
For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band to LO. For
high-speed wiping, turn the band further, to HI. To stop
the wipers, turn the band to
OFF.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes, This can be very
useful in light rain or
snow. Turn the band
to choose the delay time. The
closer to
LO, the shorter the delay between wipes.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades
do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice
to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
At the top of the multifunction lever, there’s a paddle with
the word
PUSH on it. To spray washer fluid on the
windshield, push the paddle. The wipers will run for
several sweeps and then either stop or return to your preset
speed. See “Windshield Washer Fluid”
in the Index.
I
A CAUTICU: I
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
The LOW WASH light on
your instrument panel
cluster will glow when the
LOW WASH fluid level is low.
2-37
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Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
I-
B
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because
your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction.
It’s always wise to go slower and be
cautious if rain starts
to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make
it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips
of rubber start to
separate
from the inserts.
4-19
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The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually
are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready
to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting
out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Buick dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help
if you need it. Here
are some things you can check before
a trip:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-24
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-5 6-5
6-8
6- 12
6-
12
6- 17
6-20
6-23
6-27
6-28 6-30
6-33 6-34
6-39
6-49
6-49 Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Checking Things Under the Hood
3800 Supercharged (Code 1) Engine
Engine Oil Air Cleaner
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Engine Coolant
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
Battery
Bulb Replacement
Tires
Appearance Care Cleaning the Inside
of Your Vehicle 6-5
1
6-52
6-52
6-52
6-53
6-54
6-55
6-57 6-58
6-58
6-59
6-65
6-65
6-66
6-67 6-67 Cleaning the Built-in
Child Restraint
Care of Safety Belts and Built-in Child
Restraint Harness
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and
Wiper Blades
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
Cleaning Tires
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Vehicle Dimensions
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6- 1
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2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the
outer positions of the wiper pattern. The blades are
more accessible for removalh-eplacement while in
this position.
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm 3 to 4 inches
(7.5 to 10 cm) away from the windshield.
4. While holding the wiper arm away from the glass,
push the release clip from under the blade
connecting point and pull the blade assembly down
toward the glass to remove it from the wiper arm.
5. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm
until
you hear the release clip “click” into place.
For wiper blade replacement length and type, see
“Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see
your Buick Warranty booklet for details.
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating
as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and
a serious
accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden impact
--
such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires
at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread
is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
6-42
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Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if
the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside
of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami@ Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder), GM Part
No. 105001 1. The
windshield is clean
if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.
Grime from
the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean
the blade by wiping
vigorously with
a cloth soaked in full-strength windshield
washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
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 Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehcle’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.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the
Index.) 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 an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
6-55
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At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. If your vehicle has
a built-in child
restraint, also periodically make sure the harness straps,
latch plates, buckle, clip, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt and built-in child restraint system parts. If
you see anything that might keep a safety belt or built-in
child restraint system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts or harness
straps replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak
or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transaxle”
in the Index. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part
D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hinges and latches including those for the
body doors, hood, rear compartment, glove box door,
console door and any folding seat hardware. Part
D tells
you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be
required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
7-15
ProCarManuals.com

Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-50
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-60
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-17
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
................... 6-57
Built-in Child Restraint
........................ 6-54
Built-in Child Restraint Harness
................. 6-54
Fabric
...................................... 6-50
Glass Surfaces
............................... 6-54
Inside of Your Vehicle
......................... 6-52
Instrumentpanel
............................. 6-54
Interior Plastic Components
..................... 6-54
Leather
..................................... 6-53
Outside of Your Vehicle
........................ 6-55
Special Problems
............................. 6-53
Stains
...................................... 6-50
Tires
....................................... 6-57
Vinyl
....................................... 6-53
Wheels
..................................... 6-54
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-55
Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses
................... 6-56
Clock. Setting the
............................... 3-12
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-2
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-3 1
Compact Disc Player
............................ 3-25
Compact Disc Player Care
........................ 3-3 1
Compact Disc Player Errors
....................... 3-24
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-37
Console Storage
................................ 2-49
Control. Loss
of ................................ 4- 16
Control
of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6 Convex
Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-48
Coolant Bleedvalve
................................. 5-23
RecoveryTank
............................... 5-19
Coolant Heater. Engine
.......................... 2-20
Cooling System
................................ 5-17
Courtesy Lamps
................................ 2-44
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-6
Cruise Control
................................. 2-38
CruiseLight
................................... 2-74
Cupholders
............................... 2-49. 2-50
Customer Assistance for
Text Telephone Users ......... 8-4
Customer Assistance Information
................... 8-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
.................... 8-2
Damage. Finish
............................... 6-55
Damage. Sheet Metal
............................ 6-55
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-42
Dead Battery
................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety
......................... 8-8
Defensive Driving
............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
......................... 3-11
Defogging
............................ 3.4.3-6. 3-10
Defrosting
............................ 3.4.3.6. 3.10
Delayed Entry Lighting .......................... 2-45
Delayed Exit Lighting
........................... 2-45
Dimensions. Vehicle
............................ 6-66
Dolby@
B Noise Reduction ............. 3.16.3.19. 3.23
Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement
.................... 6-41
DoorLocks
..................................... 2-4
9-3
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