brakes BUICK REGAL 1998 Owner's Guide

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.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. 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 approved 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 an ACDelco Freedom@ battery.
You never have to add water to one of these. When it’s
time for a new battery, we recommend an ACDelco
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, remove
the black, negative (-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
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.
6-33
ProCarManuals.com

Fuse
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
Description
Anti-lock Brakes
Turn Signals, Cornering Lamps
Radio, HVAC Head, Remote Keyless
Entry, Cluster, CEL
TEL
High Blower
Passenger’s Heated Seat
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Wipers
Underhood Electrical Center -- Passenger’s Side
Some fuses and relays are in the underhood electrical
center on the passenger’s side
of the engine compartment.
m
121
13)
14)
15)
(81
17)
[8)
Fuse
1
2
Description
Cooling Fan
Starter Solenoid
6-64
ProCarManuals.com

I Maintenance Schedule I
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after
150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure
to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
* Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before
3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil.
So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE
OIL SOON light comes
on. Remember to reset the Oil
Life Monitor when the oil has been changed. For more
information,
see “Change Oil Soon Light” in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” in Part C of this schedule.
7-5
ProCarManuals.com

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

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

Section 9 Index
Accessory Power Receptacle ..................... 2-52
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle ...... 6-3
Air Bag How Does it Restrain
.......................... 1-23
How it Works
................................ 1-21
Location
............................... 1.21. 1-22
Readiness Light
......................... 1.21. 2.60
Servicing
................................... 1-25
System
..................................... 1-19
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-23
What Will You See After
it Inflates ............... 1-24
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-23
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-17
Air Conditioning
........................ 3.3.3.6. 3.9
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-69
Alarm. Instant
................................. 2- 12
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-46
Aluminum or Chrome Wheels. Cleaning
............. 6-54
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player
with Automatic Tone Control
.................... 3-20
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player ........... 3-13
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic
Tonecontrol
................................. 3-16
Antenna Backglass
................................... 3-31
FixedMast .................................. 3-31 Antifreeze
..................................... 6-23
Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light
................. 2.63. 4.9
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.62. 4.7
Brakes ...................................... 4-7
Anti-Theft, Radio
.............................. 3-25
Appearancecare
............................... 6-51
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-59
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-7
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-50
Astroroof
..................................... 2-53
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3-28
Audio Equipment, Adding ........................ 3-29
Audio Systems
................................. 3-12
Audio Systems, Tips
............................ 3-29
Auto-Down Window
............................ 2-33
Automatic
Headlamp Control
............................ 2-42
Overdrive
(a) .......................... 2-24, 2-25
Power Door Locks ............................. 2-7
Transaxlecheck .............................. 7-15
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 6-20
Transaxle Operation
........................... 2-22
Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check
........... 7-17
Using
....................................... 4-9
9-1
.
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

Trailer BackingUp
................................. 4-38
Brakes
..................................... 4- 37
Drivingwith
................................. 4-38
Driving on
Grades
............................ 4-39
Engine Cooling When Towing
................... 4-40
Following Distance
........................... 4-38
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-40
Hitches
..................................... 4-37
If
You Decide to Pull A ........................ 4-34
MakingTurns
................................ 4-39
ParkingonHills
.............................. 4-40
Passing
..................................... 4- 38
Safety Chains
................................ 4-37
Tongueweight
............................... 4-36
Total Weight
on Tires .......................... 4-36
Towing
..................................... 4-33
Turnsignals
................................. 4-39
Weight
..................................... 4- 35
When
You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 4-40
Transaxle Fluid
................................. 6-20
Transmitters, Remote-Keyless Entry
............ 2-9, 2- 12
Trip, Before Leaving on a Long .................... 4-24
Trunk
........................................ 2-14
Lock
....................................... 2-15
Rear Seat Pass-Through ........................ 2-50
Transportation,
Courtesy
.......................... 8-6
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-58 Trunk
Convenience Net
.......................... 2-50
Trunk Lid Applique Bulb Replacement
.............. 6-40
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-4
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
............. 2-35
Turn Signal On Chime
........................... 2-35
Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
................... 2-34
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-39
Two-way Manual Seat
........................... 1-2
Twilight
Sentinel
............................... 2-43
Underbody Flushing Service
..................... 7-17
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 6-58
Underhood Electrical Center (Passenger’s Side)
....... 6-64
Vehicle Control
...................................... 4-6
Damage Warnings
.............................. iv
Dimensions ................................. 6-68
Identification Number
......................... 6-60
Loading
.................................... 4-31
Storage
..................................... 6-33
Symbols
....................................... v
Ventilation System .............................. 3-10
Visor Vanity Mirrors
............................ 2-51
Visors,
Sun .................................... 2-51
9-12
ProCarManuals.com