1993 BUICK RIVIERA overheating

HowtoUsethisManual ................................................................
This part tells you how to use your manual and includes safety and vehicle damage warnings & symbols.
SeatsandSafetyBelts ..................................................................
This part tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly.
Featuresandcontrols ..................................................................
This part explains how to start and operate your Buick.
This part tells you how to adjust the ventilation
& comfort controls and how to operate your sound system.
YourDrivingandtheRoad ..............................................................
Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
ProblemsontheRoad ..................................................................
This part tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine overheating.
ServiceandAppearanceCare ............................................................
Here the manual tells you how to keep your Buick running properly and looking good.
Maintenanceschedule ..................................................................
This part tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubrica\
nts to use.
Customer Assistance Information ........................................................
This part tells you how to contact Buick for assistance and how to get service publications. It also gives
you information on “Reporting Safety Defects.”
Index ........................................................................\
........
Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something
you want to read.
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems .....................................................
10
13
59
117
139
183
215
269
289
297

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light and Gage Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service
Engine Soon Light)
the engine off as soon as
possible.
HOT COOLANT CAN
BURN YOU BADLY!
In “Problems on the Road,” this manual shows what to
do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index. A computer monitors operation
of your fuel, ignition
and emission control systems. This light should come on when the ignition
is on, but the engine is not running, as
a check to show you it
is working. If it does not come on
at all, have it fixed right away. If it stays
on, or it comes
on while you are driving, the computer is indicating that
you have a problem. You should take your vehicle in for
service soon.
113

Engine Overheating
You willi find a coolant temperature gage and the
warning light about a hot engine on your Buick
instrument panel.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine:
I
A CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from
it. Just turn it off and get everyone
away from the vehicle until
it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or coolant before
opening the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle
until the engine is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine:
If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high speed driving.
Id.le for long periods in traffic.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or
so:
1. Turn off your air conditioner.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
3. Try to keep your engine under load (in a drive gear
speed and open the window as necessary.
where the engine runs slower).

are made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRONs-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 overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick
will:
Give freezing protection down to -34’F (-37 ’ C) .
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 ’ F ( 128 ’ C) .
Protect against rust and corrosion.
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. Use GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) with
any complete coolant change. You can also use a
recycled coolant conforming to “GM Specifications
1825-M” with a complete coolant flush and-refill.
If you
use these, you don’t need to add anything else.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warnin!
system
is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine coul
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
50150 mix of
clean water and
a proper antifreeze.
231

TI
I
A CAUTION:
1 Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
! I
' and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in
j a crash.
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle.
In a trunk, put them as far forward as
you can. Try to spread the weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle
so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
need to.
When you carry something inside the
Don't leave a seat folded down unless you
Tires
We don't make tires. Your new vehicle comes-with high
quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. These
tires are warranted by the tire manufacturers and their warranties are delivered with every new Buick.
If your
spare tire is a different brand than your road tires, you
will have
a tire warranty folder from each of these
manufacturers.
I
A?!,, CAUTION:
1
Poorly maintained and' i!rn,pvaget.ly used tires are
dangemus.
* Owrloadi'ng your tlires can cause
overheatingl
as a result of too much,
friction. You could have an air-crut and a
Vehicle"
in the Index.
Underinflated tires pose tlhe same danger
6s overloaded tires. The viesulting
acci'dent could cause seriouls injury.
Check all1 tires frequently to msintdn the "
recormmended pressure,. Tire (pressure
shoul,d
be checked w'hsn your tires a're
I * averinflated tires are moire likely t'o be ,GU!~,
punctured, 'or broken by a sudden impact,,
such as when you, hit a pothole. Keep tires
at the recommended pres'sura
0 Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If
your tread is ;badily worm,, lor if your tires
have been damaged, replace them
I serious accident. See "kading Your
Gold.
244