inflation pressure BUICK PARK AVENUE 1997 Owners Manual

Coolant Temperature: Press the GAGES button until
COOLANT TEMP appears in the display. If there are no
problems detected with the temperature, COOLANT
TEMP NORMAL will appear
in the display. If the
temperature is too high, COOLANT TEMP HOT will
appear in the display. If you see the COOLANT TEMP
HOT message, your engine is overheated. You should
pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off your
engine as soon as possible. This manual explains what to
do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
Battery Volts: Press the GAGES button until the
display shows BATTERY STATE.
If the voltage is
normal the display will show BATTERY STATE
NORMAL.
If the voltage drops below 10.5 volts, the
display will show BATTERY STATE LOW. If the
voltage is above
16 volts, the display will show
BATTERY STATE HIGH. If the display shows the high
or low message, you need to have your battery checked.
Oil Life Index: Press the GAGES button until OIL
LIFE INDEX appears in the display. The OIL LIFE
INDEX NORMAL display will show an estimate of
the oil’s remaining useful life. When the oil life index
is less than
lo%, the display will show OIL LIFE INDEX CHANGE
OIL. When you have the oil
changed according to the maintenance schedule (see
“Maintenance Schedule” in the Index), you will have
to reset the oil life index. To do this, press and hold the
RESET button for more than five seconds while the oil
life index is being displayed on the DIC. The oil life
will change to
100%.
Tire Pressure Status: Press the GAGES button
until TIRE PRESSURE appears in the display.
TIRE
PRESSURE NORMAL is displayed when the Check
Tire Pressure System believes your vehicle’s tire
pressures are normal. If a potential tire pressure
problem is detected, the display will show TIRE
PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES.
If you see the
TIRE PRESSURE LOW: CHECK TIRES message, you
should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires
for damage. (If a tire is flat, see “If a Tire Goes Flat”
in
the Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all four tires
as soon as you can. See “Inflation
- Tire Pressure” and
“Check Tire Pressure System”
in the Index.
There are times when you will have to reset (calibrate)
the Check Tire Pressure System. See “Check Tire
Pressure System” in the Index.
2-87
ProCarManuals.com

Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That
is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for awhile.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But
do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or
so until help comes.
Loading Your Vehicle
‘ OCCUPANTS
VEHICLE CAP. WT.
TIRE-LOADING
INFORMATION
FRT. CTR. RR.
TOTAL LBS. KG
MAX. LOADING & GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE
CAPACITY WEIGHT XXX COLD TIRE
TIRE SIZE SPEED PRESSURE RTG
PSI/KPa
FRT.
RR.
SPA.
IF TIRES ARE HOT, ADD 4PSli28KPa
SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire Loading Information label
found on the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle.
It also gives you
important information about the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
ProCarManuals.com

Store the compact spare tire and tools as shown in
the diagram.
A
SPARE TIRE COVER
The compact spare tire is for temporary use only.
Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as you can. See “Compact Spare Tire” later in
this section.
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated
when your vehicle was new,
it can lose air after a time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 Wa).
After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you
should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare
tire
is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to
perform well at speeds up to
65 mph (105 km/h) for
distances up to
3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can finish
your trip and have your full-size tire repaired or replaced
where you want. You must calibrate the Tire Pressure
Monitor after installing or removing the compact spare.
See “Driver Information Center
- Controls and Displays”
in the Index. Of course, it’s best to replace your spare
with a full-size tire as soon as you can. Your spare
will last longer and be in good shape
in case you need
it again.
5-32
ProCarManuals.com

Inflation -- Tire Pressure
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 when they’re cold.
“Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It’s not.
If your tires
don’t have enough
air (underinflation), you can
get the following:
0 Too much flexing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
0 Bad handling
Bad fuel economy.
NOTICE: (Continued) NOTICE: (Continued)
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:
Unusual wear
0 Bad handling
Rough ride
0 Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don’t forget
your compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi
(420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
6-48
ProCarManuals.com

