automatic transmission BUICK REGAL 2017 User Guide

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
188 Driving and Operating
lower gear to keep your speed
down. If the brake pedal is applied,
the cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.To disengage cruise control,
step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
*.
. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
. To turn off the cruise control,
press
5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
5is pressed
or the ignition is turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), it allows for selecting
the cruise control set speed and
following gap. Read this entire
section before using this system.
ACC uses a camera and radar sensors to detect other vehicles.
See
Radio Frequency Statement
0 319. The following gap is the
following time (or distance) between
your vehicle and a vehicle detected
directly ahead in your path, moving
in the same direction. If no vehicle
is detected in your path, ACC works
like regular cruise control.
If a vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC can speed up the vehicle or
apply limited, moderate braking to
maintain the selected following gap.
To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If the Traction Control System (TCS)
or StabiliTrak
®electronic stability
control system activates while ACC
is engaged, ACC may automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0183.
When road conditions allow ACC to
be safely used, ACC can be turned
back on. ACC will not engage if the
TCS or StabiliTrak electronic
stability control system is disabled.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability
and may not have time to slow
the vehicle down enough to avoid
a collision with another vehicle
you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or
stop ahead, or enter your lane.
Also see “Alerting the Driver” in
this section. Complete attention is
always required while driving and
you should be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0157.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for
children, pedestrians, animals,
or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
. On winding and hilly roads
or when the sensors are
blocked by snow, ice, or dirt.
(Continued)

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
Vehicle Care 211
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 212
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 212
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 220
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 222
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 227
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Battery - North America . . . . . . 231
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 232
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 233
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 233
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 235
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 236
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Electrical System Overload . . . 238
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 238 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 245
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
216 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0222.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0218.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0218.
4. Transmission Fluid Cap. See Automatic Transmission Fluid
0221.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0230.
6. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0224.
7. Battery (Under Cover). See Battery - North America 0231.
8. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0239.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 228.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
218 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0222.
2. Engine Cover.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0218.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0218.
5. Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0221.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0230.
7. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0224.
8. Battery (Under Cover). See Battery - North America 0231.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0239.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 228.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 0220.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0
215 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
Vehicle Care 221
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:1. Using the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel,
display REMAINING OIL LIFE
on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0119 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0122. When
remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the
display. See Engine Oil
Messages 0128. 2. Press
Von the DIC controls
and hold down for a few
seconds to clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
and reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil
life display accidentally at any
time other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer.
Contact your dealer for additional
information. The procedure can be
found in the service manual. To
purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information 0318.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 294, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0303.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
232 Vehicle Care
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative (−)
cable from the battery to keep the
battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative (−)
cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Remember to reconnect the battery
when ready to drive the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
248 Vehicle Care
(3) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item 3 of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply
construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials. Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 251.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
264 Vehicle Care
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0145.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being
changed.
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. To use the jacking
equipment to change a spare tire
safely, follow the instructions below.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
280 Vehicle Care
The jump start negative grounding
point for the discharged battery is
the engine block or an engine
mounting bolt. Connect to a spot as
far away from the discharged
battery as possible.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump starting
procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking
brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
3. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF and switch off all lights and
accessories in both vehicles,
except the hazard warning
flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
4. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the remote positive (+)
terminal of the discharged
battery.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9804381) - 2017 - crc - 8/30/16
282 Vehicle Care
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
. What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow. .
Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
. Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground.
If the vehicle must be towed, a dolly
should be used. See the information
on dolly towing later in this section.