2004 BUICK REGAL Owner's Manual

When putting the fuel cap back on, turn it clockwise
until a click is heard. Make sure the cap is fully installed.
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. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-35.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the
station attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not t properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light and
may damage your fuel tank and emissions system.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-35.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the
inside of the ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the lling is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.
5-9

Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
5-10

Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the interior hood
release handle located
to the left of the
steering column below
the instrument
panel.
2. Push the secondary hood release, located under
the hood, to the right to disengage it.
3. Lift the hood.
Before closing the hood, make sure all the ller caps
are properly secured. Pull the hood down and close
it rmly.
5-11

Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood on the 3800 V6 engine, you will see:
5-12

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-42.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-46.
C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeBattery
on page 5-46.
D. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-98.
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-32.G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Below Generator).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-40.
H. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-24.
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrakes on page 5-43.
M. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
5-13

When you open the hood on the 3800 V6 Supercharged engine, you will see:
5-14

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-42.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-46.
C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeBattery
on page 5-46.
D. Underhood Electrical Center. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-98.
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-32.G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Below Generator).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-40.
H. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-24.
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeAutomatic Transaxle
Fluid on page 5-24.
M. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
5-15

Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is 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 a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-16