
Section 7 Maintenance  Schedule 
This  section  covers the maintenance required  for your  Buick.  Your vehicle  needs these  services  to  retain its safety, 
dependability  and emission  control  performance. 
7-2 
7-2 
7-3  7-4 
7-4 
7-4 
7-7 
7-27 
7-37 
7-37 
7-37 
7-38  Introduction 
Your  Vehicle  and the Environment 
How  This Section  is Organized 
Part 
A: Scheduled Maintenance  Services 
Using  Your Maintenance  Schedule 
Selecting  the Right Schedule 
Footnotes 
Footnotes 
Part 
B: Owner  Checks and  Services 
At  Each 
Fuel Fill 
At Least Once  a Month 
At Least Twice 
a Year  At 
Least  Once  a  Year 
Part 
C: Periodic  Maintenance Inspections 
Steering,  Suspension and  Front Drive Axle 
Boot and  Seal Inspection 
Exhaust  System Inspection 
Radiator  and Heater Hose Inspection 
Throttle  Linkage Inspection 
Brake System Inspection 
Part 
D: Recommended Fluids 
and  Lubricants 
Part 
E: Maintenance Record 
7-38 
7-4 I 
7-4 1 
7-4 1 
7-4 1 
7-4 1 
7-4 1 
7-42 
7 -44 
7-1 
ProCarManuals.com 

Part C: Periodic  Maintenance 
Inspections 
Listed  below  are  inspections and services  which  should  be 
performed  at  least  twice  a year  (for  instance,  each spring 
and  fall).  You should  let  your 
GM dealer’s  service 
department  or other  qualified  service  center do these  jobs. 
Make sure  any  necessary  repairs  are completed  at  once. 
Proper  procedures 
to perform  these  services  may be 
found in  a 
GM service manual.  See “Service  and Owner 
Publications”  in the  Index. 
Steering,  Suspension  and  Front  Drive  Axle 
Boot  and  Seal  Inspection 
Inspect  the  front  and  rear  suspension  and steering 
system  for damaged,  loose  or missing parts,  signs 
of 
wear or  lack  of lubrication.  Inspect  the power  steering 
lines  and hoses  for  proper  hook-up, binding,  leaks, 
cracks,  chafing,  etc.  Clean and then inspect  the  drive 
axle  boot  seals  for  damage,  tears or leakage.  Replace 
seals  if necessary. 
Exhaust  System  Inspection 
Inspect  the complete  exhaust  system.  Inspect  the body 
near the  exhaust  system. 
Look for  broken,  damaged, 
missing  or  out-of-position  parts 
as well as open seams, holes, 
loose  connections  or  other conditions  which could 
cause 
a heat  build-up  in the floor pan or  could  let 
exhaust  fumes into the vehicle.  See “Engine  Exhaust’’ 
in the Index. 
Radiator  and  Heater  Hose  Inspection 
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they  are 
cracked,  swollen  or  deteriorated.  Inspect all pipes, 
fittings  and clamps;  replace 
as needed. 
Throttle  Linkage  Inspection 
Inspect the throttle  linkage  for  interference  or binding, 
and  for damaged  or missing parts. Replace parts 
as 
needed.  Replace any  cables that have high effort or 
excessive  wear. Do 
not lubricate  accelerator  and cruise 
control  cables. 
Brake  System  Inspection 
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines  and 
hoses  for  proper  hook-up, binding,  leaks,  cracks, 
chafing,  etc.  Inspect  disc  brake pads for wear  and rotors 
for  surface  condition.  Also inspect drum brake linings 
for  wear and  cracks. Inspect  other  brake  parts, including 
drums,  wheel cylinders,  calipers,  parking brake, etc. 
Check parking brake  adjustment. You  may need to have 
your brakes inspected more often 
if your  driving  habits 
or  conditions  result in frequent braking. 
7-41 
ProCarManuals.com 

Part D: Recommended Fluids 
and  Lubricants 
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, 
part number  or specification  may be obtained from your 
GM  dealer. 
