air conditioning BUICK REGAL 1999 Owners Manual

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Comfort Controls
Dual ComforTemp Climate Control
With this system, the driver and passenger can maintain
separate temperatures. The system works best if you
keep your windows closed while using it.
Fan Control
The left knob labeled FAN controls the fan
speed selection.
If the airflow seems very low when the fan is adjusted to
the highest setting regardless of the mode setting, your
passenger compartment air filter may need to be
replaced. See ªMaintenance Scheduleº or ªPassenger
Compartment Air Filterº in the Index.Driver's Temperature Knob
The center knob sets the temperature for the driver's
outlets. Turn the knob toward red (clockwise) for
warmer air. Turn it toward blue (counterclockwise) for
cooler air.
Passenger's Temperature Lever
The bottom lever adjusts the air temperature on the
passenger's side independent of the temperature set by
the driver. Slide the lever toward the right to raise the
temperature. Slide the lever toward the left to lower
the temperature.
Mode Knob
The right knob has several settings to control the
direction of airflow. To access the various modes
available, turn the mode knob to the desired mode.
MAX: This setting recirculates much of the air inside
your vehicle and sends it through the instrument panel
outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40
F (4
C). (Even when the
compressor is running, you can control the temperature.)
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NORM: This setting brings in outside air and sends it
through the instrument panel outlets. The air
conditioning compressor will run automatically in this
setting unless the outside temperature is below 40
F
(4
C). (Even when the compressor is running, you can
control the temperature.)
BI
-LEV: This setting brings in outside air and directs it
two ways. Half of the air is directed through the
instrument panel outlets. Most of the remaining air is
directed through the floor ducts and a little to the defrost
and side window vents. The air conditioning compressor
will run automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40
F (4
C). (Even when the
compressor is running, you can control the temperature.)
VENT: This setting brings in outside air and directs it
through the instrument panel outlets.
HTR: This setting sends most of the air through the
ducts near the floor. The rest comes out of the defroster
and side window vents.
BLEND: This setting allows half of the air to go to the
floor ducts and half to the defroster and side window
vents. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40
F (4
C). (Even when the
compressor is running, you can control the temperature.)
FRONT: This setting directs most of the air
through the defroster and side window vents. Some of
the air goes to the floor ducts and the side window vents.
The air conditioning compressor will run automatically
in this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40
F (4
C). (Even when the compressor is running, you
can control the temperature.)
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the
vehicle to cool down.
For a quick cool
-down on very hot days, use MAX with
the temperature knob and lever all the way in the blue
area. If this setting is used for long periods of time, the
air in your vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on hot days, use NORM with the
temperature knob and lever in the blue area. The system
will bring in outside air and cool it.
On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
You can use BI
-LEV and set the temperature knob to a
comfortable setting. The system will bring in outside air
and direct it to your upper body, while sending slightly
warmed air to your lower body. You may notice this
temperature difference more at some times than others.
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Heating
On cold days, use HTR with the temperature knob and
lever all the way in the red area. The system will bring
in outside air, heat it and send it to the floor ducts.
If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can use
it to help your system provide warm air faster when it's
cold outside
-- 0
F (-18
C) or lower. An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant your engine and heating
system use to provide heat. See ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº in the Index.
Ventilation
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air through
your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow
-through
ventilation system described later in this section.
Defogging and Defrosting
Your system has two settings for clearing the front and side
windows. To defrost the windows quickly, use FRONT with
the temperature knob all the way in the red area.
For maximum defroster performance, set both driver and
passenger temperature controls to the warmest setting.
To warm passengers while keeping the windows clear,
use BLEND.
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate
Control (If Equipped)
With this system, you set a temperature. You can then
either let the system automatically control airflow
direction and force to maintain the temperature, or you
can manually adjust it. The system works best if you
keep your windows closed while using it.
Automatic Control
For the most efficient operation, you should set the
system temperature and press AUTO. The system will
select the best fan speed and airflow settings to keep you
comfortable. The air conditioning compressor will run if
the outside temperature is above 40
F (4
C). You may
notice a delay of two to three minutes before the fan
comes on at start up in cool weather.
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FRONT: This setting brings in outside air and
directs most of the air through the defrost vent. Some of
the air also goes to the floor ducts and the side window
defogger outlets. The indicator on the button will light
and WINDSHIELD will be lit in the display. The air
conditioning compressor will run automatically in
this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40
F (4
C).
VENT: This pushbutton turns the air conditioning
compressor on and off. The indicator is lit when the
compressor is turned off. Recirculation is not permitted
when the compressor is off. The system will try to
control the temperature automatically, but without
the compressor.
VENT is not permitted in FRONT defrost mode. If the
VENT button is pushed while in FRONT defrost mode,
the indicator will light for one second and then turn off.
