2004 BUICK REGAL coolant temperature

Engine Coolant Heater
The vehicle may have this feature. In very cold weather,
0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can
help. The vehicle will start easier and get better
fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the
coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four
hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures
above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not
required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is attached to the underside of the vehicle’s
diagonal brace, which is located above the engine
air cleaner/lter assembly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep
it away from moving engine parts, before starting
the engine. If this is not done, the cord could
be damaged.
2-20

How long should the coolant heater be kept plugged in?
The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil used in the vehicle, and some other
things. Instead of trying to list everything here, contact
your dealer in the area where the vehicle will be parking.
The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
The shift lever, located on
the console between the
seats, operates the
automatic transaxle.The ignition positions are displayed on the instrument
panel cluster and will indicate the gear the vehicle is in.
Maximum engine speed is limited on the automatic
transaxle when the vehicle is in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline components from
improper operation.
2-21

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.............................................3-11
Interior Lamps..............................................3-14
Accessory Power Outlets...............................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 Adjustment.........................................3-24
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-25
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 CD..............................................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-52
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-61
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-62
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-62
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-63
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-64
Care of Your CD Player................................3-64
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-64
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The low traction light also comes on briey when the
ignition key is turned to RUN. If the light does not come
on then, have it xed so it will function properly and
indicate when the traction control system is active.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light indicates that the
engine coolant has
overheated or the radiator
cooling fan is not
working.
The light will come on briey when the ignition is turned
on to show that it is working.
If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-29.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The vehicle has a gage
that shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into
the red area, the engine is
too hot.
This reading indicates the same thing as the warning
light. It means that the engine coolant has overheated. If
the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-29.
3-34

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the crosshatched area on the
dipstick. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid labeled
other than DEXRON
®-III may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use DEXRON
®-III labeled automatic
transaxle uid.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check,” earlier in
this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating or if more coolant needs to be
added to the radiator, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-26

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

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An overheated engine warning can indicate a serious
problem. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light on page 3-34.
If there is an overheated engine warning, and no steam
is seen or heard, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when
the vehicles:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
Tows a trailer.
If the overheated engine warning appears with no sign
of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Adjust the heater to the highest temperature and
fan speed settings and open the window as
necessary.If the overheated engine warnings no longer exist, the
vehicle can be driven. Just to be safe, drive slower
for about 10 minutes. If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive.
If the warning continues, and you have not stopped, pull
over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three
minutes while parked. If the warning still exists, turn
off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until
it cools down. Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode” listed previously in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
5-31

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer uid, be
sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If the vehicle will be operating in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location.
Add washer uid until the windshield washer reservoir
is full.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water does not clean as
well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This allows for expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-42