brakes BUICK REGAL 2003 Owner's Guide

When your brakefluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-31.
What to Add
When you do need brakefluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid. Use new brakefluid from a sealed container
only. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-16.
Always clean the brakefluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind ofuid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or
they may not even work at all. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper
brakeuid.
Notice:
Using the wronguid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system
parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced.
Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind ofuid.
If you spill brakeuid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paintnish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brakeuid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care”in the Index. United States
Canada
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Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the
brake pedalfirmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes won’t work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake
wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes arefirst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
SeeBrake System Inspection on page 6-15.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
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Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a 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
need 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
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco®battery. When it’s time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco
®
battery. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-10for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.If your battery has a very low charge or is dead, you
may not be able to remove the ignition key from
the ignition switch or shift out of Park (P). Refer to
Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-27.
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.
{CAUTION:
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”next 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, seeTheft-Deterrent
Feature on page 3-55.
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Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P225/60R16 size tires, don’t
use tire chains, there’s not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you dond traction devices that willt,
install them on the front tires.
Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P225/60R16 size tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class
″S″type chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
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Fuses Usage
CLUSTER Instrument Panel Cluster
CIGAR LTRCigarette Lighter, Auxiliary Power
Connection (Power Drop)
STOP LAMPS Stoplamps
ONSTAR OnStar
®
FRT PARK LPS Front Parking Lamps
POWER DROPAuxiliary Power Connection (Power
Drop): Hot in ACC and Run
CRANK
SIGNAL, BCM,
CLUSTERCrank Signal, Body Control Module,
Cluster, Powertrain Control Module
HVACIgnition Signal, Heating Ventilation
Air Conditioning Control Head
BTSI PARK
LOCKShifter Lock Solenoid
AIR BAG Air Bag
BCM PWR Body Control Module
HAZARD Hazard Flashers
LH HEATED
SEATDriver’s Heated Seat
Fuses Usage
Blank Not Used
BCM ACCIgnition Signal: Hot in ACC and Run,
Body Control Module
Blank Not Used
LOW BLOWER Low Blower
ABS Anti-Lock Brakes
TURN
SIGNALS,
CORN LPSTurn Signals, Cornering Lamps
RADIO, HVAC,
RFA,
CLUSTERRadio, Heating Ventilation Air
Conditioning Head, Remote Keyless
Entry, Cluster
HIGH BLOWER High Blower
RH HEATED
SEATPassenger’s Heated Seat
STRG WHL
CONTAudio Steering Wheel Controls
WIPER Windshield Wipers
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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.
@Whenever the tires are rotated, the Tire Ination
Monitor System must be reset.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-15.
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the
GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Reset the system.
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil andfilter. This is
based on engine revolutions and engine temperature,
and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions,
the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is
changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON light will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next two
times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may
not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a
year. However, your engine oil andfilter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service
people who will perform this work using genuine GM
parts and reset the system.
It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep
it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-13for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
See the mileage intervals following for additional
services that may be performed with an engine oil
change. After the services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
on the maintenance record pages in Part E of this
schedule.
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Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings 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,
chang, 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.
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Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
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2003 - Regal OM

B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-59
Backing Up....................................................4-39
Battery..........................................................5-42
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-15
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-11
Brake
Parking......................................................2-24
System Inspection.......................................6-15
System Warning Light..................................3-31
Brake Fluid....................................................5-39
Brake Wear...................................................5-41
Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-50
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-54
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-52
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-48
Headlamps.................................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-55
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-53
Buying New Tires...........................................5-61
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada–Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specifications............................5-92
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-35, 2-12, 2-29
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-80
Your Cassette Tape Player
............................3-58
Your CD Player
...........................................3-59
Your CDs
...................................................3-59
Cassette Tape Messages
.........................3-49, 3-52
Cassette Tape Player Service
...........................6-10
Center Console Storage Area
...........................2-35
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2003 - Regal OM

Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-35
Tire Inflation Check.........................................6-10
Tires.....................................................5-56, 5-82
Buying New Tires........................................5-61
Chains.......................................................5-65
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-66
Compact Spare Tire
.....................................5-77
If a Tire Goes Flat
.......................................5-66
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
...............................5-57
Inspection and Rotation
................................5-59
Pressure Monitor System
..............................5-58
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
.........................5-62
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
.................5-63
Wheel Replacement
.....................................5-63
When It Is Time for New Tires
......................5-60
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
....................2-20
Top of the Instrument Panel
.............................5-80
Top Strap
......................................................1-36
Top Strap Anchor Location
...............................1-37
Torque Lock
...................................................2-26
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
..................4-37Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-31
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-35
Your Vehicle...............................................4-31
Traction
Control System (TCS)..................................4-10
Control System Warning Light.......................3-33
Full-Range Control System............................. 4-9
Low Light...................................................3-33
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-38
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-20
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-21
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-10
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-28
Trunk............................................................2-12
Trunk Assist Handle........................................2-13
Trunk Lock....................................................2-12
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-5
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-40
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