engine BUICK PARK AVENUE 1996 Owners Manual

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move.
You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front
of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake
at once should the vehicle begin to move. Park
on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot
on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until
the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
@ To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK
(P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your
GM dealer’s service
department or other qualified service center do these jobs.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a Buick service manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front-Wheel-Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system, Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes,
loose connections, or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in
the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any cables that have high effort
or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, 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.
7-42
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and
wicants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or spe
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant ification may be
obtained from your
1
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines
“S tarburst”
symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and GM
Goodwrench’ DEX-COOL
TM or
Havoline@ DEX-COOL
TM
(orange-colored, silicate-free)
antifreeze conforming to GM
Specification 6277M. See “Engine
Coolant’’ in the Index.
USAGE
Coolant
Supplement
Sealer
Parking Brake Cable Guides
Power Steering System
Automatic
Transaxle
Key Lock
Cylinders
FLUID/LUBRICANT
GM Part No. 3634621 or
equivalent with a complete flush
and refill.
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884
- 1 pt.,
10500 17
- 1 qt., or equivalent).
DEXRON@-111 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube@ (GM
Part No. 12346241
or equivalent).
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n
Section 9 In
Air Bag ...................................... 1 . 17
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-21
How it Works ................................ 1 . 19
Location
.................................... 1-19
Readiness Light
......................... 1.18. 2.70
What Makes
it Inflate .......................... 1-20
What Will You See After it Inflates
............... 1-21
When
Should it Inflate ......................... 1-20
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-17
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-6
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-65
Air Control. Climate Control System
............. 3.1. 3-3
Alarm. Instant. Keyless Entry
...................... 2-8
Alarm. Universal Theft-Deterrent
.................. 2- 16
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-44
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-53
Antenna. Power
................................ 3-32
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-23
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.72. 4.6
Brakes
...................................... 4-6
Anti.Theft. Radio
.............................. 3-27
Appearancecare
............................... 6-47
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-55
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-6
Servicing
................................... 1-22
Armrest.
Storage
............................... 2-59
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-61
Astroroof
..................................... 2-63
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3-29
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-30
Audio Systems
................................. 3-12
Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control
............. 3-3
Automatic Pull-Down Feature. Trunk
............... 2-15
Automatic Overdrive
................................... 2-25
Ride Control
................................. 2-26
Transaxle Check
.............................. 7-39
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 6-20
Transaxle Operation
........................... 2-23
Transaxle Park Mechanism Check
................ 7-41
Battery
...................................... 6-33
Jump Starting
................................. 5-2
Replacement. Keyless Entry
.................... 2-12
Rundown Protection
........................... 2-50
Warning Light
............................... 2-70
Warnings
................................ 5.2. 5.4
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-6
Belt. Engine Accessory
..................... 6.67. 6.68
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-6
9-1
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I.
Adjustment .................................. 6-32
Master Cylinder
............................... 6-30
Fluid
......................................... 6-30
Parking
.. i.................................. 2-27
Pedal Travel
.... -. ............................... 6-32
Replacing System Parts
......................... 6-33
System Warning Light
......................... 2-71
Trailer
....................................... 4-34
Transaxle Shift Interlock
....................... 2-30
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-40
Wear
......................................... 6-32
Brakes, Anti-Lock.
............................... 4-6
Braking
........................................ :4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle
.......................... 2-19
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-46
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-34
Braking
in Emergencies ............................ 4-9
BTSI
......................................... 2-3 0
BTSICheck ................................... 7-40
Canadian Roadside Assistance
..... 1. ............. 8-4
Capacities apd Specifications
........................ 6-64
Carbon Monoxide
......... : .......... 2-31,2-32, 4-27
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-38
Cassette Tape Player
.................. 3-14,3-17, 3-24
Cassette Tape Player Care
......................... 3-3 1
Cassette Tape Player Errors
........ : .... 3-14,3-18, 3-25
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature
.................. 3-27
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-24
Central Door Unlocking System
.................... 2-4
. .
Certification Label .......................... !’. ... 4-29
Certification/”ire Label
..................... 4.28, 4.29
Chains. Tire
......... ; ......................... 6-46
Chains.
Safety
.................................. 4-34
Change Oil
Soon Light .......................... 2-80
Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-22
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-75
Check Oil Level Light
........................... 2-79
Checking Your. Restraint Systems
.................. 1-44
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-54
Child Restraints
................................ 1-33
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position
... .. ....... 1-35
Securing in the Center
. Rear Seat Position .......... 1-37
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-39
TopStrap
.................................... 1- 34
Where to Put
................................. 1-33
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-61
Circuit Breakers
and Fuses ....................... 6-58
Cleaner.