Check Tire Pressure System (If Equipped)
The check tire pressure system can alert you to a large
change
in the pressure of one tire. The system won’t alert
you before you drive that a tire is low or flat. You must
begin driving before the system will work properly.
The CHECK
TIRE PRESSURES message will appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) if pressure in
one tire becomes at least
€0 psi (69 kPa) lower or higher
than the other three tires. The warning message can be
removed from the display by pressing any DIC button.
Removing the message does not reset the system. The
check tire pressure system won’t alert you if more than
one tire is low or high, or if the system
is not calibrated
properly. It also won’t tell you which tire is low or high.
If
the anti-lock brake system warning light comes on,
the check tire pressure system may not be working
properly. See your dealer for service. (Also, see
“Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.)
The check tire pressure system detects differences in tire
rotation speeds that
are caused by changes in tire
pressure. The system can alert you about a low
tire
-- but it doesn’t replace normal tire maintenance.
See “Tires” in the Index. When
the CHECK TIRE PRESSURES message appears
on the Driver Information Center, you should stop as
soon as you can and check all your tires for damage. (If
a tire is flat, see “If a Tire Goes Flat” in the Index.) Also
check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as you
can. See “Inflation-Tire Pressure” in the Index.
Any time
you adjust a tire’s pressure or have one or
more tires repaired or replaced, you’ll need to reset
(calibrate) the check tire pressure system. You’ll also
need to reset the system whenever you rotate the tires,
buy new tires, install or remove the compact spare, and
whenever the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected.
Don’t reset the check tire pressure system without first
correcting the cause of the problem and checking and
adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the
system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the check
tire pressure system will not work properly and may not
alert you when a tire is low or high.
6-49
ProCarManuals.com

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear
inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that
all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
in the Index.
When It’s Time for New Tires
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. (See
“Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.)
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear when your tires have
only
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less
of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
0 You can see the indicators at three or more places
0 You can see cord or fabric showing through the
around
the tire.
tire’s rubber.
0 The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord
or fabric.
0 The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
6-51
ProCarManuals.com

Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer to “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for more information.
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 (10.4 L)
Cooling System ............................................................. 13 quarts (12.3 L)
Oil change with filter change ................................................... 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Park Avenue Ultra
............................................................ 19 gallons (72 L)
Engine Crankcase
FuelTank
......................,...........................................18gall\
ons (68L)
Power Steering
PumpOnly .....................................................................lpi\
nt (0.5L)
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.
WheelNutTorque ........................................................ lOOlb-ft(140N~m)
Complete System
............................................................ 1
1/2 pints (0.7 L)
Refrigerant (R-l34a), 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.
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
perj4or-m 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 DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture 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.
7-39
ProCarManuals.com

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ..................... 1-15
Signaling Turns
................................ 2-35
Skidding
...................................... 4-15
Sound Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-33
Spare Tire. Compact
............................. 5-34
Speaker Covers. Cleaning
........................ 6-59
Specifications and Capacities
...................... 6-76
Specifications. Engine
........................... 6-77
Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance
............... 8-4
Speedometer
................................... 2-72
SRS ......................................... 1-20
Stains. Cleaning
................................ 6-58
Starter Switch Check
............................ 7-41
Starting Your Engine
............................ 2-21
Steam
........................................ 5-12
Steering
...................................... 4-10
In Emergencies
............................... 4- 12
Magnasteer
Rrf ................................ 4- 10
Power
...................................... 4-10
Tips
........................................ 4-11
Wheel. Tilt .................................. 2-34
Steering Wheel Touch Controls
................ 3-9. 3-32
Storageheas
.................................. 2-55
Storage. Vehicle
................................ 6-34
Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow
.................. 5-33
Sunvisors
.................................... 2-62
Supercharged Engine
............................ 6- 12
Superchargeroil
............................... 6-20
Supplemental Restraint System
.................... 1-20
Symbols. Vehicle
.................................. x
Tachometer .................................. 2-72
Taillamp Bulb Replacement
....................... 6-40
Tape Player Care
............................... 3-34
Theater Dimming
............................... 2-47
Theft
......................................... 2-15
Theft-Deterrent
................................ 2-16
Alarmsystem
................................ 2-16
Radio
...................................... 3-30
Thermostat
.................................... 6-28
Third Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-25
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-34
Time. Setting the
............................... 3-10
Tire Chains
.................................... 6-56
TireLoading
................................... 4-30
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-30
Tires
......................................... 6-47
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-54
BuyingNew
................................. 6-52
Chains
..................................... 6-56
Changing a Flat .............................. 5-22
Cleaning
.................................... 6-63
Compact Spare
............................... 5-34
Inflation
.................................... 6-48
Inflation Check
............................... 7-39
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-50
Loading
.................................... 4-30
Pressure
.................................... 6-48
Temperature
................................. 6-54
Temperature
Control. Climate Control System
......... 3-3
THEFTLOCK"
................................ 3-30
ProCarManuals.com