engine BUICK REGAL 1994 Repair Manual

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
0 While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is
180°F to 200°F (82°C
to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C).
If it’s colder than 50°F (lO”C), you may have
to drive longer.
To check the fluid level
Park your vehicle on a level place.
0 With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
in “P” (Park).
lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever
in “P” (Park).
0 Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine. follow these
steps:
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM Specification
1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush
and refill.
If you use this mixture, you don’t need to add
anything else.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze
‘and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
223
ProCarManuals.com

Adding Coolant
The coolant recovery tank is located at the left of the
engine compartment.
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
“COLD” or a little higher. When your engine is warm,
the level should be up to
“HOT” or a little higher.
LOW
COOLANT
If this light comes on,
it means you’re low on
engine coolant.
To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant recovery tank.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. (See “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.)
224
ProCarManuals.com

A 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.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill it.
A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spifl 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.
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
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
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, 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.
225
ProCarManuals.com

Power Steering Fluid
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.
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.
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
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.
226
ProCarManuals.com

What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removing
it.
I NOTICE:
Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of
fluid. For example, just
a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in
your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to
be replaced.
@ Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful
not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle.
If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care’’
in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your Buick has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and go
or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving
(except when you are pushing on the brake pedal
firmly).
I NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result
in costly brake repair.
229
ProCarManuals.com

Fiberglass Springs
NOTICE:
Don’t use corrosive or acidic cleaning agents,
engine degreasers, aluminum cleaning agents or
other harsh solvents to clean fiberglass springs;
they’ll damage the springs.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect
in the paint job causes this, Buick
will repair,
at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever comes first.
251
ProCarManuals.com

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Ip1“l SAMPLE4UXRM072675
ENGINE 44 f ASSEMBLY
CODE MODEL YEAR PLANT
This is the legal identifier for your Buick. It appears on
a plate
in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side.
You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of
title and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help
you identify your engine,
specifications, and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on the deck lid. It’s very helpful if
you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
your VIN,
the model designation,
paint information, and
a list of all production options and special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Buick unless
you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the
damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working as they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. before attempting to
add anything electrical to your Buick, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Buick”
in the Index.
253
ProCarManuals.com

10
25
1s
Electrical Center
Driver Side - Underhood
Amp Description
Minifuse
1. Not Used
2. Not Used
3. Not Used
4. Fog Lamps
5. Parking Lamps, Headlight Switch
6. Horn Relay, Underhood Light
7. Not Used
8. Not Used
9. Not Used
Maxifuse
10. 40
11 40
Component Center: Power Windows Circuit
Breaker, Passenger Side Underhood
Electrical Center, TCC and Engine Emissions
Fuses
I/P Fuse Block: Radio, Wiper, HVAC, ABS
and Turn Signal Fuses; Passenger Side
Underhood Electrical Center:
Fuel Injections,
ECM IGN and
ELEK IGN Fuses
Amp Description
12. 30 Headlight Switch Circuit Breaker
13. 60 ABS Relay
Relay
14. Anti-lock Brake System
1s. Fog Lamps
16. Horn
258
ProCarManuals.com

Capacities and Specifications
Engine Code L (L27) 3.8L V-6 SF1
Belt Tensions -
Automatically controlled by an idler pulley.
Tension adjustment should never be necessary.
Cooling System Capacity -
11.1 quartsl10.5 liters
Crankcase Capacity -
Oil change without filter change -
4 quarts/3.8 liters
Oil change with filter change -
4.5 quarts/4.25 liters
*Air Conditioning Capacity -
R134A 2.0 lbs. (0.9 kilograms)
Fuel Tank Capacity -
16.5 gallons/62.7 liters
Transaxle -
Automatic Overdrive - Drain & Refi 11 -
6 quarts/5.7 liters
Maintenance Item Part Numbers -
Air Filter - A925C
Fuel Filter
- GF579
Oil Filter
- PF47
PCV Valve
- CV892C
Radiator Cap
- RC27
Spark Plug
- 4 1-60 1, GAP 0.060”
* 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 Buick dealer. For additional
information, see your “Warranty and Owner Assistance Information” booklet.
261
ProCarManuals.com