USAGE 
Engine  Oil 
Engine Coolant 
FLUID/LUBRICANT 
Engine  oil with the American 
Petroleum Institute Certified For 
Gasoline  Engines “Starburst” 
symbol  of the proper viscosity.  To 
determine  the  preferred viscosity 
for  your vehicle’s  engine,  see 
“Engine  Oil”  in the Index. 
50/50 mixture of clean  water 
(preferably distilled) and use only 
GM Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL@ 
or  Havoline@ DEX-COOL@ 
coolant.  See “Engine Coolant” in 
the  Index. 
I USAGE I FLUIDLUBRICANT I 
System  Delco Supreme 
11 
@ Brake Fluid 
(GM Part  No. 12377967 
or 
equivalent  DOT-3 brake fluid). 1 
Power  Steering 
System  GM 
Power Steering Fluid  (GM 
Part No.  1052884 
- 1 pint, 
1050017 
- 1  quart,  or  equivalent). 1 
Transaxle 
Key  Lock 
Cylinders 
- 
DEXRON@-I11  Automatic 
Transmission Fluid. 
Multi-Pu 
ose lubricant, 
Superlube 
% (GM Part No. 
1234624 1  or equivalent). 
Windshield  Washer  Solvent  GM 
Optikleen@  Washer Solvent 
(GM 
Part No. 1051515) 
or  equivalent. 
7-42 
ProCarManuals.com 

1997 BUCK SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION 
The  following  publications  covering  the  operation  and  servicing  \
of  your  vehicle  can  be  purchased by filling  out 
the  Service  Publication  Order  Form  in  this  book  and  mailing  it in  with  your  check,  money  order, 
or  credit  card  information 
to Helm,  Incorporated  (address  below.) 
CURRENT  PUBLICATIONS  FOR 1997 BUICK 
SERVICE  MANUALS 
Service  Manuals  have  the  diagnosis  and  repair  information 
on  engines,  transmission,  axle,  suspension,  brakes, 
electrical,  steering,  body,  etc.  RETAIL  SELL  PRICE: 
$90.00 
TRANSMISSION,  TRANSAXLE,  TRANSFER  CASE  UNIT  REPAIR  MANUAL 
This  manual  provides  information  on  unit  repair  service  procedures,  adjustments  and  specifications  for  the 
1997 GM  transmissions,  transaxles  and  transfer  cases. 
RETAIL  SELL  PRICE: 
$40.00 
SERVICE  BULLETINS 
Service  Bulletins  give  technical  service  information  needed 
to  knowledgeably  service  General  Motors  cars  and trucks. 
Each  bulletin  contains  instructions  to assist  in the 
diagnosis  and  service  of  your  vehicle. 
PLEASE  COMPLETE  THE  ORDER  FORM  SHOWN  ON 
THE  FOLLOWING  PAGE  AND  MAIL  TO: 
Helm,  Incorporated 
PO. Box 07130 Detroit,  MI 48207 
OWNER’S  INFORMATION 
Owner  publications  are  written  directly  for  Owners  and intended 
to provide  basic  operational  information  about  the 
vehicle.  The  owner’s  manual  will  include  the  Maintenance  Schedule  for  all  models. 
In-Portfolio:  Includes  a  Portfolio,  Owner’s  Manual  and 
Warranty  Booklet. 
RETAIL SELL  PRICE: $1 5.00 
Without  Portfolio:  Owner’s  Manual  only. 
RETAIL  SELL  PRICE: 
$1 0.00 
CURRENT & PAST  MODEL ORDER FORMS 
Service  Publications  are  available  for  current  and  past 
model 
GM vehicles.  To request  an  order  form,  please 
specify  year  and  model  name  of  the  vehicle. 
