service BUICK REGAL 2004 User Guide

OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and call centers
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information and convenience services.
A complete OnStar
®user’s guide and the terms and
conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in your vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com,
contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827),
or press the blue OnStar®button to speak to an
OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A completed Subscription Service Agreement is required
prior to delivery of OnStar
®services and prepaid
calling minutes are also required for OnStar®Personal
Calling and OnStar®Virtual Advisor use. Terms and
conditions of the Subscription Service Agreement can be
found at www.onstar.com.
OnStar®Services
One of the following plans is normally included for a
specic duration with each vehicle equipped with
OnStar
®. You can upgrade or extend your OnStar®
service plan to meet your needs.
Safe and Sound Plan

Automatic Notication of Air Bag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Assistance
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Directions and Connections Plan

All Safe and Sound Plan services
Route Support
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
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Luxury and Leisure Plan

All Directions and Connections Plan services
Personal Concierge
OnStar®Personal Calling
With OnStar®Personal Calling, you have a safer way to
stay connected while driving. It’s a hands-free wireless
phone that’s integrated into your vehicle. You can place
calls nationwide using voice-activated dialing with no
contracts and no additional roaming charges. To nd out
more about OnStar
®Personal Calling, refer to the
OnStar®user’s guide in your vehicle’s glove box, or call
OnStar®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
With OnStar®Virtual Advisor you can listen to the news,
entertainment and informative topics, such as traffic
and weather reports. You are able to listen and reply to
your e-mail through your vehicle’s speakers.
Storage Areas
Glove Box
Use the door key to lock and unlock the glove box. To
open the glove box, lift the latch on its door.
Center Console Storage Area
The console has cupholders and a storage area for
cassette tapes.
To open the console storage area, press the latch on
the front of the console lid and pull up.
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Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-11
Interior Lamps..............................................3-14
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-16
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-17
Climate Controls............................................3-17
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-17
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-20
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-24
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-25
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-26
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-27
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-28
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-29
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-31
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-32
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-33
Low Traction Light........................................3-33Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-34
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-35
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-35
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-38
Low Oil Level Light.......................................3-39
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-39
Security Light...............................................3-40
Cruise Control Light......................................3-40
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-40
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light........................3-40
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-41
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-42
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-42
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
Setting the Time...........................................3-45
Radio with CD..............................................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-52
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-61
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-62
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-62
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-63
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-64
Care of Your CD Player................................3-64
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-64
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The system check includes the air bag modules, the
wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For
more information on the air bag system, seeAir Bag
Systems on page 1-46.
This light will come on
when the vehicle is
started, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then
the light should go out.
This means the system is
functioning properly.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is
started, or comes on as the vehicle is being driven,
there may be an electrical problem and the air
bag system may not work properly. Have the vehicle
serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away if the air bag
readiness light stays on after you start your
vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should ash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
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When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when the parking brake is set.
The light will stay on if the parking brake does not
release fully. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully
released, it means there is a brake problem.
If the light comes on while the vehicle is being driven,
pull off the road and stop carefully. The pedal may
be harder to push. or it may go closer to the oor. It may
take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-31.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
If the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, this warning light will
come on for a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to RUN. If the anti-lock brake system warning light
stays on longer than normal after the engine has been
started, turn the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and
stays on while the vehicle is being driven, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or
comes on again while driving, the anti-lock brake system
needs service. If the light is on and the regular brake
system warning light is not on, the vehicle still has brakes,
but it does not have anti-lock brakes.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briey when the ignition key is turned to RUN. This
is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.United States
Canada
3-32

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If the vehicle has a
Traction Control System
(TCS), the traction
control system warning
light may come on for the
following reasons:
When the system is turned off by pressing the
traction control button located on the panel directly
behind the automatic transaxle shift lever. To
turn the system back on, press the button again.
The warning light should go off. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-10for more
information.
If there is a brake system problem that is specically
related to traction control. If the brakes begin to
overheat, the traction control system will turn off and
the warning light will come on until the brakes
cool down.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem.
If there is a base brake problem with Full-Range
Traction Control.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, the vehicle needs service.
Low Traction Light
If the vehicle has the
Traction Control System
(TCS), this light will
come on when the system
is limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the traction control system
working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions
may exist if the low traction light comes on, so adjust
your driving accordingly. The light will stay on for a
few seconds after the traction control system stops
limiting wheel spin. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-10orFull-Range Traction Control System
on page 4-9.
3-33

Tire Pressure Light
The vehicle may have a
tire pressure monitor that
indicates a large change
in the pressure in one tire.
The system stores the tire pressures of the vehicle’s
properly inated tires. The LOW TIRE light will come on
if the pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa)
lower than the other three tires. The LOW TIRE light will
not come on if the pressure in more than one tire is
low, if the system is not yet calibrated, or if the vehicle
is moving faster than 70 mph (110 km/h).
When the LOW TIRE light comes on, stop as soon as
possible and check all the tires for damage. If a tire
is at, seeIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-77. Also check
the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as possible.
SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-68.
The light will stay on, while the ignition is on, until the
system is reset. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-69.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Service Engine Soon Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light
comes on and a chime will sound to indicate that there
is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions
often will be indicated by the system before any problem
is apparent. This may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist
your service technician in correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
3-35

Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may
not be covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake or fuel system of your
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. If the light does not come on, have it
repaired. This light will also come on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed.
Avoiding hard accelerations.
Avoiding steep uphill grades.
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle.Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still
ashing, follow the previous steps, and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
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If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling Your Tank on page 5-7. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-4. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation
on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has
the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to x any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
may begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help your
vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the SERVICE
ENGINE SOON light is on or not working properly.
3-37

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle
still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD
system readiness, your GM dealer can prepare the
vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
If the vehicle has a an oil
problem, this light may
stay on after the engine is
started, or come on
while you are driving.
This light indicates that oil is not going through the
engine quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine
could be low on oil or could have some other oil
problem. Have it xed right away.The oil light could also come on in the following
situations:
The light will come on briey when the ignition is
turned on to show that it is working properly. If it
does not come on with the ignition on, there may be
a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it xed
right away.
Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the
light may blink on and off. This is normal.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
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