steering BUICK REGAL 1993 Owner's Manual

If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out
of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if
you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what
to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off
the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer
to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a
stop well out
of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot fromthe
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well
off the road if possible.
If your tire goes flat, the next section shows how to use
your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
A CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be badly injured. Find
a level place to change your tire. TO help prevent
be
! licle from moving:
. the parking brake firmly.
L. Put the shift lever in “P” (Park).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move,
you can put chocks at the front and rear of
th
tire farthest away from the one being ehangec
That would be the tire
on the other side nG the
vehicle, at the
opposit- md. ;
201
ProCarManuals.com

/;1 CAUTION:
I
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
equipment could strike someone. Store
all the$$
in the proper place.
3use
injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose
!-
1
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of you1
vehicle
as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you
can destroy your transaxle
Aocking your vehicle to get it out:
If - You’re Stuck: In Sand; Mud’ Ice Or First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
Snow clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back
What
you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is and forth between “R” (Reverse) and a forward gear,
to spin your wheels. The method known as “rocking” spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the
can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly
on
use caution. the accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in gear. If
that doesn’t get
you out after a few tries, you may need
to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see
“Towing Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
IT you let your tires spin at h I speea, they can
explode and you or others could be injured. And
the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you’re
stuck, spin the wheels as little
as possible. Don’t
spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h) as
shown on the speedometer.
211
ProCarManuals.com

Part 6 Service And Appearance Care
vehicle, and a section devoted to its appearance care.
Part
6 includes:
ServiceTips
...................................................................... 214
Fuel ........................................................................\
.....
HoodRelease ..................................................................... 218
EngineOil ....................................................................... \
AirCleane r.. ..................................................................... 225
Automatic Transaxle Fluid ...........................................................
Enginecoolant .................................................................... 228
Power Steering Fluid .......................... % ....................................
Windshield Washer Fluid ............................................................ 232
Brakes ........................................................................\
...
Battery ........................................................................\
.. 235
BulbReplacement ................................................................. 236
LoadingYourVehicle ...............................................................
Tires ........................................................................\
....
Appearancecare ..................................................................
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ..................................................
FusesandCircuitBreakers ........................................................... 257
Capacities and Specifications ......................................................... 263
ProCarManuals.com

Radiator Pressure Cap rower Steerlng Fluid
1; NOTICE: 1
.:: Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (1 05 kPa)
:: pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
,*to prevent coolant loss and possible engine
q:. damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on
,. the cap line up with the overflow tube on the
8: radiator filfer neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
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.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
L
How To Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten
it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
0 When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the
“HOT” mark.
0 When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be at the
“FULL COLD” mark.
231
ProCarManuals.com

What to Add:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
Windshield Washer Fluid
To Add:
I -1
I NOTICE: I
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
1
A
4 LA ..
11
Open the cap labeled “WASHER FLUID ONLY.” Add
washer fluid until
the bottle is full.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
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.
2. Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is
equipped with grease fittings, lubricate
the
suspension and steering 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.
Inspect hoses and replace
if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air
* An Emission Control Service.
The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior tothe completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance \
services he performed at the indicatcd intervals and the maintenance be recorded in ”Section E:Maintenance Record”.
274
ProCarManuals.com

CHECK OR
Steering
Column Lock
WHAT TO DO
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to
turn the key to
“LOCK”
in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to “LOCK”
only when the shift lever is in “P’
(Park).
“LOCK.”
0 The key should come out only in
-t
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Parking Brake
and Automatic
Transaxle
“P’
(Park)
Mechanism
Check
WHAT TO DO
.r
CAUTION: When you are doing
s check, your vehicle could
begin to move. You or others
-Ad be injured and property
Jld be damaged. Make sure
rllzre
is room in front of your
U4icle
in case it begins to roll.
__ ready to apply the rnnular
brake at once shoul the
vehicle begin
to mc 5.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With
the engine running and transaxle
in“N” (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from
the regular
brake pedal.
Do this until the
vehicle is held by the parking brake
only.
To check the “P,’ (Park)
mechanism’s holding ability: Shift
to
“P” (Park). Then release all
brakes.
278
ProCarManuals.com

CHECK OR
I SERVICE WHAT TO DO
Underbody
Flushing At
least every spring, use plain water
to flush any corrosive materials from
the underbody. Take care to clean
thoroughly any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Section C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which s ,hou !Id
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall).
You should let your GM dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Steering,
Suspension and
Front-Wheel- Drive Axle
Boot and Seal
Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
Throttle Linkage
Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
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 hookup, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then
inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals
if necessary.
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
“Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Inspect the throttle linkage for
interference or binding, and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace
parts
as needed.
279
ProCarManuals.com

~~ - -
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic
Brake
(GM Part No. 1052535) or
System Delco Supreme 1 l@ 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. 12345120),
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
b. Release Pawl
Spring
Anchor
i
Hood and Door
Hinges
Fuel
filler Door
Hinge and
Striker Plunger
Weatherstrips
FLUIDlLUBRICANT
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).
Chassis lubricant meeting
requirements
of NLGI Grade 2,
Category LB
or GC-LB (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. 12345579 or equivalent).
See “Specifications Chart” in the Index for recommended
replacement filters, valves and spark plugs.
301
ProCarManuals.com

Acc (Ignition Key Position) ........................ 66
Adding Brake Fluid
................................... 233
Electrical Equipment
.......................... 256
Engine Coolant
....................... i ....... 228
Engine Oil
.................................... 220
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 231
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 226
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 232
Additives. Engine Oil
............................. 223
Adjustment. Brake
............... : ............... 143
Adult Safety Belt Usage
............................ 26
Aircleaner
...................................... 225
Airconditioner
................................. 110
Air Outlets
..................................... 1 10
Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of
.............. 135
Alcohol in Gasoline
.............................. 215
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning
....................... 252
AM Radio Reception
............................. 113
AM Stereo Radio Reception
........................ 1 14
Antenna Care
..................................... 124
Antifreeze
...................................... 228 Antilock Brake System
.......................... 140
Anti-Theft Tips
.................................. 64
Appearance Care
................................ 248
Appearance Care and Materials
....................... 255
Armrest. Storage
................................... 98
Ashtrays
........................................ 96
Astroroof
....................................... 80
Audio Systems
.................................. 113
Automatic Door Locks
............................. 61
Automatic Lap-Shoulder Belt
........................ 27
Automatic Overdrive
.............................. 72
Automatic Transaxle
.............................. 71
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
......................... 226
Automatic Transaxle Torque Lock
.. ; i : .............. 165
Antilock
Braking' System Warning Light
.............. 103
Automatic Safety Belt. Use With Child Restraint
........ 42
Baby. Holding a
.................................. 41
Battery
........................................ 235
Battery Cables. Starting With
....................... 180
Blizzard. If You're Caught in a
..................... 168
293
ProCarManuals.com