OR  ORDER  TOLL  FREE: 
1-800-782-4356 
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM  Eastern Time 
For  Credit  Card  Orders  Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover) 
ProCarManuals.com 

Section 9 Index 
Adding Equipment  to  the Outside of Your  Vehicle ..... 6-3 
AirBag 
....................................... 1-19 
How  Does 
it Restrain .......................... 1-23 
How 
it Works ................................ 1-21 
Location 
.................................... 1-21 
Readiness  Light 
......................... 1.20. 2.56 
Servicing 
................................... 1-24 
What  Makes 
it Inflate .......................... 1-22 
What  Will  You See After 
it Inflates ............... 1-23 
When  Should 
it Inflate ......................... 1-22 
Aircleaner 
.................................... 6-1s 
Air  Conditioning 
........................ 3-3,3-6, 3-9 
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-63 
Alarm, Instant 
................................. 2-  12 
Alignment  and  Balance, Tire 
...................... 6-43 
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning ...................... 6-5 1 
AM-FM  Stereo ................................ 3- 13 
AM-FM  Stereo 
with Cassette Tape  Player ........... 3- 15 
AM-FM  Stereo with Cassette Tape Player  and 
Automatic  Tone  Control 
........................ 3-  18 
AM-FM  Stereo 
with Compact  Disc  Player  and 
Automatic  Tone Control 
........................ 3-22 
AM-FM  Stereo 
with Cassette Tape  and  Compact 
Disc  Player  with  Automatic  Tone  Control 
.......... 3-26 
Antenna  Backglass 
.................................... 3-37 
FixedMast 
.................................. 3-36  Antifreeze 
..................................... 6-20 
Anti-Lock  Brake  System  Active  Light 
................. 2.59.  4.9 
Brake  System  Warning  Light 
................ 2.58.  4.7 
Brakes 
...................................... 4-7 
Using ....................................... 4-9 
Anti.Theft.  Radio .............................. 3-31 
Appearance Care 
............................... 6-45 
Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-54 
Arbitration  Program 
.............................. 8-7 
Armrest.  Storage 
............................... 2-49 
Audio  Controls. Steering  Wheel  Touch  Control 
....... 3-33 
Audio  Equipment.  Adding 
........................ 3-35 
Audio  Systems 
................................. 3-12 
Audio  Systems.  Tips 
............................ 3-34 
Auto-Down  Window 
............................ 2-32 
Automatic  Headlamp  Control 
............................ 2-42 
Overdrive 
(0) .......................... 2-24.2-25 
Power  Door  Locks 
............................. 2-7 
Transaxle  Check 
.............................. 7-38 
Transaxle  Fluid 
............................... 6-17 
Transaxle Operation 
........................... 2-22 
Transaxle  Park  Mechanism  Check ................ 7-40 
Ashtrays 
...................................... 2-50 
Auxiliary  Power  Connection 
...................... 2-51 
9-1 
ProCarManuals.com 

tiuide en Franpis 11 
GVWR ....................................... 4-29 
Halogen  Bulbs 
................................ 6-30 
Hazard  Warning  Flashers 
.......................... 5-2 
Head  Restraints 
................................. 1-5 
Headlamps .................................... 2-41 
Bulb  Replacement 
............................ 6-3 1 
Flash-to-Pass ................................ 2-35 
High/LowBeam 
.............................. 2-35 
On  Reminder 
................................ 2-41 
Wiring 
..................................... 6-56 
Hearing  Impaired,  Customer  Assistance .............. 8-4 
Heated  Foldaway  Outside Mirrors 
.................. 2-48 
Heating 
............................... 3-4.3-6.  3- 10 
High-Beam  Headlamps 
