maintenance BUICK REGAL 2001 Owner's Manual

6-37
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery,
get one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in
the Index for battery location.
WARNING: 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.
If your battery has a very low charge or is dead, you
may not be able to remove the ignition key from the
ignition switch or shift out of PARK (P). Refer to
ªShifting Out of PARK(P)º in the Index.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.
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6-46
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in the Index for more information.
1. Turn on the wipers to LO.
2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the
outer positions of the wiper pattern. The blades are
more accessible for removal/replacement while in
this position.
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm 3 to 4 inches
(7.5 to 10 cm) away from the windshield.
4. While holding the wiper arm away from the glass,
push the release clip from under the windshield
wiper arm connecting point and slide the blade
assembly down toward the glass to remove it from
the wiper arm.
5. Slide the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm
until you hear the release clip ªclickº into place.
For proper length and type, see ªNormal Maintenance
Replacement Partsº in the Index.
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6-49 Tire Inflation Monitor System
The tire inflation monitor system can alert you to a large
change in the pressure of one tire. The system ªlearnsº
the pressure at each tire throughout the operating speed
range of your vehicle. The system normally takes
between 45 and 90 minutes of driving to learn the
tire pressures. This time may be longer depending
on your individual driving habits. Learning need not
be accumulated during a single trip. Once learned, the
system will remember the tire pressures until the system
is recalibrated.
After the system has learned tire pressures with properly
inflated tires, the LOW TIRE light will come on if the
pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa) lower than
the other three tires. The tire inflation monitor system
won't alert you if the pressure in more than one tire is
low, if the system is not properly calibrated, or if the
vehicle is moving faster than 70 mph (110 km/h).
The tire inflation monitor system detects differences
in tire rotation speeds that are caused by changes in
tire pressure. The system can alert you about a low
tire
-- but it doesn't replace normal tire maintenance.
See ªTiresº in the Index.When the LOW TIRE light comes on, you should stop
as soon as you can and check all your tires for damage.
(If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes Flatº in the Index.)
Also check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as
you can. See ªInflation
- Tire Pressureº in the Index.
The LOW TIRE light will also be displayed (while the
ignition is on) until you reset (calibrate) the system.
Don't reset the tire inflation monitor system without first
correcting the cause of the problem and checking and
adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the
system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the system
will not work properly and may not alert you when a tire
is low.
Any time you adjust a tire's pressure, rotate your tires,
or have one or more tires repaired or replaced, you'll
need to reset (calibrate) the tire inflation monitor
system. You'll also need to reset the system whenever
you buy new tires and whenever the vehicle's battery
has been disconnected.
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6-50
To reset (calibrate) the system:
1. Turn the ignition switch to RUN.
2. Then press and hold the RESET button for about
five seconds. The red RESET button is located inside
your instrument panel fuse block.
The fuse block is located under the cover labeled
FUSES, which is at the end of the instrument panel
on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The RESET
button is the first button in the top row of the fuse
block. The LOW TIRE light will come on and flash
three times. Then it will go off. If the light doesn't
go off, see your dealer for service.
The system completes the calibration process
during driving.
The system normally takes 15 to 20 minutes of driving
in each of three speed ranges to ªlearnº tire pressures.
The speed ranges are 15 to 40 mph (25 to 65 km/h),
40 to 65 mph (65 to 105 km/h) and above 65 mph
(105 km/h). When learning is complete, the system will
alert you after 2
-8 minutes if a tire is 12 psi (83 kPa)
different from the other three tires. Detection thresholds
may be higher and detection times may be longer on
rough roads, curves and at high speeds. The system
is not capable of detection at speeds greater than
70 mph (110 km/h).
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. See ªWhen It's Time for New Tiresº and
ªWheel Replacementº later in this section for
more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
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6-63
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti
-corrosion material to the parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide
the corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch
-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer's body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control
can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed,
accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody
parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and exhaust
system even though they have corrosion protection.At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can
do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create
a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This
damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet
-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched
into the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Buick
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.
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6-74
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/FilterACDelco
. . . . . . . . . . .
Type A1208C
Passenger Compartment Air Filter10406026 . . . .
Battery
3800 V6 ACDelco

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type 690 CCA
3800 Supercharged V6 ACDelco

. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type 770 CCA
Engine Oil FilterACDelco

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type PF47
Radiator CapACDelco

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type RC27
Remote Keyless
Entry BatteriesType CR2032 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
or equivalentSpark Plugs
3800 V6 ACDelco

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type 41
-921
Gap: 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
3800 Supercharged V6 ACDelco

. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type 41
-921
or NGK Type PTR4B
-15
Gap: 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
Wiper Blade
Type Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22.0 inches (56.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase 109.1 inches (277.1 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 62.0 inches (157.6 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 61.3 inches (155.6 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 196.2 inches (498.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 72.7 inches (184.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 56.6 inches (143.8 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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7-
7-1
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety,
dependability and emission control performance.
7
-2 Introduction
7
-4 Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
7
-16 Part B: Owner Checks and Services7
-21 Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
7
-23 Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
7
-25 Part E: Maintenance Record
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7-2
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer
for details.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and
recommended fluids and lubricants as prescribed in this
manual are necessary to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. Any damage caused by failure to
follow recommended maintenance may not be covered
by warranty.
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7-3 How This Section is Organized
This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts:
ªPart A: Scheduled Maintenance Servicesº shows
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex, so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should
let your dealer's service department or another qualified
service center do these jobs.
CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can
be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance
work only if you have the required know
-how
and the proper tools and equipment for the job.
If you have any doubt, have a qualified
technician do the work.
If you want to get the service information, see ªService
and Owner Publicationsº in the Index.ªPart B: Owner Checks and Servicesº tells you what
should be checked and when. It also explains what you
can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.
ªPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspectionsº explains
important inspections that your dealer's service department
or another qualified service center should perform.
ªPart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricantsº lists
some recommended products necessary to help keep
your vehicle properly maintained. These products, or
their equivalents, should be used whether you do the
work yourself or have it done.
ªPart E: Maintenance Recordº is a place for you to
record and keep track of the maintenance performed on
your vehicle. Keep your maintenance receipts. They may
be needed to qualify your vehicle for warranty repairs.
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7-4
Part A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle
in good working condition. But we don't know exactly
how you'll drive it. You may drive very short distances
only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances
all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your
vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work,
to do errands or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read the
following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good
condition, see your dealer.This part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when you should schedule them. If you
go to your dealer for your service needs, you'll know
that GM
-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using genuine GM parts.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Part D.
Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All
parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done
before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
This schedule is for vehicles that:

carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle's
Tire
-Loading Information label. See ªLoading Your
Vehicleº in the Index.

are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.

use the recommended fuel. See ªFuelº in the Index.
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