belt BUICK REGAL 2003 Workshop Manual

Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill andnd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. You
can avoid these problems by braking—if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room.
That’s the time for evasive action—steering around the
problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes.
SeeBraking on page 4-6. It is better to remove as much
speed as you can from a possible collision. Then
steer around the problem, to the left or right depending
on the space available.An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you
can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer
quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel
once you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
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2003 - Regal OM

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxleuid (don’t overll),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help yound them quickly. If you’re trailering,
it’s a good idea to review this information before you
start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-25.
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2003 - Regal OM

Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-62
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-63
Wheel Replacement......................................5-63
Tire Chains..................................................5-65
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-66
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-66
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-77
Appearance Care............................................5-77
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-78
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-80
Weatherstrips...............................................5-80
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-80
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-83
Finish Damage.............................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance................................5-83Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-83
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...........5-84
Vehicle Identification......................................5-85
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).................5-85
Service Parts Identification Label.....................5-86
Electrical System............................................5-86
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-86
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-86
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-86
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-86
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-87
Capacities and Specifications..........................5-92
Capacities and Specifications.........................5-92
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..........5-93
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
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2003 - Regal OM

Buying New Tires
Tofind out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Tire-Loading Information label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way
your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed
to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating,
traction, ride and other things during normal service on
your vehicle. If your tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC number will be followed by an“MS”(for
mud and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes
or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the
vehicle may not handle properly, and you
could have a crash. Using tires of different
sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle.
Be sure to use the same size and type tires on
all wheels. It’s all right to drive with your
compact spare temporarily, it was developed
for use on your vehicle. See“Compact Spare
Tire”in the index.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rimanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
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2003 - Regal OM

Top of the Instrument Panel
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones
or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the
windshield and even make it difficult to see through the
windshield under certain conditions.
Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft cloth
or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surfacefinish.
Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dustfilms on interior glass. See
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-84.
Notice:Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass,
because they may cause scratches. Avoid placing
decals on the inside rear window, since they
may have to be scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners
are used on the inside of the rear window, an
electric defogger element may be damaged. Any
temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-16.
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Vehicle
The paintfinish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
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2003 - Regal OM

100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transaxleuid andlter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transaxleuid, change both
theuid andlter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain,ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occursrst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-22for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
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2003 - Regal OM

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
“Windshield Wiper and Wiper Blades”underCleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-80.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-16.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxleuid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-20.Auid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if
needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specied in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the
body doors, hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, rear compartment, glove box door,
console door and any folding seat hardware. Part D
tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be
required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
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A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-15
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-55
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-38
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-5
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-86
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-47, 3-51
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-30
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-46
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-52
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-54
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-51
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?......1-52
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-51
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-49
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..................5-82
AM ...............................................................3-57
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-59
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-32
Appearance Care............................................5-77
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-80
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-83
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-78Appearance Care (cont.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-80
Finish Damage............................................5-83
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..........5-84
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-57
Backglass Antenna......................................3-59
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
................3-58
Care of Your CD Player
...............................3-59
Care of Your CDs
........................................3-59
Radio with Cassette
.....................................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD
.........................3-49
Setting the Time
..........................................3-45
Theft-Deterrent Feature
................................3-55
Understanding Radio Reception
.....................3-57
Automatic Operation
........................................3-20
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
..........................................................5-20
Operation
...................................................2-21
Automatic Transaxle Check
..............................6-11
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
.............................................6-12
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
...........3-16
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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

Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-52
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-20
Chains, Tires..................................................5-65
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Checking Coolant............................................5-23
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood....................... 5-8
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-54
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-83
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-32
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-38
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-44
Top Strap...................................................1-36
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-37
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-35Cigarette Lighter
.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle
..................................5-78
Outside of Your Vehicle
................................5-80
Underbody Maintenance
...............................5-83
Weatherstrips
..............................................5-80
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
.......................5-81
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment
.................3-24
Dual
..........................................................3-17
Dual Automatic
............................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment
........................................3-24
Compact Disc Messages
..................................3-54
Compact Spare Tire
........................................5-77
Control Buttons
...............................................3-43
Control of a Vehicle
.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net
............................................2-36
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage
............................3-34
Engine Temperature Warning Light
.................3-34
Heater, Engine
............................................2-20
Cooling System
..............................................5-28
Cornering Lamps
............................................3-13
Courtesy Lamps
.............................................3-13
Cruise Control
.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Light
........................................3-40
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2003 - Regal OM