steering BUICK REGAL 1999 Owner's Guide

yellowblue
6-11
When you open the hood of the 3800 (Code 1) V6 Supercharged Engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Remote Positive (+) Battery TerminalE. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
G. Engine Oil Dipstick
H. Engine Oil Fill CapI. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
6-29
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
3800 or 3800 Supercharged Engine
When the engine compartment is hot, the level should be
at the HOT mark. If the fluid is at the ADD mark, you
should add fluid.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
6-68
Fuse Description
38 Low Blower
39 Anti
-Lock Brakes
40 Turn Signals, Cornering Lamps
41 Radio, HVAC Head, Remote
Keyless Entry, Cluster, CEL TEL
42 High Blower
43 Passenger's Heated Seat
44 Audio Steering Wheel Controls
45 WipersUnderhood Electrical Center
-- Passenger's Side
Some fuses and relays are located in the underhood electrical
center on the passenger's side of the engine compartment.
Fuse Description
1 ABS
2 Starter Solenoid
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
6-69
Fuse Description
3 Power Seats, Rear Defog,
Heated Seats
4 High Blower, Hazard Flasher,
Stoplamps, Power Mirror,
Door Locks
5 Ignition Switch, BTSI, Stoplamps,
ABS, Turn Signals, Cluster, Air
Bag, DRL Module
6 Cooling Fan
7 Interior Lamps, Retained
Accessory Power, Keyless Entry,
CEL TEL, Data Link, HVAC
Head, Cluster, Radio, AUX Power
(Power Drop), Cigarette Lighter
8 Ignition Switch, Wipers, Radio,
Steering Wheel Controls, Body
Control Module, AUX Power
(Power Drop), Power Windows,
Sunroof, HVAC Controls, DRL,
Rear Defog Relay
9 Cooling Fan 2
10 Cooling Fan 3Relay Description
11 Starter Solenoid
12 Cooling Fan 1
13 Ignition Main
14 Not Used
15 A/C Clutch
16 Horn
17 Fog Lamps
18 Fuel Pump, Speed Control
(L67 only)
19 Fuel Pump
20 Not Used
21 Generator
22 ECM
23 A/C Compressor Clutch
24 Cooling Fan
25 Electronic Ignition
26 Transaxle
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
7-19
Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part 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 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 service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº 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 ªEngine Exhaustº 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.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
7-21
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
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines ªStarburstº
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
8-11
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1999 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
1999 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
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.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: $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.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA±MasterCard±Discover)
1999 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.)
ProCarManuals.com

9-
yellowblue
9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Receptacle 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Air Bag
How Does it Restrain 1
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-22, 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-3, 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Instant 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player
with Automatic Tone Control 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic
Tone Control 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna
Backglass 3
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diversity 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti
-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-63, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-3, 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Astroroof 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Touch Control 3-20 . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems, Tips 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto-Down Window 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic
Headlamp Control 2
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive (
)2-24, 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Fluid 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Operation 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Rearview Mirror 2-49 . .
Auxiliary Power Connection 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
9-7
Lockout Protection Feature 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programmable Automatic Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear-Door Child Security 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss of Control 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low
Coolant Warning Light 2
-66, 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Light 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Light 2-71, 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Light 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Light 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer Fluid Warning Light 2-39, 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low-Beam Headlamps 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnetic Variable Effort Steering4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-73 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1, 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it's Organized 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule, Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 7
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle and the Environment 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maintenance, Underbody 6
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual
Door Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Dimming/Heated Outside Rearview 2-49 . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Outside Foldaway 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MMT 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Trunk Convenience 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offices, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Warning Light 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OnStar
2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive (
), Automatic 2-24, 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ProCarManuals.com