engine coolant BUICK REGAL 2016 User Guide

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
Vehicle Care 219
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 220
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 230
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 231
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 237
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Battery - North America . . . . . . 241
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 243
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 243
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 244
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 246
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 247
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Electrical System Overload . . . 248
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 249 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
224 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0231.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0228.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0228.
4. Transmission Fluid Cap. See Automatic Transmission
Fluid 0231. 5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brake Fluid 0240.
6. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0235.
7. Battery (Under Cover). See Battery - North America 0241. 8.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0249.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer
Fluid 0239.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
226 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0231.
2. Engine Cover.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0228.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0228. 5. Transmission Fluid Cap and
Dipstick. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0231.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0240.
7. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0235. 8. Battery (Under Cover). See
Battery - North America 0241.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0249.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer
Fluid 0239.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
228 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0231.
2. Engine Cover.
3. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling
System 0233.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0228.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See Engine Oil0228.
6. High Voltage Cable (Orange Color).
7. Transmission Fluid Cap. See Automatic Transmission
Fluid 0231.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0240.
9. Battery (Under Cover). See Battery - North America 0241.
10. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0235.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0249.
12. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer
Fluid 0239.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0230.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must
be on level ground. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0
223 for the location of the engine
oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
Vehicle Care 233
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:1. Open the hood. See Hood 0222.
2. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct
clamp (2).
3. Disconnect the electrical connector (3).
4. Remove the screws (1) on top of the engine air cleaner/filter
housing.
5. Lift the filter cover housing away from the engine air
cleaner/filter housing.
6. Pull out the filter.
7. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
8. Reverse Steps 2-4 to reinstall the filter cover housing.{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when you are driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature. When it is safe to lift the hood:
2.0L L4 Turbo Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Out
of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
234 Vehicle Care
2.4L L4 Engine without eAssist
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Outof View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
2.4L L4 Engine with eAssist
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Outof View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
Vehicle Care 235
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0237.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0315.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
236 Vehicle Care
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the mark
pointed to, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.If no coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
Caution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
If no problem is found, check to see
if coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank. If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is not at the
indicated level mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and surge tank pressure
cap to cool.
Caution
In cold weather, water can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core, and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and
the proper coolant mixture.
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
Vehicle Care 237
2.0L L4 Turbo Engine Shown, 2.4LL4 Engine with or without eAssist Similar
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture to the indicated
level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until you
can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture to the coolant surge tank until the
level reaches the indicated
level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
Check the level in the coolant surge
tank when the cooling system has
cooled down. If the coolant is
not at the proper level, repeat
Steps 1–3 and reinstall the pressure
cap. If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system cools
down again, see your dealer.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge and may also
have an engine coolant temperature
warning light on the instrument
cluster to warn of engine
overheating. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0112 and
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light 0121.
If it is decided not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away,
see Roadside Assistance
Program 0326.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159380) - 2016 - CRC - 2/23/16
238 Vehicle Care
If it is decided to lift the hood, make
sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine,
and have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic. If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone or the engine coolant
temperature warning light no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.