2003 BUICK REGAL maintenance

The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle
repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Although you may be required to
resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to
ling a court action, use of the program is free of
charge and your case will generally be heard within
40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in
your case, you may reject it and proceed with any other
venue for relief available to you.
You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone
number or write them at the following address:
BBB Auto Line
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the
right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue
its participation in this program.Online Owner Center
The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
needs. You cannd your specic vehicle information
all in one place.
The Owner Center allows you to:
Get e-mail service reminders.
Access information about your specic vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner’s manual. (United States only)
Keep track of your vehicle’s service history and
maintenance schedule.
Find GM dealers for service nationwide.
Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members. (United States only)
Refer to the web for updated information.
To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com.
(United States) or My GM Canada within
www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
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2003 - Regal OM

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.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically 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: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and 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.
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), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
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2003 - Regal OM

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-15
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-55
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-38
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-5
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-86
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-47, 3-51
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-30
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-46
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-52
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-54
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-51
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?......1-52
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-51
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-49
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..................5-82
AM ...............................................................3-57
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-59
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-32
Appearance Care............................................5-77
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-80
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-83
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-78Appearance Care (cont.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-80
Finish Damage............................................5-83
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..........5-84
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-57
Backglass Antenna......................................3-59
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
................3-58
Care of Your CD Player
...............................3-59
Care of Your CDs
........................................3-59
Radio with Cassette
.....................................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD
.........................3-49
Setting the Time
..........................................3-45
Theft-Deterrent Feature
................................3-55
Understanding Radio Reception
.....................3-57
Automatic Operation
........................................3-20
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
..........................................................5-20
Operation
...................................................2-21
Automatic Transaxle Check
..............................6-11
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
.............................................6-12
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
...........3-16
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2003 - Regal OM

Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-52
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-20
Chains, Tires..................................................5-65
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Checking Coolant............................................5-23
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood....................... 5-8
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-54
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-83
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-32
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-38
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-44
Top Strap...................................................1-36
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-37
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-35Cigarette Lighter
.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle
..................................5-78
Outside of Your Vehicle
................................5-80
Underbody Maintenance
...............................5-83
Weatherstrips
..............................................5-80
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
.......................5-81
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment
.................3-24
Dual
..........................................................3-17
Dual Automatic
............................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment
........................................3-24
Compact Disc Messages
..................................3-54
Compact Spare Tire
........................................5-77
Control Buttons
...............................................3-43
Control of a Vehicle
.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net
............................................2-36
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage
............................3-34
Engine Temperature Warning Light
.................3-34
Heater, Engine
............................................2-20
Cooling System
..............................................5-28
Cornering Lamps
............................................3-13
Courtesy Lamps
.............................................3-13
Cruise Control
.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Light
........................................3-40
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E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-86
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-87
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-86
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-86
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-13
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-37
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-42
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-39
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-35
Compartment Overview................................5-10
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-34
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-34
Cooling System Inspection............................6-15
Exhaust
.....................................................2-29
Oil
.............................................................5-13
Overheating
................................................5-25
Starting
......................................................2-19
Supercharger Oil
.........................................5-18
Engine Coolant Level Check
.............................6-10Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-41
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-10
Entry Lighting.................................................3-13
Express-Down Window....................................2-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-10
F
Fabric/Carpet.................................................5-78
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Station....................................3-46, 3-50
Finish Care....................................................5-81
Finish Damage...............................................5-83
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-66
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-66
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
FM ...............................................................3-57
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-13
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-6
Following Distance..........................................4-39
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
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How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-30
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-31
How to Add Fluid............................................5-21
How to Check........................................5-20, 5-57
How to Check and Add Oil...............................5-18
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
Hydroplaning..................................................4-20
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-27
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-26
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-36
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-37
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
.....................4-36
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard
...........................4-28
Ignition Positions
.............................................2-18
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
..........................6-13
Illumination on Remote Activation
........................ 2-7
Infants and Young Children, Restraints
...............1-29
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
..................................5-57Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-15
Engine Cooling System................................6-15
Exhaust System..........................................6-14
Fuel System...............................................6-15
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-14
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-14
Throttle System...........................................6-15
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-27
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-13
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-87
Interior Lamps................................................3-13
Interior Plastic Components..............................5-80
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-11
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
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M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-93
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-11
Brake System Inspection..............................6-15
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-15
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-14
Fuel System Inspection................................6-15
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-10
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-14
PartD-Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants.........................................6-16
PartE-Maintenance Record........................6-17
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-14
Throttle System Inspection............................6-15
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-41
Making Turns.................................................4-39
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-35
Manual Operation...................................3-17, 3-21
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-7
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and
U.S. Virgin Islands)–Customer Assistance....... 7-5
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-32
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®.......2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-31
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-31
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-33
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-33
Modes...........................................................3-44
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-93
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2003 - Regal OM

O
Odometer......................................................3-28
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-14
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-39
Engine.......................................................5-13
Low Oil Level Light......................................3-39
Pressure Light.............................................3-38
Supercharger, Engine...................................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-27
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®Personal Calling.................................2-34
OnStar®Services............................................2-34
OnStar®System.............................................2-34
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-35
Operation Tips................................................3-24
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-24
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-33
Power Foldaway Mirrors...............................2-33
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.....5-25
Overseas–Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-11
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-25
Shifting Out of............................................2-25
Parking
Brake........................................................2-24
Over Things That Burn.................................2-28
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-13
Parking on Hills..............................................4-40
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-10
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-14
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.......6-16
PartE-Maintenance Record
...........................6-17
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
.....................3-24
Passenger Control
..........................................3-23
Passing
.................................................4-14, 4-39
PASS-Key
®II
.................................................2-16
Perimeter Lighting
...........................................3-14
Plan Ahead When Possible
................................ 7-8
Playing a Cassette Tape
..........................3-47, 3-51
Playing a Compact Disc
...................................3-53
Playing the Radio
...................................3-46, 3-49
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2003 - Regal OM