engine coolant BUICK SKYLARK 1993 User Guide

I1
A CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,.
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
I could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that
will burn onto a hot engine.
I
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly.
Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly. '

~~~x~~~~ of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets
“GM
Specification 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant-flush
and refill. Use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
with any complete coolant change. If you use these, you
don’t need to add anything else.
n
1 A CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50150 mix of clean
water and a proper antifreeze.
I
warrantv. Too much water in the mix can freeze
Adding Coolant
The surge tank is located on
the passenger’s side
of the
engine compartment.
To Check Coolant: When
.your engine is cold, the
coolant level should be at
“FULL COLD,” or a little
higher.

To Add Coolant: If you need more coolant, add the
proper mix at the surge tank, but only when the engine is cool.
A CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
I
I
1 A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and
it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant
on a hot engine.
1
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
When you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
ACS thermostat
is recommended.
233

Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the
Services suspension and steering linkage.
Below are explanations
of the services listed in $chediie ‘ ‘ 3. Throttle Body Mounting; Bolt Torque (3.3L Code . , I:
I and Schedule 11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section
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.
NOTE:
To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine 1dentific.ation” in the Index.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SG
Energy Conserving
I1 oils of proper viscosity. The
“SG, designation may be shown alone or in
combination with others, such as “SG/CC”,
“SG/CD” or “SF,
SG, CC,” etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g.,
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is
An Emission Control Service.
N engine only)* -- Che& the torque of the
mounting bolts and/or nuts.
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions in this manual. See “Tires,
Inspection
& Rotation” in the Index, Check the tires
for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or
premature wear, check
the wheel alignment. Check
for damaged wheels also.
5. Engine Accessory Drive Belt@) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
6. Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill
the system with new or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep
coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See
“Coolant” in the Index. This provides proper freeze
protection, corrosion inhibitor level and engine operating temperature.
4. Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission war\
ranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle
useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated i\
ntervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section EMaintenance Record”.
274

Section €5: Owner Checks and
Services
I Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever anv fluids or lubricants are added to vour
At Each Fuel Fill
(It is important for you or a service station attendant
to perform these underhood checks at each fuel
fill.)
CHECK OR
I SERVICE I WHAT TO DO
Engine Oil Check the engine oil level and add
Level the proper oil if necessary. See
“Engine
Oil“ in the Index for further .r .I
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in details.
Section D. Engine Coolant Check the engine coolant level in the
Level surge tank and add the proper
coolant mix
if necessary. See
“Coolant” in the Index for further
details.
Windshield Check the windshield washer fluid
Washer Fluid level in the windshield washer tank
Level and add the proper fluid
if necessary.
See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in
the Index for further details.

Section D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
FLUID/LUBRICANT
GM Goodwrench Motor Oil or
equivalent for API service SG
Energy Conserving I1 oils of the
proper viscosity. The
“SG’
designation may be shown alone or
in combination with others, such as
“SGICC,”
66~~/~~,991 or
“SF,SG,CC,” etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, see “Engine Oil” in the
Index.
50/50 mixture of water (preferably
distilled) and good quality ethylene
glycol base antifreeze (GM Part No.
1052753 or equivalent) conforming
to GM Specification 1825M or
approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification
1825M.
USAGE
Hydraulic Brake
System
Parking Brake
Guides
Power Steering
System
Automatic
Transaxle
Key Lock
Cylinders
Automatic
Transaxle Shift
Linkage
FLUIDlLUBRICANT
~~
Delco Supreme 11 @ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052535) or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Chassis lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI Grade 2,
Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent).
GM Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884) or
equivalent.
DEXRON@ IIE Automatic
Transmission Fluid (GM Part
No.
12345881) or equivalent.
Lubricate with Multi-Purpose
Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12345120)’
synthetic
SAE 5W-30 engine oil or
silicone lubricant
(GM Part No.
1052276 or 1052277).
Engine oil.
