trailer BUICK PARK AVENUE 1994 User Guide

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a
different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green
arrows on your instrument panel
will flash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lights
will also flash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash for turns even
if the bulbs on
the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may
think drivers
behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Your vehicle has bulb warning lights. When you plug
trailer lights into your vehicle’s lighting system, its bulb
warning lights may not
let you know if one of your
lights goes out.
So, when you have trailer lights plugged
in, be sure to check your vehicle and trailer lights from
time to time to be sure they’re all working. Once you
disconnect the trailer lights, the bulb warning lights
again can tell you
if one of your vehicle lights is out.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down,
you might have to use your brakes
so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down to “D or 3” (Drive)
and reduce your speed to around
45 mph (70 km/h) to
reduce the possibility of engine and transaxle
overheating.
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer
attached,
on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig
could start to move. People can be injured, and both
your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.
But
if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how
to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into “P”
(Park) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and the shift to
“P” (Park).
5. Release the regular brakes.
193
ProCarManuals.com

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.
194
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Overheating
You will find a warning light about a hot engine on your
Buick instrument panel and if you have the optional
gage cluster, a coolant temperature gage. You will also
find a low coolant warning light.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
If NO Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high speed driving.
0 Idle for long periods in traffic.
0 Tow a trailer.
207
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Buick dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less
than
10 miles (16 km).
The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in
door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic).
0 You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your oil and filter every
3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first. (See
“Change Oil Soon” in the Index.) If
none of
them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles
(12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change and at every
other oil change after that.
If the optional “Change Oil Soon” light comes on you
will need to change your oil sooner than either mileage
specified. Depending upon driving habits, the “Change
Oil Soon’’ light may come on
as early as 2,000 miles or
less from the last time the oil life monitor was reset (See
“Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.)
Always reset the oil
life monitor after every oil change.
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0°F (- 18 “C) or
colder. If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index.
242
ProCarManuals.com

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level
if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 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 180°F to 200°F (82°C
to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). 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. Keep the engine
running.
0 With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in "P" (Park).
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:
I. Pull out the dipstick
and wipe
it with a
clean rag or paper
towel.
ProCarManuals.com

Section A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedules
This section tells you the maintenance services you
should have done and when you should schedule them.
Your Buick dealer knows your vehicle best and wants
you
to be happy with it. If you go to your dealer for your
service needs, you’ll know that GM-trained and
supported service people
will perform the work using
genuine GM parts.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
0
0
0
carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits.
You will find these limits on your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See “Loading Your
Vehicle”
in the Index.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal
driving limits.
use the recommended unleaded fuel. See “Fuel”
in
the Index.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is
right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which
schedule to follow:
Schedule I
Is any one of these true for your vehicle?
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
0 Most trips are less than 10 miles ( 16 km) when
outside temperatures are below freezing.
door-to-door delivery, or
in stop-and-go traffic).
0 The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas.
You tow a trailer. (With some models, you should
never tow a trailer. See “Towing
a Trailer” in the
Index.)
If any one (or more) of these is true for your driving,
follow Schedule
I.
Schedule I1
Follow Schedule I1 only if none of the above conditions
is true.
287
ProCarManuals.com

Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I - - ~~~~
Follow Schedule I if your car is MAINLY driven under one or more of the following conditions:
When most trips are less than 4 miles (6 kilometers).
When most trips are less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) and outside temperatures remain below freezing.
When most trips include extended idling and/or frequent low-speed operation as in stop-and-go traffic.
Towing a trailer.*?
When operating in dusty areas.
Schedule I should also be followed if the car is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial applications.
288
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.
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”.
293
ProCarManuals.com

