engine BUICK REGAL 2003 Owner's Guide

FLOOR:This setting sends most of the air through the
outlets near thefloor. The rest comes out of the
defroster and side window outlets.
VENT:Press this button to turn the air-conditioning
compressor on or off. The indicator light on the VENT
mode is lit when the compressor is turned off. You may
have to adjust the interior brightness control to the
highest setting during the day in order to see the
indicator lamp.
VENT does not operate in the FRONT defrost mode.
RECIRC (Recirculation):Press this button to turn this
mode on or off. RECIRC limits the amount of outside
air coming into the vehicle and recirculates most of the
air inside your vehicle. It can be use to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or to
quickly heat or cool the air inside your vehicle. When this
button is pressed an indicator light will come on. You
may have to adjust the interior brightness control to the
highest setting during the day in order to see the
indicator lamp.
This setting is not permitted in FRONT defrost mode
and is only permitted in WINDSHIELD/FLOOR mode if
the compressor is turned on.
On hot days, open the window to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.For quick cool down on hot days, press the AUTO
button and the system will automatically enter the
recirculation mode and the temperature will be at the full
cold position for maximum cooling.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Operating the climate control system in the RECIRC
mode may cause fogging of the vehicle’s windows when
the weather is cold and damp. To clear the fog, select
either WINDSHIELD/FLOOR or defrost mode and
increase the speed.
Sensors
The solar sensor on your vehicle monitors the solar
radiation and the air inside of your vehicle, then uses the
information to maintain the selected temperature by
initiating needed adjustments to the temperature, the fan
speed and the air delivery system. The system may
also supply cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the
sun. The recirculation mode will also be activated, as
necessary. Do not cover the solar sensor located in the
center of the instrument panel, near the windshield,
or the system will not work properly.
3-22
2003 - Regal OM

=REAR:Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on. It will turn off after about 15 minutes. If you
turn it on again, the rear defogger will only run for
about seven and one half minutes before turning off.
You can also turn it off by pressing the button again.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Don’t use a razor blade or something
else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you
do, you could cut or damage the defogger and
the repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape,
a decal or anything similar to the defogger grid.
Outlet Adjustment
Open and close the air
outlets, or adjust the
direction of the airflow by
moving the levers in
the center of each outlet.
Operation Tips
•Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block theflow of air into your vehicle.
•Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
•Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
•If the airflow seems low when the fan is at the
highest setting, the passenger compartment
airfilter, if equipped, may need to be replaced. For
more information, seePassenger Compartment
Air Filter on page 3-24andPart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment airfilter is located
underneath your hood below the windshield wiper arm,
on the passenger’s side (below the air inlet grille) of
the vehicle.
Thefilter traps most of the pollen from the air entering
the air conditioning module. Like your engine’s air
cleaner/filter, it may need to be changed periodically.
For information on how often to change the passenger
compartment airfilter, seePart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4.
3-24
2003 - Regal OM

Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section that
tells you what to do about it. Please follow this
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly–and even dangerous. So please get to know
your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.
3-26
2003 - Regal OM

Tachometer
If your vehicle is equipped
with a tachometer, it
displays the engine speed
in thousands of revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Notice:Do not operate the engine with the
tachometer in the red area, or engine damage
may occur.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on for several seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for several seconds,
then it willflash for
several more.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
3-29
2003 - Regal OM

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t
release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is
fully released, it means you have a brake problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the
floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you’ve pulled off the road and stopped
carefully, have the vehicle towed for service.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, this warning light
will come on for a few seconds when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If the anti-lock brake system
warning light stays on longer than normal after you’ve
started your engine, turn the ignition off. Or, if the
light comes on and stays on when you’re driving, stop
as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then
start the engine again to reset the system. If the light
still stays on, or comes on again while you’re driving, the
anti-lock brake system needs service. If the light is on
and the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you
still have brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. This is
normal. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.United States
Canada
3-32
2003 - Regal OM

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If your vehicle has a
Traction Control System
(TCS), the traction
control system warning
light may come on for the
following reasons:
•If you turn the system off by pressing the traction
control button located on the black panel directly
behind your automatic transaxle shift lever, the
warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the
system back on, press the button again. The
warning light should go off. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-10for more information.
•With Full-Range Traction Control equipped vehicles,
if there’s a brake system problem that is specifically
related to traction control, the traction control
system will turn off and the warning light will come
on. If your brakes begin to overheat, the traction
control system will turn off and the warning light will
come on until your brakes cool down.
•If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem, the system will turn off and
the warning light will come on.
•With Full-Range Traction Control, if there is a base
brake problem, the system will turn off and the light
will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Low Traction Light
If your vehicle has the
traction control system,
this light will come on when
the system is limiting
wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the traction control system
working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions
may exist if the low traction light comes on, so adjust
your driving accordingly. The light will stay on for a
few seconds after the traction control system stops
limiting wheel spin. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-10orFull-Range Traction Control System
on page 4-9.
3-33
2003 - Regal OM

The low traction light also comes on briefly when you
turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn’t come on
then, have itfixed so it will be there to tell you when
the traction control system is active.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light tells you that
your engine coolant has
overheated or your radiator
cooling fan is not working.
The light will come on briefly when your ignition is
turned on to show you that it is working.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-25.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
You have a gage that
shows the engine coolant
temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into
the red area, your
engine is too hot!
This reading means the same thing as the warning light.
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If
you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-25.
3-34
2003 - Regal OM

Tire Pressure Light
Your vehicle may have a
tire pressure monitor that
can alert you to a large
change in the pressure in
one tire.
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 yet calibrated, or if
the vehicle is moving faster than 70 mph (110 km/h).
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 isflat, seeIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-66. Also
check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as you
can. SeeInflation -- Tire Pressure on page 5-57.
The light will stay on, while the ignition is on, until you
reset (calibrate) the system. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-58.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Service Engine Soon Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light
comes on and a chime will sound to indicate that there
is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions
often will be indicated by the system before any problem
is apparent. This may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist
your service technician in correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
3-35
2003 - Regal OM

Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may
not be covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modifications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake or fuel system of your
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modifications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it
repaired. This light will also come on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
•Light Flashing—Amisfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.
•Light On Steady—An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
•Reducing vehicle speed.
•Avoiding hard accelerations.
•Avoiding steep uphill grades.
•If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stopsflashing and remains on steady, see“If
the Light Is On Steady”following.
If the light continues toflash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle.Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see“If
the Light Is On Steady”following. If the light is still
flashing, follow the previous steps, and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
3-36
2003 - Regal OM

If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling Your Tank on page 5-6. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Are you low on fuel?
As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine
may not run as efficiently as designed since small
amounts of air are sucked into the fuel line causing a
misfire. The system can detect this. Adding fuel should
correct this condition. Be sure to install the fuel cap
properly. SeeFilling Your Tank on page 5-6. It will take
a few driving trips to turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-4. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation
on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has
the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools tofix any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
may begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help your
vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the SERVICE
ENGINE SOON light is on or not working properly.
3-37
2003 - Regal OM