6-4
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is
less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when
you drive. If it's bad enough, it can damage your engine.
If you're using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and
you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when
you're accelerating or driving up a hill. That's normal,
and you don't have to buy a higher octane fuel to get
rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means
you have a problem.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emissions standards,
your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your
vehicle may fail a smog
-check test. See ªMalfunction
Indicator Lampº in the Index. If this occurs, return to
your authorized Buick dealer for diagnosis to determine
the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the
cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask your service station operator whether or
not the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not
recommend the use of such gasolines. If fuels containing
MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and your
emission control system performance may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument
panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to your
authorized Buick dealer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and
fuel system, allowing your emission control system
to function properly. Therefore, you should not have
to add anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines
containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
contribute to clean air. General Motors recommends that
you use these gasolines, particularly if they comply with
the specifications described earlier.
6-7
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any ªhissº noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See ªCleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicleº in the Index.
When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.The GAS CAP LOOSE
-CHECK CAP message will
be displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
(if equipped) if the fuel cap is not properly reinstalled.
NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right
type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light
and your fuel tank and emissions system may be
damaged. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.
6-44 Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on
the rear edge of the driver's door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they're cold.
ªColdº means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:
Too much flexing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
Bad fuel economy.
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don't forget your compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
6-71 Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 3.8 L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 205. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 195F (91C) . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter GM Part No. 25096932. . . .
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter GM Part No. 25654414. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter GM Part No. 25010792. . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter GM Part No. 25121942. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Filter GM Part No. 24206433. . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs GM Part No. 25161444. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Length 22.0 inches (56.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type Shepherd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 200.0 inches (508.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 73.5 inches (186.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 57.0 inches (144.8 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 112.2 inches (285.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread Width
Front 60.4 inches (153.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 60.2 inches (152.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8-6
Our commitment to Buick owners has always included
superior service through our network of Buick dealers.
Buick Premium Roadside Assistance provides an extra
measure of convenience and security.
Buick's Roadside Assistance toll
-free number is staffed
by a team of technically trained advisors, who are
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We take anxiety out of uncertain situations by providing
minor repair information over the phone or making
arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest
Buick dealer.
We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), at no expense to you:
Fuel delivery
Lock
-out service (identification required)
Tow to nearest dealership for warranty service
Change a flat tire
Jump starts
We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of the
following additional services depending on your needs:
Hotels
Glass replacementTire repair facilities
Rental vehicle or taxis
Airports or train stations
Police, fire department or hospitals
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Buick's comprehensive warranty. However, when
other services are utilized, our advisors will explain any
payment obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following information to give the advisor:
Location of vehicle
Telephone number of your location
Vehicle model, year and color
Mileage of vehicle
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Vehicle license plate number
Buick reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Buick's
judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or
type of occurrence.