engine BUICK REGAL 1998 Owners 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.
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
1 A C A UTION:
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.
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.
7-17
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 dealer’s service department
or other qualij?ed 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 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.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding, and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace
any components 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.
7-18
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 dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake
System
Power Steering System
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.
Delco Supreme
1 1 @ Brake Fluid
(GM Part
No. I2377967 or
equivalent
DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part
No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
USAGE
Automatic
Transaxle
Key Lock
Cylinders
Supercharger
Windshield
Washer Solvent
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
Pawl
Hood and Door
Hinges
Weatherstrip
Conditioning;
FLUIDLUBRICANT
DEXRON@-I11 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Pu ose Lubricant,
Superlube
% (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Supercharger
Oil (GM Part
No. 12345982). See “Supercharger
Oil” in the Index.
GM Optikleen@ Washer Solvent
(GM Part
No. 1051515) or
equivalent.
Lubriplate@ Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part
No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements
of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Multi-Pu ose Lubricant,
Superlube
T$ (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part
No. 12345579 or equivalent).
7-19
ProCarManuals.com

1998 BUCK 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 1998 BUICK
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
1998 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service informarlon 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-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1
5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 0.00
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

Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-50
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-60
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-17
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
................... 6-57
Built-in Child Restraint
........................ 6-54
Built-in Child Restraint Harness
................. 6-54
Fabric
...................................... 6-50
Glass Surfaces
............................... 6-54
Inside of Your Vehicle
......................... 6-52
Instrumentpanel
............................. 6-54
Interior Plastic Components
..................... 6-54
Leather
..................................... 6-53
Outside of Your Vehicle
........................ 6-55
Special Problems
............................. 6-53
Stains
...................................... 6-50
Tires
....................................... 6-57
Vinyl
....................................... 6-53
Wheels
..................................... 6-54
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-55
Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses
................... 6-56
Clock. Setting the
............................... 3-12
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-2
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-3 1
Compact Disc Player
............................ 3-25
Compact Disc Player Care
........................ 3-3 1
Compact Disc Player Errors
....................... 3-24
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-37
Console Storage
................................ 2-49
Control. Loss
of ................................ 4- 16
Control
of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6 Convex
Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-48
Coolant Bleedvalve
................................. 5-23
RecoveryTank
............................... 5-19
Coolant Heater. Engine
.......................... 2-20
Cooling System
................................ 5-17
Courtesy Lamps
................................ 2-44
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-6
Cruise Control
................................. 2-38
CruiseLight
................................... 2-74
Cupholders
............................... 2-49. 2-50
Customer Assistance for
Text Telephone Users ......... 8-4
Customer Assistance Information
................... 8-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
.................... 8-2
Damage. Finish
............................... 6-55
Damage. Sheet Metal
............................ 6-55
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-42
Dead Battery
................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety
......................... 8-8
Defensive Driving
............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
......................... 3-11
Defogging
............................ 3.4.3-6. 3-10
Defrosting
............................ 3.4.3.6. 3.10
Delayed Entry Lighting .......................... 2-45
Delayed Exit Lighting
........................... 2-45
Dimensions. Vehicle
............................ 6-66
Dolby@
B Noise Reduction ............. 3.16.3.19. 3.23
Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement
.................... 6-41
DoorLocks
..................................... 2-4
9-3
ProCarManuals.com

Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light ................... 2-75
Driver Information Center
........................ 2-76
Driver Position
................................. 1 - 1 1
Driver Selectable Shifting ........................ 2-26
Driving City
........................................ 4-22
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-3
Freeway
.................................... 4-23
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-29
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
IntheRain
.................................. 4-19
Night
...................................... 4-17
OnCurves
.................................. 4-12
On Grades While Towing a Trailer
............... 4-39
On Hill and Mountain Roads
.................... 4-25
On Snow
or Ice .............................. 4-28
Through Deep Standing Water
................... 4-21
WetRoads
.................................. 4-19
Winter
...................................... 4-27
With a Trailer
................................ 4-38
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-3
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control
......... 3-7
Dual ComforTemp Climate Control
.................. 3-4
Electrical Equipment, Adding
..... 2-20. 2-52. 3-29, 6-61
Electrochromic Daymight Rearview Mirror
.......... 2-47
Engine
.................................. 6-10, 6-11
Coolant
..................................... 6-23
Electrical
System
............................... 6-61 Coolant
Heater
............................... 2-20
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-14
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-67
Coolant Temperature Light
..................... 2-67
Exhaust
..................................... 2-31
Identification
................................ 6-60
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-14
Overheating
................................. 5-15
Running While Parked
......................... 2-32
Specifications
................................ 6-68
Starting Your
................................ 2-19
Adding ..................................... 6-14
Checking
................................... 6-13
Engineoil
.................................... 6-12
Additives
................................... 6-16
Supercharger
................................ 6-19
Used
....................................... 6-17
What Kind to Use
............................. 6-15
Whentochange
.............................. 6-16
Enhanced Traction System
........................ 4-11
Enhanced Traction System Active Light
............. 2-66
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
........... 2-65
Ethanol
........................................ 6-5
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-31
Exterior Lamps ................................. 2-41
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-50
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-6
Filter, Air
..................................... 6-17
Filter. Engine Oil
............................... 6-16
9-4
ProCarManuals.com

Filter. Passenger Compartment Air ................. 6- 18
Finishcare
.................................... 6-56
Finish Damage
................................. 6-58
First Gear. Automatic Transaxle ................... 2-26
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-2
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-26
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-19
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-5
FrenchLanguageManual
11
Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-37
Fuel
.......................................... 6-3
Canadian
................................ 6-4, 6-5
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-6
Gage ....................................... 2-75
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-62
.. ...........................
FrontTowing .................................. 5-11
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... '2-67
Fuel
....................................... 2-75
Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle
................ 2-23
GloveBox
.................................... 2-49
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-32
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-32
Guide en Frangais
11
GVWR ....................................... 4-32
GAWR
....................................... 4-32
.. .................................
Halogen
Bulbs ................................ 6-34
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Headlamps Aiming
..................................... 6-35
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-34
Flash-to-Pass
................................ 2-36
HighLow Beam Changer
...................... 2-35
OnReminder
................................ 2-41
Wiring
..................................... 6-61
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance .............. 8-4
Heated Foldaway Outside Mirrors .................. 2-48
Heatedseat
.................................... 1-4
Heating ............................... 3.4.3.6. 3.10
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-35
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-25
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-25
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-37
Hood
Checking Things Under
......................... 6-8
Release
...................................... 6-9
Horn ......................................... 2-33
Hydroplaning .................................. 4-21
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2-17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................... 7-17
Illuminated Entry
............................... 2-44
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-40
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-47
9-5
ProCarManuals.com

Inspections Brakesystem
................................ 7-18
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7- 18
Front Drive Axle Boot
......................... 7- 18
Front Drive Axle Seal
......................... 7-18
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7- 18
Steering
.................................... 7-18
Suspension
.................................. 7-18
Throttle System
.............................. 7-1 8
InstrumentPanel ............................... 2-55
Cleaning .................................... 6-51
Cluster
................................ 2-56. 2-57
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-62
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
................ 2-44
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-44
Jack. Tire
........... 5.26.5.28.5.30.5.31.5.32. 5.33
Jump Starting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-15
Key Reminder Warning
.......................... 2-15
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels Certification
................................. 4-32
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-58
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-3 1
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-58 Lamps
Cornering
................................... 2-44
Courtesy
.................................... 2-44
Dome
...................................... 2-46
Fog
........................................ 2-44
Interior
..................................... 2-44
Reading. Rearview Mirror
...................... 2-46
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-29
Lighter
....................................... 2-50
Lights Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1-21, 2-60
Anti-Lock Brake System Active
............. 2-63, 4-9
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-62, 4-7
BrakeSystemWarning
......................... 2-61
Charging System
............................. 2-60
Cruise
...................................... 2-74
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning
...................... 2-75
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
............... 2-67
ChangeOilSoon
............................. 2-73
Enhanced Traction System Active
................ 2-66
Enhanced Traction System Warning
.............. 2-65 .
Interior ..................................... 2-44
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2.68, 6.26
LowFuel
................................... 2-75
Low Oil Level
.......................... 2.72, 6.12
LowTire
.................................... 2-68
Low Traction
................................ 2-66
Low Washer Fluid Warning
................ 2.37, 2.74
9-6
ProCarManuals.com