281

Part 9 Index
Acc (Ignition Key Position) ........................ 72 Antifreeze ...................................... 231
Adding Antilock Brakes
................................. 150
Brake Fluid
.................................. 236 Antilock Brake System Warning Light ............... 111
Coolant
..................................... 231 Anti-Theft Tips ................................... 70
Electrical Equipment
.......................... 257 Anti-Theft Feature. Delco Loc I1 .................... 131
Engine Oil
................................... 223 Appearance Care ................................ 249
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 243 Appearance Care and Materials ..................... 256
Transaxle/Transmission Fluid
.................... 229 Armrest Storage ................................. 107
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 235 Ashtrays ....................................... 105
Additives, Engine Oil
.............................. 226 Assist Handles .................................. 107
Adjustable Ride Control
............................ 86 Audio Systems .................................. 122
Adjustment, Brake
............................... 153 Automatic Door Locks ............................. 65
Adult Safety Belt Usage
............................ 28 Automatic Transaxle .............................. 77
Air Cleaner
..................................... 228 Automatic Transaxle Fluid ......................... 229
Air Conditioner
................................. 122 Automatic Transaxle Torque Lock .................... 174
Air Outlets
..................................... 120
Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of
.............. 145
Alcohol in Gasoline
.............................. 21 7 Baby, Holding a ................................. 45
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning
....................... 253 Battery ........................................ 237
AM Radio Reception
............................. 122 Battery Cables, Starting With ....................... 188
AM Stereo Radio Reception
....................... 123 Battery Warning Light and Gage .................... 116
Antenna Care
................................... 134 Blizzard. If You’re Caught in a ..................... 177
. ~ .- . ~ .. __ - ~

Children and Safety Belts .......................... 44
Cigarette Lighter
................................ 106
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
........................ 258
City Driving
.................................... 165
Cleaner. Air
.................................... 228
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
............................ 253
Fabric
...................................... 249
Glass
....................................... 252
InsideofyourCar
............................. 249
Instrument Panel Top
.......................... 251
Power Antenna
............................... 134
Safety Belts
.................................. 252
Underbody Of Your Car
........................ 255
Vinyl and Leather ............................. 251
Weather Strips
................................ 254
White Sidewall Tires
............................ 254
Windshield and Wiper Blades
.................... 252
Coat Hanger
.................................... 107
Comfort Control System
.......................... 119
Clock. Setting the
......................... 125.127. 129
Closed-In Places. Don’t Idle in
...................... 85
CO in Your Exhaust ............................... 84
Color of Road Signs
.............................. 138
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
................ 119
Compact Disc Care
.............................. 133
Compact Spare Tire
.............................. 2 12
Contents. Table of
................................. 9
Control of a Vehicle ............................... 148
Outside
of your Car
........................... 252 Control. Loss
of
................................. 158
Convenience Net
................................ 104
Convex Outside Mirror
............................ 104
Coolant. Engine
................................. 231
Coolant. Engine Warning Light
..................... 112
Coolant. Safety Warnings About
.................... 197
Courtesy Lights
................................. 102
Covers. How To Remove Wheel
.................... 206
Cruise Control
................................... 93
Cruise Control. Changing Speed With
................. 96
Cruise Control on Hills
............................ 97
Cruise Control. Turning
Off ......................... 98
Curves. Driving On
............................... 154
Customer Assistance for the Hearing/Speech Impaired
... 286
Customer Assistance Information
................... 285
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
.................... 285
D (Drive) Third Gear ............................. 78
Damage to Finish
................................ 254
Damage to Sheet Metal
............................ 254
Damage Warnings
................................ 11
Daytime Running Lights
.......................... 100
Defensive Driving
............................... 144
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 121
Dimensions
.................................... 261
Disc Brake Wear Indicators
........................ 152
Disposal of Used Oil
............................. 227
DoorLocks
...................................... 63
295

Starting Your Car if the Battery is “Dead” .............. 188
