air condition BUICK RIVIERA 1993 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you will find on your vehicle.
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
POSSIBLE A
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BURNS AVOID
SPARKS
OR
FLAMES
SPARK
OR ,111,
COULD pq
FLAME
EXPLODE BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers whenever your
vehicle
is
driven:
FASTEN SEAT 4
BELTS
These symbols
have to do with
your lights:
SIGNALS TURN
HIGH BEAM
OR = =o
FOG LAMPS $0
These symbols
are on some
of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD ’ ’ ’ 4- #-
WASHER
f0 -**
WINDSHIELD Q
WASHER I
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
L.
HEADLAMP - ,~*-,
WASHER iQ
WIPER -
L
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
COOLANT F-
TEMP --
ENGINE
CHARGING
I-1
BATTERY SYSTEM
RADIATOR
a
COOLANT
FUEL
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
Wb
TEMP OIL &
ANTILOCK (@)
BRAKE
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
RADIO
‘‘ill
SELECTOR
RADIO
k
VOLUME
CONDITIONING
AIR 33
HATCHBACK /y
TRUNK
RELEASE
t LIGHTER 1-
HORN
SPEAKER
cr
~ 12 , .

Hazard Warning Flasher Service A/C
- This light
on your
instrument panel lets you
know when you have the
hazard warning flashers
on.
When the hazard flashers are on, your turn signals will
not work.
If you apply the brakes, the flashing will stop
until’you release the brake pedal. See “Hazard Warning
Flashers” in the Index for more information.
If this light stays on 60
seconds or more, your air
conditioning system needs service. It comes
on as a
bulb cheek, whenever you
turn the ignition to “Run”.

To rid the system of stale air in warm weather, air will
come out of the floor outlets for a short time.
Fan Speed
Bi-Level
H
The speed of the blower fan is controlled automancally'
if you have the fan on AUTO.
However, if you want the blower fan to run at a lower
speed, push
v.
If you want to raise the
blower speed, push
A.
The blower speed will go
lower or higher with
every
push of the button until
the lowest or highest
speed is reached.
This setting is designed for
use on sunny days where
the-air is only moderately
warm or cool. On days like
these, the sun may
adequately
warm your
upper body, but your lower
body may not be warm enough.
The Bi-level setting directs outside air into your vehicle
in two ways. Cool air is directed toward your upper
body through the front instrument panel outlets,
while
slightly warmed air is directed through the heater outlet
at your feet.
The air conditioner compressor operates in all Air Conditioned positions, and the Defrost position when
the outside temperature is above 40 OF (8 C)
121

much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best
handled by easing your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide (as when you turn a corner
on a wet, snow- or ice-covered road), ease your foot
off
the acceleratorpedal as soon as you feel the vehicle start
to slide. Quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you
start steering quickly enough, your vehicle
will straighten out.
As it does, straighten the front
wheels.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel,
or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction,
try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues
--
such as enoughewater, ice or packed snow on the road to make
a “mirrored surface” -- and slow down when you
have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock braking system
(ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid. Steer the way you want to
go.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason
is that some drivers are likely to be impaired --
162
I

Engine Overheating
You willi find a coolant temperature gage and the
warning light about a hot engine on your Buick
instrument panel.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine:
I
A CAUTION:
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 off and get everyone
away from the vehicle until
it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or coolant before
opening the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle
until the engine is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine:
If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high speed driving.
Id.le for long periods in traffic.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or
so:
1. Turn off your air conditioner.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
3. Try to keep your engine under load (in a drive gear
speed and open the window as necessary.
where the engine runs slower).

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance w.
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
In most cases, you will not need to have your wheels
aligned again. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the
alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air
out, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which
can sometimes be repaired). See your Buick dealer if
any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Eachnew wheel should have the same load carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts,
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, .wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for your Buick
model.
'1250

Fiberglass Springs Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can falhpon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect int he paint job causes this, Buick
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces new
vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12
months or
12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever comes first.
259

Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the
removal of important components can significantly
affect the quality of the air
we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or even the wrong tire inflation can increase the
level of emissions from your vehicle.
To help protect .
our environment, and to help keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
How This Part is Organized
The remainder of this part is divided into five sections:
“Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows
what
to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex,
so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should
let your dealer’s service department or another qualified
service center
do these jobs.
A CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous.
In trying to do some jobs, you
can be seriously injured.
Do your own
maintenance work only if you have the required
know-how and the proper tools and equipment
for the job.
If you have any doubt, have a
qualified technician do the work.
271

If YOU are skilled enough to do some work on your
vehicle, you will probably want to get the service
information GM publishes. You will find a list of
publications and how to get them in this manual. See
“Service Publications” in the Index.
“Section B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what
should be checked whenever you stop for fuel. It also
explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.
“Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains
important inspections that your Buick dealer’s service
department or another qualified service center should
perform. ‘‘Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists
some products GM recommends to help keep your
vehicle properly ,maintained. These products, or their
equivalents, should be used whether you do the work
yourself or have it done.
“Section
E: Maintenance Record” provides a place for
you to record the maintenance performed on your
vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be sure
to write it down in this section. This will help you
determine when your next maintenance should be done.
In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance
receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
272

conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and
neck.
To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a
pressure test of both the, cooling system and the
pressure cap.
7. Transaxle Service -- Change both the fluid and filter
every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) 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.
Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change both the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (160 000 km).
8. Spark Plug Replacement* -- Replace spark plugs
with the proper type. See “Specifications Chart” in
the Index.
service.
9. Spark
Plug Wire Inspection*? -- Inspect for burns,
cracks or other damage. Check the boot fit at the
distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires as
needed.
10. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* -- Replace every
30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or more often under dusty
conditions.
Ask your dealer for the proper
replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
11. Fuel Tank, Caa, and Lines Insa,ection*T -- Inspect
fuel tank, cap and lines (including fuel rails and
injection assembly, if equipped) for damage or leaks.
Inspect fuel cap gasket for an even filler neck
imprint or any damage. Replace parts as needed.
Periodic replacement of the fuel filter is not required.
i
* An Emission Control Service.
3‘ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure \
to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limitrecall liability prior to the completion of vehicle
useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section EMaintenance Record“.
1 279
1: