coolant level BUICK PARK AVENUE 1993 Owners Manual

I A CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up even
when the engine
is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don’t do anything else until it cools down.
. .” P
The coolant level should be at or above “FULL COLD.”
If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses,
heater hoses, radiator, water pump
or somewhere else in
the cooling system.
I I
A CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them.
If you
do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine
if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
I
Engine damage? Il’onl I mning bUrlr engine
without coolant isn’t covered by your warrbllr
If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric
engine fans are running. If the engine
is overheating,
both fans should be running. If they aren’t, your vehicle
needs service.
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How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery
Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level In cold weather, water can free
isn’t at or above “FULL COLD,” add a 50/50 mixture
of clean water (preferably distilled) and the proper
antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine
Coolant’’ in the Index for more information about the
proper coolant mix.)
I A CAUTION:
I Adding plain water to your cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
like alcohol, can boll befare the proper coolant
mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system
is set for the groper coolant mix. With plain water
.of the wrung mix, your engine could get too hot
but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your
engine could catch fire and you or others could
be burned. Use a 50/50 mix of Glean water and a
proper antifreeze.
I
I
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4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to “FULL
COLD.”
6. Start the engine and
let it run until you
can feel the upper
radiator hose
getting hot. Watch
out for the engine
fans.
7. By this time the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower. If the level
is lower, add
more of the proper
mix through the filler neck until
the level reaches the top
of the filler neck.
5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave
the radiator pressure cap off.
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I
I
Here you will find information about the care of your Buick . This part begins with service and fuel information. and
then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels
. There is also technical information about your
vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care
.
Part 6 includes:
ServiceTips
......................................................................
Engineoil ....................................................................... \
242
Fuel
........................................................................\
..... 243
Hood Release 248
251
AirFilter
........................................................................\
. 255
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
...........................................................
Enginecoolant .................................................................... 258
PowerSteeringFluid
............................................................... 261
Windshield Washer Fluid
............................................................ 262
Brakes
........................................................................\
... 263
Battery
........................................................................\
... 265
266
268
270
278
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.................................................. 286
Fuses .and Circuit Breakers
........................................................... 287
Capacities and Specifications
.......................................................... 292
.....................................................................
256
BulbReplacement
.................................................................
LoadingYourVehicle ...............................................................
Tires ........................................................................\
....
Appearancecare ..................................................................
241
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The powertrain control module (PCM), works with a
vacuum control to regulate the increased pressure
required during specific driving conditions. When this
increased pressure or boost, is not desired such as during
idling and light throttle cruising, the excess air that the
Supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass. All
of these controls, working together provide high
performance character and fuel efficiency in the
3800
V6 Supercharged Buick engine.
The power steering pump uses a remote reservoir
mounted on the throttle and cruise control cable bracket.
See “Maintenance Schedule’’ in the Index for when you
should check the fluid.
The supercharged
3800 engine uses two accessory drive
belts. One belt drives the generator and the power
steering pump. The second belt drives the supercharger,
coolant pump and air conditioning compressor. Each
belt has
its own tensioner and idler pulley. See
“Maintenance Schedule’’ in the Index for when you
should check the accessory drive belts and supercharger
oil level. Have your dealer check the oil level in the
supercharger.
Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick is
directly behind the engine
fan. Turn
off the engine and
give the oil a few minutes
to get back down into the
oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not &ow the
actual level.
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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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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”.
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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.
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