
Black plate (14,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
10-14 Vehicle Care
2. Press the DIC menu button onthe turn signal lever to enter the
Vehicle Information Menu. Use
the thumbwheel to scroll through
the menu items until you reach
REMAINING OIL LIFE.
3. Press the SET/CLR button to reset the oil life at 100%.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off and the REMAINING
OIL LIFE 100% message is
displayed.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer
service department. Contact your
dealer for additional information.
The procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13‑11.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Scheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2, and be sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer service department and
have it repaired as soon as
possible. See
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑6 for the
proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, it is not necessary to
regularly check brake/clutch fluid
unless there is a leak suspected.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.

Black plate (15,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-15
When to Check and What
to Use
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid
reservoir cap has this symbol on it.
The common hydraulic clutch and
brake master cylinder fluid reservoir
is filled with either DOT 3 or DOT 4
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir to make sure the fluid level
is at the MIN (minimum) line on the
side of the reservoir. The brake/
hydraulic clutch fluid system should
be closed and sealed. Do not remove the cap to check the
fluid level or to top‐off the fluid level.
Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mile)
interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2 for more
information. If you are driving in
dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains covered with dirt, a new
filter is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
2.0 L L4 Engine
1. Open the hood. See
Hood on
page 10‑5.
A. Electrical Connector
B. Air Duct Clamp
C. Screws (5)
2. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct clamp (B).

Black plate (26,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
10-26 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder and, on
manual transmission vehicles, the
clutch hydraulic system use the
same reservoir. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for the location of the
reservoir. The reservoir is filled with
with either DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake
fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake/clutch
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake/
clutch hydraulic system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not
work well.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake/clutch hydraulic
system.
{WARNING
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake/clutch
hydraulic system.
Checking Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch fluid can be
checked without taking off the cap
by looking at the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake/
clutch hydraulic system checked to
see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake/
clutch hydraulic system, make sure
the level is above MIN but not over
the MAX mark.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a
low level, the brake warning light
comes on. See Brake System
Warning Light on page 5‑16.
What to Add
If the vehicle has DOT 3 brake fluid,
as indicated on the reservoir cap,
use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6.

Black plate (27,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-27
If the vehicle has DOT 4 brake fluid,
as indicated on the reservoir cap,
use only new DOT 4 brake fluid
from a sealed container. It is
recommended that the brake/clutch
hydraulic system be flushed and
refilled with new DOT 4 fluid at a
regular maintenance service every
two years. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2 and
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6.
Always clean the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
{WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake/clutch hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake/clutch fluid. Notice
.Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake/clutch
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled on
the vehicle's painted
surfaces, the paint finish can
be damaged. Be careful not
to spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately.
Battery
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for battery location.
{DANGER
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{WARNING
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑70 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.

Black plate (3,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
system whenever the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 10‑13.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter.
Reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9 and
Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑13. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑18.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑24.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑77. Worn or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See
Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑30.
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑49.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑55.
.Rotate tires if necessary. See
Tire Rotation on page 10‑55.
.Fluids visual leak check (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired and the
fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑15.
.Brake system inspection (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection for
damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, folding seat
hardware, and sunroof (if
equipped) lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6. More
frequent lubrication may be
required when the vehicle is
exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑26.
.Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.

Black plate (4,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
11-4 Service and Maintenance
Additional Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should be
rotated every 12 000 km/
7,500 miles. SeeTire Rotation
on page 10‑55.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑18.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑24.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation check. See Tire
Pressure on page 10‑49.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑55.
.Sunroof track and seal
inspection, if equipped. See
Sunroof on page 2‑15. Once a Year
.See
Starter Switch Check on
page 10‑28.
.See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check on page 10‑28.
.See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑29.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check on
page 10‑29.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Underbody flushing service.
.Hood/Decklid/Liftgate/Liftglass
Support Gas Strut Service:
Visually inspect gas strut,
if equipped, for signs of wear,
cracks, or other damage. Check
the hold open ability of the gas
strut. Contact your dealer if
service is required. Once Every Two Years
.Vehicles using DOT 4 brake fluid
only: Change brake/clutch
hydraulic fluid at a regular
maintenance service every
two years.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Passenger compartment air
filter replacement (or every
24 months, whichever occurs
first). More frequent replacement
may be needed if you drive in
areas with heavy traffic, areas
with poor air quality, or areas
with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be
needed if you notice reduced air
flow, windows fogging up,
or odors. Your dealer can help
you determine when it is the
right time to replace the filter.

Black plate (6,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
11-6 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos specification. Oils
meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification
mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos
certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. See
Engine Oil on
page 10‑9.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑18.
Hydraulic Brake/Clutch System
(Vehicles with DOT 3 brake fluid) DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 88862806, in
Canada 88862807).
Hydraulic Brake/Clutch System
(Vehicles with DOT 4 brake fluid) DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 88958860, in
Canada 88901244).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Hydraulic Power Steering System DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (2.4L Engine) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (2.0L Engine) Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19256039, in
Canada 19256040).

Black plate (1,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-1
A
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-15
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Airbag Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32 Airbag System (cont.)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . 3-29
Airbags Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-12
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Servicing Airbag-EquippedVehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Alarm System Anti-theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Antenna Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Anti-theft
Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Alarm System Messages . . . . . 5-29
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-80 Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14 CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Audio System Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . 7-2
Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . 9-25
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Shift Lock ControlFunction Check . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
B
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . 10-30
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . 7-20, 7-21, 7-23
Brake System Warning Light . . . 5-16