cooling BUICK PARK AVENUE 1996 User Guide

I A CAUTION:
r
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or
above the
FULL COLD mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can try.
You can add the proper coolant mix
directly to the radiator but be sure the cooling system is
cool before you do it.
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Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and
if you turn the radiator
pressure cap
-- even a little -- they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is
hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to
turn the pressure cap.
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Horn )., Add CL=-~=- to the Radiator
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first
stops. (Don’t press down while turning the
pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there
is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as
you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough
of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(0.5 L). Don’t ovel-fill. We recommend you use only
fluid labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that
label is made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-I11 is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
dipstick hole to
bring it to the proper level.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
0 When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL
TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle for
5 years or 100,000 miles (166 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
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.
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Buick will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
9 Give boiling protection up to 265 OF ( 129 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
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‘ A CAUTICY:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
,can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehi.cle’s coolant warning
system
is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire
and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50150 mix-of clean
water and
DEX-COOL (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze.
-
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.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
~~
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
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Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See
your
Buick dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind
of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one
it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure
to have
the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your
Buick model. Using
the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make
you
lose control. You could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured. Always use
the correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for replacement.
NOTICE:
The WtMg wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain‘clearance to the body and chassis.
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for
more information.
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Position
4B
5B
6B
7B 8B
9B 1c
2c 3c
4c
5c
6C
7c 8C
9c
1D
2D
3D
4D
5D
6D
Circuitry
Not Used
Anti-Lock Brake System
Brake and Hazard Lamps
Not Used
Interior Lighting
Electronic Level Control Air Bag
Spare
Not Used
Not Used
Cooling Fans, Transaxle
Parking Lamps
Not Used Not Used
Chime, Radio, Cluster
Ignition (Run/Crank), Chime, Cluster
Spare
Heated Mirror
Not Used
Base A/C
Not Used
Position
7D
8D
9D
1E
2E
3E
4E
5E
6E
7E
8E
9E
Circuitry
Not Used
Radio
Rear Cigarette Lighters
Not Used
Air BagPASS-Key
I1
Ignition (Off/Unlock)
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Wipers, Washer
Rear Defog
Passenger’s Side Fuse Panel
Additional fuses are located in the relay center, on the
far right side, below the instrument panel. You must
remove the sound insulator on
the right side of the
passenger footwell to replace these fuses.
Replacing these fuses is difficult. We recommend that
you see your dealer if you need one replaced.
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Capacities and Specifications
Belt Tensions
Automatically controlled by a Self-Tension idler pulley. Tension adjustment should never be necessary.
Automatic Transaxle AT (Overdrive)
When draining or replacing torque converter, more fluid may be needed.
Pan Removal and Replacement
............................................ 6 quarts (5.6 L)
After Complete Overhaul .............................................. 11 quarts (1 0.4 L)
Cooling System ..................................................... 13 quarts (12.3 L)
Oil change with filter change ........................................... 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
Engine Crankcase
FuelTank
........................................................... 18gallons(68L)
Power Steering
Pump Only ............................................................. 1 pint (0.5 L)
Complete System .................................................... 1 1/2 pints (0.7 L)
Tire Pressures, Sizes ........................... The Tire-Loading Information label, which is
located on the rear edge of the driver’s door,
shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires.
Wheel Nut Torque ................................................. 100 lb-ft (140 N-rn)
Windshield Wiper Blades (6.32 Pin Type) ............................. 22 inches (565 mm)
Refrigerant (R=134a), Air Conditioning ............ See refrigerant charge label under the hood.
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended
in this manual.
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Maintenance Schedule
I Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
0 Most. trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your vehicle.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down soonel:
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or 6 months, whichever occurs first).
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) -- Then Every
12,000 Miles (20
000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Supercharger Oil Check
(or every 36 months,
whichever occurs first) (3.8L Code
1 engine only).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to.follow the complete m.aintenance schedule on
the 7-4
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Maintenance Schedule
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of th,
conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance
Schedule
is true.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine
oil to break
down slower.
dvery 7,500 Miles (12 500 h): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first).
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) -- Then Every
15,000 Miles (25
000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Supercharger Oil
Check (or every
36 months, whichever occurs first)
(3.8L Code
1 engine only). Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
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