
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 your 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 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.
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
to
93 ” 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 (IOOC), you may have
to drive longer.
To check the fluid level
0 Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever
in PARK (P).
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
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.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole
to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(OSL). Don ’t ouefill. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle. Damage
caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-I11 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 or if
you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262 OF (1 28 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
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 flush and refill.
If you use
this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.
~
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should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or
won’t work at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’
your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a
leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then
you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake
linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index. What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid -- such as Delco Supreme ll@ (GM Part No.
1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
only, and always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
before removing it.
NOTICE:
0
0
Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of
fluid. For example, just
a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in
your brake system can damage brake system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint,
so be careful
not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle.
If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care’’ in the Index.
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Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric
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.
0 Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following the
Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge.
Don’t saturate the material.
Don’t rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.
Wipe off what’s left with a slightly damp paper towel
0 Then dry it immediately with a blow dryer or a heat lamp.
directions
on the
container label.
to remove the
suds.
or cloth.
NOTICE:
Be careful. A blow dryer or a heat lamp may
scorch the fabric.
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 a solvent:
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
a blow dryer to help prevent a cleaning
ring. (See the previous NOTICE.)
Special Cleaning Problems
Greasy or Oily Stains
Stains caused by grease, oil, butter, margarine, shoe
polish, coffee with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic
creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar and asphalt can
be removed
as follows:
Carefully scrape off excess stain.
Follow the solvent-type instructions aescribed earlier.
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0 Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and asphalt will stain if
left on a vehicle seat fabric. They sho~~ld be removed
as soon as possible. Be careful, because the cleaner
will dissolve them and may ca~~se them to spread.
Non-Greasy Stains
Stains caused by catsup, coffee (black), egg. fruit, fruit
juice,
milk, soft drinks, wine, vomit. urine and blood can
be removed as follows:
Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
soiled area
with cool water.
0 If a stain remains. follow the foam-type instructions
described earlier.
0 If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the
area with a waterhaking
soda solution: 1 teaspoon (5 1111)
of baking soda to 1 cup (250 1111) of lukewarm water.
0 If needed, clean lightly with solvent-type cleaner.
Combination Stains
Stains caused by candy. ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed
as follows:
Carefully scrape off excess stain, then clean with
cool water and allow to dry.
0 If a stain remains. clean it with solvent-type cleaner.
Cleaning Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.
0 Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You
may have to do it more than once.
0 Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if
you don't get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and
a GM vinyl/leather cleaner.
Cleaning Leather
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap.
0 For stubborn stains, use a GM vinyl/leather cleaner.
0 Ne\~ur LIS~ oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive
cleaners, furniture polish
or shoe polish on leather.
0 Soiled leather should be cleaned immediately. If dirt
is allowed to work into finish, it can harm the
leather.
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Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with
a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Buick
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it
clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays
of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based,
or
that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry
the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton towel to avoid
surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your
vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Buick by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM approved cleaning products
from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials”
in the Index.)
Your Buick has
a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for
a basecoatklearcoat paint
finish.
I NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc. can
damage your vehicle’s finish
if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle
as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
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Underhood Electrical Center -- Passenger
Side
r
RCMPT REL EGM BAT
000 ENG EMIS TCC
FilNJN ECM IGN ELEK IGN
--
Fuse Description
R/CMPT REL Remote Trunk Release
ECM
BAT
ENG EMIS
TCC Powertrain Control Module
(PCM), Fuel Pump/Oil Pressure
Switch, Fuel Pump Relay,
Fan
Cont #I Relay
Generator, Fan Cont
#2 Relay,
A/C CMPR Relay
(VIN M only)
Automatic Transaxle, Transaxle
Range Switch
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Capacities and Specifications
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement ....... 7 quarts (6.7 L)
When drainingheplacing converteq more fluid muy be
needed.
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3. IL (Code M) ................ 11.6 quarts (10.93 L)
3.8L (Code L) ................. 10.7 quarts (10.1 L)
Engine Specifications ..............................
Type ............................................
Displacement .....................................
Compression Ratio .................................
Firing Order ......................................
Thermostat Temperature ............................
ValveArrangement ................................
Refrigerant (R-l34a), Air Conditioning*
Engine Crankcase Oil
and Filter Change .............. 5 quarts (4.7 L)
Fuel Tank ..................... 17.1 gallons (64.7 L)
*See “Air Conditioning Rejrigerunts” later irz this
section.
.............................. 2.0 pounds (0.91 kg)
3.1L (Code M)
V6
191 CID (3.1L)
9.6:
1
1-2-3-4-5-6
195°F (91OC)
In-Head
3.8L (Code L)
V6
231 CID (3.8L)
9.0: I
1-2-3-4-5-6
195°F (91
“C)
In-Head
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