radiator BUICK LESABRE 1999 User Guide

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6-22
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator 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.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life 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 ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

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6-23
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
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 mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
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 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX
-COOL
coolant.

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6-24
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up to FULL HOT or a little higher.

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6-25
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
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.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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7-22
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
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7-32
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

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7-37
Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
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 hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
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 ªEngine Exhaustº in
the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once
a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.

First Edition for Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
9-8
Power
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-10, 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-12, 3-14, 3-17, 3-21, 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Door Security Locks 2
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night with Reading Lamps 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . .
With Compass 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reclining Front Seatbacks 1
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote
Trunk Release 2
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release Lockout 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Keyless Entry 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instant Alarm 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronization 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Feedback 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Safety Belts 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints
Checking 1
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Parts After a Crash 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverse, Automatic Transaxle 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right Front Passenger Position 1-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance, Canadian 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocking Your Vehicle 5-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotation, Tires 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .