BUICK PARK AVENUE 1996 Owners Manual

Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule
0 Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.
17 Replace air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any
damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. 3-
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE -1
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. *
0 Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage,
transaxle shift linkage, parking brake cable guides
and the underbody contact points and linkage (or
every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation pattern and
additional information. During tire rotation,
check brake calipers for freedom of movement.
Refer to the appropriate
GM service manual for
proper caliper service procedures.
ProCarManuals.com

Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 1
75,OOO..Miles (125 000 km)
0 Change,engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. *
Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage,
transaxle shift linkage, parking brake cable guides and the underbody contact points
and linkage
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVZCED BY:
I I I
82,500 Miles (137 500 km) i
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs fust).
An Emission Control Service. *
0 Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage,
transaxle
shift linkage, p,mking brake cable guides
and the underbody contact points and linkage (or
every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation pattern and
additional information. During tire rotation,
check brake calipers for
freedom of movement.
Refer to the appropriate
GM service manual for 4. proper caliper service procedures.
DATE , ACTUAL ~MLEAGE SERVICED BY: I I
I I
3,
I
7-34
ProCarManuals.com

Long Trip/Highway Maintenance SchedL-,
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. *
17 Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage,
transaxle shift linkage, parking brake cable
guides and the underbody contact points
and linkage (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first).
0 Replace air cleaner filter.
0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any
damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service.
An
Emission Control Service.
0 For supercnarged engines only: Check the
supercharger oil level and add oil as needed
(or every
36 months, whichever occurs
first). See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in this section.
An Emission Control Service.
I I I
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY.
ProCarManuals.com

Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I
97,500 Miles (102 500 kml
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. *
0 Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage,
transaxle
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides
and the underbody contact points and linkage (or
every
12 ‘months, whichever occurs first).
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation”
in the Index for proper- rotation pattern
and
additional ‘information. During tire rotation,
check brake calipers for fteedom of movement.
Refer to the appropriate
GM service manual for
proper caliper service procedures.
. 1) .. ..
Go1 c
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant’’
in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. 3-
0 Inspect spark plug wires.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.
7-36
-
ProCarManuals.com

0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more
of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32°C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
If you do not use your vehicle undeT any of these
conditions, the fluid andfilter do not require changing.
delivery service.
I DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-37
ProCarManuals.com

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones,
as shown
in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each
fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mix if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in the
Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. See
“Tires” in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the Index
for further details.
ProCarManuals.com

Power Antenna Service
Clean power antenna mast. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any tom or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid
loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part
D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, glove box
door and console door. Part
D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
Starter Switch Check
I I
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured.
Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com

2.
3.
Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the
regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready
to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
Try
to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N). If
the starter works in any other position, your vehicle
needs service.
Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately
if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try
to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort.
If the shift lever
moves out
of PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.
Steering Column Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key
to LOCK in each shift lever position.
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If
it does, you or others could be
injured.
Follow the steps below.
The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
lever is
in PARK (P).
The key should come out only in LOCK.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around
the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com