brake BUICK REGAL 1997 Repair Manual

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake
set, try to turn
the ignition 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
0
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: 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.
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.
7-42
ProCarManuals.com

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 GM service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front 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 hook-up, 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
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.
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 damaged 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 hook-up, 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.
7-43
ProCarManuals.com

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil”
in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench’ DEX-COOL@
or Havoline@ DEX-COOL’
coolant. See “Engine Coolant”
in
the Index.
USAGE
Hydraulic Brake
System
Power Steering
System
Automatic
Transaxle
Key Lock
Cylinders
Supercharger
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Delco Supreme 11 ’ Brake Fluid
(GM Part
No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part
No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
DEXR0N’-I11 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Pur ose lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 1234624 1 or equivalent).
Supercharger
Oil (GM Part
No. 12345982). See “Supercharger
Oil” in the Index.
b
7-44
ProCarManuals.com

1997 BUICK SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing
it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 BUCK
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL
PRICE: $40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service
of your vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
In-Porffolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $10.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-Mastercard-Discover)
ProCarManuals.com

Section 9 Index
Accessory outlet .............................. 2-52
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle ...... 6-3
AirBag
....................................... 1-19
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-23
How
it Works ................................ 1-2 1
Location .................................... 1-21
Readiness Light
......................... 1-20. 2-60
Servicing
................................... 1-24
What Makes
it Inflate .......................... 1-22
What Will You See After
it Inflates ............... 1-23
When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-22
Aircleaner .................................... 6-16
Air Conditioning
........................ 3-3.3-6. 3-9
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-65
Alarm. Instant
................................. 2- 12
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-45
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-53
AM-FMStereo ................................ 3-13
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and
AM-FM Stereo
with Cassette Tape and Compact
Antenna AM-FM Stereo
with Cassette Tape Player ........... 3- I5
Automatic Tone Control
...................... 3- 18
Automatic Tone Control
...................... 3-22
Disc Player
with Automatic Tone Control ........ 3-26
Backglass
................................... 3-37 Fixed Mast
.................................. 346
Antifreeze ..................................... 6-22
Anti-Lock
Brake System Active Light
................. 2.63. 4.9
Brake System Wa-ning Light
................ 2.62. 4.7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Using
....................................... 4-9
Anti.Theft. Radio .............................. 3-31
Appearancecare
............................... 6-47
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-56
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-7
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-51
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3-33
Audio Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-35
AudioSyste~ns
................................. 3-12
Auto-Down Window
............................ 2-33
Automatic
Audio Systems.
Tips
............................ 3-34
Headlamp Control ............................ 2-42
Overdrive
(a) .......................... 2.25. 2.26
Power Door Locks
............................. 2-7
Transaxle Check
.............................. 7-40
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 6-19
Transaxle Operation ........................... 2-22
Transaxle PARK
(P) Mechanism Check ........... 7-42
Auxiliary Power Connection
...................... 2-53
ProCarManuals.com

Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-25
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-44
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-5
French Language Manual
11
Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamp
Bulb Replacement
........................... 6-33
FrontTowing
.................................. 5-11
Fuel
.......................................... 6-3
Canadian
................................ 6-3, 6-5
Filling
Your Tank .............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-76
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-59
.. ...........................
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-68
Fuel
....................................... 2-76
GAWR
....................................... 4-32
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle
................ 2-23
GloveBox
.................................... 2-49
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-32
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-32
Guide en Franpis
11
GVWR ....................................... 4-32
.. .................................
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-32
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Bulb Replacement ............................ 6-33
Flash-to-Pass
................................ 2-36
Headlamps
.................................... 2-42 High/LowBeam
.............................. 2-36
OnReminder
................................ 2-42
Wiring
..................................... 6-58
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance
.............. 8-4
Heated Foldaway Outside Mirrors
.................. 2-48
Heatedseat
.................................... 1-3
Heating
............................... 3-4,3-6, 3-10
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-36
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-25
HillandMountainRoads
......................... 4-25
Hitches, Trailer
................................. 4-36
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-7
Release
...................................... 6-8
Horn
......................................... 2-34
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-21
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2-18
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................... 7-42
Illuminated Entry
............................... 2-44
Inflation, Tire
.................................. 6-40
Inside Daymight Rearview
Mirror ................. 2-47
Inspections
Brakesystem
................................ 7-43
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-43
Front Drive Axle Boot
......................... 7-43
Front Drive Axle Seal
......................... 7-43
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-43
Steering
.................................... 7-43
Suspension
.................................. 7-43
ThrottleLinkage
.............................. 7-43
9-5
ProCarManuals.com

