check engine BUICK PARK AVENUE 1993 Owner's Manual

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32 C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
0 While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is
1 80 F to 200 F
(82OC to 93OC).
Get
the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures .are above
50 F
(10OC). If it’s colder than 50°F (lO°C), you may have
to drive longer.
To check the fluid level:
Park your vehicle on a level place.
0 Place the shift lever in “P’ (Park) with the parking
brake applied.
0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever
in “P’ (Park).
0 Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these
steps:
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
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2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the cross-hatched
area.
4. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the
dipstick back
in all the way.
How to Add Fluid:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level
into the cross-hatched area on the dipstick, It
doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a
pint. Don’t overfill. We recommend
you use only fluid
labeled DEXRONWIE, because
fluids with that label
are made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRONB-IIE is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back
in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when
it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
The proper coolant for your Buick will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37 “C) .
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 F ( 128 ” C) .
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
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To Check Coolant: When your engine is cold, the
coolant level should be at
“FULL COLD,” or a little
higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be
up to
“FULL HOT,” or a little higher.
If this light comes
on, it means you’re low on engine
coolant.
To Add Coolant: If you need more coolant, add the
proper mix at the coolant recovery .tank.
‘ CAUTION:
T‘urning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a little -
#hen the engine and radiator are hot.
I
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill it.
A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn
if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
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Radiator Pressure Cap
Your radiator pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly install
to prevent coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arro
the cap line up with the
ov be on t
radiator filler neck.
Power Steering Fluid
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap
is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When
you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace
the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the
“HOT” mark.
0 When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be at the “FULL COLD” mark.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
II ID BllHlll1111111 IIIIIM 1111 1111 111 llllllll1111111111111111 I=
m, SAMPLE4UXPM072675
ENGINE A93 ASSEMBLY
CODE MODEL YEAR PLANT
This is the legal identifier for your Buick. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side. You can see it
if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates
of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code for
your
GM engine. This code will help you identify your
engine, specifications, and replacement parts in this
section.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on the spare tire cover. It’s very
helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
0 Your VIN.
0 Its model designation.
0 Paint information.
0 A list of all production options and special
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
equipment.
Add-on
Electrical Equipment
I NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Buick
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
~ electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
~ warranty. Some of it can just keep other things
~ from working as they should.
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Introduction
IMPORTANT:.
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS RECOMMENDED
I I Protection I
Plan
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The
Plan supplements your
new vehicle warranties. See
your Buick dealer for details.
A Word About Maintenance
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle
in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short
distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time
in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you
may drive it to work, to do errands or in many other
ways.
Because
of all the different ways people use their GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may
even need
more frequent checks and replacements than
you will
find
in the schedules in this part. So please read this part
and
note how you drive. If you have any questions on
how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your
Buick dealer, the place many GM owners choose
to
have their maintenance work done. Your dealer can be
relied upon to use proper parts and practices.
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TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance
Services Following
Schedules I and
11)
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or
Months, Whichever
Occurs First
Ztem No.
Every 30 000 mi. 6' '''ling System Service* (50 000 km) or 24 months.
I
7. Transaxle Service See Explanation
of Scheduled
Maintenance Service Following Schedules
I and I1
I
8* Spark
Replacement*
9. Spark Plug
I Wire Inspection*?
Replacement"?
1 1. Fuel Tank, Cap &
Lines Inspection Every
30 000 mi
(50 000 km) 25
30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
a
a
a
a
a
a
The services
shown in this schedule up to 48 000 miles (80 000 km) should be performed after 48 000 miles at the same
intervals.
* An Emission Control Service.
f The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of
Record". vehicle
useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in "Section E:Maintenance
12. Supercharger Oil Check Every 30 000 mi
(3.8L Code 1 engine only) (50 000 km) or 36 months
MILES (000) ..
6 9 12 15 18
KILOMETERS (000)
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TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance Services Following Schedules
I and 11)
Item No.
8. Spark Plug Replacement*
9. Spark Plug Wire Inspection”?
10. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*
1 1. Fuel Tank, Cap & Lines Inspection*?
12. Supercharger Oil Check I
(3.8L Code 1 engine only)
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or
Months, Whichever
Occurs First
Every 30 000 mi. (50 000 km)
I MILES (000)
The services shown in this schedule up to 45 000 miles (75 000 km) should be performed after 45 000 miles at the Same
intervals. I
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Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
I and Schedule
11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section
D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle
uses these. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives
the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SG
Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity. The
“SG” designation may be shown alone or in
combination with others, such as “SG/CC”,
“SG/CD” or
“SF, SG, CC,” etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g.,
SAE
5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in
the Index. If your vehicle has an Engine
Oil Life
Monitor,
the monitor will show you when to change
the oil. See “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.
* An Emission Control Service.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is
equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the
suspension and steering linkage.
Throttle Body Mounting Bolt Torque” -- Check
the torque
of the mounting bolts and/or nuts.
Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions in this manual. See “Tires,
Inspection
& Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires
for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or
premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check
for damaged wheels also.
Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill
the system with new or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification
1825M. Keep
coolant at the proper mixture
as specified. See
“Coolant” in the Index. This provides.proper freeze
protection, corrosion inhibitor level and engine
operating temperature.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle
useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E:Maintenance Record”.
302
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Section B: Owner Checks and
Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed
at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
.
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in
Section D.
At Each Fuel Fill
(It is important for you or a service station attendant
to perform these underhood checks at each fuel
fill.
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Engine Oil
Level
Engine Coolant
Level
Windshield
Washer Fluid Level
WHAT TO DO
Check the engine oil level and add
the proper oil if necessary. See
“Engine Oil”
in the Index for further
details.
Check the engine coolant level
in the
coolant recovery tank and add the
proper coolant mix
if necessary. See
“Coolant” in the Index
for further
details.
Check the windshield washer fluid
level in the windshield washer tank
and add the proper fluid
if necessary.
See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in
the Index for further details.
304
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