tow BUICK ROADMASTER 1993 Owner's Manual

To check the fluid hot or cold:
0 Park your vehicle on a level place.
Place the shift.lever in “P” (Park) with the parking
brake applied.
0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about 3
seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever
in
“P” (Park).
Let the engine run at idle for 3 minutes or more.
Then, without shutting
off the enpine, follow these
steps:
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait 3 seconds and then
pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the
COLD area for st
cold check or in the HOT area or cross-hatched area
for
a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
255

After the tires have beers rotated, adjust the front and
rea inflation pressure as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts ax9
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in the
’ ..
Index.
A CAUTION:
Rust or diir on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become
loose after a time. The wheel-could come off
‘and cause an accident. When you change a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places
where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an
emergency, you can use a’cloth or a paper towel
to
do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire
brush later,
if you need to, to get all the rust --
dirt off. (See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the
Index.)
I
When It’s Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires
is to.
check the treadwear’-
*. ’
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have only
2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.
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DU need a new tire if
You can see the indicators at three places around the
tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut -or snagged deep
rubber.
enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge or .split.
274

Cleaning the Inside of Your Buick using r oam-Type Cleaner on Fabric
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
'dirt. Wipe vinyl with
a clean, damp cloth.
Your Buick dealer has two
GM cleaners - a
solvent-type spot lifter and a foam-type,powdered
'cleaner. They will clean normal spots and stains very well.
:Here are some cleaning tips:
0 Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as: you,.cgnm- before they
0 use a clean dotn or sponge, and change to a clean
- area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are
Use soivent-type cleaners in a well-ventilated area
If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
se
stubborn..
1.
only, If you use them,
don't saturate the stained area.
area immediately
or it will set.
0 Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.
~ '
Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered 'Cleaner following the
directions on the container label.
.
Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge.
0 Don't saturate the material.
0 Don't rub it roughly; -''
0 As SOOR as you've cleaned the section, use a sponge , *,
to remove the suds.
0 Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.
0 Wipe off what's left with a slightly damp paper towel
or cloth. ' ,? I ..
0 Then dry it immediately with an air hose, a hair dryer
or a heat lamp.
Wipe with a clean cloth.
280 7
-

Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on
Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all.
Some sp-ots and stains will clean
off better with just
water and mild soap.
If you need to use it, then:
0
0
Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with
a clean, dull knife or scraper. Use very. little cleaner,
light pressure and clean cloths (preferably
cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the outside
of
the stain, “feathering” toward the center. Keep changing to a clean section of the cloth.
When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry
the area with an air hose; hair dryer, or heat lamp to
help prevent a cleaning ring. (See the previous
NOTICE.)
1
Special Cleaning Problems I, I.
Greasy or Oily Stains: Like grease, oil, butter,
margarine, shoe polish, coffee with cream, chewing i:
and asphalt. gum, cosmetic creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar
Carefully scrape
off excess stain. 1,
Then follow the solvent-type instructions above. !
Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and asphalt will stain if
left on a vehicle seat fabric. They should be removed
as soon as possible. Be careful, because the cleaner
will dissolve them and may cause them
to bleed.
Non-Greasy Stains: Like catsup, coffee (black), egg,
fruit, fruit juice, milk,
so& drinks, wine, vomit, urine and
blood.
0 Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions
If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat
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soiled area with cool’water.
above.
, ..:
the area with a waterbaking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250, ml)
of lukewarm water.
- 281

Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax
or other material may be
on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside
of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami Powder@ (GM Part No.
105001 1). The windshield is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water.
Clean the blade by wiping‘vigorously with a cloth
soaked
in full strength windshield washer solvent. Then
rinse the blade with water.
Wiper blades should be checked on
a regular basis and
replaced when worn.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Buick
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep
it clean by washing it often with lukewarm
or cold
water. Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun..
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (non-detergent) soaps.
Don’t use cleaning agents that contain acid- or abrasives.
All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not
allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry
the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
a 100% cotton
towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your
vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Buick may
be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish.
You can get GM approved cleaning products from your
dealer. (See “Appearance Care and ‘Materials” in the
Index.)
Your hick may have a “basec.oat/clearcoat” paint
finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and
gloss to the
colored basecoat.
283

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Section A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedules
This section tells you the maintenance services you
should have done and when
you should schedule them.
Your Buick dealer knows your vehicle best and wants
you to be happy with it.
If you go to your dealer for your
service needs, you’ll
know that GM-trained and
supported service people will perform the work using
genuine GM parts.
These schedules are
for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within recommefided
limits.
You will find these limits on your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
a use the recommended unleaded fuel. See “Fuel” in
the Index.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is
right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which
schedule to follow:
Schedule I
Is any one of these true for your vehicle?
a Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
Most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km) when
outside temperatures are below freezing.
The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in
door-to-door .deliveryy or in stop-and-go traffic).
0 You operate your vehicle in dusty areas.
You tow a trailer.
If any one (or more) of these is true.for your driving,
follow Schedule
I.
Schedule Il
Follow Schedule 11 only if none of the above conditions
is true.
301

Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I
Follow Schedule'I if your car is MAINLY driven under one or more of the following conditions:
0 When most trips are less than 4 miles (6 kilometers).
e -When most trips are' less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) and outside temperatures remain below freezing.
.e When mosttrips include extended idling and/oi- frequent low-speed operation as \
in stop-and-go traffic.
e Towing a trailer.*?
0 When operating in dusty areas.
Schedule I should also be followed if the car is used for delivery service, police, taxi\
or other commercial applications.
TO~BE SERVICED WHEN TO PERFORM (See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance Miles (kilometers) or
Services Following Months, Whichever
Schedules I and 11j Occurs First
I 1. Engine Oil & Oil Filter Every 3 000 mi. (5000 km)
Change* or 3 months.
I 2. Chassis Lubrication I Every other oil change
I
3. Throttle Body Mounting At 6 OQd)..mi,~10~000 km)
Bolt Torque*
I
At 6,000 mi. (10 000 km) and
km) or as necessary
4. Tire 8L Inspection ' then every 15 000 mi. (25 000 Rotation
5. Engine Accessory Drive
Belt(s) Inspection" Every
30 000 mi. (50 000 km) or 24 months.
MILES (000) I
LO 10 15
0
0
0
20 25
00
.
KILOMETER;
35 40 45
000
0
0
000)
50 55 60 65
000.
0 a
0
0
302

7.
8.
To help ensure-proper operation, we recommena a
pressure test of both’the cooling system and the
pressure cap. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change both the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (1 60 000 km).
Front Wheel Bearing Repack - When your 9. Spark Plug Replacement* - Replace spark plugs
vehicle is used in such service as police work, as a with the proper type. See “Specifications Chart.’’ in
taxi or
in door-to-door delivery, clean and repackthe the Index.
front wheel bearings at each brake relining or
15,000 Spark plug Wire Inspection*? - Inspect for
miles (25 000 km), whichever comes first. If you
don’t use your vehicle in such service, clean
and
repack the bearings at each brake relining or 30,000 -
miles (50 000 km) whichever comes first. burns, cracks .or other damage. Check the boot fit
at
the distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires
as. needed.
Transmission 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 heayy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
‘90 OF (32 C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
service.
11. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
Inspection*?
- Conduct the EGR system service
as described in the service manual.
To purchase a
service manual, see “Service Publications” in the
Index.
12. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* - Replace every
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or more ofkn under dusty
conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper
replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
307
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Starting Your Car if the Battery is"Dead" ....... : ..... 206
Steam From Hot (Overheated) Engine
................ 216
Steering
....................................... 169
Steering Tips
................................... 169
Steering Wheel. Tilt
............................... 88
Steering Without Power Assist
..................... 169
Steireo Sound Systems
............................ 134
Storage Armrest
................................. 11 1
Storage Compartment. Wagon
....................... 68
StorageTray
.................................... 112
Storing Your Car
................................ 264
Stuck. If Your Car is
.............................. 239
Steering in Emergencies
... : ....................... 170
Stuck. If Your Ignition Key is
....................... 75
Subscribing to hick Service Publications
............ 323
Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System
(SIR) ......... 35
Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System Light
......... 36
Symbols on Road Signs
........................... ' 156
Symbols on Your Car
.............................. 12
Table of Contents
.................................. 9
Tachometer
..................................... 119
Tamper-Resistant Odometer
........................ 114
Tailgate Operation
.............................. : . 66
Tailgate Release
.................................. 66
Taillamp
.Bulb Replacement ........................ 267
TapePlayerCare
................................ 148
Temperature, Engine Coolant Warning Light
.......... 122
Theft
........................................... 7 2
Thermostat
..................................... 259
Third Gear, When
to Use ............................. 80
Third Seatback Operation .......................... 19
Tilt Steering Wheel
................................ 88
Time. Setting the ..................... 137.139.142. 145
Tire Balance
.................................... 277
Tire Chains
..................................... 278
Tire. Flat
....................................... 224
Tire Inflation
.................................... 272
Tire Inspection and Rotation
.................. i .... 273
Tire Quality Grading
............................. 275
Tires
.......................................... 271 .
Tires and Winter Driving .......................... 191 I
Tires. When to Replace ............................ 274
Tires. White Sidewall. Cleaning
.................... '284
Topstrap
........................................ 48
Torn Safety Belts ........................ 1 ........ 59
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
.............. 190
Towing a Trailer
................................. 1.95
Towing Your'Car
................................ 212
Trademarks. GM .................................. 2
Traffic Lights
................................... 157
Traffic Officer
.................................. 159 ~
Trailer Brakes ................................... 198
Trailer Tbwing
.................................... 195
Tailgate Remote Release
........................... 65
Transmission. Automatic
........................... 78
Transmission Fhid
...... , ......................... 254
Trip Odometer
.................................. 114
Turn Signal and Headlight Beam Lever ........ i ....... 88
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator ............... 89
Turn Signal Reminder ............................. 90
Trunk Pull-Down Feature
...................... 1 .... 65
Trunk Release
................................... 65
Twilight Sentinel
................................. 99
'lhisted Safety Belts
............................... 34
Two Children Wearing the Same Safety Belt
............ 56
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