oil reset BUICK REGAL 2003 Owner's Manual

Low Oil Level Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with an oil level monitoring
system. When the
ignition key is turned on,
the LOW OIL light will
come on briefly.
If the light does not come on briefly, have itfixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.
If the light stays on, stop the vehicle on a level surface
and turn the engine off. Check the oil level using the
engine oil dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.Ifthe
light does not come on briefly, have the low oil level
sensor system repaired so it will be ready to warn you if
there’s a problem.
The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level
during the brief period between key on and engine
crank. It does not monitor engine oil level when
the engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is
only performed if the engine has been turned off for
a considerable period of time, allowing the oil normally
in circulation to drain back into the oil pan.
Change Engine Oil Light
The CHANGE OIL SOON
light should come on
briefly as a bulb check
when you start the engine.
If the light doesn’t come
on, have it serviced.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes on and stays on
after you start the engine, have the oil changed.
For additional information, see“When to Change Engine
Oil (GM Oil Life System)”underEngine Oil on
page 5-13. To reset the CHANGE OIL SOON light, see
“How to Reset the System”underEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
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Modes
AVG ECON (Average Economy):This mode shows
your average fuel economy since you last reset this
mode. Average fuel economy is viewed as a long term
approximation of your overall driving and driving
conditions. To learn the average fuel economy from a
new starting point, press the RESET button while
the average fuel economy is displayed in the DIC.
INSTANTANEOUS FUEL ECONOMY:This mode
shows your current fuel economy. Instantaneous fuel
economy varies with your driving conditions, such
as acceleration, braking and the grade of the road being
traveled. The instantaneous fuel economy display
cannot be reset.
OIL LIFE MONITOR:This mode shows an estimate of
the oil’s remaining useful life. When the oil life index
is less than 10%, the CHANGE OIL SOON light
will come on. When you have the oil changed according
to the maintenance schedule. SeePart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4. You will have
to reset the CHANGE OIL SOON light.
To reset the CHANGE OIL SOON light, see“How to
Reset the CHANGE OIL SOON light underEngine Oil
on page 5-13.Also, see“When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life
System)”underEngine Oil on page 5-13andPart
A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on page 6-4.
RANGE:This mode shows the approximate distance
you can drive without refueling. This is based on
the amount of fuel in the tank and on the fuel economy
of the most recent 25 miles (40 km). This display
cannot be reset.
BOOST GAGE:If you have the supercharged engine,
this gage will show the amount of boost your engine
is receiving. This display cannot be reset.
Audio System(s)
Notice:Before you add any sound equipment to
your vehicle–like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone or two-way radio–be sure you can
add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to
do it properly. Added sound equipment may
interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine,
Delphi Electronics radio or other systems, and
even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may
interfere with the operation of sound equipment that
has been added improperly.
So, before adding sound equipment, check with
your dealer and be sure to check federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units.
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SAE 10W-30 is the viscosity grade recommended for
your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W-30 if
it’s going to be colder than 60°F (16°C) before your next
oil change. When it’s very cold, colder than 0°F
(-18°C), you should use an SAE 5W-30 oil. These
numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or
thickness. Do not use other viscosity grade oils, such as
SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50 under any conditions.
Notice:Use only engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
®oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below–20°F (-29°C),itis
recommended that you use either and SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or and SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for
good performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life 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.
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How to Reset the CHANGE OIL
SOON Light
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil andfilter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a
CHANGE OIL SOON light being turned on, reset
the system.
After changing the engine oil, reset the system by
performing the following steps:
1. With the engine off, turn the ignition key to RUN.
2. Fully push and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times withinfive seconds.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON lightflashes, the system
is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF, then start the vehicle. The oil
life will change to 100 percent.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes back on, the
system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
If you have a Driver Information Center, the system may
be reset by pressing the DIC RESET button forfive
seconds while viewing the oil life display on the
DIC. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-42.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
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Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:Your radiator cap is a 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
overow tube on the radiatorller neck.
The radiator pressure cap is located near the front of
the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-10for
more information on location.
Engine Overheating
You willfind a coolant temperature gage and a hot
engine warning light on your instrument panel.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-34
andEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light on
page 3-34.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
The overheated engine protection operating mode
allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency situation. If an overheated engine condition
exists, this mode, which alternatesfiring groups of
cylinders, helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will indicate
an overheated engine condition exists. Driving extended
miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheated
engine protection operating mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See“Engine Oil”in the
Index.
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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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