radiator BUICK RIVIERA 1999 User Guide

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6-21
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, a GM thermostat i
s recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.

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6-22 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

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6-23 Checking Coolant
The engine coolant recovery tank is located on the
driver's side of the engine compartment.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up to FULL HOT or a little higher.
If this light comes on and
stays on, it means you're
low on engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.

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6-32
To remove the air cleaner assembly, see Steps 1 through
3 earlier in this section. See ªAir Cleanerº in the Index.The passenger's side high-beam headlamp access area is
next to the radiator pressure cap.
The passenger's side low
-beam headlamp access area is
to the right and slightly behind the high beam area.
The driver's side high
-beam headlamp access area is
located near the air cleaner.

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6-67 Engine Specifications
Engine L67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Engine Code 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 3.8L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the
air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If
you're not sure, ask your dealer.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter AC Type A-1096C . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter AC Type PF
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter AC Type GF
-627 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Cap RC27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs AC Type 41
-921* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
*Replaces original spark plug NGK Type PTR4B
-15.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type 6.32 pin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 207.2 inches (526.3 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 75.0 inches (190.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 55.2 inches (140.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 113.8 inches (289.1 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 62.5 inches (158.8 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 62.6 inches (159.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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7-21
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.

If you haven't used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
previously and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transaxle fluid,
change both the fluid and filter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Pressure test cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
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7-30
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)

Inspect spark plug wires.
An Emission Control Service.

Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.

Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter 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.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you haven't used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
previously and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transaxle fluid,
change both the fluid and filter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

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7-35
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's service
department or other qualified service center do these jobs.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out
-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, looseconnections or other conditions which could cause a heat
build
-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

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9-8
PARK (P)
Shifting Into 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Zone Comfort Control 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
II 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perimeter Lighting 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Choice Features 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlet 2
-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna Mast Care 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna Service 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatback Recliner 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power, Retained Accessory 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Seat
Lumbar Controls 1
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Seats and Mirrors 1-3, 1-4, 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Outside Seat Position 1
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Compartment Fuse Block 6-63, 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror
Electrochromic Day/Night 2
-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With Compass 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-11, 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote
Fuel Door Release 6
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release Lockout 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .