check oil BUICK PARK AVENUE 1994 User Guide

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.
To Check Engine Oil
The engine oil dipstick is
directly behind the engine
fan.
Turn off the engine and
give the oil a few minutes
to drain back into
the oil
pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the
actual level.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to
add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This section
explains what kind
of oil to use. For crankcase capacity,
see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
Pull out the dipstick
and clean it with a
paper towel or cloth,
then push it back
in all
the way. Remove
it
again, keeping the tip
lower, and check the
level. Just
fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back
in when you’re through.
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What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements
that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own
oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing
oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of
oil by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
Air Cleaner
1
The air cleaner is in the front right section of the engine
compartment.
To check or replace the filter, undo the
wing screws and pull the air cleaner open. Replace the
air filter, close
the cover and tighten the wing screws.
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Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage
it. Always
have the air cleaner
in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to- Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed. Refer
to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services’’ in
the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose
to have this done at a Buick dealership Service
Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading
on the
dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be sure
to get
an accurate reading if you check your transaxle
fluid.
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I IMPORTANT: I
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
11
protection I
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The
Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See
your Buick dealer for details.
Introduction
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)
Item No. ~~ ~
~ __
6. Transaxle Service
7. Spark Plug
Replacement”
X. Spark Plug
Wire Inspection*+
9. Supercharger Oil Check
(3.8L Code 1 engine only)
10. Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement*’t
11. Fuel Tank, Cap &
Lines Inspection
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or
IS 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Months, Whichever
MILES (000)
Occurs First
See Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Service
Following Schedules
I and 11
Every 30 000 mi
(SO 000 km)
tttt
See Explanation of Schedulcd
Maintenance Scrvice
Following Schedules
1 and I1
Every 30 000 mi
(SO 000 km) IIII
KILOMETERS (000) I
The services shown in this schedule up to 48 000 miles (80 000 km) should be performed after 48 000 miles at the same
I
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TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance
Services Following
Schedules
I and 11)
Item No.
8. Spark Plug Wire Inspection*?
9. Supercharger Oil Check
(3.8L Code I engine only)
10. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement"
1 I. Fuel Tank. Cap & Lines Inspection**
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or
Months, Whichever
Occurs First
I MILES (000)
22.5 45 37.5 30
KILOMETERS (000)
12.5 I 25 I 37.5 I SO I 62.5 I 75 ~~
Every 30 000 mi. (SO 000 km) e
Every 30 000 mi. (50 000 km) or 36 months I
See Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services Following Schedules
I and I1
Every 30 000 mi. (SO 000 km) e
0
I
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
Following 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 SH
or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The
“SH” or “SG” designation may be shown alone
or
in combination with others, such as “SH/CD” or
“SH,
SG, CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE
5W-30 or SAE low-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. 2.
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.
3. 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.
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
5. 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.
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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.
6.
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°F (32°C) or
higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing. (With some
models, you shouldn’t ever tow a trailer. See
“Towing a Trailer”
in the Index.)
0 Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
service.
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).
7. Spark Plug Replacement* -- Replace spark plugs
with the proper type. See “Specifications Chart”
in
the Index.
8. Spark Plug Wire Inspection*-f -- Inspect for burns,
cracks or other damage. Check the boot
fit at the
distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires as
needed.
9. Supercharger Oil Check--Check oil every 30,000
(50 000km) or 36 months. Check oil level only on
cold engine. Add the proper synthetic oil. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
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.
1 1. 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.
* An Emission Control Service.
-f The US. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board 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.)
Engine Oil Level
Engine Coolant
Level
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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INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Brake System
[nspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the complete system. Inspect
brake
lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for
wear and rotors for surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for
wear and cracks. Inspect other brake
parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment. You
may need
to have your brakes inspected
more often if your driving habits or
conditions result
in frequent braking.
NOTE:
A low brake fluid level can
indicate worn disc brake pads which
may need to be serviced, Also,
if the
brake system warning light stays on or
comes
on, something may be wrong
with the brake system. See ”Brake
System Warning Light”
in the Index. If
your anti-lock brake system warning
light stays on, comes on or flashes,
something may
be wrong with the
anti-lock brake system. See “Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light”
in the
Index.
Section D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer
I USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT
API service
SH or SG Energy
Conserving I1 oils
of the proper
viscosity. The
“SH” or “SG” designation
may be shown alone or
in combination
with others, such as “SH/CD,” or
“SH,
SG, CD,” “SG/CD” etc. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, see “Engine Oil”
in the Index.
S0/50 mixture of water (preferably
distilled) and good quality ethylene
glycol base antifreeze
(GM Part No.
1052753 or equivalent) conforming to
GM Specification 182SM or approved
recycled coolant conforming to
GM
Specification 182SM.
Delco Supreme
1 I@ Brake Fluid (GM
Part
No. 1052535) or equivalent
DOT-3 brake fluid.
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