oil filter BUICK LESABRE 1999 Owner's Manual

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-22 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-22 Engine Coolant
6
-25 Power Steering Fluid
6
-26 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-27 Brakes
6
-31 Battery
6
-31 Bulb Replacement
6
-40 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-40 Tires6
-48 Appearance Care
6
-49 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-51 Care of Safety Belts
6
-51 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-51 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-54 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (IF EQUIPPED)
6
-54 Cleaning Tires
6
-54 Sheet Metal Damage
6
-55 Finish Damage
6
-56 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-57 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-57 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-58 Electrical System
6
-63 Replacement Bulbs
6
-64 Capacities and Specifications
6
-64 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-65 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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As shown in the chart, SAE 10W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W
-30 if it's going
to be colder than 60F (16C) before your next oil
change. When it's very cold, you should use SAE
5W
-30. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils,
such as SAE 20W
-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
ªStarburstº symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20F (-29C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W
-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to
advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:

Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

Most trips are through dusty areas.

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.

The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months
-- whichever
occurs first.

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If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
-- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life Monitor (Option)
After changing the engine oil, the Engine Oil Life
Monitor should be reset. It will not reset itself. This will
cause the CHANGE OIL SOON light to be lit for a bulb
check period of three seconds. Refer to ªEngine Oilº in
the Index to determine what type of oil to use.
To reset the Oil Life Monitor, the ignition key must be
in RUN. Press and hold the OIL RESET button (located
in the glove box) for at least five seconds but not more
than 60 seconds. After five seconds, the CHANGE OIL
SOON light will flash four times and then go off. This
indicates that the Engine Oil Life Monitor System has
been reset.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? 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 rags containing used engine oil.
(See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and
disposal of oil products.)
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 putting it in the trash, 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.

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CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
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/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause
a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily
get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter 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.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter at
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.

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Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index
for more information.
3800 Series II Engine (L36) Code K 3.8L V6
Automatic Transaxle (Overdrive)
Pan Removal and Replacement 6.0 quarts (5.6 L). . .
After Complete Overhaul 10 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . . . .
When draining or replacing torque convertor, more fluid
may be needed.
Cooling System13 quarts (12.3 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Crankcase4.5 quarts (4.3 L) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil change with filter change
Fuel Tank18 gallons (68.1 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressures
See Tire-Loading Information. . . . . . . . .
label on driver's door.
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
R
-134a Air ConditioningSee refrigerant charge. . . . .
label under the hood.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure
to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual.
Engine Specifications
3800 Series II Engine (L36) Code K
VIN Engine Code K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 3.8L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 205
-hp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you're not sure, ask your dealer.

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Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter AC Type A-1096C . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter AC Type PF
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter AC Type GF
-627 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Filter GM Part No. 8651909. . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs AC Type 41
-921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type Pin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 200 inches (508.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 73.6 inches (186.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 55.7 inches (141.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 110.8 inches (281.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread Width
Front 60.4 inches (153.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 60.2 inches (152.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scheduled Maintenance
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Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

Most trips are through dusty areas.

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or 6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Automatic
Transaxle Service (normal conditions).
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.

Scheduled Maintenance
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Long Trip/Highway Definition
Follow this scheduled maintenance only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance is true. Do not use this schedule if the
vehicle is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area
or used off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City
schedule for these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down slower.
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Automatic
Transaxle Service (normal conditions).
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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3,000 Miles (5 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)

Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
ACTUAL
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ACTUAL
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ACTUAL
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Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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12,000 Miles (20 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)

Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
(Also see footnote ++.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)

Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter
if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
18,000 Miles (30 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)
Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
ACTUAL
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DATE
ACTUAL
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DATE
ACTUAL
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