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Fuel
The 8th digit of your vehicle identification number
(VIN) shows the code letter for your engine. You will
find the VIN at the top left of your instrument panel.
(See "Vehicle Identification Number" in the Index.)
If you don't have the 3800 Supercharged engine
(VIN
Code l), use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane
or higher.
If you have the 3800 Supercharged engine, use premium
unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet
specifications ASTM D4814 in the United States and
CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. Improved gasoline
specifications have- been developed by the American
Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for
better vehicle performance and engine protection.
Gasolines meeting ihe AAMA specification could
'
provide improved driveability and emission control
system protection compared to other gasolines.
Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least 91
(at least 89 for middle grade and 87 for regular). If the
octane is, less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If it's bad enough, it can damage
your engine.
,
If you have the 3800 Supercharged engine, in an
emergency, you may be able to use .a lower octane
--
as
low as 87
--
if heavy knocking does not occur.
If
you
are using 91 or higher octane unleaded gasoline and you
still h e q heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
,
If you're using fuel rated at the recommended octane or
higher and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine
needs service. But don't worry if you hear a little
pinging noise when you're accelerating or driving up a
hill. That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher
octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant
knock that means you have a problem.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood tune-up label), it
is designed to operate'on fuels that meet California
specifications. If such fuels are not available in states
adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on and/or your vehicle
may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your
authorized Buick dealer for diagnosis to determine,the
cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the
cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty.
6-3
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