Black plate (48,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
9-48 Driving and Operating
Notice:This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are not
reformulated for low emissions can
contain an octane-enhancing
additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant
where you buy gasoline whether the
fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce
spark plug life and affect emission
control system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp might
turn on. If this occurs, return to your
dealer for service.Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a yellow fuel cap
can use either unleaded gasoline or
ethanol fuel containing up to 85%
ethanol (E85). For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑46.
We encourage the use of E85 in
vehicles that are designed to use it.
The ethanol in E85 is a “renewable”
fuel, meaning it is made from
renewable sources such as corn
and other crops.
Many service stations will not have
an 85% ethanol fuel (E85) pump
available. The U.S. Department of
Energy has an alternative fuels
website (www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/
locator/stations/) that can help you
find E85 fuel. Those stations that do
have E85 should have a label
indicating ethanol content. Do not
use the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%. At a minimum, E85 should meet
ASTM Specification D 5798 or
CGSB Specification 3.512. Filling
the tank with fuel mixtures that do
not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on. As the
outside temperature approaches
freezing, ethanol fuel distributors
should supply winter grade ethanol,
the same as with unleaded
gasoline.
The starting characteristics of E85
fuel make it unsuitable for use when
temperatures fall below
−18°C
(0°F). In the range of −18°C (0°F) to
0°C (32°F), it may take more time to
start the engine.
E85 has less energy per liter
(gallon) than gasoline, so you will
need to refill the fuel tank more
often when using E85 than when
you are using gasoline. See Filling
the Tank on page 9‑49.
Black plate (49,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
Driving and Operating 9-49
Notice:Some additives are not
compatible with E85 fuel and can
harm the vehicle's fuel system.
Do not add anything to E85.
Damage caused by additives
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Notice: This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Filling the Tank
{WARNING
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the fuel
pump island.
.Turn off the engine when
refueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.Do not reenter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
.Keep children away from the
fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
.Fuel can spray out if the fuel
cap is opened too quickly.
This spray can happen if the
tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
wait for any hiss noise to stop
then unscrew the cap all
the way
The tethered fuel cap is behind the
fuel door on the vehicle's passenger
side. Turn the fuel cap
counterclockwise to remove.
Reinstall the cap by turning it
clockwise until it clicks.
Black plate (50,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
9-50 Driving and Operating
Do not top off or overfill the tank.
Wait a few seconds before removing
the nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care on page 10‑92.
{WARNING
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Notice: If a new fuel cap is
needed, be sure to get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The
wrong type of fuel cap might not
fit properly, might cause the
malfunction indicator lamp to
light, and could damage the fuel
tank and emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑15.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{WARNING
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
.Use approved fuel
containers.
.Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
.Place the container on the
ground.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Place the nozzle inside the fill
opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
.Do not smoke, light matches,
or use lighters while
pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Black plate (10,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
10-10 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑14.
2. Engine Cover.
3. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System on
page 10‑16.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑10.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See Engine Oil on
page 10‑10.
6. High Voltage Cable (Orange Color).
7. Transmission Fluid Cap. See Automatic Transmission Fluid on
page 10‑13.
8. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brakes on
page 10‑23.
9. Battery (Under Cover). See Battery on page 10‑26.
10. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑17. 11.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑35.
12. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
on page 10‑23.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. 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 loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10‑5 for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
Black plate (36,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
10-36 Vehicle Care
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown. Fuse
Number Usage
1 Transmission Control Module Fuse
Number Usage
2 Engine Control Module
3 SAI Solenoid (2.4L Engine RPO LEA)
4 Not Used Fuse
Number Usage
5 Ignition, Transmission
Control Module,
Engine Control
Module
6 Windshield Wiper
7 BPIM (eAssist Only)
8 Not Used
9 Fuel Injection, Ignition System
10 Engine Control Module
11 Oxygen Sensor
12 Starter
13 Fuel System Control Module
14 Trunk Release
15 MGU Coolant Pump (eAssist Only)
Black plate (38,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
10-38 Vehicle Care
Fuse
Number Usage
50 Left-Hand Low Beam, High Intensity
Discharge
Headlamp
51 Horn
52 Motor Indicator Lamp
53 Inside Rearview Mirror
54 Not Used
55 Power Windows/ Mirrors
56 Windshield Washer
57 Not Used
58 Not Used
59 Secondary Air Induction (eAssist
and 2.4L Engine
RPO LEA) Fuse
Number Usage
60 Heated Mirrors
61 Not Used
62 Canister Vent Solenoid
63 Not Used
64 Heater, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Pump (eAssist Only)
65 Not Used
66 SAI Check Valve (eAssist Only)
67 Fuel System Control Module
68 Not Used
69 Battery Sensor
70 Not Used
71 Not Used Relay
Number Usage
1 Air Conditioning Control
2 Starter
3 Cooling Fan
4 Front Wiper (Step 2)
5 Front Wiper (Step 1, Interval)
6 SAI Valve/Heater (eAssist and 2.4L
Engine RPO LEA),
Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning Pump
(eAssist Only)
7 Main Relay
8 Not Used
9 Cooling Fan
10 Cooling Fan
Black plate (46,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
10-46 Vehicle Care
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See
Tire Pressure
on page 10‑48.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑10. GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑10.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑10.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire,
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Black plate (48,1)Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/5/12
10-48 Vehicle Care
Treadwear Indicators:Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1.6 mm (1/
16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires
on page 10‑56.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
:A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire's traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire
manufacturers using
government testing procedures.
The ratings are molded into the
sidewall of the tire. See Uniform
Tire Quality Grading on
page 10‑59.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The
number of designated seating
positions multiplied by 68 kg (150 lb) plus the rated
cargo load. See
Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑10.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire
:Load on an individual tire
due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” underVehicle
Load Limits on page 9‑10.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of
air pressure to operate
effectively. Notice:
Neither tire
underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires
that do not have enough air,
can result in:
.Tire overloading and
overheating which could
lead to a blowout.
.Premature or
irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that
have too much air, can
result in:
.Unusual wear.
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from
road hazards.