check oil BUICK LESABRE 1993 User Guide

To Check Engine Oil: Pull out the dipstick and clean it
with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the tip lower.
When to Add Oil: If the oil is at or below the ADD
line, then you’ll need to add some oil. But you must use
the right kind. This section explains what kind of
oil to
use. For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and
Specifications” in the Index.
1 NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that
shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
Use the engine oil fill cap next to the oil dipstick to add
oil.
Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push
the dipstick all the way
back
in when you’re through.
I
237

What to Do with Used Oil: Air Cleaner
I I
A CAUTION:
Used engine oil contains things that have caused
skin cancer
in laboratory animals. Don't let used
oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away
clothing or rag8
on. Mng used engine oil.
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure
to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don't ever dispose
of oil
by pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams
or bodies
of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a
service station or a local recycling center for help.
r
The air cleaner and filter are located on the driver's side
of the engine compartment. To check or replace the
filter, undo the wing screws and pull the air cleaner
open. Replace the filter,
then close the cover and tighten
the wing screws.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
A CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can
cause you or others
to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the
engine backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with
it off, and be careful working on the engine with
the
air cleaner off.
I
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily gel
into your engine, which wiil damage
it. Always
have the air cleaner
in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level
is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in
the Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at a Buick dealership Service
Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here,
or you could get a false reading on the
dipstick.
241

3.
4.
Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the cross-hatched
area.
If the fluid level is where it should be, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
How to Add Fluid:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level
is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a
pint. Don’t overfill. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled DEXRONa-IIE, because fluids with that label are made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRONs-IIE
is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
0 When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34OF (-37OC) .
0 Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128 “C) .
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets
“GM
Specification 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
243

I IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL AT THE PROPER
LEVELANDCHANGEAS RECOMMENDED
1
Protection I
Plan I
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The
Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See
your Buick dealer for details.
Introduction
A Word About Maintenance
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 GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need
more frequent checks and replacements than you will
find in the schedules in this part.
So please read this part
and note how
you drive. If you have any questions on
how to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your
Buick dealer, the place many GM owners choose to
have their maintenance work done. Your dealer can be
relied upon to
use proper parts and practices.
278

Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
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.
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. If your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life
Monitor, the monitor will show
you when to change
the oil. See “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate suspension and
steering linkage. Lubricate the transaxle shift linkage, and parking brake
cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage.
3. Throttle Body Mounting Bolt Torque* -- Check
the torque of the mounting bolts and/or nuts.
4. Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
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(s) 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.
* An Emission Control Service.
3‘ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perfonn this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to thecompletion of vehicle
useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E:Maintenance Record”.
286

Section B: Owner Checks and
Services
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 any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in
Section D.
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
SERVICE
Engine Oil
Level
Engine Coolant
Level
Windshield
Washer Fluid
Level
WHAT TO DO
Check the engine oil level and add
the proper oil if necessary. See
“Engine Oil” in the Index for further
details.
Check the engine coolant level in the
coolant recovery tank and add the
proper coolant mix if necessary. See
“Coolant” in the Index for further
details.
Check the windshield washer fluid
level in the windshield washer tank
and add the proper fluid if necessary.
See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in
the Index for further details.
moo

INSPECTION OR SERVICE
Brake System
Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the complete system. Inspect
brake lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads
for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking brake,
etc. Check parking brake
adjustment.
You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often
if
your driving habits or conditions
result in frequent braking.
NOTE:
A low brake fluid level can
indicate worn disc brake pads which
may need to be serviced. Also,
if the
brake system warning light stays on
or comes on, something may be
wrong with the brake system. See
“Brake System Warning Light” in
the Index. If your anti-lock brake
system warning light stays
on or
comes on, something may be wrong
with the anti-lock brake system. See
“Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.
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.
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 “SG/CC,” “SG/CD,” 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.
293
-

Brake Adjustment
................................... 163
Fluid 248 .......................................
Lining Replacement. How to Drive After .......... 249
Master Cylinder
.............................. 248
Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock
................... 73. 80
Brake System. Antilock Warning Light ............... 108
Brake System Warning Light
....................... 107
Brake Wear Indicators. Disc
....................... 162
Brakes. Antilock
................................ 160
Braking Emergencies
............................. 163
Braking if Your Engine Stops
...................... 160
Break-In. New Vehicle
............................. 68
Break-In Schedule. When Towing a Trailer
............ 189
Bulb Replacement. Headlamp
...................... 250
Bulb Replacement Taillamp
........................ 252
Bulbs. Halogen
.................................. 250
Bulbs.
Turn Signal ................................ 85
Parking ...................................... 76
PedalTravel
................................. 163
Brakes,Rear
.................................... 163
Braking 158 ........................................
Bulbchart ..................................... 274
Camper. Towing a
.............................. 189
...................................... Capacities 275
Cap. Radiator Pressure 245
Care,Appearance
................................ 262
I ............................ Carbon Monoxide in Exhaust ....................... 81
Cassette Tape Player Care
......................... 141
Cautions, Safety
.................................. 10
CB Radio, Adding a
.............................. 128
I
Cellular Telephone. Adding a ...................... 128
“Change Oil Soon” Light
.......................... 114
Change Oil. When to
............................. *239
Changing a Flat Tire
.............................. 216
Charge.Battery.. Warning Light
..................... 115 .
“Check Oil Level” Light .......................... 113
Engine Coolant
............................... 243
Engine Oil Level
.............................. 236
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 246
Safety Belt Systems
............................ 55
Transaxle Fluid ............................... 241
Windshield Washer Fluid
.......................... 247
Chemical Paint Spotting
........................... 367
Children and Safety Belts
.......................... 41
Cleaner. Air
............... .................... 240
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 266
Inside Your Car
................................ 262
Outside Your Car
............................. 265
Top of the Instrument Panel ..................... 264
Underbody
of Your Car ........................ 267
Vinyl
or Leather .............................. 264
..................................... Chains. Tie 261
Checking BrakeFluid
.................................. 248
UndertheHood
................................. 234
.................................. Child Restraints 43
Cigarette Lighter
................................ 103
CircuitBreakers
................................. 270
City Driving 175
Cleaning ....................................
Fabric ...................................... 263
Glass
...................................... 265
PowerAntenna
............................... 142
Safety Belts 265 ..................................