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Maintenance Information Buick Skylark VII

Procedures 9 illustrations ~1930 words

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 1

Scheme 1: VIN Code ID Explanation
Scheme 1: VIN Code ID Explanation

SHORT TRIP/CITY & LONG TRIP/HIGHWAY SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Starting in the 1996 model year, General Motors has renamed their maintenance schedules; One is referred to as the Short-Trip/City and the other is the Long Trip/Highway schedule. These schedule requirements are similar to the familiar Severe Service and Normal schedules and can be used in place of one another.

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Severe Service

  1. Short Trips (4 Miles Or Less)
  2. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
  3. Severe Dust Conditions
  4. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
  5. Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)

Normal Service

  1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
  2. No Severe Service Operating Conditions

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Scheme 2: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS

Scheme 3

Scheme 3
Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 4
Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 5
Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 6
Scheme 6

Note. For more information regarding jacking or hoisting the vehicle, refer to the JACKING & HOISTING article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. Labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

Tire pressure specification decal is attached to the rear face of the driver's door. Inflation pressures listed on decal is always cold inflation pressure and must never exceed the maximum values molded into the tire side wall. These pressures provide the best balance of fuel economy, tire life, riding comfort and handling, and should be used for all driving conditions.

WHEEL TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationSpecification
All Models100 ft. lbs. (140 N.m)
(1) Always tighten wheel lug nuts in a crisscross pattern. All wheel lug nuts have right-hand threads.
(1)Always tighten wheel lug nuts in a crisscross pattern. All wheel lug nuts have right-hand threads.

WHEEL TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See the COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG SYSTEM

Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.

The SRS has no user-servicable parts. Always have servicing done by an authorized dealer.

When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section.
CAUTIONDisconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

CAUTIONNever mix different diameter tires. On loose or uneven surfaces, the ABS system may require longer stopping distances than conventional brake systems. Exercise caution when removing mud or snow from the wheels so as not to damage the ABS wiring or speed sensors.

BATTERY WARNING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section below.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

CAUTIONBefore replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTIONContinued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

CAUTIONTo avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C); Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

WARNINGMany solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

ENGINE OIL

CAUTIONNever use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

WARNINGRelieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models).

HALOGEN BULBS

WARNINGHalogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

RADIATOR CAP

CAUTIONAlways disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.

RADIATOR FAN

WARNINGKeep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off.

SPARK PLUGS

Note. Allow engine to cool before removing spark plugs from aluminum cylinder heads.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CAUTIONDue to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options.

BUMPER-TO-BUMPER PLUS COVERAGE LIMITED WARRANTY

Everything covered for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covered by this warranty are any repairs to vehicle components which have proven defective in material and workmanship during normal use (tires excluded). Warranty repairs (parts and labor) will be made by the Dealer at no charge using new or remanufactured parts. This warranty is subject to a 100 deductible for each repair visit after the first year or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Maintenance items are covered up to their first scheduled replacement interval only.

Note. 1992-93 vehicles are covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, with no deductible.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT COVERAGE

Covers supplemental restraint system (if equipped) for 3 years, regardless of mileage.

CORROSION COVERAGE

Any body-sheet metal panel that is perforated due to corrosion is covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles whichever occurs first.

EMISSIONS "DEFECT" WARRANTY/"PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed in order for the vehicle to pass a federally required state or local emissions test.

Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

EMISSION "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSION "DEFECT" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Wiring circuits in vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the chance of fires should an electrical overload occur. The windshield wipers and headlight circuits are protected by circuit breakers. These systems may cycle on and off if a short occurs. Have systems inspected immediately to correct the cause of overloading.

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1992-93 SKYLARK)
Scheme 7: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1992-93 SKYLARK)

