trailer BUICK SKYLARK 1993 User Guide

0 It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less
than
10 miles (16 km).
0 The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in
door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic).
0 You tow a trailer often.
0 Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one
of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your oil and filter every
3,000 miles (5
000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles
(12
500 km) or 12 months -- whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change and at every
other oil change after that.
Engine Block Heater: An engine block heater can be a
big help if you have to park outside in very cold weather, -20
F (-29 C) or colder. If your vehicle has
this option, see “Engine Block Heater.” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil:
I sed engine oil contains things that have caused
skin cancer in laboratory animals. Don’t let used
oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good
hand cleaner. Wash
or properly throw away
c-othing
or rags containing used engine oil.
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. Don’t
ever dispose of it by pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used
oil. If
you have a problem propeily disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.
227

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90 ’ F (32 ’ C).
0 At high speed .for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180’F to 200’F (82OC
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50’F
(1 0 C). If it’s colder than 50 OF (10 ’ C), you may have
to drive longer.
To’check the fluid level:
to 93
“C).
0
e
0
Park your vehicle on
a level place.
Place the
shift lever in “F”’ (Park) with the parking
brake applied.
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever
in “P,’ (Park).
Let the engine
run at idle far three to five minutes. Then; without shutting off the engine, follow these
steps:
.I. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. . Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.

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
0
schedule to follow: 0
Schedule I
Is any one of these true for your vehicle?
0 Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
Most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km) when
outside temperatures are below freezing.
0 The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in
door-to-door delivery,
or in stop-and-go traffic).
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas.
You tow a trailer. (With some models, you shouldn’t
ever tow a trailer. See “Towing a Trailer” in the
Index.
)
If any one (or more) of these is true for your driving,
follow Schedule I.
Schedule I1
Follow Schedule I1 only if none of the above conditions
is true.
269

I
b 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).
0 When most trips are less. than 10 miles (16 kilometers) and outside temperatures remain below freezing.
0 When most trips indude extended idling and/or frequent low-speed operation as in stop-a\
nd-go traffic.
0 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 app\
lications.
TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance Miles (kilometers) or
Services Following Months, Whichever
WHEN
TO PERFORM
Schedules I and 10
Item No. I
Occurs First
1. hgine
Oil & Filter Change months I
Every 3000 mi. (5000 km) or
2. Chassis Lubrication I Every other oil change
3. Throttle Body Mounting At 6 000 mi. (10 000 km)
Bolt Torque*
At
6 000'mi. (10 000 km) and
km) or as necessary
4. Tire & 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)
3 16 19 112115118121124127130(33136139142145148
5 10
a.
..
0
0
KILOMETERS (000)
65 70 75 80
a...
0 a
270

Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the~radiator and air
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:
0 In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 F (32 C) or
higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing. (With some
models, you shouldn’t ever tow a trailer. See
“Towing a Trailer” in the Index.)
Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
service. 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.
9. Spark Plug Wire Inspection (3.3L Code N engine
only)*?
-- Inspect for burns, cracks or other
damage. Check the boot fit at the coils 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, Cap and Lines Inspection”? -- Inspect
fuel
tank, cap and lines (including fuel rails and
injection assembly) 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.
* An Emission Control Service.
The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall 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”.

Starting Your Car if the Battery is “Dead” .............. 188
Steam From Hot (Overheated) Engine ................ 197
Steering ........................................ 154
Steering in Emergencies ........................... 155
Steering Wheel, Tilt ............................... 88
Steering Without Power Assist ..................... 154
Stereo Sound Systems ............................ 122
Storage Console ................................. 106
Storing Your Vehicle ............................. 237
Stuck. If Your Ignition Key is ....................... 73
Stuck. IfYour Car Is ............................. 213
Subscribing to Buick Product Service Publications ...... 288
Surge Tank Pressure Cap .......................... 233
Symbols on Your Car .............................. 12
Table of Contents ................................. 9
Tachometer ..................................... 1 17
Tamper-Resistant Odometer ........................ 108
Tape Player Care ................................ 133
Temperature. Engine Coolant Warning Light .......... 112
Theft ............................................ 70
Thermostat ..................................... 233
Third Gear ...................................... 78
Tilt Steering Wheel ............................... 88
Time. Setting the ......................... 125.127. 129
Tire Balance .................................... 246
Tire Chains ..................................... 248
Tire. Flat ....................................... 204
Tire Inflation ................................... 242
Tire Inspection and Rotation ....................... 243
Tire Quality Grading ............................. 245
Tires .......................................... 241
Tires. When to Replace ........................... 244
Tires. White Sidewall Cleaning ..................... 254
Torn Safety Belts ................................. 60
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle) ................. 174
Towing Your Buick .............................. 193
Towing a Trailer ................................. 179
Trademarks. GM ................................ 216
Traffic Lights ................................... 143
Traffic Officer .................................. 144
Trailer Brakes ................................... 182
Trailer Towing .................................. 179
Transaxle/Transmission. Automatic ................... 77
Transaxle Fluid .................................. 227
Trip Odometer .................................. 108
Trunk Release. Remote ............................ 66
Turn Signal and Headlight Beam Lever ................ 88
Turn Signal “On” Chime ............................ 90
Twisted Safety Belts .. I ............................ 35
Two Children Wearing the Same Safety Belt ............ 58
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator ............... 89

...... a . c
Underbody Maintenance ......................... 255
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
...................... 245
Unleaded Gasoline
............................... 2 17
Uphill Parking
.................................. 173
Upholstery Care
................................. 249
Used Oil. How to Dispose
of ....................... 227
Used Replacement Wheels
......................... 248
Vehicle Damage Warnings
......................... 11
Vehicle Identification Number ...................... 257
Vehicle Storage
................................. 237
Vehicle Symbols
.................................. 12
Volts Gage
..................................... 116
Vinyl. Cleaning
................................. 251
Visor Vanity Mirror
.............................. 104
warnings Devices
.............................. 187
Warning. Hazard Flasher
.......................... 186
Warning Lights
Antilock Brake System
......................... 11 1
Battery
....................................... 116
Brakesystem
................................ 110
CheckOil
................................... 115
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 112
Engine Oil Pressure
............................ 114
Indicators and Gages on Instrument Panel
.......... 109
LowCoolant
................................. 113
Malfunction Indicator (Service Engine Soon)
....... 11 3
I
Warnings. Safety ................................. 10
Washer. Windshield
............................... 92
Wear Indicators. Disc Brake
....................... 152
Weather Strips
.................................. 254
Weight.of a Trailer
............................... 180
Wheel Alignment
................................ 246
Wheel Covers Removal
........................... 206
Wheel Replacement
.............................. 247
White Sidewall Tire Cleaning
...................... 254
Why Wear Safety Belts?
........................... 23
Windows. Power
................................. 87
Windshield
Cleaning
.................................... 252
Washer
..... : ................................ 92
Washer Fluid
.............................. 92. 235
Wipers
................................... 9252 1.
Winter Driving
.................................. 175
Working on Your Car
............................. 216
Worn Tires
..................................... 244
Wrecker Towing
................... ............. 193
Washing Your Vehicle
............................ 253
WheelNutTorque
............................... 211
Your Driving and the Road
....................... 137
Your Own Signals
............................... 144
Your Vehicle and the Environment
.................. 267