recommended oil BUICK LESABRE 1993 Owners Manual

Driving a Long Distance
Although most long trips today are made on freeways,
there are still many made on regular highways. Long-distance driving on freeways and regular
highways is the same in some ways. The trip has to be
planned and the vehicle prepared, you drive at
higher-than-city speeds, and there are longer turns
behind the wheel. You’ll enjoy your trip more if you and
your vehicle are in good shape. Here are some tips for a
successful long trip.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive
in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained,
it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’!! find experienced and able service experts in
Buick dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0
e
e
0
e
0
0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil. Other Fluids: Have
you checked
all levels?
Lights: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
- Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip
a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:
Do you have up-to-date maps?
On the Road
Unless you are the only driver, it is good to share the
driving task with others. Limit turns behind the wheel to
about
100 miles (160 km) or two hours at a sitting.
Then, either change drivers or stop for some refreshment
like coffee, tea
or soft drinks and some limbering up.
But do stop and move around. Eat lightly along the way.
Heavier meals tend to make some people sleepy.

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at or above
“FULL COLD,” add a 50/50 mixture of
clean water (preferably distilled) and
a proper
antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine
Coolant”
in the Index for more information about the
proper coolant mix.)
‘A CAUTION: Q
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 vbhicle’s coolant warning
system
is set for the properecoolant mix. With
plain water or the’wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot
but you douldn’t get the overheat
warning.
Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mix of clean
water and
a proper antifreeze.”
I NOTICE 1
I fr ze an :rack In cold weather, water c
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Us€
the recommended coolant. I
211

What Kind of Oil to Use:
Look for three things:
SG
“SG’ must be on the oil container, either by itself or
combined with other quality designations, such as
“SG/CC,”
“SG/CD,” “SF,SG,CC,” etc. These letters
show American Petroleum Institute (API) levels
of
quality.
NOTICE:
If you use oils that don’t have the “SG”
designation, you can cause engine damage I
covered by your warranty.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSIN GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COW STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
COLD
WEATHER
SAE 5W-30
LOOK
FOR THIS
LABEL
SAE 1OW-30
above 0°F (-18%)
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30
GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANY OTHER GRADE
OIL NOT RECOMMENDED . DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR

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

Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
You can get these from your Buick dealer.
PART
NUMBER USAGE
DESCRIPTION
SIZE
12345343
Stops squeaks Silicone Grease
1 oz. (0.028kg)
1052863 Weather strips
Spray-A-Squeak
12
02. (0.354L)
1052277 Exterior cleaner and polish Magic Mirror Creme
Wax
16
02. (0.473L)
1050 172
Cleans white and black tires White Sidewall Tire Cleaner
16 oz. (0.473L) 1050 I74 Removes rust and corrosion
Chrome Cleaner and Polish
16 oz. (0.473L)
1050173 Also removes old waxes, polishes
Tar and Road Oil Remover
16
oz. (0.473L)
1050214 32
02. (0.946L) Vinylbeather
Cleaner Spot and stain removal
1050244 16
02. (0.473L) Fabric Cleaner Spot and stain removal
1050427 23
02. (0.680L) Glass Cleaner Also spot cleans vinyls
1050429 6
Ib. (2.72kg) Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner Cleans vinyl and cloth, also, tires and mats
1052349 12
02. (0.340kg) Lubriplate (White Grease) For hood, trunk, door hinges and latches
1051055 16
oz. (0.473L) Preservatone Vinyl Top Dressing
1051398*
8 oz. (0.237L) Spot Lifter For cloth
1051515 32
02. (0.946L) Washer Solvent Windshield-washing system
1052870 16
02. (0.473L) Wash-Wax (conc.) Exterior Wash
I
I
* Not recommended for pigskin suede leather.
See Your General Motors Dealers
for These Products. I
I
I See Your Maintenance Schedule for Other Products. I

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

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
-

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

Electric Outside Mirror Control .................... 100
Electrical Equipment. Adding
.................. 128. 269
Emergencies. Braking
............................ 163
Emergencies on the Road
.......................... 195
Emergencies. Steering in
......... ; ................ 164
Emergency Starting. Dead Battery
................... 198
Emergency Wrecker Towing
....................... 203
Engine Energy Conserving
Oil ............................ 237
Block Heater
.............................. 72. 239
Coolant
................................. 21 1. 243
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
.............. 110
Exhaust
...................................... 81
Identification
................................. 269
Oil
......................................... 236
Oil Additives
................................. 239
Oil Life Monitor
.............................. 114
Oil Pressure Warning Light
..................... 112
Oil. When to Change
...................... 239. 277
Overheating
.................................. 208
Starting
...................................... 70
Warning Light. Need for Service
................. 111
Ethanol in Gasoline
.............................. 231
Expectant Mothers. Use of Safety Belts
............... 37
Explanation of Scheduled Services
.................. 286
Expressway Driving
.............................. 176
Extender. Safety Belt
.............................. 55
Exterior Appearance ............................. 265 Fasteners.
Replacement
.......................... 230
Features and Controls
............................. 57
Fetus. Risk to
.. From Safety Belt Use ................ 37
Filling Your Fuel Tank
............................ 233
Filter. Oil
...................................... 275
Finish Care
..................................... 266
Finish Damage
.................................. 267
First Gear. When to Use
............................ 75
Flat Tire
....................................... 216
Flooded Engine. Starting a
.......................... 70
Fluid
Capacities
................................... 275
Brake
....................................... 248
Power Steering
........... ; ................... 246
Transaxle/Transmission
........................ 241
Windshield Washer
............................ 247
Fluids and Lubricants Recommended
................ 293
FM Stereo Radio Reception
........................ 127
Fog. Driving
in .................................. 173
Francais. Guide En
................................. 2
Freedom Battery
................................. 249
Freeway Driving
................................ 176
French LanguageManual
........................... 2
Front Brake Disc Wear Indicators
................... 162
Front Towing Hook-Ups
.......................... 206
Fuel
.......................................... 231
Fuel Gage
...................................... 106
Fuel Tank. Filling Your
........................... 233
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................ 270
Fuseusage ..................................... 271
Foreign Operation
............................... 232
308