System. Anti-lock Warning Light ................. 123
System Warning Light
......................... 122
Transaxle Shift Interlock
...................... 84. 90
Wear
....................................... 253
Brakes. Trailer
.................................. 191
Braking ........................................ 166
Braking in Emergencies
........................... 170
Break-In. New Vehicle
............................ 79
Bulbchart ..................................... 281
Bulb Replacement
............................... 256
Bulbs. Halogen
.................................. 255
Canadian Roadside Assistance
..................... 307
Capacities and Specifications Chart .................. 282
Carbon Monoxide
................................ 91
Cassette Tape Player
......................... 146. 149
Cassette Tape Player Care
......................... 157
Cautions. Safety
.................................. 10
CB Radio. Adding ............................... 144
Cellular Telephone. Adding
........................ 144
Chains. Tire
.................................... 267
Change Oil Soon Light
........................... 127
Changing a Flat Tire
.............................. 2 15
Check Oil Level Light ............................ 126
Checking Brake Fluid
.................................. 252
Engine Coolant
............................... 247
Engineoil
................................... 238
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 250
Restraint Systems
.............................. 6 1
Transaxle Fluid ............................... 244 Underhood
..................................... 234
Windshield Washer Fluid
.......................... 251
Chemical Paint Spotting
........................... 274
Child Restraints
.................................. 48
Children and Safety Belts
.......................... 46
Cigarette Lighter
................................ 118
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
........................ 277
City Driving
.................................... 179
Cleaner.
Air .................................... 243
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 273
Antenna .....................................
158
Cassette Player ............................... 157
Fabric
...................................... 269
Glass
....................................... 271
Inside Your Buick ............................. 268
Instrument Panel
.............................. 271
Leather
..................................... 270
Outside
Your Buick ........................... 272
Power Antenna
............................... 158
Speaker Covers ............................... 271
Underbody Maintenance
........................ 274
Vinyl ....................................... 270
White Sidewall Tires
........................... 273
Clock Setting
............................ 146.149. 152
Comfort Controls
................................ 131
Compact Disc
................................... 153
Compact Disc Care .............................. 158
Compact Spare Tire
.............................. 224
Control of
a Vehicle .............................. 165
Safety Belts
.................................. 271
Windshield and Wiper Blades
.................... 272
312
ProCarManuals.com

Master Cylinder, Brake ........................... 252
Memory Seat and Mirrors
.......................... 15
Methanol in Gasoline
............................. 229
Mirrors
........................................ 108
Monitors, Lamp
................................. 107
Net, Convenience
............................... 111
Neutral Gear Position .............................. 84
New Vehicle Break-In
............................. 79
Night Driving
......... ; ......................... 175
Number, Vehicle Identification (VIN)
................ 276
Octane Requirements
....................... 229,230
Odometer
...................................... 119
Oi1,Engine
..................................... 238
Off-Road Recovery
.............................. 172
Change
..................................... 242
Quality
..................................... 240
WarningLight
................................ 125
Overheated Engine
............................... 207
Overdrive, Automatic
............................. 85
Paint Spotting
................................. .274
Park Position
.................................... 83
Park, Shifting Into
................................ 88
Park, Shifting Out
............................... .90 Parking
Brake
........................................ 87
Over Things That Burn
.......................... 91
With A Trailer
................................ 193
With the Engine Running
........................ 89
Passing
....................................... -172
PASS-Key, Theft Deterrent System
................... 77
Polishing and Waxing
........................... .272
Power Accessory Power, Retained
...................... 81
Antenna
..................................... 158
DoorLocks
................................... 67
Mirrors
..................................... 108
Seats
........................................ 14
Steering
..................................... 170
Steering Fluid
................................ 250
Windows ..................................... 93
Pregnancy, Safety Belts Use
........................ 41
Problems on the Road
............................ 195
Publications, Service
............................. 308
Radiator Overheating
............................ 207
Radiator Pressure Cap
........................... .249
Reading Lights
.................................. 106
Rear Passenger ComforTemp
....................... 132
Rear Window Defogger
........................... 139
Radio
......................................... 143
Rear Door Security Lock
........................... 74
Rearview Mirror
................................. 108
316
ProCarManuals.com