
Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn .............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-10
Interior Lamps..............................................3-13
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-15
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop).........3-16
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-17
Climate Controls............................................3-17
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-17
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-20
Outlet Adjutment...........................................3-24
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-26
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-27
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-28
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-29
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-31
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-32
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-33
Low Traction Light
........................................3-33Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-34
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-35
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-35
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-38
Low Oil Level Light.......................................3-39
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-39
Security Light...............................................3-40
Cruise Control Light......................................3-40
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-40
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light........................3-40
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-41
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-42
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-42
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
Setting the Time...........................................3-45
Radio with Cassette......................................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-49
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-55
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-57
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-57
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-58
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-59
Care of Your CD Player................................3-59
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-59
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle
still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD
system readiness, your GM dealer can prepare the
vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
If you have a problem with
your oil, this light may stay
on after you start your
engine, or come on when
you are driving.
This indicates that oil is not going through your engine
quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine
could be low on oil or could have some other oil
problem. Have itfixed right away.The oil light could also come on in the following
situations:
•The light will come on briefly when you turn on the
ignition to show you that it is working properly. If it
doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you may
have a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have itfixed
right away.
•Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the
light may blink on and off. This is normal.
{CAUTION:
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catchesfire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
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2003 - Regal OM

The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
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 rst
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 nd experienced and able service experts in GM
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 in ated 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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Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-5
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-8
Checking Things Under the Hood.....................5-8
Hood Release................................................5-9
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-10
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Supercharger Oil..........................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-20
Engine Coolant.............................................5-22
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-25
Engine Overheating.......................................5-25
Cooling System............................................5-28Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-50
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps..................................................5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-52
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)....................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-53
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-56
Inflation — Tire Pressure...............................5-57
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-59
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-60
Buying New Tires.........................................5-61
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
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2003 - Regal OM

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal
D. Underhood Fuse Block
E. Radiator Pressure Cap
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Below Generator)H. Electric Cooling Fan
I. Engine Oil Dipstick
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir
M. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
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2003 - Regal OM

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal
D. Underhood Electrical Center
E. Radiator Pressure Cap
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Below Generator)
H. Electric Cooling Fan
I. Engine Oil Dipstick
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir
M. Engine Air Cleaner/FilterEngine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop located
near the front of the engine compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-10for more
information on location.
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2003 - Regal OM

Supercharger Oil
Unless you are technically
qualified and have the
proper tools, you should let
your dealer or a qualified
service center perform
this maintenance.
When to Check
Check oil level every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or every
36 months, whichever occursfirst.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Use only the recommended supercharger oil. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-16.
How to Check and Add Oil
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Check oil only when
the engine is cold. Allow the engine to cool two to
three hours after running.
{CAUTION:
If you remove the supercharger oil ll plug
while the engine is hot, pressure may cause
hot oil to blow out of the oil ll hole. You may
be burned. Do not remove the plug until the
engine cools.
1. Clean the area around the oilfill plug before
removing it.
2. Remove the oilfill plug.
3. The oil level is correct when it just reaches the
bottom of the threads of the inspection hole.
4. Replace the oil plug with the O-ring in place.
Tighten to 88 lb-in (10Y).
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-10for
location of engine air cleaner/filter.
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Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:Your radiator cap is a pressure-type cap
and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss
and possible engine damage from overheating.
Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the
over ow tube on the radiator ller neck.
The radiator pressure cap is located near the front of
the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-10for
more information on location.
Engine Overheating
You willfind a coolant temperature gage and a hot
engine warning light on your instrument panel.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-34
andEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light on
page 3-34.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
The overheated engine protection operating mode
allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency situation. If an overheated engine condition
exists, this mode, which alternatesfiring groups of
cylinders, helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will indicate
an overheated engine condition exists. Driving extended
miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheated
engine protection operating mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See“Engine Oil”in the
Index.
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2003 - Regal OM