oil level BUICK REGAL 1995 Owners Manual

Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the
0 If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a
light
may blink
011 and off. This is normal.
moment. This is normal.
1 NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and
is not covered by your
warranty.
Low Oil Level Light
Your engine is equipped
with an oil level monitoring
system. When the ignition
key
is turned on, the LOW
OIL LEVEL light will
briefly flash. If the light
does not flash, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn
you
if there’s a problem.
If the light stays on, stop the vehicle on a level surface
and turn
the engine off. Check the oil level using the
engine oil dipstick. (See “Engine Oil” in the Index.) If
the light does not flash, have the low oil level sensor
system repaired
so it will be ready to warn you if there’s
a problem.
The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level
during
the brief period between key on and engine
crank. It does not monitor engine oil level when the
engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is
only performed if the engine has been turned off for a
considerable period of time, allowing the oil normally in
circulation
to drain back into the oil pan.
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Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane
well in advance. If you miss your exit do not, under
any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the
next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to
your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds,
you may tend to think you are going
slower than
you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained. it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have
it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts
in
Buick dealers all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need
it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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Windshield Wc~slwr Fluid: Is the reservoir full‘? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Eqirze Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels‘?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated
to the recommended pressure‘?
Weather Fowcvzsrs: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip
a short
time to avoid a major storm system‘?
A4up.s: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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Gasolines for Cleaner Air
Your use of gasoline with deposit control additives will
help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and
fuel system. That helps keep your engine in tune and
your emission control system working properly. It’s
good for your vehicle, and you’ll be doing your part for
cleaner air.
Many gasolines are now blended with oxygenates.
General Motors recommends that
you use gasolines with
these blending materials, such as MTBE and ethanol. By
doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in those
parts
of the country that have high carbon monoxide
levels.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing
reformulated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. General Motors
recommends that you use reformulated gasoline.
By
doing so, you can help clean the air, especially in those
parts
of the country that have high ozone levels.
You should ask your service station operators
if their
gasolines contain deposit control additives and
oxygenates, and if they have been reformulated to
reduce vehicle emissions.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
U.S. or Canada, unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do
not use leaded gasoline. If you use even one tankful,
your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust
system can corrode, and your engine oil can deteriorate
quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor will be damaged.
All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business
in the
country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for
advice. Just
tell us where you’re going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation
North American Export Sales
(NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
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Hood Release
To open the hood, first pull
the handle inside the
vehicle.
Then go to
the front of the
vehicle and release the
secondary hood release. Lift
the hood. Before closing the
hood, be sure
all the filler caps are on
properly. Then just pull the
firmly.
Engine Oil
hood down and close it
If the LOW OIL LEVEL
light on the instrument
panel comes on, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see
“Low Oil Level Light” in
the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
It’s
a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
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3.1 L L82 (Code M) Engine
The engine oil dipstick handle
is the yellow loop near
the front of the engine.
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan.
If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual
level.
c
3.8L L27 (Code L) Engine
To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back
in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
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When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This
part explains what kind
of oil to use. For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the
Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged. 3.1L L82 (Code M) Engine 3.8L L27 (Code L) Engine
Just
fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back
in when you’re through.
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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:
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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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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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