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

  1. 1 - 10 Amp Back-Up Lights, Instrument Panel
  2. 2 - 5 Amp Audible Warning/Chime, Interior Lights Dimming, Radio/Audio Systems, Rear Window Defogger, Ride Control
  3. 3 - 10 Amp Cruise Control, Radio/Audio Systems
  4. 4 - 25 Amp Windshield Wiper/Washer
  5. 5 - 20 Amp Multiport Fuel Injection
  6. 6 - 10 Amp Anti-Lock Brake, Audible Warnings/Chime, Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI), Instrument Panel, Keyless Entry, Rear Window Defogger
  7. 7 - 20 Amp Turn Signals, Hazard Lights, Stoplights
  8. 8 - 20 Amp Automatic Door Locks, Cigarette Lighter, Instrument Panel, Interior Lights, Horn
  9. 9 - 10 Amp Radio/Audio Systems
  10. 10 - 15 Amp Audible Warnings/Chime, Interior Lights, Luggage Compartment Light, Power Mirrors
  11. 11 - 5 Amp Keyless Entry
  12. 12 - 25 Amp Anti-Lock Brake, Engine Vent Heater, Headlights, Daytime Running Lights, Heater, Ride Control
  13. 13 - 30 Amp Circuit Breaker Power Windows
  14. 14 - 30 Amp Circuit Breaker Automatic Door Locks, Keyless Entry, Power Antenna, Power Seats, Rear Window Defogger
  15. 15 - 20 Amp Circuit Breaker Headlights, Daytime Running Lights
  16. 16 - 20 Amp Headlights
  17. 17 - 20 Amp Exterior Lights
  18. 18 - 20 Amp Multiport Fuel Injection: Ignition
  19. 19 - 15 Amp HVAC, Multiport Fuel Injection, Starter & Charging System
  20. 20 - 20 Amp Exterior Lights

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1994-96 SKYLARK)
Scheme 8: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1994-96 SKYLARK)
  1. 1 - 5 Amp Electronic PRNDL Display
  2. 2 - 20 Amp Fuel Pump, Injectors
  3. 3 - 20 Amp Stop/Hazard Lamps
  4. 4 - 15 Amp Ctsy, Door Lock Switches, Power Mirrors, Cigar Lighter
  5. 5 - 3 Amp Air Bag, Supplemental Inflatable Restraint, Crank Input
  6. 6 - 5 Amp Instrument Panel, Interior Lights Dimming
  7. 7 - 10 Amp Gauges, Rear Defog, Warning Lights
  8. 8 - 15 Amp Horn
  9. 9 - 15 Amp Alarm, Interior Lights, Chime, Auto Door Locks, Remote Keyless Entry
  10. 10 - 25 Amp Heater, A/C, ABS, Daytime Running Lights (Canada)
  11. 11 - 10 Amp Radio Power, Cruise Control
  12. 12 - 20 Amp Turn Signals
  13. 13 - 20 Amp Auto Door Lock
  14. 14 - 20 Amp Tail Lamps, Marker Lamps, License Lamps
  15. 15 - 30 Amp Circuit Breaker Power Window, Sunroof
  16. 16 - 25 Amp Windshield Wipers/Washers
  17. 17 - 15 Amp Engine Controls, Back-Up Lamps
  18. 18 - 10 Amp Auto Door Unlock Disable
  19. 19 - 20 Amp Flash-To-Pass (U.S.A.)
  20. 20 - 30 Amp Circuit Breaker ACC, Rear Window Defogger, Power Seats, Power Antenna
  21. 21 - 15 Amp Air Bag, Supplemental Inflatable Restraint
  22. 22 - 20 Amp ECM, Ignition System
  23. 23 - 20 Amp Circuit Breaker Headlamps

