steering BUICK LESABRE 1993 Owner's Manual

When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key
off. The steering wheel should be clamped in a
straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed
for towing service.
Do not use the vehicle’s steering
column lock for this. The transaxle should be in Neutral
and the parking brake released.
Don’t have your vehicle towed on the front wheels,
unless
you must. If the vehicle must be towed on the
front wheels, don’t
go more than 55 mph (88 kph) or
farther than
500 miles (800 km) or your transaxle will
be damaged.
If these limits must be exceeded, then the
front wheels have to be supported on a dolly.
-
A CAUTION:
A vehicle can fall from a car carrier if it isn’t
properly secured, This can cause a collision,
serious personal injury and vehlcle damage. The
vehicle should be tightly secured with chains
or
steel cables before it is transported.
Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps,
canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut by sharp
zdges underneath the towed vehicle.

If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” 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,
the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, 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 your tire goes flat, the next section shows how to use
your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to
a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
A CAUTION:
Changing 8 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
eve1 place to change your tire. To help prevent
the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever In “P” (Park).
3. Turn off the engine.
lo be even more certain the vehicle won’t move,
you can put chocks 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 oppll le end.
216
-

If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or
Snow
What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is
to spin your wheels. The method known as “rocking”
can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must
use caution.
1 LAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode and you or others could be injured. And,
the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you’re
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don’t
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as
own on the speedometer.
I
I AOTICE:
Spinning your troy pal I
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
Rocking your vehicle to get it out:
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back
and forth between
“R” (Reverse) and a forward gear ,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the
accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on
the accelerator pedal when the transaxle
is in gear. If
that doesn’t get
you out after a few tries, you may need
to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see
“Towing Your Car” in the Index.

@ Part 6 Service & Appearance Lare
Here you will find information about the care of your Buick . This part begins with service and fuel information. and
then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant level\
s
. There is also technical information about your
vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care .
Part 6 includes:
ServiceTips
......................................................................
Fuel ........................................................................\
.....
HoodRelease .....................................................................
Engineoil ....................................................................... \
AirFilter ........................................................................\
.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid ............................................................
Enginecoolant ....................................................................
Power Steering Fluid ...............................................................
Windshield Washer Fluid ............................................................
Brakes ........................................................................\
...
Battery ........................................................................\
..
BulbReplacement .................................................................
Tires ........................................................................\
.....
Appearancecare ..................................................................
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ..................................................
FusesandCircuitBreake ............................................................
Capacities and Specifications .........................................................
LoadingYourVehicle ...............................................................
230
231
234
236
240
241
243
246 247
248
249
250
253
255
262
269
270
275
229

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.
Power Steering Fluid
:i
How To Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level
When the engine compartment is cool, the level
What to Add:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
should be
at the
“HOT” mark.
should be at the
“FULL COLD” mark.
When adding power steering fli or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.

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

CHECK OR
SERVICE
Brake-
Transmission Shift Interlock
BTSI
Automatic
Transmission)
WHAT TO DO
CAUTION: When you are doing
this check, the vehicle could
I
move suddenly. If it does, you
or others could be injured.
Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have
enough
room around the vehicle. It
should be parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see
“Parking Brake”
in the Index if
necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately
if the vehicle
begins
to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to
the
“RUN” position, but don’t start
the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift
lever out of
“P’ (Park) with normal
effort. If the shift lever moves out of
“P’ (Park), your vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.
CHECK OR
I SERVICE I WHAT TO DO
Steering While parked, and with the parking
Column Lock brake set, try to
turn the key to
“LOCK” in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to “LOCK”
only
when the shift lever is in “P’
(Park).
The key should come out only in
“LOCK.”
290

Section C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your
GM dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
INSPECTION
OR SERVICE ______~
Steering,
Suspension and
Front-Wheel-
Drive
Axle
Boot and Seal
Inspection
Exhaust System Inspection
Throttle
Linkage
Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the front and rear suspension
and steering system for damaged,
loose or missing parts, signs of wear,
or lack of lubrication. Inspect the
power steering lines and hoses for
proper hookup, binding,
leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears
or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the
exhaust system. Look for broken,
damaged, missing or out-of-position
parts as well as open seams, holes,
loose connections, or other
conditions which could cause a heat
build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
“Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
Inspect the throttle linkage for
interference or binding, and for
damaged
or missing parts. Replace
parts as needed.

USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic Brake
(GM Part No.
1052535) or
System Delco
Supreme 11
@ Brake Fluid
equivalent
DOT-3 brake fluid.
Parking Brake
Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part
requirements
of NLGI Grade 2,
Guides Chassis
lubricant meeting
No. 1052497 or equivalent).
Power Steering
Transmission Fluid (GM Part No.
Transaxle
DEXRON@ IIE Automatic Automatic
(GM Part No. 1052884) or
System GM Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid
equivalent.
1234588 1).
Key Lock Lubricate with Multi-Purpose
Cylinders Lubricant
(GM Part
No. 12345 120),
synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil or
silicone lubricant (GM Part
No.
1052276 or 1052277).
Automatic
Transaxle Shift Engine
oil.
Linkage
USAGE
Chassis
Lubrication
Windshield
Washer Solvent
Hood Latch
Assembly a. Pivots and
Spring
Anchor
b. Release
Pawl
Hood and Door
Hinges, Fuel
Door Hinge
Weatherstrips
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Chassis lubricant meeting
requirements
of NLGI Grade 2,
Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent).
GM Optikleen@ Washer Solvent
(GM Part
No. 105 15 15) or
equivalent.
a. Engine oil.
b. Chassis lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI Grade 2,
Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent).
Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant
(GM Part
No. 1050109).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. 12345579 or equivalent).
See “Specifications Chart” in the Index for
recommended replacement filters. valves and spark
plugs.
294

XI Engineoil ..................................
Power Steering Fluid .........................
Transaxle/Transmission Fluid ................ 24
Windshield Washer Fluid
.........................
Additives . Engine Oil ............................
Acc (Ignition Key Position) ......................... 69
Adding Brake Fluid
.................................. 248
Coolant
................................. 211. 243
Electrical Eauiument
...................... 128. 269
. 236
. 246
1. 277
. 247
I” . 239
Adjustment. Brake
............................... 163
Adult Safety Belt Usage
............................ 24
AirBag
......................................... 33
Aircleaner ..................................... 240
Air Conditioner
............................. 1 19. 125
Air Outlets
..................................... 11 8
Air System
................................. 1 19. 125
Alcohol. Driving Under the Influence
of .............. 155
Alcohol in Gasoline .............................. 231
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
....................... 266
AM Radio Reception
............................. 127
AM Stereo Radio Reception
....................... 128
Antenna
....................................... 142
Antifreeze
...................................... 243
@) Part 9 Index
Antilock Brake System ........................... 160
Anti-Theft Tips
................................... 66
Anti-Theft Feature. Delco Loc I1 .................... 139
Appearance Care
................................ 262
Armrest. Storage
................................ 104
Ashtrays ....................................... 102
Audio Systems
.................................. 127
Automatic Air Conditioning System
................. 119
Automatic Overdrive
.............................. 74
Automatic Transaxle
.............................. 73
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
..................... 24 1. 277
Automatic Transaxle Torque
Lock ................... 184
Antilock Braking System Warning Light
.............. 108
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials .......... 268
Baby. Holding
a ................................. 42
Battery
........................................ 249
Battery Cables. Starting With
....................... 198
Battery Warning Light
............................ 115
Blizzard.
If You’re Caught in a ..................... 187
BloodAlcoholLevel
............................. 156
“Blowout. .. Tire ................................. 216
Boat. Towinga .................................. 189
305