Page 218 of 308

What Kind of Oil to Use
Beginning midyear 1993, oils of the proper quality for
your vehicle will be identified with this new “starburst”
symbol. The “starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has
been certified by the American Petroleum Institute
(API), and is preferred for use in your gasoline engine.
w
You should look for
this on the front of the
oil container, and use
only oils that display
this new symbol.
You should also use the
proper viscosity oil for
your vehicle, as shown
in the following chart:
If your vehicle has the
3.8L engine, as shown in the 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,
you should use
SAE 5W-30. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils, such as
SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 2OW-50.
RECOMMENDED SA€ 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
COLD
WEATHER
iOOK FOR
ONE OF THESE
LABELS
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 1W-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR
216
ProCarManuals.com
Page 220 of 308

These three things are usually included in a doughnut
shaped logo (symbol)
on most containers. If you cannot
find
oils with the “starburst” symbol, you should look
for oils with the doughnut shaped symbol, containing
the three things noted above.
I NOTICE:
If you use oils that do not have either the
“starburst” symbol or an
API SH or SG
designation, you can cause engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
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.
When to Change Engine Qil
See if any one of these is true for you:
0 Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
0 It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less
than
10 miles ( 16 km).
0 The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in
door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic).
0 You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your oil and filter every
3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles
(12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change and at every
other
oil change after that.
218
ProCarManuals.com
Page 221 of 308

Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather, 0°F (- 18 “C) or
colder. If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater”
in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails
with soap and
water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of
oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own
oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing
oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of
oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
Air Cleaner
The air cleaner is in the right front area of the engine
compartment.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the Index.
219
ProCarManuals.com
Page 222 of 308

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.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 263 of 308

Capacities and Specifications
Engine Code L (L27) 3.8L V-6 SF1
Belt Tensions -
Automatically controlled by an idler pulley.
Tension adjustment should never be necessary.
Cooling System Capacity -
11.1 quartsl10.5 liters
Crankcase Capacity -
Oil change without filter change -
4 quarts/3.8 liters
Oil change with filter change -
4.5 quarts/4.25 liters
*Air Conditioning Capacity -
R134A 2.0 lbs. (0.9 kilograms)
Fuel Tank Capacity -
16.5 gallons/62.7 liters
Transaxle -
Automatic Overdrive - Drain & Refi 11 -
6 quarts/5.7 liters
Maintenance Item Part Numbers -
Air Filter - A925C
Fuel Filter
- GF579
Oil Filter
- PF47
PCV Valve
- CV892C
Radiator Cap
- RC27
Spark Plug
- 4 1-60 1, GAP 0.060”
* Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you’re not sure ask your Buick dealer. For additional
information, see your “Warranty and Owner Assistance Information” booklet.
261
ProCarManuals.com
Page 264 of 308

Capacities and Specifications
Engine Code M (LS2) 3.1L V-6 MFI
Belt Tensions -
Automatically controlled by an idler pulley.
Tension adjustment should never be necessary.
Cooling System Capacity -
11.8 quartsll0.7 liters
Crankcase Capacity -
Oil change w/o filter change -
4 quarts/3.8 liters
Oil change with filter change
-
4.5 quarts/4.25 liters
*Air Conditioning Capacity -
R134A - 2.0 lbs. (0.9 kilograms)
Fuel Tank Capacity -
16.5 gallons/62.7 liters
Transaxle -
Automatic Overdrive - Drain & Refill -
6 quarts/5.7 liters
Maintenance Item Part Numbers -
Air Filter - A 1 129C
Fuel Filter - GF48 1
Oil Filter - PF5 1
PCV Valve - CV892C
Radiator Cap
- RC27
Spark Plug
- R44LTS, GAP 0.045”
* Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you’re not sure ask your Buick dealer. For additional
information, see your “Warranty and Owner Assistance Information” booklet.
262
ProCarManuals.com
Page 266 of 308

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.
264
ProCarManuals.com
Page 270 of 308
Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I
Follow Schedule I if your car is MAINLY driven under one or more of the following conditions:
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."? '
0 When operating in dusty areas.
I
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. Tire & Wheel Inspection &
Rotation
4. Engine Accessory Drive
Belt(s) Inspection*
5. Cooling System Service*
268
ProCarManuals.com