check engine light BUICK REGAL 2004 User Guide

Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags,
oor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You can not see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
4-29

When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System™)
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is
based on engine revolutions and engine temperature,
and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions,
the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON light will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next two
times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may
not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a
year. However, your engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service
people who will perform this work using genuine GM
parts and reset the system. It is also important to check
your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
How to Reset the CHANGE OIL
SOON Light
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and lter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a
CHANGE OIL SOON light being turned on, reset
the system.
After changing the engine oil, reset the system by
performing the following steps:
1. With the engine off, turn the ignition key to RUN.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within ve seconds.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light ashes, the system
is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF, then start the vehicle. The oil
life will change to 100 percent.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes back on when
you start your vehicle, the oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
If you have a Driver Information Center, the system may
be reset by pressing the DIC RESET button for ve
seconds while viewing the oil life display on the
DIC. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-42.
5-20

How to Check and Add Oil
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Check oil only when
the engine is cold. Allow the engine to cool two to
three hours after running.
{CAUTION:
If you remove the supercharger oil ll plug
while the engine is hot, pressure may cause
hot oil to blow out of the oil ll hole. You may
be burned. Do not remove the plug until the
engine cools.
1. Clean the area around the oil ll plug before
removing it.
2. Remove the oil ll plug.
3. The oil level is correct when it just reaches the
bottom of the threads of the inspection hole.
4. Replace the oil plug with the O-ring in place.
Tighten to 88 lb-in (10Y).
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
location of engine air cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at every oil change and
replace at the rst oil change after 25,000 miles
(40 000 km).
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter remove it from the
vehicle and lightly shake the lter to release loose dust
and dirt. If the lter remains “caked” with dirt, a new
lter is required.
5-22

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the crosshatched area on the
dipstick. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12
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 the vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the 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 the cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating or if more coolant needs to be
added to the radiator, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-26

{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the ACDelco
®battery
installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery
has ller caps, be sure the right amount of
uid is there. If it is low, add water to take care
of that rst. If you do not, explosive gas could
be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
5-49

Owner Checks and Services on page 6-8tells you what
should be checked, when to check it and what you
can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good
condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12andNormal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 6-13. When your vehicle is serviced,
make sure these are used. All parts should be replaced
and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone
else drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of
genuine GM parts.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes on, it
means that service is required for your vehicle. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the engine oil
life system may not indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your GM
Goodwrench dealer has GM-trained service technicians
who will perform this work using genuine GM parts
and reset the system.If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16for information on the Engine
Oil Life System and resetting the system.
When the CHANGE OIL SOON light appears, certain
services, checks and inspections are required. Required
services are described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that your rst service be MaintenanceI,
your second service be MaintenanceIIand that you
alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceIIthereafter.
However, in some cases, MaintenanceIImay be
required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the light comes
on within ten months since the vehicle was purchased
or MaintenanceIIwas performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light comes on ten months
or more since the last service or if the light has not
come on at all for one year.
6-4

B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-64
Backing Up....................................................4-43
Battery..........................................................5-46
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Brake
Parking......................................................2-24
System Warning Light..................................3-31
Brake Fluid....................................................5-43
Brake Wear...................................................5-45
Brakes..........................................................5-43
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-55
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-59
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-57
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-56
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-55
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-53
Headlamps.................................................5-55
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-59
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-58
Buying New Tires...........................................5-72
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specications..........................5-103
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-39, 2-12, 2-29
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-92
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-63
Your CD Player...........................................3-64
Your CDs ...................................................3-64
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-58
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-59
CD Messages........................................3-52, 3-61
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-57
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-20
Chains, Tires..................................................5-76
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Checking Coolant............................................5-27
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-16
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
2

Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-54
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-95
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-32
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers
for Children (LATCH System).....................1-38
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-44
Top Strap...................................................1-36
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-37
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-35
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-90
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-93
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-94
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-93Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-90
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-92
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-92
Cleaning Leather............................................5-91
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-92
Cleaning Tires................................................5-95
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-91
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-94
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-25
Dual..........................................................3-17
Dual Automatic............................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-24
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-89
Control Buttons...............................................3-43
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-36
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-34
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-34
Heater, Engine............................................2-20
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cornering Lamps............................................3-13
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-14
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Light........................................3-40
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-97
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-98
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-98
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-98
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-13
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-37
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Battery.......................................................5-46
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-39
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-35
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-34
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-34
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-19
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-21Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-45
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-19
Entry Lighting.................................................3-14
Event Data Records (EDR)................................ 7-9
Express-Down Window....................................2-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-11
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station.......3-48, 3-55
Finding a Station....................................3-46, 3-53
Finish Care....................................................5-93
Finish Damage...............................................5-95
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-77
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-78
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-40
Windshield Washer......................................5-42
FM ...............................................................3-62
Fog Lamps....................................................3-13
5

Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-6
Following Distance..........................................4-43
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.........................................................3-41
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-42
Full-Range Traction Control System..................... 4-9
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-98
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-34
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Speedometer..............................................3-28
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specications............................................... 5-5Glove Box.....................................................2-35
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities............................................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-53
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-6
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-98
Headlamps....................................................5-55
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-55
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-56
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-55
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hitches..........................................................4-42
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-34
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-35
6