Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5-3 Jump Starting
5-9 Towing Your Vehicle
5-15 Engine Overheating
5-17 Cooling System
5-25
5-25
5-37
5-38 If
a Tire
Goes Flat
Changing
a Flat Tire
Compact Spare Tire
If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
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I
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
Buick. But please follow the steps below
to do it safely.
NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage
to your vehicle
that wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Trying to start your Buick by pushing
or pulling
it won’t work, and it could damage
your vehicle. Batteries can
hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
0 They contain enough electricity to burn you.
If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all
of these things can hurt you.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
NOTICE:
If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
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2.
3.
Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be
sure the vehicles aren’t touching
each other.
If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don’t want.
You wouldn’t be able to
start your Buick, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved
in
the jump start procedure. Put your automatic
transaxle in
PARK (P) before setting the
parking brake.
Turn
off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter
or accessory power outlet. Turn off all lamps
that aren’t needed as well as radios. This will avoid
sparks and help save both batteries. In addition,
it
could save your radio!
I NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. (Your
vehicle’s battery is located under the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.)
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
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5. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery. Your Buick has
a remote positive (+)
jump starting terminal. The terminal is on the same
side
of the engine compartment as your battery. To
uncover the remote positive (+) terminal, squeeze the
sides of the red plastic cap and pull the cap upward.
You should always use the remote positive
(+)
terminal instead of the positive (+) terminal on
your battery. Using
a match near a battery can cause battery
gas
to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use
a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water.
You don’t
need to add water to the Delco Freedom@ battery
installed in every new
GM vehicle. But if a
battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid
is there. If it is low, add water to take
care of that first.
If you don’t, explosive gas
could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don’t get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
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10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away
from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that
move. The electrical connection
is just as good
there, but the chance
of sparks getting back to the
battery
is much less.
Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine
for a while.
Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If
it won’t start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.
Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent
electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch
each other or
any other metal.
Reinstall the red protective remote jump start cover
on the vehicle that was jump started.
A. Heavy Metal Engine Part
B.
Good Battery
C. Dead Battery
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Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, take
off the black, negative (-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
Bulb Replacement
In this section you’ll find directions for changing
the bulbs in some of the lamps on your Buick.
See
“Replacement Bulbs” in the Index to find the type
of bulb you should use.
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst
if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
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Instrument Panel ............................... 2-55
Cleaning
.................................... 6-50
Cluster
................................ 2-56. 2-57
Fuse Block
.................................. 6-59
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 ..................... 7-40
Key Reminder Warning
.......................... 2- 16
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels Certification
................................. 4-32
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-57
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-3 1
Vehicle Identification Number ................... 6-57
Lamps
........................................ 2-41
Courtesy
.................................... 2-44
Dome
...................................... 2-46
Fog ........................................ 2-44
Exterior
.................................... 2-4 1
Interior ..................................... 2-44
Reading, Rearview Mirror
...................... 2-46
Leaving Your Vehicle
with the Engine Running ....... 2-30
Cornering
................................... 2-44
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-9 Lighter
....................................... 2-51
Lights Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1.20. 2.60
Anti-Lock Brake System Active
............. 2.63. 4.9
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-61
ChangeOilSoon
............................. 2-73
Charging System
............................. 2-60
DoorRrunk
Ajar Warning ...................... 2-75
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.62. 4.7
Cruise
...................................... 2-74
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
............... 2-68
Enhanced Traction System Active
................ 2-64
Enhanced Traction System Warning
.............. 2-63
Interior
..................................... 2-44
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2-69. 6-24
LowFuel
................................... 2-76
Low Oil Level
.......................... 2.72. 6-11
Low Traction
................................ 2-66
Low Washer Fluid Warning
................ 2.38. 2-75
Oil Warning
................................. 2-71
Performance Shift
....................... 2-27. 2-74
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1-6. 2-59
Security
.................................... 2-74
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-69
Service Vehicle Soon
.......................... 2-75
Tire Pressure Monitor
......................... 2-67
Traction Control System Active
.................. 2-66
Traction Control System Warning
................ 2-65
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-31
9-6
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