cooling BUICK LESABRE 2004 Owner's Guide

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer toPart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-23for more information.
Capacities
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a 2.2 lbs 1.0 kg
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 gallons 70.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb-ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
3.8L V6 K Automatic 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
5-99

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance......6-13
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-17
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-17
At Least Once a Month.................................6-17At Least Twice a Year...................................6-18
At Least Once a Year...................................6-18
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-21
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-21
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-21
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-22
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-22
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-22
Brake System Inspection................................6-22
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. . . .6-23
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-24
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is
right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which
schedule to follow:
Short Trip/City Denition
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 rst).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km):Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection.
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).
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
rst). Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.
6-5

Long Trip/Highway Denition
Follow this scheduled maintenanceonlyif none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance are 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 will cause 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
rst). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection.
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).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
rst). Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.
Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-17
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-21.
6-6

90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *.)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-67for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
93,000 Miles (155 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *.)
96,000 Miles (160 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst.)An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-67for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
99,000 Miles (165 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transaxle uid, change both
the uid and lter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain, ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs rst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test cooling system and
pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-12

82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control
Service. (See footnote *.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-67for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control
Service. (See footnote *.)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-67for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control
Service. (See footnote *.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-67for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transaxle uid, change both
the uid and lter
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain, ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs rst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-16

Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings 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.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
6-22

Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-40
Heater, Engine............................................2-24
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cornering Lamps............................................3-15
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-18
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2Defogging and Defrosting.........................3-25, 3-29
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Locking.....................................2-11, 3-53
Dinghy Towing................................................4-32
Diversity Antenna System.................................3-81
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-33
Door
Central Door Unlocking System.....................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door Ajar Reminder.....................................2-11
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driver ID.......................................................3-54
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-45
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-46
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-50
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
4

Driving (cont.)
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Winter........................................................4-25
Driving On Grades..........................................4-45
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-43
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-26
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-91
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-92
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion..................5-95
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-15
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-42
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Cooling System Inspection............................6-22
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12Engine (cont.)
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-23
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-92
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-17
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-46
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-17
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-41
Event Data Records (EDR)................................ 7-9
Express-Down Window....................................2-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-17
Exterior Lights................................................3-53
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a PTY Station.....................................3-59
Finding a PTY Station (RDS and XM™).............3-66
Finding a Station....................................3-56, 3-64
Finish Care....................................................5-87
Finish Damage...............................................5-89
Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 3-9
5

Hitches..........................................................4-42
HomeLink®Transmitter....................................2-38
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-39
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-30
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-31
How to Add Fluid............................................5-23
How to Check........................................5-21, 5-65
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-36
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
Hydroplaning..................................................4-19
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-27
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-26
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-41
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-42
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-40
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-28
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-20Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.......................3-19
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-29
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-65
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-22
Engine Cooling System................................6-22
Exhaust System..........................................6-21
Fuel System...............................................6-22
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-21
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-21
Throttle System...........................................6-22
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-33
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-17
Interior Lamps................................................3-17
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-18
Key Reminder Warning....................................2-23
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
7