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Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake
(see ªParking Brakeº in the Index if necessary)
and the regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked on
a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see ªParking Brakeº
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position,
but don't start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
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Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
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Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your 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 service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº 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, looseconnections or other conditions which could cause a heat
build
-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components 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. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
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Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine 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 ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and use only
GM Goodwrench
DEX-COOL
or Havoline DEX-COOL
Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº
in the Index.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515) or
equivalent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC
-LB.
Power
Steering SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
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CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 2000 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
2000 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
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.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: $20.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00
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.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA±MasterCard±Discover)
2000 BUICK 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.)