coolant temperature BUICK PARK AVENUE 1994 Owners Manual

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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“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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Auto
AUTO is used when you
want the system to adjust
automatically to changes
in
temperature. When the
system is set for automatic,
air will come from
the floor
outlets, the instrument
panel outlets or windshield
outlets.
Fan speed
will vary as the system gets to and maintains
the temperature setting you have selected (unless a
blower
LO or HI button has been pushed). To
find your comfort zone, start with
75 AUTO, give
the car about
20 minutes to stabilize, and adjust the
temperature setting
if necessary.
In cold weather
the system will delay turning on the fan,
to avoid blowing cold air. The length
of the delay
depends on engine coolant temperature, outside
temperature and time since the engine was last started.
Pushing a
LO or HI blower button will override this
delay, and cause the fan to start.
To rid the system of stale air
in warm weather, air will
come out
of the floor outlets for a short time.
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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.
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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,
Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM
Specification 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add
anything else.
I NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.

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Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill
it.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Your radiator pressure cap is a 15 psi (1 05 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on
the cap line up with the overflow tube on the
radiator filler neck.
Wlien you replace your radiator pressure cap, ap 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.
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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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I
Controls. Features and ............................. 63
Convenience Net ................................ 111
Coolant Engine
...................................... 247
Engine. Warning Light/Gage
.................... 124
Heater
................................... 82. 242
Safety Warnings
.............................. 207
Courtesy Lights
................................. 104
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 306
Cruise Control
................................... 98
Customer Assistance Hearing/Speech Impaired
....................... 304
Satisfaction Procedure
......................... 303
Daytime Running Lights
......................... 105
Defensive Driving
............................... 162
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 139
Defrost
........................................ 138
Dimensions Chart
................................ 280
Disc Brake Wear Indicators
........................ 253
Disposal of Used Oil
............................. 243
Door Ajar Light
................................. 130
DoorLocks
...................................... 65
Downshifting
..................................... 85
Driving City
........................................ 179
Curve
...................................... 170
Defensive
................................... 162
Drunken
.................................... 162
Foreign Country
.............................. 232
Freeway
..................................... 180 Hill
and Mountain Roads
....................... 182
Long Distance
................................ 181
Night
....................................... 175
Rain
........................................ 176
Through Deep Standing Water
.................... 82
Winter
...................................... 184
Electrical Equipment. Adding
................. 144. 276
Electronic Level Control
.......................... 115
Emergency
Braking
..................................... 170
Starting
..................................... 198
Steering
..................................... 171
Towing
..................................... 205
Accessory Belt
........................... 236, 237
Block Heater (Coolant Heater)
................ 82, 242
Coolant
..................................... 247
Engine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
.............. 124
Exhaust
....................
Identification (VIN) ..........
Oil ........................
Oil Additives ................
Oil Life Monitor .............
Oil Pressure Warning Light/Gage
Overheating
.................
Starting ....................
.................. 91
................. 276
................. 238
................. 242
................. 127
................. 125
................. 207
.................. 81
Ethanol IiGasoline
.............................. 229
Extender. Safety Belt
.............................. 61
Expectant
Mothers. Use of Safety Belts
............... 41
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Turn Signalmeadlight Beam Lever ................... 94
Turn Signal Indicator
.............................. 94
Twilight Sentinel ................................ 104
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 274
Universal Theft Deterrent
.......................... 76
Unleaded Gasoline
............................... 229
Upholstery Care
................................. 268
Used Oil Disposal
............................... 243
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
............... 276
Vehicle Loading
................................. 258
Vehicle Storage ................................. 255
Ventilation
..................................... 14 1
Vinyl. Cleaning ................................. 270
Voltage Indicator
................................ 129
warning Flashers. Hazard
........................ 196
Warning Lights
.................................. 120
AirBag
...................................... 36
Anti-lock Brake System
........................ 123
Battery
...................................... 128
Brake ....................................... 122
ChangeOilSoon
.............................. 127
CheckOilLevel
.............................. 126
Door Ajar
................................... 130
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 124
Engineoil
................................... 125 LightsON
................................... 103
LowCoolant
................................. 125
LowFuel
.................................... 121
Safety Belt
................................... 25
Security ...................................... 76
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction
Traction Control System
........
Trunk Ajar ...................
Washer Fluid Low .............
Washer. Windshield ..............
Washing Your Vehicle ............
I ndicator Lamp) . . 128
............... 123
............... 130
................ 97
............ 97. 251
............... 272
Weatherstrips 273 v ...................................
Weight
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
............... 259
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
............ 259
Trailer
...................................... 190
Wheel
Alignment
................................... 265
Aluminum
................................... 273
Cover Removal
............................... 217
Replacement
................................. 266
Windows
....................................... 93
Windshield
Cleaning
.................................... 272
Washer
...................................... 97
Washer Fluid
................................. 251
Wipers
....................................... 96
Winter Driving
.................................. 184
WreckerTowing
................................. 203
Your Driving and the Road
........................ 161
Your Vehicle and the Environment .................. 285
NutTorque
.................................. 223
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