BUICK PARK AVENUE 2003 Repair Manual

{CAUTION:
When an air bag in¯ates, there is dust in the
air. This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in
the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe
to do so. If you have breathing problems but
can't get out of the vehicle after an air bag
in¯ates, then get fresh air by opening a
window or a door. If you experience breathing
problems following an air bag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
In many crashes severe enough to in¯ate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger air bag.
·Air bags are designed to in¯ate only once. After an
air bag in¯ates, you'll need some new parts for
your air bag system. If you don't get them, the air
bag system won't be there to help protect you
in another crash. A new system will include air bagmodules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
·Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information
about the frontal air bag system. The module
records information about the readiness of the
system, when the system commands air bag
in¯ation and driver's safety belt usage at
deployment. The module also records speed,
engine rpm, brake and throttle data.
·Let only quali®ed technicians work on your air bag
systems. Improper service can mean that an air
bag system won't work properly. See your dealer for
service.
Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver's
or the right front passenger's air bag, or the air
bag covering on the driver's and right front
passenger's seatback, the bag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the air bag
module in the steering wheel, both the air bag
module and the instrument panel for the right front
passenger's air bag, or both the air bag module
and seatback for the driver's and right front
passenger's side impact air bag. Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.
1-55

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag systems in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle
and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual,
see
Service Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-9.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
air bag can still in¯ate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are close to
an air bag when it in¯ates. Avoid yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the air
bag systems. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is quali®ed to do so.
The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
1-56

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may
not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If you've had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH
system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if
worn during a more severe crash, then you need
new parts.If the LATCH system was being used during a more
severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH
system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt
or LATCH system wasn't being used at the time of
the collision.
If an air bag in¯ates, you'll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier
in this section.
1-57

-NOTES
1-58

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-9
Door Locks....................................................2-9
Central Door Unlocking System........................2-9
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Door Ajar Reminder......................................2-10
Delayed Locking...........................................2-10
Programmable Automatic` Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-13
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-13
Trunk..........................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-17
PASS-Key
žIII ..............................................2-19
PASS-KeyžIII Operation...............................2-19Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-21
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-21
Ignition Positions..........................................2-21
Starting Your Engine.....................................2-22
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-23
Automatic Transaxle Operation.......................2-24
Parking Brake..............................................2-27
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-28
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-30
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-31
Engine Exhaust............................................2-31
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked. . . .2-32
Mirrors...........................................................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass.................................................2-33
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-36
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror.....................2-36
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-37
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror........2-37
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

OnStaržSystem.............................................2-37
HomeLinkžTransmitter...................................2-39
Programming the HomeLinkžTransmitter.........2-39
Storage Areas................................................2-42
Glove Box...................................................2-42
Garage Door Opener Compartment.................2-43
Center Console Storage Area.........................2-44
Assist Handles.............................................2-44Rear Storage Area........................................2-45
Rear Seat Armrest........................................2-45
Rear Seat Pass Through...............................2-45
Convenience Net..........................................2-45
Sunroof.........................................................2-45
Vehicle Personalization...................................2-46
Memory Seat and Mirrors..............................2-46
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-2

Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or
other controls or even make the vehicle move.
Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with
children.
Your vehicle has a two-key system. One key is the
master and the other is a valet key.
2-3

The master key is used for
the ignition, as well as the
driver's door lock, trunk
and glove box.
The VALET key is used for
the ignition and the driver's
door only. It will not
open the trunk or glove
box. This is a
theft-deterrent feature. The
VALET key should
always be used when valet
parking your vehicle.Your vehicle has the PASS-KeyžIII vehicle theft
system. Both the master and VALET key have a
transponder in the key head that matches a decoder in
the vehicle's steering column. If a replacement key
or any additional key is needed, you must purchase this
key from your dealer. The key will have PK3
žstamped
on it. Keep the bar code tag that came with the
original keys. Give this tag to your dealer if you need a
new key made.
Any new PASS-Key
žIII key must be programmed
before it will start your vehicle. SeePASS-Keyž
III Operation on page 2-19for more information on
programming your new key.
If your vehicle is equipped with the OnStar
žSystem
with an active subscription and you lock your keys inside
the vehicle, OnStar
žmay be able to send a command
to unlock your vehicle. SeeOnStaržSystem on
page 2-37for more information.
Notice:Your vehicle has a number of features that
can help prevent theft. You can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your keys inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have
spare keys.
2-4

Remote Keyless Entry System
If equipped, the remote keyless entry system operates
on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modi®cations to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
·Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
·Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
·Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See ªBattery
Replacementº and ªResynchronizationº under
ªRemote Keyless Entry System Operationº following
this section.
·If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
quali®ed technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m)
up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless
entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
The numbers on the back of the transmitters correspond
to DRIVER #1 and DRIVER #2 on the DIC (if equipped).
See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-43for
more information.
2-5

W(Unlock):The driver's
door will unlock when this
button is pressed. If
the unlock button is
pressed again within ®ve
seconds, all the doors
will unlock.
Q(Lock):All doors will lock when this button is
pressed.
V(Trunk):The trunk will unlock when this button is
pressed, and the ignition is in LOCK or OFF. The
trunk button will also work when the ignition is on, but
only while the transaxle is in PARK (P).
L(Remote Alarm):Your transmitter comes equipped
with a remote alarm. When this button is pressed, the
horn will sound and the exterior lamps will ¯ash for up to
30 seconds. The remote alarm can be turned off by
pressing this button again or by turning the ignition on.With the content theft-deterrent featue, you may also
turn off the remote alarm by unlocking the vehicle with
a key.
Pressing any button will also illuminate the interior
lamps. See ªEntry Lightingº under
Interior Lamps on
page 3-14.
Personalization Features
Each remote keyless entry transmitter can be
programmed to the driver's preference for automatic
door locks, security feedback, delayed locking, memory
seat, perimeter lighting, outside curb view assist
mirror and window lockout. Each of these
personalization features will be explained in this manual.
You can also personalize your climate control
temperature, air delivery mode and fan speed. See
Climate Controls Personalization on page 3-28.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can also program any of these
features through the DIC. See
Driver Information Center
(DIC) on page 3-43.
Security Feedback
This feature provides feedback when the vehicle
receives a command from the remote keyless entry
transmitter. The following modes may be selected:
Mode 0:No feedback when locking or unlocking
vehicle.
2-6