check engine BUICK PARK AVENUE 1997 Owner's Guide

Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 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.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an 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.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there
is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
The power steering fluid reservoir on the L36 and L67
engine is located below the generator and behind the
accessory drive belt on the driver’s side toward the rear
of the engine.
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How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with
a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the
mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to t~@, See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is full.
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Vehicle Dimensions
Overall
Length ................. 206.8 inches (525.3 cm)
Width
................... 74.7 inches ( 189.7 cm)
Height
................... 58.1 inches (147.6 cm)
Wheelbase
.............. 113.8 inches (289.1 cm)
Front Tread
............... 62.7 inches (159.3 cm)
Rear Tread
............... 62.3 inches ( 15 8.2 cm)
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element .......... AC Type A- 1096C
Engine Oil Filter
................ AC Type PF-47
Fuel Filter
.................... AC Type GF-627
Spark Plugs
................... AC Type 41-921
Gap: 0.060 inch
(. 152 cm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type
............................ Hook Style
Length
..................... 22 inches (56 cm)
Engine Accessory Belt (L36)
The 3800 (L36) engine uses an engine accessory belt.
This diagram shows the features connected by the belt
routing. See “Maintenance Schedule” in the Index for
when to check the belt.
A
C
A. Power Steering
B. Generator
C. Air Conditioning
D. Crank
E. Coolant Pump
F. Tensioner
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Supercharged Engine Accessory Belt (L67)
c
1. Front Belt C. Crank
2. Back Belt D. Supercharger
A. Generator E. Coolant Pump
B. Power Steering
E Air Conditioning The
Supercharged
3800 engine uses two accessory drive
belts. One belt drives the generator, power steering
pump, coolant pump and air conditioning compressor.
The second belt drives the supercharger. Each belt has
its own tensioner and idler pulley. See “Maintenance
Schedule” in the Index
for when to check the accessory
drive belts and supercharger oil level. Have your dealer
check the oil level in the supercharger.
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Maintenance Schedule
I Short Trip/City Definition I ~ ~~
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.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
0 If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
your vehicle.
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 soonez
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 12,000 Miles (20 000 km): Passenger
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Compartment Air Filter Replacement.
Inspection,
if driving in dusty conditions.
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
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Service (severe conditions only).
Drive Belt Inspection.
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
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Maintenance Schedule
I Short Trip/City Intervals I
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance
Schedule is true. Do not use this schedule
if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area or used
off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City schedule for
these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down slowel:
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine ull and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs fist).
* Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Passenger
Compartment Air Filter Replacement.
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): Spark Plug Wire
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
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Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240
000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240
000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
The U.S. 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 the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
# Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage, transaxle
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides and the
underbody contact points and linkage.
* If your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor, the
monitor will show you when to change the oil
-- usually
between
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles
(12
500 km) since your last oil change. Under severe
conditions, the indicator may come on before
3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle more
than
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months, (whichever
occurs first), without an oil change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil.
So if you
drive in a dusty area be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL
light comes on. Remember to reset the Oil Life Monitor
when the oil has been changed. For more information,
see “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspection” in Part C of this schedule.
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
0 For supercharged engines only: Check the
supercharger oil level and add oil as needed
(or every
36 months, whichever occurs
first). See “Recommended P1uid.s
and
Lubricants” in this section.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
33,000 Miles (55 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
DATE
SERVICED BY ACTUAL MILEAGE
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I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
For supercharged 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. (See footnote “f)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation’’ in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
t
ACTUAL MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
63,000 Miles (105 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
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90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
6 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
0 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. (See footnote?.)
0 For supercharged 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. (See footnote “f.)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. (See footnote
+.)
Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
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