service BUICK PARK AVENUE 1994 User Guide

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
ANT‘ LOCK (a)
ANTI
LOCK
J
With anti-lock,this light will come on when you start
your engine and may stay on for several seconds. That’s
normal.
If the light doesn’t come on, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition
off, Or, if the light
comes on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible
and
turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to
reset the system.
If the light still stays on, or comes on
again while you’re driving, your Buick needs service.
If
the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you still
have brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on, you don’t have
anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem
with your
regular brakes. See “Brake System Warning Light”
earlier
in this part.
Traction Control System Warning Light
(Option)
TRACTION
OFF
The “TRACTION OFF”
warning light means that
the system is not working.
When this warning light is
on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. The
warning light may come on
for the following reasons:
If your brakes overheat, the traction control system
will go off and the warning light will come on
until
your brakes cool down.
Some engine related problems may cause the
“TRACTION
OFF’’ warning light to come on.
Press the “TRACTION ON/OFF” switch to turn the
Traction Control system on or off.
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage If the “TRACTION OFF” warning light comes on and
stays on for an extended period of time, your vehicle
needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
TEMP
This light tells you that your engine coolant has
overheated or your radiator cooling fans are not working.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull
off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn the engine
off as soon as possible.
The chapter “Problems on the Road,” in this manual
explains what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
If you have the Gage Cluster, you have a gage that
shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage
pointer moves into the red area, your engine is too hot!
That reading means the same thing as the warning light.
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you
have been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull
off the road, stop your
vehicle and
turn off the engine as soon as possible.
The chapter “Problems on the Road,” in this manual
explains what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
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If you’re “idling” at a stop sign, the light may blink
on and then off.
If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a
moment.
When this light
comes on and stays on, it means oil isn’t
going through your engine properly,
You could be low
on oil,
or you might have some other oil problem.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
“Check Oil Level” Light (Option)
CHECK
OIL LEVEL
The “Check Oil Level”
light is
lit for three seconds
as
a bulb check each time
the ignition key
is turned to
the
RUN position. If the
light doesn’t come on, have
your vehicle serviced.
If the engine oil is more than one quart low, the light
will come on briefly, then go off for 15-25 seconds, and
then come back on for
20-40 seconds.
However, the system
will not register low engine oil if it
has not been more than eight minutes since the engine
was last shut off.
If the “Check Oil Level” light comes back on, the
engine oil should be checked at the.dipstick then
brought
up to the proper level if necessary. See “Engine
Oil”
in the Index.
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“Change Oil Soon” Light (Option)
CHANGE
OIL SOON
This light is activated by
the engine oil life monitor
system. The system
determines the condition
o
the engine oil and lets you
know when the oil should
be changed. (See “Engine
Oil” in the Index).
It does this using information about engine speed (revolutions per minute), coolant temperature and
vehicle speed. The system uses this data to determine
how much oil has degraded. of
the oil life has been used and each time the engine is
started after that.
If the “Change Oil Soon” light is on
continuously, there is a problem with the Oil Life
Monitor System and service is required.
After changing the engine oil, the system should be
reset.
This will cause the “Change Oil Soon” light to be
lit again for#the bulb check period
of three seconds.
When to change your oil depends on driving habits and
conditions because these directly affect engine speed,
coolant temperature and vehicle speed. Because of this,
the “Change Oil Soon” light may come on as early as
2,000 miles or less for harsh conditions.
The “Change Oil
Soon” light is lit for five seconds as a
bulb check each time the ignition key is turned to the
RUN position. It will stay on for 60 seconds once 90%
f
The reset button is in the glove box. With the ignition
key in the
RUN position push the reset button, hold it in
for at least
5 seconds but not more than 60 seconds.
After
5 seconds, the “Change Oil Soon” light will flash
4 times and then go off. This indicates that the Oil Life
Monitor System has been reset.
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service
Engine Soon Light)
SERVICE
ENGINE SOON
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on,
after a while the emission controls won’t work as
well, your fuel economy won’t be as good and your engine may not run
as smoothly. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by your
warranty.
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Battery Light
A computer monitors operation of your fuel, ignition
and emission control systems. This light should come on
when the ignition is on and the engine is not running, as
a check to show you it is working.
If it does not come on
at all, have it fixed right away. If it stays
on, or it comes
on while you are driving, the computer
is indicating that
you have
a problem. You should take your vehicle in for
service soon.
n
VOLTS
When you turn the key to RUN, this light will come on
briefly,
to show that your alternator and battery charging
systems are working. If the light stays on, you need
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service, and you should take your Buick to the dealer at
once.
To save your battery until you get there, turn off
all accessories and set your air system to OFF.
Voltage Indicator Tachometer
If you
have the optional gage cluster, this gage shows
voltage in the electrical system. The normal range is 11
to 15 volts. If the reading stays outside the normal
range, have your Buick dealer check the electrical
system. The tachometer tells
you how fast the engine is running.
It displays engine speed
in thousands of revolutions per
minute
(RPM).
I NOTICE:
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in
the red area,
or engine damage may occur.
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Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each
month or after every
15 hours of use. If you notice a
reduction
in sound quality, try a known good cassette to
see
if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other
cassette has no improvement
in sound quality, clean the
tape player.
Clean your tape player with a wiping-action,
non-abrasive cleaning cassette, and follow the directions
provided with
it.
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may
degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette
tape is
in good condition before you have your tape
player serviced.
Care of Your Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a
clean, soft cloth
in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean
it, wiping only from the center to the edge. Be
sure
never to touch the signal surface when handling
discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the
edge
of the hole and the outer edge.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged.
If the mast should ever become
slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the
mast is badly bent, as
it might be by vandals, you should
replace
it.
Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still
tightened to the fender.
Power Antenna Mast Care
Your power antenna will look its best and work well if
it’s cleaned from time to time.
To Clean the Antenna Mast:
1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise the antenna to
full mast extension.
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When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well
in advance. If you miss your exit do not, under
any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the
next
exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed
is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure
you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out.
Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Buick dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0
0
0
0
0
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they
in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all
levels?
Lights: Are they all working? Are
the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important
to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along
your route? Should
you delay your trip a short time
to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:
Do you have up-to-date maps?
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Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway
hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel?
Call
it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch
of road with
the same scenery, along with
the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let
it
happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the
road
in less than a second, and you could crash and be
inj ured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service,
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat or rolling terrain.
If
you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re
planning
to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine;
0 Shift into a gear; and
0 Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, belts, cooling system, and brake adjustment.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s
a good idea to review these sections before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are
tight.
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