Air ................................... 6-17
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
........................ ’ .... 6-53
Fabric
...................................... 6-48
Glass
....................................... 6-51
Inside
of Your Buick .......................... 6-47
InstrumentPanel
............................. 6-50
Leather
..................................... 6-49
Outside of Your Buick
.......................... 6-52
Speaker Covers
............................. .. 6-50
Stains
...................................... 6-48
Tires ........................................ 6-53
Special
Problems
............................ 6-48
Vinyl
....................................... 6-49
9-2
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Wheels ..................................... 6-53
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-51
Climate Control. Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3- 11
Climate Control System ........................... 3- 1
Clock. Setting the ............................... 3-12
Coinholder
.................................... 2-59
Comfort Controls
................................ 3 - 1
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-3 1
Compact Disc Player
....................... 3- 18. 3.22
Compact Disc Player Errors
.................. 3.20. 3.25
Comfort Controls. Steering Wheel
Touch Control
..... 3- 11
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-34
Compass. Rearview Mirror with
................... 2-52
Control of a Vehicle
.............................. 4-5
Convenience Net
............................... 2-60
Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-55
Coolant
....................................... 6-23
Heater, Engine
............................... 2-22
Recovery Tank
.......................... 5-14. 5-16
Cooling System
................................ 5- 14
Cornering Lamps
............................... 2-45
Courtesy Lamps
................................. 2-47
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-5
Cruise Control
................................. 2-39
Cupholders
.................................... 2-59
Customer Assistance Information
................... 8- 1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8- 1
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users ......... 8-3
Damage. Finish
............................... 6-54
Damage. Sheet Metal
............................ 6-53 Daytime Running
Lamps
......................... 2-44
Dead Battery
................................... 5-2
Defensive Driving
............................... 4-1
Defogger. Rear Window
......................... 3 . 10
Defogging ..................................... 3-9
Defrosting
..................................... 3-9
Dimensions. Vehicle
............................ 6-66
Dolby
B Noise Reduction .............. 3-14.3-17. 3-25
Door Ajar Reminder
............................... 2-81
Central Unlocking System
....................... 2-4
Locks
....................................... 2-3
Driver Position
................................. 1 . 11
Driving
City
........................................ 4-19
Defensive
.................................... 4-1
Drunken ..................................... 4-2
Freeway
.................................... 4-20
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-26
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4
In
the Rain .................................. 4-16
Night
...................................... 4-14
On Curves
................................... 4-9
On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-22
OnSnowandIce
............................. 4-25
Throughwater
............................... 4-18
WetRoads
.................................. 4-16
Winter
...................................... 4-24
With a Trailer
................................ 4-34
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-2
Defects. Reporting
Safety
..................... 8-7 . 8-8
On Grades While Towing a Trailer ............... 4-36
9-3
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Electrical Equipment. Adding ............... 3.30. 6.57
Electrical System
............................... 6-57
Electrochromic Daymight Rearview Mirror
.......... 2-5 1
Electronic Level Control ......................... 4-30
Electronic Touch Climate Control
................... 3- 1
Engine
.................................. 6.10. 6.11
Accessory Belt
.......................... 6.67. 6.68
Coolant
..................................... 6-23
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-22
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-38
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-74
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
.............. 2-74
Exhaust
..................................... 2-31
Identification
................................ 6-56
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-38
Overheating
................................. 5-12
Running While Parked
......................... 2-32
Specifications
................................ 6-65
Starting
..................................... 2-21
Engineoil
.................................... 6- 12
Adding
..................................... 6-13
Supercharged
................................ 6-11
Additives
................................... 6-15
Checking
................................... 6-13
LifeMonitor
................................. 2-80
Pressure Light/Gage
........................... 2-78
Used
....................................... 6-16
Whentochange
.............................. 6-16
Entry Lighting. Delayed
.......................... 2-47
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-31 Exit Lighting. Delayed
........................... 2-47
Express-Down Window
.......................... 2-33
Express-Open Sunroof
........................... 2-63
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-48
Fan Control. Climate Control System
........ 3.2.3.4. 3.5
Filling Your Tank ................................ 6-5
Filter. Air
..................................... 6-17
Filter. Engine Oil
............................... 6-16
Finish Care
.................................... 6-52
Finish Damage
................................. 6-54
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-26
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-22
Fluid Capacities
................................ 6-64
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-43
Foreign Countries, Fuel
........................... 6-4
French Language Manual
11
Front Storage Armrest ........................... 2-59
FrontTowing
................................... 5-9
Fuel .......................................... 6-3
Canada
...................................... 6-4
DoorLock
................................... 6-6
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-82
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-4
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-58
.. ...........................
9-4
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Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-74
Engine Oil Pressure
........................... 2-78
Fuel
....................................... 2-82
Garage Door Opener
............................ 2-56
GAWR
....................................... 4-29
Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle
................ 2-23
GloveBox
.................................... 2-55
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-29
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-29
Guide en Franqais
11
GVWR ....................................... 4-29
.. .................................
