engine oil BUICK REGAL 1995 User Guide

What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils of the proper quality for your vehicle can be
identified by looking for the “Starburst” symbol. The
“Starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and
is preferred for use in your gasoline engine.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the “Starburst” symbol on
the front of the oil
container.
If you have your
oil changed for you, be sure
the oil put into your engine
is American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going
to be
0°F (- 18°C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or thickness.
Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE
20W-50.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS ~~~~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~~
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL
FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
COLD
WEATHER
FOR THIS
LOOK
SYMBOL @&
SAE 1OW-30
r
RED
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
3.1L L82 (Code M) Engine
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RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAL VISCOSITY GRADE
OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE. -
HOT
WEATHER
- "F "C
-100- - +38
+BO- - +27
+60--+16
+40--+4
+20---7
0---18
SAL SW-30
LOOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
SAE 1OW-30 PREFERRE0 above 0°F (-18OC)
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
3.8L L27 (Code L) Engine
As shown in the chart, SAE 1OW-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 5W-30 if it's going
to be colder than
60°F ( 16" C) 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.
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When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you: NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the proper oil
can result
in engine damage not covered by your
warranty.
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).
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil)
meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Buick dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
Tf 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 comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
comes first.
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Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0 OF (- 1 8 O C) or
colder. If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in
the Index.
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.
Air Cleaner
To check or replace the air filter, remove the four screws
and pull off the cover.
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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. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to change
your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the
Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Buick 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. 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 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
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 (IOOC), you may have
to drive longer.
To check the fluid level
0 Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever
in PARK (P).
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole
to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(OSL). Don ’t ouefill. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle. Damage
caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-I11 is not covered
by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How
to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
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:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262 OF (1 28 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
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. Use GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
with any complete coolant flush and refill.
If you use
this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.
~
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should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or
won’t work at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’
your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a
leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then
you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake
linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index. What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid -- such as Delco Supreme ll@ (GM Part No.
1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
only, and always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
before removing it.
NOTICE:
0
0
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.
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Capacities and Specifications
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement ....... 7 quarts (6.7 L)
When drainingheplacing converteq more fluid muy be
needed.
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3. IL (Code M) ................ 11.6 quarts (10.93 L)
3.8L (Code L) ................. 10.7 quarts (10.1 L)
Engine Specifications ..............................
Type ............................................
Displacement .....................................
Compression Ratio .................................
Firing Order ......................................
Thermostat Temperature ............................
ValveArrangement ................................
Refrigerant (R-l34a), Air Conditioning*
Engine Crankcase Oil
and Filter Change .............. 5 quarts (4.7 L)
Fuel Tank ..................... 17.1 gallons (64.7 L)
*See “Air Conditioning Rejrigerunts” later irz this
section.
.............................. 2.0 pounds (0.91 kg)
3.1L (Code M)
V6
191 CID (3.1L)
9.6:
1
1-2-3-4-5-6
195°F (91OC)
In-Head
3.8L (Code L)
V6
231 CID (3.8L)
9.0: I
1-2-3-4-5-6
195°F (91
“C)
In-Head
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Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter
Battery
AllEngines ............................ A1208C
3.1L (Code
M) ......................... 525 CCA
3.8L (Code L) ......................... 690 CCA
AllEngines ............................... PF47
All Engines
............................ CV892C
All Engines
.............................. RC27
3.1
L (Code M) ....................... mR44LTSM6
Gap: 0.060” ( 1.52 mm)
Gap: 0.060” (1.52 mm)
Engine Oil Filter
PCV Valve
Radiator
Cap
Spark Plugs
3-8L(CodeL) ........................... 41-601
Dimensions
Exterior
Length
2-Door Models ................. 193.6” (4 917 mm)
4-Door Models
................. 194.8” (4 949 mm)
All Models ..................... .72.5” (I 842 mm)
2-Door Models ................. .53.0” (1 347 mm)
&Door Models ................. .54.5“ (1 384 mm)
All Models
..................... 107.5” (2 730 mm)
All Models ..................... .59.5“(1 512 mm)
All Models ..................... .S8.0” (1 472 mm)
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Front Tread
Rear Tread
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Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
.EVEL AND CHANGE AI
RECOMMENDED
This section covers the maintenance required for your
Buick. Your vehicle needs these services
to retain its
safety, dependability
and emission control performance.
Protection
Plan
ui
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle
in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the
removal
of important components can significantly
affect the quality
of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or
even the wrong tire inflation can increase the
level of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to help keep
your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
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