Instrument Panel ............................... 2-55
Cleaning
.................................... 6-50
Cluster
................................ 2-56. 2-57
Fuse Block
.................................. 6-59
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
................ 2-44
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-44
Jack. Tire
...... 5.25.5.27.5.28.5.29.5.30.5.31. 5.33
Jump Starting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-40
Key Reminder Warning
.......................... 2- 16
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels Certification
................................. 4-32
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-57
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-3 1
Vehicle Identification Number ................... 6-57
Lamps
........................................ 2-41
Courtesy
.................................... 2-44
Dome
...................................... 2-46
Fog ........................................ 2-44
Exterior
.................................... 2-4 1
Interior ..................................... 2-44
Reading, Rearview Mirror
...................... 2-46
Leaving Your Vehicle
with the Engine Running ....... 2-30
Cornering
................................... 2-44
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-9 Lighter
....................................... 2-51
Lights Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1.20. 2.60
Anti-Lock Brake System Active
............. 2.63. 4.9
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-61
ChangeOilSoon
............................. 2-73
Charging System
............................. 2-60
DoorRrunk
Ajar Warning ...................... 2-75
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.62. 4.7
Cruise
...................................... 2-74
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
............... 2-68
Enhanced Traction System Active
................ 2-64
Enhanced Traction System Warning
.............. 2-63
Interior
..................................... 2-44
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2-69. 6-24
LowFuel
................................... 2-76
Low Oil Level
.......................... 2.72. 6-11
Low Traction
................................ 2-66
Low Washer Fluid Warning
................ 2.38. 2-75
Oil Warning
................................. 2-71
Performance Shift
....................... 2-27. 2-74
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1-6. 2-59
Security
.................................... 2-74
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-69
Service Vehicle Soon
.......................... 2-75
Tire Pressure Monitor
......................... 2-67
Traction Control System Active
.................. 2-66
Traction Control System Warning
................ 2-65
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-31
9-6
ProCarManuals.com

Net. Convenience .............................. 2-50
New Vehicle "Break-In"
......................... 2- 18
Nightvision ................................... 4-18
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-24
odometer
.................................... 2-58
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-58
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4- 14
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6-11
Oil Warning Light
.............................. 2-7 1
Overdrive (0). Automatic ................... 2-25. 2-26
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-39
Owner Publications. Ordering
..................... 8- 10
Overheating Engine
............................. 5-
15
Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ 6-55
Park
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-23
Shifting Into
................................. 2-29
Shifting Out of
............................... 2-3 1
Parking
AtNight
.................................... 2-16
Brake
...................................... 2-28
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-42
Lots
....................................... 2-16
Over Things That Burn ........................ 2-3 1
With a Trailer ................................ 4-39
Passing
....................................... 4-15
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter .................. 6- 17
PASS-Key 11 2-17
Pass-through Trunk Cushion Cupholders
............ 2-50
8 .................................
Pass-through Trunk ............................. 2-50
Performance Shift Light
..................... 2-27. 2-74
Performance Shifting
............................ 2-27
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-43
Auxiliary Connection
.......................... 2-53
DoorLocks
................................... 2-5
Option Fuses
...... ......................... 6-58
Outside Mirrors
.............................. 2-48
Retained Accessory
........................... 2-46
Seat (Six-Way)
................................ 1-3
Steering
.................................... 4-12
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-26
Windows
................................... 2-33
Pregnancy. Use
of Safety Belts .................... 1-18
Problems on the Road
............................ 5-1
Publications. Service and Owner ................... 8-10
Publications. Service and Owner. Ordering in Canada
... 8-9
Power
Radiator. Adding Coolant
....................... 5-21
Radiator Pressure Cap
........................... 6-25
Radio Reception
................................ 3-34
Rain. Driving
In ................................ 4-19
Rainy Weather Tips
............................. 4-21
Reading Lamps. Rearview Mirror
.................. 2-46
Radios
....................................... 3-13
9-8
ProCarManuals.com

Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-32
Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow
.................. 5-38
Sun Visors
.................................... 2-52
Sunroof
....................................... 2-54
Symbols. Vehicle
.................................. x
Synchronization. Remote Keyless Entry ............. 2- 14
Tachometer .................................. 2-58
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement
....... 6-35
TapePlayerCare
............................... 3-35
Temperature Control
............. 3-2. 3.4. 3.5. 3.7. 3.8.
Theft
......................................... 2-16
Theft-Deterrent Feature
.......................... 3-3 1
Theft-Deterrent System .......................... 2- 17
Thermostat
.................................... 6-25
Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-25
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-34
Time. Setting the
............................... 3- 12
Tire Pressure Monitor Light
....................... 2-67
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-3 1
Tires ......................................... 6-39
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-45
BuyingNew
................................. 6-43
Chains
..................................... 6-46
Changing
a Flat .............................. 5-25
Cleaning .................................... 6-54
Compact Spare
............................... 5-37
Inflation
.................................... 6-40
THEFTLOCK" ................................. 3-31 Inflation Check
............................... 7-39
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-41
Loading
.................................... 4-31
Pressure
.................................... 6-40
Storing the Flat
............................... 5-35
Storing the Spare
............................. 5-36
Temperature
................................. 6-45
Traction
.................................... 6-44
Treadwear
................................... 6-44
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-44
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-42
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-45
When It's Time for New
....................... 6-42
TopStrap
..................................... 1-50
TorqueLock
................................... 2-30
Torque. Wheel
Nut ......................... 5.34. 6.42
Towing
a Trailer ................................ 4-33
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-9
Traction Control System (3800 Supercharged Engine)
... 4-9
Traction Control System Active Light
............... 2-66
Traction Control System Warning Light
............. 2-65
Trailer Backing
Up ................................. 4-38
Brakes
..................................... 4-37
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-39
Driving
with ................................. 4-37
Following Distance
........................... 4-38
Hitches
..................................... 4-36
If You Decide to Pull A ........................ 4-34
9-11
ProCarManuals.com