2004 BUICK REGAL towing

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply the regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start the engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle will need service more often when it pulls a
trailer. See.Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transaxle uid; which
should not be overlled; engine oil, drive belt(s),
and cooling and brake systems. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you nd
them quickly. If trailering, it is a good idea to review
this information before starting on a trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
4-45

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check the automatic transaxle uid level
is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the uid and lter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If the vehicle is not used under any of these conditions,
change the uid and lter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage the
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the uid
could come out and fall on hot engine or exhaust
system parts, starting a re. Too little uid could
cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check the transaxle uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic – especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C
to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to
drive longer.
5-24

Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:The radiator cap on your vehicle 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 overow 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 5-12for more information on location.
Engine Overheating
The coolant temperature gage and the hot engine
warning light on the instrument panel can indicate an
overheated engine condition. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-34andEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-34.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
The emergency operating mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to a safe place in an emergency situation. If an
overheated engine condition exists, this mode alternates
ring groups of cylinders, to help prevent engine
damage. In this mode, there will be a signicant loss in
power and engine performance. The engine coolant
temperature gage will move to the red area and
the engine coolant temperature warning light will come
on, indicating that 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. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-16.
5-29

(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-26for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check 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 or
cruise control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(l)For supercharged engines onl: Check the
supercharger oil level and add the proper supercharger
oil as needed (or every 36 months, whichever occurs
rst). See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
6-8

Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System.......................................3-12
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.........................3-19, 3-23
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-14
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-15
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-12
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-6
Dinghy Towing................................................4-32Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-32
Dome Lamp...................................................3-16
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Trunk Ajar Warning Light..............................3-40
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-42
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-17
City...........................................................4-21
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-18
Winter........................................................4-26
Driving On Grades..........................................4-44
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-27
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-20
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-43
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-20
Dual Climate Control System............................3-17
4

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-97
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-98
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-98
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-98
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-13
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-37
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Battery.......................................................5-46
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-39
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-35
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-34
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-34
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-19
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-21Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-45
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-19
Entry Lighting.................................................3-14
Event Data Records (EDR)................................ 7-9
Express-Down Window....................................2-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-11
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station.......3-48, 3-55
Finding a Station....................................3-46, 3-53
Finish Care....................................................5-93
Finish Damage...............................................5-95
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-77
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-78
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-40
Windshield Washer......................................5-42
FM ...............................................................3-62
Fog Lamps....................................................3-13
5

Light (cont.)
Brake System Warning.................................3-31
Change Engine Oil......................................3-39
Charging System.........................................3-31
Cruise Control.............................................3-40
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning...............................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-34
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-42
Low Oil Level.............................................3-39
Low Traction...............................................3-33
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-40
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-35
Oil Pressure...............................................3-38
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-29
Security.....................................................3-40
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-41
TCS Warning Light......................................3-33
Tire Pressure..............................................3-35
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-33
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors..............................2-15
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
Locks
Door........................................................... 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-11
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-42
Low Traction Light..........................................3-33
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-40
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-13
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-45
Making Turns.................................................4-43
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-35
Manual Operation...................................3-17, 3-21
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
8

Parking
Brake........................................................2-24
Over Things That Burn.................................2-28
Parking on Hills..............................................4-44
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter.....................................................3-25
Passenger Control..........................................3-23
Passing.................................................4-14, 4-43
PASS-Key
®II .................................................2-16
Perimeter Lighting...........................................3-15
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-8
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-57
Playing a CD.........................................3-50, 3-59
Playing the Radio...................................3-45, 3-52
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.........................................5-98
Six-Way Seats.............................................. 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-40
Windows....................................................2-15
Power Steering...............................................4-12
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-29
Radio Data System (RDS).......................3-48, 3-55
Radio Messages.....................................3-50, 3-57
Radios..........................................................3-44
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-63
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-64
Care of Your CDs........................................3-64
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-52
Radio with CD............................................3-45
Setting the Time..........................................3-45
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-61
Understanding Reception..............................3-62
RDS Messages......................................3-49, 3-56
Reading Lamps..............................................3-15
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-24
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-21
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-21
Rear Window Defogger............................3-19, 3-24
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-32
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with OnStar
®..............................................2-32
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-31
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-31
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-31
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
10