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2-38 Flash-To-Pass Feature
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass. It
works even if your headlamps are off.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you, but not
so far that you hear a click.
If your headlamps are off or on low beam, your
high
-beam headlamps will turn on. They'll stay on as
long as you hold the lever toward you and the
high
-beam indicator on the dash will come on. Release
the lever to turn the high
-beam headlamps off.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
marked WIPER.
For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST. Hold
it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will
stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the
band on MIST longer.
Use the delay position to 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.
For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away
from you to the LO position. For high
-speed wiping,
turn the band further, to HI. To stop the wipers, turn the
band to OFF.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent
you from seeing well enough to drive safely. To
avoid damage, 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 become damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
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4-18
Driving in Rain and on Wet RoadsRain 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.
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4-23
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:
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?
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6-45
7. Turn the bulb socket
one
-quarter of a turn
counterclockwise and
pull it out. You can use
pliers to remove the bulb
socket if you are unable
to do it by hand.
8. Once the socket has
been removed, pull
the bulb straight out
to remove it from
the socket.
9. Reverse the above steps to replace the
taillamp assembly.
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways.
To replace the wiper blade assembly:
1. Position the wipers on the windshield in the ªmidº
wipe position.
2. Lift the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield. Note: The windshield wiper does not
have a locking upright position feature.
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6-59
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. (See
ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index.)
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. 1050011. 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.
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6-77
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter AC Type A-1096C . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter AC Type PF
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter AC Type GF
-627 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs AC Type 41
-921* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap 0.060 inch (.152 cm)
*On 3800 Supercharged Engine (Code 1) only, this
replaces original spark plug NGK Type PTR4B
-15.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type Hook Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter (HVAC air filter) GM Part No. 52472175. . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 206.8 inches (525.3 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 74.7 inches (189.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 58.1 inches (147.6 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 113.8 inches (289.1 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 62.7 inches (159.3 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 62.3 inches (158.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Accessory Belt (L36)
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 ConditioningD. Crank
E. Coolant Pump
F. Tensioner
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7-32 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. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts 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 ªWiper Blades,
Cleaningº in the Index.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. (See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.)Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
ªAutomatic Transaxle Fluidº 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 body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, glove box
door and console door. Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
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9-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-14, 2-32, 2-33, 4-29, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-10, 3-14, 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-12, 3-16, 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Changer, Trunk-Mounted 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Playing a Compact Disc 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central Door Unlocking System 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chains, Safety 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Tire Pressure System 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome Wheels, Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner/Filter, Air 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome Wheels 6
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speaker Covers 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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