.......................... 2-35 
Highway  Hypnosis 
.............................. 4-22 
Hill  and  Mountain  Roads 
......................... 4-22 
Hitches.  Trailer 
................................. 4-33 
Hood  Checking  Things  Under 
......................... 6-7 
Release 
...................................... 6-8 
Horn 
......................................... 2-33 
Hydroplaning 
.................................. 4-18 
Ignition  Positions 
.............................. 2-  17 
Ignition  Transaxle  Lock  Check 
.................... 7-40 
Illuminated  Entry 
............................... 2-44 
Inflation.  Tire 
.................................. 6-38 
Inside  Day/Night  Rearview  Mirror 
................. 2-46 
Inspections  Brakesystem 
................................ 7-41 
.. ................................. Exhaust  Systems ............................. 7-41 
Front  Drive  Axle  Boot 
......................... 7-41 
Front  Drive  Axle  Seal 
......................... 7-41 
Radiator  and  Heater  Hose 
...................... 7-41 
Steering 
.................................... 7-41 
Suspension 
.................................. 7-41 
Throttle  Linkage 
.............................. 7-41 
Instrument  Panel 
............................... 2-53 
Cleaning 
.................................... 6-48 
Cluster 
..................................... 2-54 
FuseBlock 
.................................. 6-57 
Instrument  Panel  Brightness  Control 
................ 2-44 
Interior  Lamps 
................................. 2-44 
Jack.  Tire 
...... 5.25.5.27.5.28.5.29.5.30.5.31.  5.33 
Jump Starting ................................... 5-3 
Key  Lock  Cylinders  Service 
..................... 7-38 
Key  Reminder  Warning 
.......................... 2-15 
Keys 
.......................................... 2-2 
Labels  Certification 
................................. 4-29 
Service  Parts  Identification 
..................... 6-55 
Tire-Loading  Information 
...................... 4-28 
Vehicle  Identification  Number 
................... 6-55 
Lamps 
........................................ 2-41 
Courtesy 
.................................... 2-44 
Dome 
...................................... 2-45 
Exterior 
.................................... 2-41 
Interior 
..................................... 2-44 
Reading.  Rearview  Mirror 
...................... 2-45 
ProCarManuals.com 

Malfunction  Indicator  Lamp .............. ... 2-62 
Manual 
DoorLocks 
................................... 2-4 
Front Seat 
.................................... 1-2 
Outside Mirrors .............................. 2-47 
Manual  Single  Zone  Climate Control 
................ 3-2 
Methanol 
...................................... 6-4 
Mirrors 
....................................... 2-46 
Electrochromic  Day/Night Rearview 
............. 2-47 
Convex  Outside 
.............................. 2-48 
Heated Foldaway  Outside 
...................... 2-48 
Inside Day/Night  Rearview 
..................... 2-46 
Manual  Outside 
.............................. 2-47 
Power Outside 
............................... 2-48 
Visor  Vanity 
................................. 2-5 I 
MMT ......................................... 6-4 
Mountain  Roads 
................................ 4-22 
Multifunction  Lever 
............................. 2-34 
Net.  Convenience 
.............................. 2-49 
Neutral.  Automatic  Transaxle 
..................... 2-23 
New  Vehicle  "Break-In" 
......................... 2- I7 
Nightvision ................................... 4-15 
Odometer 
.................................... 2-55 
Odometer. Trip 
................................. 2-55 
Off-Road  Recovery 
............................. 4- 1 1 
Oil.  Engine .................................... 6-10 
Oil  Warning  Light 
.............................. 2-64 
Overdrive. 
