2013 BUICK REGAL power steering

Black plate (4,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
9-4 Driving and Operating
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Variable Effort Steering
Some vehicles have a steering
system that varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle. The amount of steering effort
required is less at slower speeds to
make the vehicle more
maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like feel
to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
If the vehicle seems harder to steer
than normal when parking or driving
slowly, there may be a problem with
the system. You will still have power
steering, but steering will be stiffer
than normal at slow speeds. See
your dealer for service.
Electric Power Steering (2.4L
L4 Engine)
If your vehicle has electric power
steering, it does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages under
Vehicle Messages
on page 5‑28.
Hydraulic Power Steering (2.0L
L4 Engine)
If your vehicle has hydraulic power
steering it may require maintenance.
See Power Steering Fluid (2.0L L4
Engine) on page 10‑22 orPower
Steering Fluid (2.4L L4 Engine with
or without eAssist) on page 10‑23.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or a
system malfunctions, the vehicle
can be steered but may required
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.

Black plate (15,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
Driving and Operating 9-15
Following break‐in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions (Key
Access)
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct
key, make sure it is all the way in, and turn it only with your hand.
If the key cannot be turned by
hand, see your dealer.
The key must be fully extended to
start the vehicle.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply the
brake pedal.
1 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/
OFF):
When the vehicle is stopped,
turn the ignition switch to LOCK/
OFF to turn the engine off. Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9‑23 for more
information.
This is the only position from which
the key can be removed. This locks
the steering wheel, ignition, and
automatic transmission.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags. If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to neutral. This can be done while the vehicle is
moving. After shifting to neutral,
firmly apply the brakes and steer
the vehicle to a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 9‑32.

Black plate (16,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
9-16 Driving and Operating
{WARNING
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The ignition switch can bind in the
LOCK/OFF position with the wheels
turned off center. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY. If this does not work,
then the vehicle needs service.
2 (ACC/ACCESSORY): This
position unlocks the steering wheel.
Some accessories can be used in
this position. 3 (ON/RUN):
The ignition switch
stays in this position when the
engine is running. This position can
be used to operate the electrical
accessories, as well as to display
some warning and indicator lights.
This position can also be used for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes.
The battery could be drained if the
key is left in the ON/RUN position
with the engine off. The vehicle
might not start if the battery is
allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
4 (START): This position starts the
engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal
driving.
If the ignition becomes difficult to
turn, see Keys on page 2‑1.
Key Lock Release
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission are equipped with an
electronic key lock release system.
This system is to prevent ignition
key removal unless the shift lever is
in P (Park).

Black plate (18,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
9-18 Driving and Operating
information. When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition
system will switch to OFF.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steadypressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF. 4. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 9‑32.
{WARNING
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold the engine START/
STOP button for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in
five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber
Indicator Light): This mode allows
you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY. The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after
five minutes to prevent battery
run down.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light):
This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and
the brake pedal applied, pressing
the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking
will continue until the engine starts.
See Starting the Engine on
page 9‑19 for more information. The
ignition will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Only Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding the button for
more than five seconds will place
the vehicle in Service Only Mode.

Black plate (39,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
Driving and Operating 9-39
Tour:Use for long-distance
highway driving. This setting
provides a smooth, soft ride. Press
and release the TOUR button and
the light on the button comes on.
This mode provides a comfortable,
smooth ride. Press the button again
and the system returns to the
Standard mode.
Sport: Use where personal
preference or road conditions
demand more control. This setting
provides responsive, controlled
handling. Press and release the
SPORT button. The light on the
button comes on, and the
appropriate message displays on
the DIC. Press the button again.
The system returns to the Standard
mode and the appropriate message
displays on the DIC.
IDCS automatically comes on in the
Standard mode when the vehicle is
started. When the Sport and Tour
modes are turned off, the system
returns to the Standard mode.Standard Mode
.The shock absorbers allow a
normal ride.
.The powertrain reacts normally
to the accelerator pedal.
.Power steering assistance is
normal.
Tour Mode
.The shock absorbers allow a
softer ride.
.The powertrain reacts normally
to the accelerator pedal.
.Power steering assistance is
normal.
Sport Mode
.The shock absorbers stiffen to
provide better contact with the
road surface.
.The powertrain reacts more
quickly to the accelerator pedal.
.Power steering assistance is
reduced.
Drive Mode Control
Drive Mode Control (DMC) analyzes
the driving style and the active state
of the vehicle and automatically
changes the settings within the
selected driving mode. When there
is a more noticeable change in
driving style or conditions, the
driving mode is changed to Sport
until the previous driving style
returns.
If Standard mode is selected and
sport driving is detected, several
settings of the Standard mode
change to sport settings. If sport
driving increases, DMC changes to
Sport mode.
If Tour mode is selected and sudden
braking or cornering is necessary,
DMC changes the suspension
settings to Sport mode to increase
vehicle stability.
When the driving characteristic or
the active state of the vehicle
returns to the previous style, DMC
changes the settings to the
preselected driving mode.

Black plate (40,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
9-40 Driving and Operating
Interactive Drive Control
System (GS Only)
The vehicle may have the
Interactive Drive Control System
(IDCS). IDCS adapts to the
preference of the driver within one
of three driving modes:
Standard:Default mode used for
normal and long–distance highway
driving. This setting provides a
smooth soft ride. Sport:
Use for normal city and
long-distance highway driving. This
setting provides precise,
comfortable handling. Press and
release the SPORT button and the
light on the button comes on. Press
the button again and the system
returns to the Standard mode.
GS: Use where personal
preference or road conditions
demand more control. This setting
provides responsive, controlled
steering and handling. Press and
release the GS button. The light on
the button comes on, and the
appropriate message displays on
the DIC. Press the button again.
The system returns to the Standard
mode and the appropriate message
displays on the DIC.
IDCS automatically comes on in the
Standard mode when the vehicle is
started. When the Sport and GS
modes are turned off, the system
returns to the Standard mode.
Standard Mode
.The shock absorbers allow a
normal ride.
.The powertrain reacts normally
to the accelerator pedal.
.Power steering assistance is
normal.
Sport Mode
.The shock absorbers stiffen to
provide better contact with the
road surface.
.The powertrain reacts normally
to the accelerator pedal.
.Power steering assistance is
normal.

Black plate (41,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
Driving and Operating 9-41
GS Mode
.Additional stiffness in the shock
absorbers for increased body
control.
.The powertrain reacts more
quickly to the accelerator pedal.
.Power steering assistance is
reduced.
There is no automatic Drive Mode
Control (DMC) in this vehicle.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, the vehicle can
maintain a speed of about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below 40 km/h (25 mph).
On vehicles with the Traction
Control System (TCS) or StabiliTrak,
the system may begin to limit wheel
spin while you are using cruise
control. If this happens, the cruise
control will automatically disengage.
See Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑35 orStabiliTrak
®System
on page 9‑36.
{WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
1(On/Off):Press to turn the
cruise control system on and off. An
indicator light will turn on or off in
the instrument cluster.

Black plate (1,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-12
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-14
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-20 Power Steering Fluid (2.0L
L4 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Power Steering Fluid (2.4L L4 Engine with or without
eAssist) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-27
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-28
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
High Intensity Discharge(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30 Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-33
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-43
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45