperature Warning Gage
.............. 103
Oil ......................................... 220
Oil Additives
................................. 223
Oil Pressure Warning Gage
...................... 104
Oil. When to Change .......................... 221
Starting
...................................... 67
Wa-ning Light About Need for Service ............ 107
Ethanol
in Gasoline .............................. 215
Exhaust
......................................... 78
Expectant Mothers. Use of Safety Belts by ............. 33
Expressway Driving .............................. 157
Extender. Safety Belt .............................. 55
Exterior Appearance
............................. 251
Overheating
.................................. 192
296
ProCarManuals.com
Features and Controls ............................. 57
Fetus. Risk To
.. From Safety Belt Use ................ 33
Fiberglass Springs
.... : .......................... 254
Filling Your Fuel Tank
............................ 217
Filter. Oil
............................... 224.263. 264
Finish Care
...................................... 252
Finish Damage
. : ................................ 253
First Gear. When to Use
............................ 73
Flash-To-Pass
.................................... 83
FlatTire
....................................... 201
Flooded Engine. Starting
a ........................... 68
Fluids Brake
......................................... 233
Power Steering
............................... 231
Transaxle
..... : .............................. 226
Windshield Washer
............................ 232
Fluid Capacities
............... ............. 263, 264
FM Stereo Radio Reception
........................ 11 3
Fog, Drivingin .................................. 154
FogLights
...................................... 92
Foreign Operation
............................... 2 16
Francais, Guide En
................................. 2
Freedom Battery
.................................. 235
Freeway Driving
....... ........................ 157
French Language Manual
........................... 2
Front Seatback Latches
............................. 18
Fuel
...................................... 101, 215
FuelGage
...................................... 100 Fuel Light.
Low
........................ i ........ 101
Fuel Tank. Filling Your
........................... 217
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................ 257
Fuels
in Foreign Countries
......................... 2.16
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 103
Fuel
......................................... 100
Gasoline
....................... 1 ...... : .......... 215
Gasoline Tank. Filling-Your
........................ 217
Gear Positions
................................... 71
Glasscleaning
.................................. 251
Graphic Symbols
.................................. 12
Guard Against Theft
.............................. 64
Guide En Francais
......................... 1 ........ 2 .
Volts ........................................ 106
Halogen Bulbs
............................ ; ..... 235
Hazard Warning ‘Flasher ........................... 178
Haze. Driving in
................................... 154
Headlight Bulb Replacement
....................... 235’
Headlight High-Low Beam Switch
..................... 83
Headlight “On” Warning ........................... 92
Head Restraints
.................................. 17
Heater
......................................... 110
Hearing Impaired Customer Assistance
............. 1 . 286
297
ProCarManuals.com