Steam From Hot (Overheated) Engine ................ 197
Steering ........................................ 154
Steering in Emergencies ........................... 155
Steering Wheel, Tilt ............................... 88
Steering Without Power Assist ..................... 154
Stereo Sound Systems ............................ 122
Storage Console ................................. 106
Storing Your Vehicle ............................. 237
Stuck. If Your Ignition Key is ....................... 73
Stuck. IfYour Car Is ............................. 213
Subscribing to Buick Product Service Publications ...... 288
Surge Tank Pressure Cap .......................... 233
Symbols on Your Car .............................. 12
Table of Contents ................................. 9
Tachometer ..................................... 1 17
Tamper-Resistant Odometer ........................ 108
Tape Player Care ................................ 133
Temperature. Engine Coolant Warning Light .......... 112
Theft ............................................ 70
Thermostat ..................................... 233
Third Gear ...................................... 78
Tilt Steering Wheel ............................... 88
Time. Setting the ......................... 125.127. 129
Tire Balance .................................... 246
Tire Chains ..................................... 248
Tire. Flat ....................................... 204
Tire Inflation ................................... 242
Tire Inspection and Rotation ....................... 243
Tire Quality Grading ............................. 245
Tires .......................................... 241
Tires. When to Replace ........................... 244
Tires. White Sidewall Cleaning ..................... 254
Torn Safety Belts ................................. 60
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle) ................. 174
Towing Your Buick .............................. 193
Towing a Trailer ................................. 179
Trademarks. GM ................................ 216
Traffic Lights ................................... 143
Traffic Officer .................................. 144
Trailer Brakes ................................... 182
Trailer Towing .................................. 179
Transaxle/Transmission. Automatic ................... 77
Transaxle Fluid .................................. 227
Trip Odometer .................................. 108
Trunk Release. Remote ............................ 66
Turn Signal and Headlight Beam Lever ................ 88
Turn Signal “On” Chime ............................ 90
Twisted Safety Belts .. I ............................ 35
Two Children Wearing the Same Safety Belt ............ 58
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator ............... 89

...... a . c
Underbody Maintenance ......................... 255
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
...................... 245
Unleaded Gasoline
............................... 2 17
Uphill Parking
.................................. 173
Upholstery Care
................................. 249
Used Oil. How to Dispose
of ....................... 227
Used Replacement Wheels
......................... 248
Vehicle Damage Warnings
......................... 11
Vehicle Identification Number ...................... 257
Vehicle Storage
................................. 237
Vehicle Symbols
.................................. 12
Volts Gage
..................................... 116
Vinyl. Cleaning
................................. 251
Visor Vanity Mirror
.............................. 104
warnings Devices
.............................. 187
Warning. Hazard Flasher
.......................... 186
Warning Lights
Antilock Brake System
......................... 11 1
Battery
....................................... 116
Brakesystem
................................ 110
CheckOil
................................... 115
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 112
Engine Oil Pressure
............................ 114
Indicators and Gages on Instrument Panel
.......... 109
LowCoolant
................................. 113
Malfunction Indicator (Service Engine Soon)
....... 11 3
I
Warnings. Safety ................................. 10
Washer. Windshield
............................... 92
Wear Indicators. Disc Brake
....................... 152
Weather Strips
.................................. 254
Weight.of a Trailer
............................... 180
Wheel Alignment
................................ 246
Wheel Covers Removal
........................... 206
Wheel Replacement
.............................. 247
White Sidewall Tire Cleaning
...................... 254
Why Wear Safety Belts?
........................... 23
Windows. Power
................................. 87
Windshield
Cleaning
.................................... 252
Washer
..... : ................................ 92
Washer Fluid
.............................. 92. 235
Wipers
................................... 9252 1.
Winter Driving
.................................. 175
Working on Your Car
............................. 216
Worn Tires
..................................... 244
Wrecker Towing
................... ............. 193
Washing Your Vehicle
............................ 253
WheelNutTorque
............................... 211
Your Driving and the Road
....................... 137
Your Own Signals
............................... 144
Your Vehicle and the Environment
.................. 267