Oilwarning ................................. 2-71
Performance Shift
....................... 2.26. 2.74
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1.7. 2.59
Security
.................................... 2-73
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-69
Service Vehicle Soon .......................... 2-74
Traction Control System Active
.................. 2-65
Traction Control System Warning
................ 2-64
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-31
Locks
Cylinders
................................... 7-15
DelayedLocking
.............................. 2-8
Door
........................................ 2-4
Ignition Transaxle Check
....................... 7-17
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7- 15
Lockout Protection Feature
...................... 2-5
ManualDoor
................................. 2-4
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-5
Rear-Door Child Security
....................... 2-6
Trunk
...................................... 2-15
Window
.................................... 2-33
Loss
of Control ................................ 4- 16
Low Coolant Warning Light
................. 2.68. 6.26
LowFuelLight
................................ 2-75
Low Oil Level Light
....................... 2.72. 6.12
Low Tire Light
................................. 2-68
Low Traction Light
............................. 2-66
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
............. 2.37. 2-74
Low-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-35
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-19
Programmable Automatic
Power Door
............. 2-7 Lubrication Service.
Body
........................ 7- 15
Magnetic Variable Effort Steering
................ 4-12
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts
............ 6-69
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-20
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-5
How it’s Organized ............................ 7-3
Introduction
.................................. 7-2
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-14
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment
................ 7-2
Maintenance Schedule. Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
.......................... 7-19
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-58
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-69
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-18
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-40
Manual Door Locks
........................
Front Seat ...................
Manual Single Zone Climate Control
Methanol
.....................
Mirrors .......................
Convex Outside ..............
Electrochromic Daymight ......
Inside Daymight Rearview .....
Power Outside Foldaway .......
Visor Vanity .................
MMT ........................
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.......... 2-4
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.... 1-2
.... 3-2
.... 6-5
... 2-47
... 2-48
... 2-47
... 2-47
... 2-48
... 2-51
.... 6-4
9-7
ProCarManuals.com

Mountain Roads .................................. 4-25
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-34
Net. Trunk Convenience
........................ 2-50
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-24
New Vehicle “Break-In”
......................... 2- 17
Nightvision
................................... 4-18
Odometer
.................................... 2-58
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-58
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4- 14
Oil Warning Light
.............................. 2-71
OnStar System
................................. 2-54
Oil.
Engine
.................................... 6-12
Oil Life Monitor
........................ 2-78. 6-16. 7-5
Overdrive
(a). Automatic ..................
Overheating Engine .......................
Owner Checks and Services .................
Owner Publications. Ordering ...............
Paint Spotting. Chemical ..................
Park
Automatic Transaxle
....................
Shifting Out of .........................
Shifting Into ...........................
2.24. 2.25
..... 5-15
..... 7-14
..... 8-10
..... 6-58
..... 2-23
..... 2-28
..... 2-30 Parking
AtNight
.................................... 2-15
Brake
...................................... 2-27
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-17
Lots
....................................... 2-15
Over Things That Burn ........................ 2-31
With a Trailer
................................ 4-40
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
.................. 6-18
Passing
............................... 4-15
PASS-Key I1 2-16
Performance Shift Light
..................... 2-26, 2-74
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-18
Power
.... *.h* .................................
Performance Shifting ............................ 2-26
Auxiliary Connection
.......................... 2-53
DoorLocks
................................... 2-5
Option Fuses
................................ 6-61
Retained Accessory
........................... 2-46
Seat (Six-Way)
Steering
.....
Steering Fluid .
Windows ....
................................ 1-3
............................... 4-12
............................... 6-27
............................... 2-33
Outside Mirrors
.............................. 2-48
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
9-8
ProCarManuals.com