coolant fluid BUICK LESABRE 2004 Owner's Manual

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-28
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-35Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-47
Headlamp Horizontal Aiming...........................5-49
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................5-50
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Headlamps..................................................5-52
Front Turn Signal Lamps...............................5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-54
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps.......................5-55
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-56
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-57
Tires..............................................................5-58
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-65
Check Tire Pressure System..........................5-66
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-67
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-68
Buying New Tires.........................................5-69
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-71
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. See “Engine
Compartment Fuse Block” underFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-92.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-36.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-28.
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-26.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
H. Engine Coolant Air Bleed Valve. See “How to Add
Coolant to the Radiator” underCooling System
on page 5-28.
I. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-21.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-37.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.Engine Oil
If the ENGINE OIL LOW
CHECK LEVEL DIC
message appears on the
instrument cluster, it
means you need to check
your engine oil level
right away. For more
information, seeDIC
Warnings and Messages
on page 3-49.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. 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 yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you do not, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
5-13

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. The uid level must be in the
cross-hatched area.
4. If the uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-23.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.
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 your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your 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 your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
5-23

11. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
ller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through the ller neck until the level reaches
the base of the ller neck.
12. Then replace the
pressure cap. At any
time during this
procedure if coolant
begins to ow out
of the ller neck,
reinstall the pressure
cap. Be sure the arrow
on the pressure cap
lines up like this.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is located below the
generator and behind the accessory drive belt in the rear
of the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle.
5-35

Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Don’t 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 doesn’t
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it’s very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your
washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your master cylinder reservoir is lled with DOT-3 brake
uid. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up.
5-37

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals specied to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
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
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant 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 5-13for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-36for further
details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inated to the correct pressures. Don’t forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-58for further
details.
Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean cassette tape player. Cleaning should be done
every 50 hours of tape play. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-55for further details.
6-17

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 89021184, in Canada
89021186).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-IIII Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Fuel Door,
Glove Box
Door, Console
Door and Rear
Compartment
Lid HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
992887).
6-23

Flat Tire........................................................5-73
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-74
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
FM Stereo.....................................................3-79
Following Distance..........................................4-44
Footnotes................................................6-7, 6-13
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-19
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-45
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-22
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-45
Speedometer..............................................3-35Gage (cont.)
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-38
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specications............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-41
Glove Box.....................................................2-42
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-47
Horizontal Aiming.........................................5-49
Vertical Aiming............................................5-50
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamps....................................................5-52
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-52
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-53
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headlamps On Reminder.................................3-14
Head-Up Display (HUD)...................................3-20
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
6

Hitches..........................................................4-42
HomeLink®Transmitter....................................2-38
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-39
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-30
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-31
How to Add Fluid............................................5-23
How to Check........................................5-21, 5-65
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-36
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
Hydroplaning..................................................4-19
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-27
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-26
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-41
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-42
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-40
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-28
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-20Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.......................3-19
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-29
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-65
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-22
Engine Cooling System................................6-22
Exhaust System..........................................6-21
Fuel System...............................................6-22
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-21
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-21
Throttle System...........................................6-22
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-33
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-17
Interior Lamps................................................3-17
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-18
Key Reminder Warning....................................2-23
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
7

Tire Ination Check.........................................6-17
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-58
Tire Size.......................................................5-62
Tire Terminology and Denitions........................5-62
Tires.............................................................5-58
Buying New Tires........................................5-69
Chains.......................................................5-72
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-74
Check Tire Pressure System.........................5-66
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-83
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-73
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-65
Inspection and Rotation................................5-67
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-71
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-71
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-68
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-24
Top Strap......................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-38
Torque Lock...................................................2-30
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-42
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-32
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-39
Your Vehicle...............................................4-31
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-39Trailer Brakes.................................................4-43
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-43
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-25
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-35
Trunk............................................................2-14
Trunk Lock Release........................................2-14
Trunk Security Override...................................2-15
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer.............................3-73
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-44
Twilight Sentinel
®............................................3-16
U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-20
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-79
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-70
United States – Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-72
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-85
Using HomeLink
®...........................................2-41
Using RDS....................................................3-58
14