1999 BUICK LESABRE engine

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6-29
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. 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. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make
a high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may
come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is
moving (except when you are pushing on the brake
pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.

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6-57
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver's side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You'll find this label on your spare tire cover. It's very
helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:

your VIN,

the model designation,

paint information and

a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.

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6-61
Fuse Usage
4B Not Used
5B
Anti
-Lock Brake System, Computer
Command Control
6B Brake and Hazard Lamps
7B Not Used
8B Interior Lighting
9B Cigarette Lighter
1C Air Bag System
2C Spare
3C Not Used
4C Not Used
5C Cooling Fans, Transaxle
6C Parking Lamps, Interior Lamps
7C Not Used
8C Parking Lamps
9C Radio, Cluster
1D Telltale, Chime, Cluster, RAC, LCMFuse Usage
2D Spare
3D Heated Mirrors
4D Not Used
5D Manual A/C
6D Not Used
7D TCC
8D Radio
9D Not Used
1E Not Used
2E
Air Bag System, PASS
-Key
3E Not Used
4E Not Used
5E Rear Defog
6E Not Used
7E
Miscellaneous Engine
-Non OBD II
8E Wipers, Washer
9E Not Used

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6-63
Fuse Usage
1 Door Locks
2 Trunk Release, RAC
3 Horns
4 Not Used
5 Miscellaneous Engine Controls (OBD II)
6 Fuel Pump
7 Injectors
8 Powertrain Control Module
9 Not Used
10 Not Used
11 A/C Programmer
12 Not UsedReplacement Bulbs
Front Outside Lamps Bulb
Cornering Lamps 3156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Headlamps
Low Beam 9006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High Beam 9005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking/Turn Signal Lamps 3057. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Outside Lamps
Back
-Up Lamps 3156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tail 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal lamps 3357. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For service information on other bulbs, contact your
dealer's service department.

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6-64
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index
for more information.
3800 Series II Engine (L36) Code K 3.8L V6
Automatic Transaxle (Overdrive)
Pan Removal and Replacement 6.0 quarts (5.6 L). . .
After Complete Overhaul 10 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . . . .
When draining or replacing torque convertor, more fluid
may be needed.
Cooling System13 quarts (12.3 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Crankcase4.5 quarts (4.3 L) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil change with filter change
Fuel Tank18 gallons (68.1 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressures
See Tire-Loading Information. . . . . . . . .
label on driver's door.
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
R
-134a Air ConditioningSee refrigerant charge. . . . .
label under the hood.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure
to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual.
Engine Specifications
3800 Series II Engine (L36) Code K
VIN Engine Code K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 3.8L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 205
-hp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
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 dealer.

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6-65
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter AC Type A-1096C . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter AC Type PF
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter AC Type GF
-627 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Filter GM Part No. 8651909. . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs AC Type 41
-921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type Pin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 200 inches (508.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 73.6 inches (186.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 55.7 inches (141.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 110.8 inches (281.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread Width
Front 60.4 inches (153.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 60.2 inches (152.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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6-66 L36 Engine Accessory Belt
The L36 engine uses an engine accessory belt. This
diagram shows the features connected and the routing.
See ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index for when to
check the belt.
A. Power Steering
B. Generator
C. Air Conditioning
D. Crank
E. Coolant Pump
F. Tensioner

Scheduled Maintenance
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7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

Most trips are through dusty areas.

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or 6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Automatic
Transaxle Service (normal conditions).
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.