BUICK PARK AVENUE 2005 Owner's Manual

Courtesy Transportation is available only at participating
dealers and all program options, such as shuttle
service, may not be available at every dealer. Please
contact your dealer for specic information about
availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements
will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.
Canadian Vehicles:For warranty repairs during
the Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General
Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
alternative transportation may be available under the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult
your dealer for details.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at
any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described
herein at its sole discretion.Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a
number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor
and control several aspects of the vehicle’s
performance. Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle
computers to monitor emission control components to
optimize fuel economy, to monitor conditions for air bag
deployment and, if so equipped, to provide anti-lock
braking and to help the driver control the vehicle
in difficult driving situations. Some information may be
stored during regular operations to facilitate repair
of detected malfunctions; other information is stored only
in a crash event by computer systems, such as those
commonly called event data recorders (EDR).
In a crash event, computer systems, such as the Air
Bag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in your
vehicle may record information about the condition of
the vehicle and how it was operated, such as data
related to engine speed, brake application, throttle
position, vehicle speed, safety belt usage, air bag
readiness, air bag performance, and the severity of a
collision. This information has been used to improve
vehicle crash performance and may be used to improve
crash performance of future vehicles and driving
safety. Unlike the data recorders on many airplanes,
these on-board systems do not record sounds, such as
conversation of vehicle occupants.
7-9

To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the device that stores
the data is required. GM will not access information
about a crash event or share it with others other than:
with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
in response to an official request of police or similar
government office,
as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process, or
as required by law.
In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may:
use the data for GM research needs,
make it available for research where appropriate
condentiality is to be maintained and need is
shown, or
share summary data which is not tied to a
specic vehicle with non-GM organizations for
research purposes.
Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to
the special equipment that can read the information
if they have access to the vehicle or the device
that stores the data.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar
®, please check
the OnStar®subscription service agreement or manual
for information on its operations and data collection.
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
7-10

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you will notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product
Service Bulletins can be obtained by contacting
your General Motors dealer or by calling
1-800-GM-DRIVE (1-800-463-7483).
7-11

Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-12

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-24
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-5
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-91
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-19
Air Conditioning..............................................3-25
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-36
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-49
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-55
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-57
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-55
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-55
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-53
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-51
Antenna, Heated Backlite.................................3-74
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-39
Appearance Care............................................5-82
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-88
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-86
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-89
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-87
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-87Appearance Care (cont.)
Finish Damage............................................5-89
Glass Surfaces............................................5-86
Instrument Panel.........................................5-85
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-85
Leather......................................................5-85
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-89
Speaker Covers..........................................5-86
Tires..........................................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-90
Vinyl..........................................................5-85
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-88
Ashtrays........................................................3-25
Audio System(s).............................................3-55
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-72
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-73
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-74
Care of Your CDs........................................3-74
Heated Backlite Antenna...............................3-74
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-69
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-56
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-60
Setting the Time..........................................3-55
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-70
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-66
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-72
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-22
Operation...................................................2-26
B
Battery..........................................................5-40
Run-Down Protection...................................3-19
Battery Warning Light......................................3-37
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-9
Parking......................................................2-29
System Inspection.......................................6-24
System Warning Light..................................3-38
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-22
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-47
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-50
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-45
Headlamps.................................................5-47Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Rear Quarter Panel Turn Signal and
Stoplamps...............................................5-54
Rear Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-Up Lamps.......................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-56
Buying New Tires...........................................5-68C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-100
Carbon Monoxide...................2-14, 2-32, 4-25, 4-37
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-86
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-73
Your CD Player...........................................3-74
Your CDs ...................................................3-74
CD Changer, Trunk-Mounted............................3-66
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-46
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-19
Chains, Tire...................................................5-72
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-40
Tire Pressure System...................................5-65
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-89
2

Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers
for Children (LATCH System).....................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-46
Top Strap...................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-25
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-88
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-87
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-87
Glass Surfaces............................................5-86
Instrument Panel.........................................5-85
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-85
Leather......................................................5-85
Speaker Covers..........................................5-86Cleaning (cont.)
Tires..........................................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Vinyl..........................................................5-85
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-88
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-30
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-31
Dual Automatic............................................3-25
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Steering Wheel Controls...............................3-31
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-24
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-82
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-47
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-40
Heater, Engine............................................2-25
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cornering Lamps............................................3-15
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-16
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
3

Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-17
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3Door
Central Door Unlocking System.....................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door Ajar Reminder.....................................2-11
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-46
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-46
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-50
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-23
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-30
Winter........................................................4-25
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-25
4

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-91
Auxiliary Instrument Panel Fuse Block............5-94
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Main Instrument Panel Fuse Block.................5-92
Rear Compartment Fuse Block......................5-97
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-95
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Cooling System Inspection............................6-24
Drive Belt Routing......................................5-102
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-32
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-24
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-18
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finish Damage...............................................5-89
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-73
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-74
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-80
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-18
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-5
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-45
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-23
5

Fuses
Auxiliary Instrument Panel Fuse Block............5-94
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Main Instrument Panel Fuse Block.................5-92
Rear Compartment Fuse Block......................5-97
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-95
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-45
Speedometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-40
Garage Door Opener Compartment...................2-45
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-44
Glove Box Lamp.............................................3-18
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-45
Headlamps....................................................5-47
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-47
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-15
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-9
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-50
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Head-Up Display (HUD)...................................3-19
Heated Backlite Antenna..................................3-74
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heater...........................................................3-25
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-23
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-40
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-41
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
6