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-34
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-1
Head Restraints ................................. 1-5
Headlamps
.................................... 2-43
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-34
High/'Low Beam Changer
...................... 2-36
On Reminder
................................ 2-44
Wiring
..................................... 6-57
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-3
Heated Outside Mirror ........................... 2-55
Heatedseats
.................................... 1-3
Heating
........................................ 3-7
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-36
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-22
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-33
Hood
Checking Things Under ......................... 6-8
Release
...................................... 6-8
Horn
......................................... 2-33
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-18
Ignition Switch
................................ 2-20
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-40
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
................. 2-50
Inspections
Brakesystem
................................ 7-42
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-42
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-42
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-42
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-42
Illuminated
Entry
............................... 2-47
Steering
.................................... 7-42
Suspension
.................................. 7-42
Throttle Linkage
......................... ... ... 7-42
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-64
Brightness Control
............................ 2-46
Cluster
................................ 2-66, 2-67
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-59
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-46
Cleaning
.................................... 6-50
Jack. Tire
.................................... 5-24
Jump Starting
................................... 5-2
.
....
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Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-39
Key Reminder Warning
.......................... 2-21
Keyless Entry System. Remote
Instant Alarm
................................. 2-8
Personal Choice
............................... 2-8
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
Labels Certification
................................. 4-29
Certificationflire
............................. 4-28
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-56
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-28
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-56
Lamps
........................................ 2-43
Courtesy
.................................... 2-47
Interior
..................................... 2-46
Monitor System
.............................. 2-45
OnReminder
................................ 2-44
Perimeter Lighting
............................ 2-48
TheaterDimming
............................. 2-47
Leaving
Your Vehicle ............................. 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-29
License Plate Holder
............................ 2-63
Light Sensor. Twilight Sentinel
.................... 2-46
Lights Lighter
....................................... 2-61 .
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1 - 18. 2-70
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-72.4-6
Battery Warning
.............................. 2-70 Brake System Warning
......................... 2-71
ChangeOilSoon
............................. 2-80
CheckEngine
................................ 2-75
DoorAjar
................................... 2-81
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
............. 2-74
Engine Oil Pressure Light/Gage
................. 2-78
Interior
..................................... 2-46
Low Coolant Warning
......................... 2-75
LowFuel
................................... 2-82
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 2-79
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1-6, 2-69
Traction Control System Warning
............ 2-73, 4-8
TrunkAjar .................................. 2-81
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-28
Locks Cylinders
................................... 7-39
Door
........................................ 2-3
FuelDoor
.................................... 6-6
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-39
Lockout Protection
............................. 2-7
Memory Door
................................. 2-4
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-4
Rear Door Security
............................. 2-6
Steering Column Lock Check
................... 7-40
Trunk
...................................... 2-13
Window
.................................... 2-33
Low Coolant Warning Light
...................... 2-75
LowFuelLight
................................ 2-82
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-43
Lubrication Service, Body
........................ 7-39
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Magnasteer ................................. 4.9
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts
............ 6-66
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-45
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Long Tripmghway Definition
................... 7-5
Long Tripmighway Intervals
.................... 7-27
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-38
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-42
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-43
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-3
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-4
Short Trip/City Intervals
........................ 7-6
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-54
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-75
Manual Front Seat
............................... 1-1
Maxifuse/Relay Center
.......................... 6-58
Memory Door Locks
............................. 2-4
Memory Seat and Mirrors
......................... 1-2
Methanol
...................................... 6-4
Mirrors
....................................... 2-50
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-55
Electrochromic Daymight Rearview
.............. 2-5 1
Heated Outside ............................... 2-55
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2-50
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-54
Visor Vanity
................................. 2-62
MountainRoads
................................ 4-22
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-34
Maintenance When
Trailer Towing
................. 4-37
MMT
......................................... 6-4 Net.
Convenience
.............................. 2-60
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-24
New Vehicle Break-In
........................... 2-19
Nightvision
................................... 4-15
Odometer
.................................... 2-68
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-68
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4-11
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6-12
Oil Level Check Light
........................... 2-79
Oil Pressure Light/Gage .......................... 2-78
Oil. Supercharger
............................... 6-19
Opener. Garage Door
............................ 2-56
Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-25
Overheating Engine
............................. 5-12
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-38
Owner Publications. Ordering
...................... 8-9
Paint Spotting. Chemical
........................ 6-54
Park Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-23
Shifting Into
................................. 2-28
Shifting Out of
............................... 2-30
AtNight
.................................... 2-16
Brake
...................................... 2-27
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-41
Lots
....................................... 2-16
Over Things That Burn
........................ 2-31
With a Trailer
................................ 4-36
Parking
9-7
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