1994 BUICK REGAL check oil

Engine Oil
LOW
OIL
If the “LOW OIL” light on the instrument panel comes
on,
it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see
“LOW OIL” light
in the Index. You should check your engine oil level
regularly; this
is an added reminder.
It’s a good idea
to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick is located near the front and
center of the engine compartment.
Turn off the engine and give the oil
a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
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To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip lower, and check the level.
A
A
r
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This
section explains what kind of oil
to use. For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications’’
in the
Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap is located near the front and
center
of the engine compartment.
Just
fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all
the way
back
in when you’re through.
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I NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage
it. Always
have the air cleaner
in place when you’re driving.
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
or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be sure to get
an accurate reading
if you check your transaxle
fluid.
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I
IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
Protection
Plan
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The
Plan supplements
your new vehicle warranties. See
your Buick dealer for details.
Introduction
A Word About Maintenance
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle
in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short
distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you
may drive
it to work, to do errands or in many other
ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need
more frequent checks and replacements than you will
find
in the schedules in this part. So please read this part
and note how you drive. If you have any questions on
how-to keep your vehicle
in good condition, see your
Buick dealer, the place many
GM owners choose to
have their maintenance work done. Your dealer can be
relied upon to use proper parts and practices.
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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 SH or
SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity. The
“SH” or “SG” designation may be shown alone or in
combination with others, such as “SH/CD,” “SH, SG,
CD,” “SG/CD” 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.
4.
5.
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.
Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection -- Inspect
the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension.
Replace as needed. (Belts can have small cracks
in
individual ribs without affecting performance).
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 conditioning
condenser. Wash the pressure cap and neck.
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Section B: Owner Checks and
Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance
of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are
the proper ones, as shown in
Section
D.
At Each Fuel Fill
(It is important for you or a service station attendant
to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.)
CHECK OR
I SERVICE
Engine Oil Level
Level
Level
WHAT TO DO
Check the engine oil level and add the
proper oil
if necessary. See “Engine
Oil” in the Index for further details.
Check the engine coolant level and add
the proper coolant
mix if necessary. See
“Coolant”
in the Index for further
details.
Check the windshield washer fluid
level
in the windshield washer tank and
add the proper fluid
if necessary. See
“Windshield Washer Fluid” in the
Index for further details.
0
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'Blowout. Tire ................................... 196
Adjustment
.................................. 230
Anti-lock
.................................... 145
Fluid
................................. ; ..... 228
Master Cylinder
.............................. 228
Parking
...................................... 87
Replacement
................................. 230
System. Anti-lock Warning Light
................. 115
System Warning Light
......................... 114
Wear
....................................... 229
Brakes. Trailer
.................................. 167
Braking
........................................ 144
Braking in Emergencies
......... : ................. 146
Break-In. New Vehicle
............................ 79
BulbChart
..................................... 2 60
Bulb Replacement ............................... 23 1
Bulbs. Halogen
.................................. 231
Brake
PedalTravel
................................. 230
Capacities and Specifications Chart
............. 261. 262
CarbonMonoxide
...... : ......................... 91
Carrier. Luggage
................................ 11 1
Cassette Tape Player ......................... 128, 132
Cassette Tape Player Care
......................... 135
Cautions, Safety
.................................. 10
CB Radio, Adding ........................... 125, 253
Changing a Flat Tire
.............................. 197
Cellular Telephone, Adding
.................... 125,
253
Chains, Tire
.................................... 243 Check Gages Light
............................... 119
Engine Coolant
................................ 223
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 226
Restraint Systems
............................... 67
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 220
Underhood
.................................. 212
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 227
Chemical Paint Spotting
........................... 251
Child Restraints
.................................. 52
Children and Safety Belts
........................... 50
Cigarette Lighter ................................ 110
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
........................ 254
CityDriving
.................................... 155
Cleaner. Air
.................................... 219
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
............................ 249
Antenna
..................................... 136
Cassette Player
............................... 135
Fabric
...................................... 245
Glass
....................................... 247
Inside Your Buick
............................. 244
Instrument Panel
.............................. 247
Leather
..................................... 247
Outside Your Buick
........................... 248
Safety Belts
.................................. 247
Underbody Maintenance
........................ 250
Vinyl
....................................... 246
White Sidewall Tires
........................... 249
Windshield Wiper and Blades
.................... 248
Checking
BrakeFluid
.................................. 228
Engine Oil
.................................... 214
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Tape Player Care ................................ 135
Temperature Warning Light
........................ 1 16
Theft
........................................... 77
Thermostat
..................................... 225
Third Gear Position
............................... 85
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................... 93
Time (Setting the Clock)
...................... 128. 132
Tire
........................................... 236
Balance
..................................... 241
Chains
...................................... 243
Flat
........................................ 196
Inflation
..................................... 237
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 238
Loading Information
........................... 234
Pressure
..................................... 237
Quality Grading
.............................. 240
Replacement
................................. 239
Spare
....................................... 205
Wear Indicators
............................... 239
White Sidewall
............................... 249
TorqueLock
..................................... 90
TowingHookups
................................ 182
Towing Your Buick
.............................. 179
Trailer Towing
.................................. 164
Transaxle. Automatic
.............................. 84
Transaxle Fluid
.................................. 220
Trip Odometer
.................................. 1 12
Trunk Release. Remote
............................ 73
Turn Signalmeadlight Beam Lever
................... 94
Turn Signal Indicator
.............................. 94
Turn Signal Reminder
............................. 95 Underbody
Cleaning
............................ 250
Unleaded Gasoline
............................... 209
Upholstery Care
.................................. 244
Used Oil Disposal
............................... 219
Used Replacement Wheels
......
Vehicle Identification Number (VI
Vehicle Loading ..............
Vehicle Storage ..............
.................. 242
N) ............... 253
.................. 234
.................. 230 . Ventilation ..................................... 121
Vinyl Cleaning .................................. 246
VoltsGage
..................................... 119
warning Flashers. Hazard
........................ 172
Warning Lights
.................................. 112
Air Bag Readiness ............................. 35
Anti-lock Brake System
........................ 115
Battery
...................................... 119
CheckGages
................................. 119
Brake
....................................... 114
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 116
Engineoil
................................... 117
LowCoolant
................................. 117
LowFuel
.................................... 114
LowOil
..................................... 118
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
. . 120
Washer. Windshield
............................... 97
Washing Your Vehicle
............................ 248
Safety Belt
................................... 25
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