brakes BUICK REGAL 1996 Owner's Manual

Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer
attached, on a hill.
If something goes wrong, your rig
could start to move. People can be injured, and both
your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig
on a hill, here’s
how
to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P)
yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until
the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift
to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
0 Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle
fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, belt, cooling system and brake adjustment.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will
help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good
idea to review these sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
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Brakes
Bri lid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level
in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you 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.
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid
will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid 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.
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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.
-
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:
0 Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. 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. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind
of fluid.
0 If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. 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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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).
A CAUTION:
I
The brake wear warning so Id means that
sooner or later your brakes won’t work well.
That could lead to an accident. When you hear the brake wear warning sound, have your
vehicle serviced.
I NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Free movement of brake calipers and properly torqued
wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake calipers
for movement, brake pads for wear,
and evenly torque
wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to GM specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced
as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or
if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be
a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
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Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have
to be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have top-quality
GM brake
parts in them, as your Buick does when it
is new. When
you replace parts
of your braking system -- for example,
when your brake linings wear down and you have to have
new ones put in
-- be sure you get new genuine GM
replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes may no
longer work properly. For example,
if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance
between your front and rear brakes can change
-- for the
worse. The braking performance you’ve come to expect
can change in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Every new Buick has a Delco Freedom@ battery. You
never have to add water to one of these. When it’s time
for a new battery,
we recommend a Delco Freedom@
battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown
on the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more,
tLke off the black, negative (-) cable from the battery.
This will help keep your be++ary from running down.
J II’
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting’’ in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
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Steering Column Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key to
LOCK in each shift lever position.
0 The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
lever is
in PARK (P).
0 The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake
and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move.
You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front
of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move. Park
on a
fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
0 To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transaxle
in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until
the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody
Flushing Service
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.
7-38
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
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.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a Buick service manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications’’ in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front- Wheel-Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
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.
Exhaust System Inspection
mspect 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.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked? swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace
as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage
or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any cables 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 hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including
calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake
adjustment. You may need to have your brakes inspected
more often if your driving habits or conditions result in
frequent braking.
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(@ Section 9 Index
I- .I
Accessory Outlet .............................. 2-4 I
AirBag ....................................... 1-18
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-22
How
it Works ................................ 1-20
Location
.................................... 1-20
Readiness Light
......................... 1 . 19. 2.47
Servicing
................................... 1-23
What Makes
it Inflate .......................... 1-2 1
What Will You See After it Inflates ............... 1-22
When Should
it Inflate ......................... 1-21
AirCleane
r .................................... 6-16
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-3
Alarm, Theft-Deterrent ........................... 2-8
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-40
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning
...................... 6-48
Antenna, Fixed
................................. 3-26
Antenna, Power
................................ 3-26
Antifreeze ................................... 6-20
Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light
................. 2-50.4-8
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-49.4-6
Brakes
...................................... 4-6
Anti-Theft, Radio
.............................. 3-2 I
Appearance Care ............................... 6-42
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-63 Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-50
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-6
Armrest. Storage
............................... 2-38
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-40
Astroroof
..................................... 2-42
Audio Controls
. Steering Wheel Touch Control ....... 3-23
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-24
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-6
Auto-Down Window
............................ 2-25
Automatic DoorLocks
................................... 2-4
Overdrive
. Automatic Transaxle ................. 2-16
Shifting ..................................... 2-14
Transaxle Check
.............................. 7-36
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 6-17
Transaxle Park Mechanism Check ................ 7-38
Battery
...................................... 6-30
J~np Starting ................................. 5-2
Saver
...................................... 2-36
Warnings
................................ 5.2. 5.4
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-6
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-6
Replacement. Remote Keyless Entry ............... 2-5
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Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-29
Fluid
....................................... 6-27
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-27
Parking
..................................... 2-1 8
PedalTravel
................................. 6-29
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-30
System Warning Light
......................... 2-48
Trailer
...................................... 4-32
Transaxle Shift Interlock
....................... 2-22
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-37
Wear
....................................... 6-29
Brakes, Anti-Lock
............................... 4-6
Braking
........................................ 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle
........................... 2-9
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-3 1
Braking in Emergencies ........................... 4-8
BTSI
......................................... 2-22
BTSICheck
................................... 7-37
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-4
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-6 I
Carbon Monoxide .................... 2-23,4-26, 4-32
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-36
Cassette Tape Player
................... 3-7,3-10, 3-16
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-25
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature
................. 3-2 1
Center Passenger Position ........................ 1-24
Certification Label
.............................. 4-27
Chains, Safety
................................. 4-32
Chains, Tire
................................... 6-42
Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-22
Charging System Light
.......................... 2-47 Checking
Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-50
Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-49
Child Restraints
................................ 1-37
Securing
in a Rear Outside Seat Position ...... 1-39. 1-41
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-43
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-45
TopStrap
................................... 1-38
Where to Put
................................ 1-37
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-40
Circuit Breakers
and Fuses ....................... 6-53
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-16
Cleaning ...................................... 6-42
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 6-48
Fabric
...................................... 6-43
Glass
....................................... 6-46
Inside of Your Buick
.......................... 6-42
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-45
Leather
..................................... 6-45
Outside
of Your Buick ......................... 6-47
Special Problems
............................. 6-44
Stains
...................................... 6-43
Tires
....................................... 6-48
Vinyl ....................................... 6-45
Wheels
..................................... 6-48
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-46
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-6
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-1
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-25
Compact: Disc Player ....................... 3- 13. 3-16
Compact Disc Player Errors
.................. 3- 15. 3-20
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-32
Console Storage
................................ 2-38
Control
of a Vehicle .............................. 4-5
Convenience Net
............................... 2-39
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Ignition Positions .............................. 2. 1 o
Illuminated Entry ............................... 2-34
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-35
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-36
Inspections
.................................... 7-39
Brakesystem
................................ 7-39
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-39
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-39
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-39
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-39
Steering
.................................... 7-39
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-39
Instrumentpanel
............................... 2-43
Cleaning
.................................... 6-45
Cluster
..................................... 2-44
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
................ 2-33
Instrument Panel. Fuse Block
..................... 6-53
InteriorLamps
................................. 2-33
Suspension
.................................. 7-39
.................................... J ack,
Tire 5-23
Jump Starting
................ i .................. 5-2
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-36
Key Reminder Warning
.......................... 2- 10
Keys .......................................... 2-1
Labels
....................................... 4-27
Certification
................................. 4-27
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-5 1
.Tir e-Loading Information ....................... 4-27
Vehicle Identification Number
.................... 6-5 1
Lamps ........................................ 2-32
Courtesy
.................................... 2-33
Interior
..................................... 2-33
Latches, Seatback
................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-4
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-21
Lighter
........................................ 2-40
Lights Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1-19, 2-47
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-49, 4-6
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-48
Charging System
............................. 2-47
Cruise
...................................... 2-56
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
............... 2-50
Interior
..................................... 2-33
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2-51, 6-23
LowFuel
.................................... 2-57
Anti-Lock Brake System Active
............. 2-50,
4-8
OilLevel
................................... 2-55
Oilwarning
................................. 2-54
Safety Belt Reminder
....................... 1-6, 2-46
Security
..................................... 2-56
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-52
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-27
Locks
......................................... 2-3
Automatic Door
............................... 2-4
Cylinders
................................... 7-36
Door
........................................ 2-3
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-36
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-3
Steering Column Lock Check
................... 7-38
Trunk
........................................ 2-7
Window
.................................... 2-25
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