heating BUICK REGAL 1999 User Guide

5-
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5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-2 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-9 Engine Overheating5
-11 Cooling System
5
-20 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-21 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-32 Compact Spare Tire
5
-33 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
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5-9
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a hot
engine warning light on your instrument panel. See
ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº and ªEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Lightº in the Index. You
also have a LOW COOLANT light on your instrument
panel. See ªLow Coolant Warning Lightº in the Index.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
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5-12
The coolant level
should be at or above
the COLD mark on the
coolant recovery tank.
If it isn't, you may
have a leak in the
radiator hoses,
heater hoses, radiator,
water pump or
somewhere else in the
cooling system.
CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don't touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.
Don't run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
CAUTION:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other that DEX
-COOL
is not covered
by your new vehicle warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running.
If they aren't, your vehicle needs service.
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6-25
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an
ACDelco
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco


thermostat is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life 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 ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
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6-28
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. (See ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.)
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a little --
when the engine and radiator are hot.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
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6-45
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Buick Warranty booklet for details.CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
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9-4
Driver
Information Center 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Position 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selectable Shifting 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow or Ice 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Deep Standing Water 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control 3-4 . . . . . . . . .
Dual ComforTemp Climate Control 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-20, 2-54, 3-22, 6-65 . . . . .
Electrical System 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-48 . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coolant Level Check 7
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Light 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your V6 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitor 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supercharger 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner/ 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Engine Oil 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Passenger Compartment Air 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-5
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamp
Bulb Replacement 6
-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian 6-4, 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Full-Range Traction Control System 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-5 . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps
Aiming 6
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bulb Replacement 6
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-to-Pass 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Seats 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-4, 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections
Brake System 7
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-8
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-10, 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
II 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance Shift Light 2-26, 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance Shifting 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Auxiliary Connection 2
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Mirrors 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained Accessory 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat (Six-Way) 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steering 4
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-10, 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner, Ordering in Canada 8-10 . .
Radiator, Adding Coolant 5-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rainy Weather Tips 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps, Rearview Mirror 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Door Child Security Locks 2
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Seat Pass-Through Trunk 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Seat Pass-Through Trunk Cushion Cupholders 2-51 . . .
Rearview Mirror 2-47, 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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