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1992-96 ACHIEVA)
Scheme 9: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1992-96 ACHIEVA)
  1. 1 - 10 Amp (1992-93) Back-Up Lights, Electronic PRNDL
  2. 1 - 5 Amp (1994) Electronic PRNDL display (automatic transaxle)
  3. 2 - 20 Amp Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors
  4. 3 - 20 Amp Stoplights, Hazard Flashers, ABS Lights (1992-93), Brake/Transaxle Shift Interlock (1993)
  5. 4 - 10 Amp (1992) Radio Clock & Memory 15 Amp (1993-94) Power Door Locks, Cigarette Lighter, Power Mirrors
  6. 5 - 5 Amp (1992-93) Remote Keyless Entry
  7. 5 - 3 Amp (1994) Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (Air Bag)
  8. 6 - 5 Amp Instrument Panel Lights
  9. 7 - 10 Amp Gauges, Rear Window Defogger Relay, Warning Light (1994), Key Buzzer (1992-93), ABS Telltale (1992-93), Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock (1992-93), DRL Module (1993 Canada)
  10. 8 - 20 Amp (1992) Cigarette Lighter, Power Door Lock Relay, 15 Amp (1993-96) Horn
  11. 9 - 15 Amp Chime, Interior Lights, Trunk Light (1992-93), Glove Box Light (1992-93), Passive Restraints (1992-93), Automatic Door Locks (1994-96), Remote Lock Control (1994-96)
  12. 10 - 25 Amp Heater, Air Conditioner, Anti-Lock Brake System, DRL Canada), Ride Control (1992-93), Block Heater (1993)
  13. 11 - 10 Amp Radio, Cruise Control, EVO Steering (1992-93)
  14. 12 - 20 Amp Turn Signals
  15. 13 - Blank (1992) 20 Amp (1993-96) Power/Auto. Door Locks
  16. 14 - 20 Amp Taillights, Side Marker Lights, License Lights, Foglights, Instrument Panel Lighting (1992)
  17. 15 - 30 Amp Circuit Breaker Power Window, Sunroof (1994-96)
  18. 16 - 25 Amp Windshield Wipers/Washers
  19. 17 - 15 Amp Engine Controls, Back-Up Lights (1994-96)
  20. 18 - Blank (1992-93)
  21. 18 - 10 Amp (1994-96) Automatic Door Unlock (Remove to Disable)
  22. 19 - 20 Amp Flash-to-Pass (U.S. only)
  23. 20 - 30 Amp Circuit Breaker Power Door Lock (1992), Rear Window Defogger, Power Seat, Power Antenna (1993-96)
  24. 21 - Blank (1992-93)
  25. 21 - 15 Amp Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (Air Bag)
  26. 22 - 20 Amp Engine Control Module, Ignition System
  27. 23 - Blank
  28. 24 - 20 Amp Circuit Breaker Headlights, DRL Module (1993 Canada)
  1. 1 - 10 Amp (1992-93) Back-Up Lights, Electronic PRNDL
  2. 1 - 5 Amp (1994-96) Electronic PRNDL
  3. 2 - 20 Amp Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors
  4. 3 - 20 Amp Turn/Stoplights, Hazard Flashers, ABS Light (1993), Brake/Transaxle Shift Interlock, (1993)
  5. 4 - 10 Amp (1992) Radio Clock & Memory 15 Amp (1993-96) Power Mirrors/Door Locks, Cigarette Lighter
  6. 5 - Blank (1992-93)
  7. 5 - 3 Amp (1994-96) Supplemental Restraint System (Air Bag)
  8. 6 - 5 Amp Instrument Panel Lights
  9. 7 - 10 Amp Gauges, Rear Window Defogger Relay, Key Buzzer (1992-93), ABS Light (1992-93), Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock 1992-93), DRL Module (1993 Canada), Warning Lights (1994-96)
  10. 8 - 20 Amp (1992) Cigarette Lighter, Power Door Lock Relay, Horn 15 Amp (1993-96) Horn
  11. 9 - 15 Amp Chime, Interior Lights, Trunk Light (1992-93), Glove Box Light (1992-93), Passive Restraint (1992-93), Auto Door Locks 1994-96), Remote Keyless Entry (1994-96)
  12. 10 - 25 Amp Heater, Air Conditioning, Anti-Lock Brake System, DRL Canada), Engine Block Heater (1993)
  13. 11 - 10 Amp Radio, Cruise Control, EVO Steering (1992-93)
  14. 12 - 20 Amp Turn Signals
  15. 13 - Blank (1992) 20 Amp (1993-96) Power/Auto Door Locks
  16. 14 - 20 Amp Taillights, Side Marker Lights, License Lights, Foglights, Instrument Panel Lighting (1992-93)
  17. 15 - 30 Amp Circuit Breaker Power Window
  18. 16 - 25 Amp Windshield Wipers
  19. 17 - 15 Amp Engine Controls, Back-Up Lamps (1994-96)
  20. 18 - Blank (1992-93)
  21. 18 - 10 Amp (1994-96) Automatic Door Unlock (Remove To Disable)
  22. 19 - 20 Amp Flash-to-Pass (U.S. only)
  23. 20 - 30 Amp Circuit Breaker Power Door Locks, Rear Window Defogger, Antenna (1994-96)
  24. 21 - Blank (1992-93)
  25. 21 - 15 Amp (1994-96) Supplemental Restraint System (Air Bag)
  26. 22 - 20 Amp Ignition System, Engine Control Module
  27. 23 - Blank
  28. 24 - 20 Amp Circuit Breaker Headlights, DRL Module (1993 Canada)

See also:
• JACKING & HOISTING