brakes BUICK SKYLARK 1993 Owner's Manual

1 Brake Master Cylinder
Your brake master cylinder is here. It is filled with
1 DOT-3 brake fluid. won’t work
at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’
your brake fluid. Adding brake. fluid won’t correct a
leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then
you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake
linings.
You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake
hydraulic system.
I
A CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn
if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the br,
e hl ‘raulic
system.
1
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
your master cylinder might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings
are put in,
the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that
fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light’’
in the Index.
What to Add:
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme and regular 11 (GM part
#1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
I
236

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex. Its
many parts have to be of top quality and work well
together
if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have top-quality GM brake balance between
your front
and rear brakes can change,
for the worse. The braking performance you’ve come to
expect. can change in many other ways
if someone puts
in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Every new Buick has a Delco Freedoms battery. You
never have to add water to one
of these. Whenit’s time
for a new battery, we recommend
a Delco Freedoms
battery. Get one that has the catalog number shown on
the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, take
off the black, negative (-) cable from the
battery. This will help keep your battery from running
parts in them, as your Buick does when it is new. When
4 A CAUTION:
you replace parts of your braking system -- for example,
when your brake linings wear down and you have to
have new ones put in
-- be sure you get new genuine
GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes may no
longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the
1 Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt
if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
237

~~ Fuse Usage
Amp Description
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21. 10
20
20
15
5
5
10
15
15
25
10
20
20
20
30
25 15
20
30
20
20 PRNDL
F/P INJ
STOP HAZ
CTSY
RKE
INST LPS
GAUGES
HORN
ALARM HTR-A/C
RDO IGN
TURN DR LK
TAIL LPS
WDO
WIPER
ERLS
FTP
ACC
IGN ECM HDLP Backup Lamps, Electronic PRNDL Display
Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors
Stop Lamps, Hazard Flashers
Trunk Lamp,-Door Lock Switches, Power Mirrors
(Automatic Transmission Only) Remote Keyless Entry
Instrument Panel Lighting
Gauges, Rear Defog Relay, Antilock Brake Telltale, Brake Transmi\
ssion Shift Interlock
Horn
Multi-Function Alarm Module
Heater, Air Conditioning, Antilock Brakes, Daytime Running Lamps \
(Canada), Computer Controlled Ride
Radio Power, Cruise Control
Turn Signals
Power Door Lock Relay
.Tail Lamps, Marker Lamps, License Lamps (Circuit Breaker) Power Windows
Windshield Wipers Engine controls
Flash-to-Pass
(U.S. Only)
(Circuit Breaker) Rear Window Defogger, Power Door Locks, Powe\
r Seats, Power Antenna
Ecm, Ignition System (Circuit Breaker) Headlamps
259

INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Steering,
Suspension and
Front-Wheel-
Drive Axle
Boot and Seal
Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
Throttle
Linkage Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
hspect 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 hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then
inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals
if necessary.
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,
loose connections,
or other
conditions which could cause a heat
build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
“Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace
parts as needed.
“:
INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Brake System
Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the complete system. Inspect
brake
lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc.
Inspect disc brake pads for wear
and rotors for swrface condition.
Also
inspect Qwn brake linings for wear and
cracks. Inspect other brake
parts
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers parking brake, etc. The parking
brake is self-adjusting and no manual adjustment
is required. You may need
to have your brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
NOTE: A low brake fluid level can
indicate worn disc brake pads which
may
need to be serviced. Also, if the
brake system warning light stays on or
comes on, something may
be wrong
with the brake system. See “Brake System
Warning Light” in the Index. If
your anti-lock brake system warning
light stays
on, comes on or flashes,
something may
be wrong with the
anti-lock brake system. See “Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light”
in the
Index.
280 .~ . ~

Part 9 Index
Acc (Ignition Key Position) ........................ 72 Antifreeze ...................................... 231
Adding Antilock Brakes
................................. 150
Brake Fluid
.................................. 236 Antilock Brake System Warning Light ............... 111
Coolant
..................................... 231 Anti-Theft Tips ................................... 70
Electrical Equipment
.......................... 257 Anti-Theft Feature. Delco Loc I1 .................... 131
Engine Oil
................................... 223 Appearance Care ................................ 249
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 243 Appearance Care and Materials ..................... 256
Transaxle/Transmission Fluid
.................... 229 Armrest Storage ................................. 107
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 235 Ashtrays ....................................... 105
Additives, Engine Oil
.............................. 226 Assist Handles .................................. 107
Adjustable Ride Control
............................ 86 Audio Systems .................................. 122
Adjustment, Brake
............................... 153 Automatic Door Locks ............................. 65
Adult Safety Belt Usage
............................ 28 Automatic Transaxle .............................. 77
Air Cleaner
..................................... 228 Automatic Transaxle Fluid ......................... 229
Air Conditioner
................................. 122 Automatic Transaxle Torque Lock .................... 174
Air Outlets
..................................... 120
Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of
.............. 145
Alcohol in Gasoline
.............................. 21 7 Baby, Holding a ................................. 45
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning
....................... 253 Battery ........................................ 237
AM Radio Reception
............................. 122 Battery Cables, Starting With ....................... 188
AM Stereo Radio Reception
....................... 123 Battery Warning Light and Gage .................... 116
Antenna Care
................................... 134 Blizzard. If You’re Caught in a ..................... 177
. ~ .- . ~ .. __ - ~

Power Antenna
..................................... 134
Door Locks
................................... 65
Seat Controls
................................... 16
Steering
..................................... 154
Windows
..................................... 87
Pregnancy. Use
of Safety Belts During ................ 35
Pressure. Tire
................................... 242
Problems on the Road
............................ 185
Publications. Service
............................. 288
Publications Order Form .......................... 291
Push-Starting Your Car
........................... 188
Steering
Fluid
................................ 234
Proper Safety Belt Usage for Adults
.................. 28
Racing. Shifting When Your Engine is
............... 78
Radiator Overheating
............................. 197
Radio. Adding a Two-way
......................... 123
Radio Systems
.................................. 122
Rain. Driving in
................................. 161
Reaction Time
in Braking ......................... 149
Reading Lights
.................................. 10 1
RearBrakes .................................... 153
Rear Door Security Lock
........................... 69
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
.................... 40
Rear Seatbacks. Folding
............................ 20
Rear Window Defogger ........................... 121 Reclining Front Seatbacks
.......................... 16
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
................. 281
Recovery. Off-Road
.............................. 156
Recreational Vehicle Towing
....................... 179
Remote Fuel Door Release
.......................... 219
Remote Keyless Entry System
....................... 67
Remote Trunk Release
............................. 66
Remote Trunk Release Lockout
...................... 66
Replaceable Light Bulbs
.......................... 262
Replacing Brake System Parts
...................... 237
Replacing Safety Belts
............................. 60
Replacing Tires
................................. 244
Replacing Wheels
............................... 247
Restarting Your Car When It’s Moving
................ 78
Restraint. Child
.................................. 46
Restraint Systems. Checking Your
.................... 59
Restraints. Head .................................. 18
Reverse Gear Position
............................. 78
Ride Control System. Adjustable
..................... 86
“Riding” the Brakes
.............................. 149
Roads. Hill and Mountain
......................... 170
Rocking Your Vehicle
............................ 213
Rotation. Tire
................................... 243
Run (Ignition Key Position)
......................... 73
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
............ 85
Reporting Safety Defects
.......................... 287
Roadsigns
..................................... 138
Running Lights. Daytime
.......................... 100

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