
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you will. find -on your vehicle.
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHIELDING
Q
CAUSTIC
ACID COULD CAUSE
BA~~RY
BURNS AVOID
SPARKS
OR
FLAMES
SPARK
OR ,\I/,
COULD pq
FLAME
EXPLODE BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle- is
driven:
FASTEN SEAT 4
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
These symbols
have to do with
your lights:
SIGNALS e 9
TU-RN
HIGH BEAM
OR = =o
FOG LAMPS # 0
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD ' ' '
. WASHER
CI 0s
-tO -1
WINDSHIELD
WASHER 8
wI*DsHIELDw DEFROSTER
WINDOW
Ltft,
REAR
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING FAN
3f
HEADLAMP -
WIPER
WASHER
EQ
L
~
These symbols
are used
on
warning and
indicator lights:
COOLANT F-
TEMP *-
ENGINE
CHARGING BATTERY
SYSTEM
RADIATOR
a
COOLANT
FUEL @
ENGINE OIL e,
PRESSURE
TEMP
OIL &
ANTILOCK (@)
BRAKE
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
RAD10 k
VOLUME
CONDITIONING
AIR e
HATCHBACK TRUNK
RELEASE
LIGHTER
1-i
HORN
SPEAKER
12

This gage tells you if there could be a problem with your
engine oil pressure.
If the gage reads in the red band, and stays there, it
means oil isn’t going through your engine properly. You
could be low on oil or you might have some other oil
problem.
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and hp-
I your vehicle serviced.
“Check Oil” Light
e
The “Check Oil” light is lit
for three seconds as a bulb
check each time the
ignition key
is turned to the
RUN position. If the light
doesn’t come on, have your vehicle serviced.
If ‘the engine oil is more than one quart low, the light
will come on briefly, then
go off for 15 - 25 seconds,
and then come back on for
20 - 40 seconds.
However, under the following conditions, the system
will not register a low engine oil condition.
0 If the vehicle is tilted more than 20°. I problems can be costly and is not covered by
If it has not been more than 8 minutes since the
engine was last shut off.
115

start bralung. If you must brake on the through lane, and
if there
is traffic close behind you, you can allow a little
extra time and flash your brake lights (in addition to your turn signal) as extra warning that you are about to
slow down and exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your 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. For example,
40 mph (65 km/h) might
seem like only
20 mph (30 km/h). Obviously, this could
lead to serious trouble on a ramp designed for
20 mph
(30 krn/h)!
Driving a Long Distance
Although most long trips today are made on freeways,
there are still many made on regular highways.
Long-distance driving on freeways and regular
highways is the same in some ways. The trip has to be
planned and the vehicle prepared, you drive at
higher-than-city speeds, and there are longer turns
behind the wheel. You’ll enjoy your trip more if you and
your vehicle are
in good shape. Here are some tips for a
successful long trip.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Buick dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0 Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
WiDer Blades: Are they in good shape/
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
0 Lights: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
0 Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving?
Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
168

1
A CAUTION':
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some lother
liquid li~ke alcohol, can boil before tihe proper
coolant
mix will. Your whicl'e's CoOilant warning
You can1 be burned if you spill coolant on hot ,,
engilne ~parts. Coolaint contains ethylene glycol
and lit wil~il burn if the enlgine parts are ,hot
enough. hn't spill coolant
on a hot engine. I
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wron.g, mix, your engi'ne could8 1
get too h,ot but you wouldn't get thie overheat
warning. Your engine could catclh fire and
you or
others could
be burned. Use ;a 50/50 mix of clean
water and a proper antifreeze.
1
I
1-
1. You can remove the
coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the
cooling system,
including the coolant
surge
tank pressure cap
and upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot. Turn
the pressure cap slowly
i about one-quarter turn
1 to the left and then stop. I
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
201

r
1 e Use solvent-type cleaners in a well-ventilated area
only.
If you use them, don’t saturate the stained area.
If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
area immediately or it will
set.
Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric I
0 Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
0 Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask ’
surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.
Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following the
directions on the container label.
0 Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge.
0 Don’t saturate the material.
Don’t rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
to remove the suds.
0 Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.
0 Wipe off what’s left with a slightly damp paper towel
or cloth.
0 Then dry it immediately with an air hose, a hair
dryer or a heat lamp.
1
0 Wipe *with a clean cloth.
Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on
Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all.
Some spots and stains will clean
off better with just
water and mild soap.
If
you need to use it, then:
Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with
a clean, dull knife or scraper. Use very little cleaner,
light pressure and clean cloths (preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the outside of
the stain, “feathering” toward the center. Keep
changing to a clean section of the cloth.
When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry
the area with an air hose, hair dryer, or heat lamp to
help prevent a cleaning ring. (See the previous
NOTICE.)

Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the~radiator and air
conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and
neck.
To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a
pressure test
of both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
7. Transaxle Service -- Change both the fluid and
filter every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle
is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
0 In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 F (32 C) or
higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing. (With some
models, you shouldn’t ever tow a trailer. See
“Towing a Trailer” in the Index.)
Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
service. If you
do’ not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change both the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (160 000 km).
8. Spark Plug Replacement* -- Replace spark plugs
with the proper type. See “Specifications Chart” in
the Index.
9. Spark Plug Wire Inspection (3.3L Code N engine
only)*?
-- Inspect for burns, cracks or other
damage. Check the boot fit at the coils and at the
spark plugs. Replace wires as needed.
10. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* -- Replace every
30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or more often under dusty
conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper
replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
11. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection”? -- Inspect
fuel
tank, cap and lines (including fuel rails and
injection assembly) for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel
cap gasket for an even filler neck imprint or any
damage. Replace parts as needed. Periodic
replacement of the fuel filter is not required.
* 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 to the completion of vehicle
useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section EMaintenance Record”.

Jacking up the Car ............................ .. 204
Jump Starting
................................... 188
Keys
........................................... 62
Keyless Entry System. Remote
...................... 67
Kilometer Indicator
.............................. 108 Label.
Service Parts Identification
.................. 257
Lane Change Indicator
............................. 89
LapBelt
........................................ 42
Lap-Shoulder Belt Usage by Children
................. 58
Latches. Front Seatback
............................ 19
Leaving Your Vehicle
.............................. 83
Light. Safety Belt ................................. 28
Light. Turn Signal Indicator
......................... 89
Light Bulbs. Replaceable
.......................... 262
Lighter. Cigarette
................................ 106
Lights Daytime Running
............................. 100
Interior
...................................... 99
Interior Delay
................................ 102
Operation
..................................... 99
Reading
..................................... 101
Traffic ...................................... 143
Lights “On” Warning
............................. 100
Loading Your Vehicle
............................ 240
Locks. Automatic Door
............................ 65
Locks. Door
..................................... 63
Locks. Rear Door Security
.......................... 69
Long Distance Driving
............................ 168
Loss of Control
................................. 158
Low Coolant Warning Light
....................... 113
Low Oil Pressure Warning Gage
.................... 114
298

.... +,..
Maintenance Inspections
.................................. 279
Record
...................................... 282
Schedule
.................................... 265
Underbody
.................................. 255
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
....................... 1 13
Manual Lumbar Support
........................... 15
Manualseat
..................................... 14
Manual Seat. Four Way
............................ 15
Markings. Pavement
............................. 144
Master Cylinder. Brake
........................... 236
Methanol In Gasoline
............................. 217
Mirrors
........................................ 102
Mirrors. Convex Outside
.......................... 104
Mirrors. Visor Vanity
............................. 104
Mist. Driving in
................................. 164
Mountain Driving
................................ 170
MTBE in Gasoline
............................... 2 17
. Mobile Telephone. Adding a ....................... 123 Octane
Required for Your Car
..................... 217
Odometer
...................................... 108
Odometer. Trip
.................................. 108
Off (Ignition Key Position)
......................... 73
Off-Road Recovery
.............................. 156
Oil. Engine
..................................... 223
Oil Pressure Warning Light
........................ 114
Oil. Change Your Engine
.......................... 223
Operation in Foreign Countries
..................... 218
Operation
of Lights ............................... 90
Outside Mirrors ................................. 103
Overheated Engine
............................... 197
Owner Checks and Services
........................ 276
P (Park) Position ................................. 77
Paint Spotting
................................... 255
Park. Shifting Into
................................ 81
Park. Shifting Out of
........................... 77. 83
Parking Brake
.................................... 80
Parking on Hills
................................. 172
N (Neutral) Gear Position ......................... 78 Parking Over Things That Burn ...................... 84
Net. Convenience
................................ 104 Passing ........................................ 156
New Vehicle Break-In
............................. 71 Pavement Markings .............................. 144
NightDriving
................................... 159 PedalTravel. Brake .............................. 153
Night Vision
.................................... 160 Perception Time in Braking ........................ 149
Notices About Damage
............................ 11 Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................... 279
Number. Vehicle Identification
..................... 257 Polishing and Waxing ............................ 253