gas type BUICK PARK AVENUE 1993 Owners Manual

What makes an air bag inflate?
In a frontal impact of sufficient severity, sensors
strategically located
on the vehicle detect that the
vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result
of a crash. These
sensors complete an electrical circuit, triggering a
chemical reaction
of the sodium azide sealed in the
inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas, which
inflates the cloth bag. The inflator, cloth bag, and related
hardware are all part of the air bag inflator module
packed inside the steering wheel.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel.
The air bag supplements the protection provided by
safety belts. Air bags distribute the force
of the impact
more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not
provide protection in many types
of collisions, including
rollovers and rear and side impacts, primarily because
an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags
should never be regarded as anything more than a
supplement
to safety belt protection in moderate to
severe frontal and near-frontal collisions.
What will you see after an air bag inflation?
After the air bag has inflated, it will then quickly
deflate. This
occurs so quickly that some people may
not even realize that the air bag inflated. The air bag will
- not impede the driver’s vision or ability to steer the
vehicle,
nor will it hinder the occupants from exiting the
vehicle. There will be small amounts
of smoke coming
from vents in the deflated air bag. Some components of
the air bag module in the steering wheel hub may be hot
for
a short time, but the portion of the bag that comes
into contact with you will not be hot to the touch. The
nitrogen gas used to inflate the air bag will have vented
into the passenger compartment, and the bag will be
deflated within seconds after the collision. Nitrogen
,makes up about
80% of the air we breathe and is not
hazardous. As the nitrogen vents from the bag, small
particles are also vented into the passenger
compartment.
37
ProCarManuals.com

A CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on you and then something
ignites
it, YOU could be badly burned. Gasoline
can spray out on you if you open the fuel filler
cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your
tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait I ’ for any “hlss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the
cap all the way. I
When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until
you hear a clicking noise,
4
&
OTICE:
you neea a new cap, be sure IO get tne rlght
type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get
the wrong type,
it may not fit or have proper
venting, and your fuel tank and emissions
system might be damaged.
Checking Things Under the Hood
Hood Release
To open the hood, first pull
the handle inside the
vehicle.
It is located on the
lower left side
of the
instrument panel. When
you pull this handle, the
hood lock will open.
3 AQ
ProCarManuals.com

Appearance Care
I
A CAUTION:
Cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are I
I toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part
of the vehicle.
Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes
in a closed space. When you use anything in a
container to clean your Buick, be sure to follow
the instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
Gasoline
0 Benzene
Naphtha
0 Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
0 Paint Thinner
0 Turpentine
0 Lacquer Thinner I
Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle,
-
278
Cleaning the Inside of Your Buick
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl with
a clean, damp cloth.
Your Buick dealer has two
GM cleaners -- a
solvent-type spot lifter and a foam-type powdered
cleaner. They will clean normal spots and stains very
well.
Here are some cleaning tips:
0 Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
0 Clean up stains as soon as you can ore they set.
0 Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often. A soft brush may be used
if stains are
stubborn.
ProCarManuals.com

Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and
neck.
To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a
pressure test of both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
7. Transaxle Service -- Change both the fluid and
filter every 15,000 miles (25
000 km) if the vehicle
is mainly driven under
one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF (32 “C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
If you do
not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change both the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles
( 160 000 km).
service.
8. Spark
Plug Replacement* -- Replace spark plugs
with the proper type. See “Specifications Chart” in
the Index.
9. Spark Plug Wire Inspection*? -- Inspect for
burns, cracks or other damage. Check the boot fit at
the distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires
as needed.
10.
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* -- Replace every
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or more often under dusty
conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper
replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
11.
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection*? -- Inspect
fuel tank, cap and lines (including
fuel rails and
injection assembly) for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel
cap gasket for an even filler neck imprint or any
damage. Replace parts as needed. Periodic
replacement of the fuel filter
is not required.
12.
Supercharger Oil Check -- Check oil every 30,000
miles (50 000 km) or 36 months. Add the proper
synthetic
oil. S.ee “Recommended Fluid and
Lubricants’’ in the Index.
* An Emission Control Service.
? 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’‘.
303
ProCarManuals.com