(a) Automatic ................... 2-24.2-25 
Overheating  Engine 
............................. 5- 15 
Owner Checks  and Services ....................... 7-37 
Owner  Publications. Ordering 
..................... 8-10 
Paint  Spotting. Chemical ........................ 6-53 
Park 
Automatic Transaxle 
.......................... 2-22 
Shifting Into 
................................. 2-27 
Shifting 
Out of ............................... 2-29 
AtNight 
.................................... 2-15 
Brake 
...................................... 2-26 
Brake Mechanism  Check 
....................... 7-40 
Lots 
....................................... 2-15 
Over  Things  That Burn 
........................ 2-30 
With 
a Trailer ................................ 4-36 
Passenger Compartment  Air  Filter 
.................. 6-16 
Passing 
....................................... 4-12 
PASS-Key 
I1 ................................. 2-16 
Periodic  Maintenance  Inspections 
.................. 7-41 
Power 
Auxiliary  Connection 
.......................... 2-51 
Option  Fuses 
................................ 6-56 
Outside Mirrors 
.............................. 2-48 
Retained Accessory 
........................... 2-46 
Seat (Six-Way) 
................................ 1-3 
Steering 
..................................... 4-9 
Steering  Fluid 
................................ 6-24 
Windows 
................................... 2-32 
Pregnancy . Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-18 
Problems  on the  Road ............................ 5-1 
Publications.  Service  and Owner 
................... 8-10 
Parking 
DoorLocks 
................................... 2-5 
Publications.  Service  and Owner. Ordering 
in Canada ... 8-9 
9-7 
ProCarManuals.com 

Safety Belts. Care ............................... 6-49 
Safety Chains 
.................................. 4-34 
Safety Defects.  Reporting 
......................... 8-8 
Safety Warnings  and Symbols ...................... v111 
Scheduled Maintenance  Services ............... : .... 7-4 
Seatback  Reclining  Front 
............................... 1-3 
Seats  ManualFront 
................................. 1-2 
Power 
....................................... 1-3 
Restraint  Systems 
.............................. 1 - 1 
Seatcontrols ................................. 1-2 
Securing a Child Restraint . . 1-49.  1-50. 1-5 1. 1-53. 1-54 
Six-Way  Power 
............................... 1-3 
Two-WayManual 
............................. 1-2 
Second  Gear. Automatic Transaxle 
................. 2-25 
Security Light 
.................................. 2-66 
Security  System 
................................ 2- 16 
Service ........................................ 6-2 
Bulletins.  Ordering 
............................ 8- 10 
Engine  Soon  Light 
............................ 2-62 
Manuals.  Ordering 
............................ 8- 10 
Parts  Identification  Label 
....................... 6-55 
Publications.  Ordering 
......................... 8- 10 
Work.  Doing  Your Own ......................... 6-2 
Service  and Appearance  Care 
...................... 6- 1 
Service Vehicle  Soon Light ....................... 2-67 
Servicing  Your Air  Bag-Equipped  Buick 
............ 1-24 
Sheet  Metal  Damage 
............................ 6-52 
ShiftLever 
.................................... 2-22 
Shifting  Automatic  Transaxle 
.......................... 2-22 
... 
IntoPark .................................... 2-27 
Outofpark 
.................................. 2-29 
Shoulder  Belt Height Adjuster 
..................... 1 . 13 
Signaling Turns ................................ 2-34 
Six-Way  Power  Seat 
............................. 1-3 
Skidding ...................................... 4-13 
Sound  Equipment.  Adding 
........................ 3-35 
Spare  Tire. Compact 
............................. 5-37 
Specifications  and Capacities 
...................... 6-62 
Specifications.  Engine 
........................... 6-63 
Speech Impaired. Customer  Assistance 
............... 8-4 
Speedometer 
................................... 2-55 
SRS 
......................................... 1-19 
Stains. Cleaning 
................................ 6-46 
Starter Switch Check 
............................ 7-39 
Starting  Your Engine 
............................ 2-19 
Steam 
........................................ 5-15 
Steering 
....................................... 4-9 
in Emergencies ............................... 4-10 
Power ....................................... 4-9 
Tips 
......................................... 4-9 
Variable  Assist  (Magnasteer 
TM ) ................... 4-9 
Wheel. 
Tilt .................................. 2-33 
Steering Wheel  Touch Controls. Audio 
.............. 3-33 
Storage Armrest 
................................ 2-49 
Storage Compartments 
........................... 2-49 
Storage.  Vehicle 
................................ 6-30 
Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-38 
Sunvisors .................................... 2-50 
Sunroof 
....................................... 2-52 
Symbols. Vehicle .................................. x 
Synchronization.  Remote  Keyless Entry ............. 2-14 
9-9 
ProCarManuals.com