flat tire BUICK REGAL 2003 Owner's Manual

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.
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Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-62
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-63
Wheel Replacement......................................5-63
Tire Chains..................................................5-65
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-66
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-66
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-77
Appearance Care............................................5-77
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-78
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-80
Weatherstrips...............................................5-80
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-80
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-83
Finish Damage.............................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance................................5-83Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-83
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...........5-84
Vehicle Identification......................................5-85
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).................5-85
Service Parts Identification Label.....................5-86
Electrical System............................................5-86
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-86
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-86
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-86
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-87
Capacities and Specifications..........................5-92
Capacities and Specifications.........................5-92
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..........5-93
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
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Tire Pressure Monitor System
If your vehicle has the tire inflation monitor system, it
can alert you to a large change in the pressure of
one tire. The system“learns”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.
SeeTires on page 5-56.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 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.
To reset (calibrate) the system:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN.
2. Locate the red RESET button inside of 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 thefirst button in the top row of
the fuse block.
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After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label.
Reset the Tire Inflation Monitor System. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-58.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See“Wheel Nut Torque”underCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-92.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to
get all the rust or dirt off. See“Changing a Flat
Tire”in the Index.
When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread
remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
•You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
•You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
•The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
•The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
•The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can’t be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
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Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control. You could have
a collision in which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-66for more
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used
or how far it’s been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
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If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to“blowout”while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a“blowout”, here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, theflat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheelfirmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop—well off the road if possible.
If a tire goesflat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change aflat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goesflat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warningflashers.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured. Find a level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brakermly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won’t
move, you can put blocks at the front and
rear of the tire farthest away from the one
being changed. That would be the tire on
the other side of the vehicle, at the
opposite end.
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Removing the Wheel Covers
If your vehicle is equipped with wheel covers, be sure to
use a wheel wrench to begin the process of loosening
the plastic wheel nut caps.
Once you have loosened
the plastic nut caps with
the wheel wrench, if
needed, you canfinish
loosening them with your
fingers.
Then, using theflat end of the wheel wrench, pry along
the edge of the wheel cover until it comes off. Be
careful; the edge may be sharp. Don’t try to remove the
cover with your bare hands.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire
1. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts.
Don’t remove them yet.
2. Turn the jack handle clockwise to raise the jack
lift head.
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12. Don’t try to put the wheel cover on your compact
spare tire. It won’tfit. Store the wheel cover in the
trunk until you have theflat tire repaired or
replaced.
Notice:Wheel covers won’tt on your compact
spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on your
compact spare, you could damage the cover or the
spare.
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
After you’ve put the compact tire on your vehicle, you’ll
need to store theflat tire in your trunk. Use the
following procedure to secure theflat tire in the trunk.When storing a full-size tire, use the extension with the
protector/guide, located in the foam holder, to help
avoid wheel surface damage. To store a full-size tire,
place the tire valve stem facing down, and then remove
the protector/guide and attach the retainer securely.
Store the cover as far forward as possible.
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E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-86
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-87
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-86
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-86
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-13
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-37
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-42
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-39
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-35
Compartment Overview................................5-10
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-34
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-34
Cooling System Inspection............................6-15
Exhaust
.....................................................2-29
Oil
.............................................................5-13
Overheating
................................................5-25
Starting
......................................................2-19
Supercharger Oil
.........................................5-18
Engine Coolant Level Check
.............................6-10Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-41
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-10
Entry Lighting.................................................3-13
Express-Down Window....................................2-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-10
F
Fabric/Carpet.................................................5-78
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Station....................................3-46, 3-50
Finish Care....................................................5-81
Finish Damage...............................................5-83
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-66
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-66
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
FM ...............................................................3-57
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-13
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-6
Following Distance..........................................4-39
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
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Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-15
Auxiliary Connection.....................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Drop ..........................................................3-16
Electrical System.........................................5-86
Six-Way Seats.............................................. 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-36
Windows....................................................2-15
Power Steering...............................................4-12
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-10
Programmable Modes......................................2-10
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-25
Radios..........................................................3-44
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-58
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-59
Care of Your CDs ........................................3-59
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-49Radios (cont.)
Setting the Time..........................................3-45
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-55
Understanding Reception..............................3-57
Reading Lamps..............................................3-15
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-24
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-21
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-21
Rear Window Defogger............................3-19, 3-23
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-32
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with OnStar
®..............................................2-32
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-31
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-31
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing
.............................4-31
Remote Keyless Entry System
............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation
............ 2-4
Remote Trunk Release
....................................2-12
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire
.............................................5-70
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
...................5-67
Removing the Wheel Center Caps
....................5-69
Removing the Wheel Covers
............................5-70
Replacement Bulbs
.........................................5-55
Replacing Brake System Parts
..........................5-42
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