oil filter BUICK LESABRE 2002 Owner's Manual

6-
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
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
(If Equipped)
6
-20 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-23 Engine Coolant
6
-26 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-26 Power Steering Fluid
6
-27 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-29 Brakes
6
-32 Battery
6
-34 Bulb Replacement6
-43 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-44 Tires
6
-53 Appearance Care
6
-54 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-56 Care of Safety Belts
6
-56 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-57 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-59 Cleaning Tires
6
-59 Sheet Metal Damage
6
-60 Finish Damage
6
-61 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-62 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-62 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-63 Electrical System
6
-71 Replacement Bulbs
6
-71 Capacities and Specifications
6
-72 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-10 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood on the 3800 (L36) engine, you'll see:
A. Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
B. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
C. Remote Positive TerminalD. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
E. Radiator Pressure Cap
F. Engine Oil Dipstick
G. Engine Oil Fill CapH. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Master
Cylinder Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

6-14
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 starburst
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. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles
Without the GM Oil Life System)
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:

Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 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).

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.
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 will cause engine oil
to break down slower.

6-15 When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles With
the GM Oil Life System
Option)
If so equipped, your vehicle has a computer system
that lets you know when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be
indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system
to work properly, you must reset the system every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
will come on. Change your oil as soon as possible
within the next two times you stop for fuel. It is possible
that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the oil
life system may not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. It is also important to
check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Oil Life System (If Equipped)
The GM Oil Life System
calculates when to change
your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation
occurs where you change your oil prior to a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message being turned on, reset
the system.
To reset the Oil Life System, do the following:
1. Display the OIL LIFE INDEX on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the RESET button on the DIC
for more than five seconds. The oil life will change
to 100%.

6-16 What to Do with Used Oil
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 threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never 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.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the engine
compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index
for more information on location.
To check or replace the engine air cleaner/filter do
the following:
1. Lift the latches on the engine air cleaner/filter
housing cover.

6-20
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.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the 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.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Too little fluid could cause the transaxle to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).

At high speed for quite a while.

In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.

While pulling a trailer.

6-71
Replacement Bulbs
Front Exterior Lamps Bulb Number
Headlamps
Low Beam 9006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High Beam 9005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal 3157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Exterior Lamps Bulb Number
Trunk Mounted Back
-Up Lamps 3057. . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Mounted Tail Lamps 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps 3357. . . . . . . . . . . . .
For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.
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.
Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 3.8 L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque
100 1b-ft (140 N´m)
Capacities
Automatic Transaxle 7.4 quarts (7.0 L). . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 10.0 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . .
Engine Oil with Filter 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank 18.5 U.S. gallons (70.0 L). . . . . . . . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to
fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.

6-72
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant Capacity
If you do your own service work, you'll need the proper
service manual. See ªDoing Your Own Service Workº in
the Index for additional information. It is recommended
that service work on your air conditioning system be
performed by a qualified technician.
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant R
-134a 2.2 lbs. (1.0 kg). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Refrigerant Oil, R
-134a Systems
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter A1096C*. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter GM Part No. 25654414. . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter PF
-47* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter GF
-627* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Filter GM Part No. 24206433. . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve GM Part No. 17113515. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs 41
-921* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Length 22.0 inches (56.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type Shepherd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*ACDelco

part number.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
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 miles (8 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).

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): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement
(if equipped).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
(Continued)

Scheduled Maintenance
7-7
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Passenger
Compartment Air Filter Replacement (if equipped).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
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.