RECIRC: This setting recirculates much of the air
inside your vehicle. This setting is not permitted in
FRONT defrost mode and is only permitted in WINDSHIELD/FLOOR mode if the compressor is
turned on. The indicator light will be lit when
recirculation is engaged, but will light for one second
and then turn off if selected when not permitted.
Heating (Engine Coolant Heater)
If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can use
it to help your system provide warm air faster when it's
cold outside
-- 0
F (-18
C) or lower. An engine
coolant heater warms the coolant your engine and
heating system use to provide heat. See ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting
Your system has two settings for clearing the front and
side windows. To defrost the windows quickly, press the
FRONT button; set the temperature to 90
F (32
C),
select high fan speed and turn the DUAL button off. To
warm passengers while keeping the windows clear, push
the AIR FLOW button until WINDSHIELD/FLOOR
appears in the display. Select fan speed for comfort and
windshield clearing performance.
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3-8 Ventilation System
Adjust the direction
of airflow by moving
the vents.
Your vehicle's flow
-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning
fan is running.
If the airflow seems very low when the fan is adjusted to
the highest setting regardless of the mode setting, your
passenger compartment air filter may need to be
replaced. See ªMaintenance Scheduleº or ªPassenger
Compartment Air Filterº in the Index.Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction, such as leaves. The heater and
defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of
fogging the inside of your windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the
mode knob or button to FLOOR and the fan to the
highest speed for a few seconds before driving off.
This helps clear the intake ducts of snow and
moisture and reduces the chance of fogging the
inside of your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.
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6-
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 3800 Supercharged (Code 1)
V6 Engine (If Equipped)
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-18 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
6
-21 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-25 Engine Coolant
6
-29 Power Steering Fluid
6
-30 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-31 Brakes
6
-35 Battery
6
-36 Bulb Replacement
6
-45 Tires6
-55 Appearance Care
6
-56 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-58 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-59 Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield
and Wiper Blades
6
-59 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-61 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-61 Cleaning Tires
6
-63 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-64 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-65 Electrical System
6
-70 Replacement Bulbs
6
-71 Capacities and Specifications
6
-72 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-73 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
6
-73 Vehicle Dimensions
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Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment
air filter is located
underneath your hood just
below the windshield wiper
arm on the passenger side
(underneath the air inlet
grille) of the vehicle.
The filter traps most of the pollen from the air entering
the air conditioning module. Like your engine's air
cleaner filter, it may need to be changed periodically.
For information on how often to change the passenger
compartment air filter, see ªMaintenance Scheduleº in
the Index.
To change the passenger compartment air filter, use the
following steps:
1. Turn off the ignition when the windshield wipers are
in the up position.2. Raise the hood.
3. Remove (disconnect) the windshield washer pump
hose from the fender rail and air inlet grille.
4. Reposition the hood weatherstrip from the
passenger's side of the vehicle (peel back halfway
to center).
5. Remove (disconnect) the air inlet grille retainers.
6. Remove (disconnect) the air inlet grille.
7. Remove (disconnect) the passenger compartment
air filter.
8. Then install the new air filter. For the type of filter
to use, see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement
Partsº in the Index.
9. Reposition the air inlet grille.
10. Replace the air inlet grille retainers.
11. Reposition the hood weatherstrip.
12. Reconnect the windshield washer pump hose to the
fender rail and air inlet grille.
13. Close the hood.
14. Return the windshield wipers to the park position.
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Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamps Bulb Number
Back
-Up 1156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High
-Mounted Stop 3155. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking/Turn Signal 4175 NAK. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp, High Beam 9005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp, Low Beam 9006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop/Tail/Turn Signal 3057. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tail (Applique) 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Lamps BulbNumber
Dome Lamp 9425542. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*For service information on these bulbs, contact your
dealer service department.
Capacities and Specifications
4T65E:
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement 7.4 quarts (7.0 L). .
After Complete Overhaul 10.0 quarts (9.5 L). . . . .
* When draining/replacing converter, more fluid will
be needed.
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3800 (Code K) V6 12.3 quarts (11.6 L). . . . . . . . . . .
3800 Supercharged (Code 1) V6 12.3 quarts (11.6 L)
Refrigerant (R
-134a), Air Conditioning*1.88 lbs.
(0.85 kg)
*See ªAir Conditioning Refrigerantsº later in this
section.
Engine Crankcase
Oil and Filter Change 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank17.5 gallons (66.2 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*Note: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in
this manual. See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.
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6-72 Engine Specifications
3800 Supercharged 3800 (Code K) V6
(Code 1) V6
Type V6 V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 231 CID 231 CID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-21-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 195
F (91
C) 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 240 @ 5200 200 @ 5200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you're not sure, ask your dealer.
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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.
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